Over the Rainbow

Written by Claire Stewart

“Someday, I wish upon a star, wake up where the clouds are far behind me. Where troubles melt like lemon drops, high above the chimney top – that’s where you’ll find me.”

Throughout the summer at Camp Dakota, there were countless experiences that made me smile. However, this one really touched my heart. I have always loved and felt the power of music, “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole is a song that I have connected with and have been singing for most of my life.

The counselors decided to guide the campers in creating a dance to go along with this song for them to perform for their parents on the last day of camp. We spent many hours in the summer on this and certain children were more engaged in it than others. I didn’t think much of this, other than the fact that it was a way for the campers to express their vastly creative sides. However, it almost brought me to tears on the last day when I saw the children’s expression brighten up so huge when they performed for their parents. The parents had the biggest smiles on their faces and were recording videos on their phones as soon as they saw their children begin to dance for them, they were truly so proud.

This song brightens my day with optimism as it sings of always remembering that good times and happiness are on the way. Now, every day that I listen to it on repeat I see the smiling faces of these children in my head and the joy enveloping their loving parents who always seek the best for them. Every person has a creative side to them that needs to be let out. As the song says, “Dreams really do come true…”