Bellene Fisher

"This summer, I learned how to be a leader," says 16-year-old Bellene the day after she returned from The Fresh Air Fund's Camp ABC. "I'm more mature, patient and I know how important teamwork is for getting things done."

Bellene has attended Camp ABC for the past five years - both during the summer and the school year. For her, the first few years at camp represented a chance to get out of the city and immerse herself in a different atmosphere. She made friends and enjoyed being able to go swimming everyday as well as take part in dance and fine arts. "If I wasn't at camp, I wouldn't have been doing as many fun activities, such as swimming in a lake, sitting around the campfire and just enjoying the outdoors."

As she has gotten older, Bellene credits Camp ABC with helping her learn about herself and her place in the community. This year, she participated in Camp ABC's invitation-only Leaders-in-Training program where she developed her leadership skills and learned about what it takes to work together to empower young women. In this program, Bellene enjoyed the opportunity to think about her future and discuss the challenges that young women face. "I'll be back next summer!" says Bellene excitedly, already looking forward to someday becoming a counselor and opening up new possibilities for young campers.