I didn't take a real vacation this summer, but I did get a chance to get out of the office. My family and I spent a week at Kars for Kids-sponsored camp, TheZone. Located in upstate New York, the grounds are gorgeous, have loads of awesome activities and lots of animals, including a camel.

Naturally, we had a great time. My almost-two year old, a real city kid, loved holding the bunnies, petting the horses and generally running free.

But what impressed me the most was watching the interactions between the campers and the staff. I was privileged to hang out in the canteen one night. We're talking "after hours" for the hardworked counselors. In any other camp, the last place they'd be found is with the campers. But in TheZone's canteen, they were hanging out together, arms slung casually over their campers' shoulders. I spoke to many campers that night and they all told me how much they loved their counselors, how accepted they felt, like they were all part of one family.

Over the course of one month, you can see these children open up, thriving in the warmth and unconditional acceptance. Of course they enjoy the sports, the extreme activities, the animals, the trips and the cheering, but what really makes them return year after year is that feeling that "here, I'm safe. Here, I'm loved. Here, I've found my place."

It's a pleasure to watch and it brought me back to the office with an added appreciation for the impact that the work I do has.