Out of the Woods

Written by, Anonymous

Until I went on the MA Campout, I hadn’t realized I’d completely forgotten something very special. How the rhythm of the waves crashing on the beach make me feel alive and a part of something grand. The ocean has a permanence to it. The ocean, like God, has always been there, only I turned away and chose not to experience it. 

The MA campout brought me back to the ocean, away from the insanity of the city. This gathering of non-practicing addicts proved to me that I can actually have fun in sobriety. I now believe even more so because my senses are not debilitated with sedation. Everything is real!

The sun, the moon – why even the stars were there. Those that went were truly blessed. Back in the city, it rained. While we, not so far away on the shore, enjoyed the warmth of the sun smiling down on us. We shared a little time of our lives together. We played, swam, and basked in the rays. At night, we gathered around a cozy fire and shared. I’m making friends now, friends I never thought I’d have. Real friends! That really care about me. Wow! What a wonderful feeling it is to be cared for and be able to care for others. 

A lot of us had fears prior to going on this campout. I was reluctant until I arrived. Once there, I was grateful I went and surprised that I had such a good time. The fellowship was there and is here always. We only have to allow ourselves to reach out and someone will grab out hand and hold it as long as it needs to be held.

I urge you to get involved and be a part of the wonderful events that are available to us in the program. You’ll be surprised at what a good time you might have. 

Published in A New Leaf – November 1991

  • Summer Days

    Written by, Michael M. For me, sunny summer days were made for using. At the pool. Before work. After work. For BBQ’s. For hikes in the woods. My friend used to say that weed was a “guaranteed good time.” And for addicted me, summer was prime “party” time. My mind wants to reminisce about how…

    Summer Days
  • Recovery

    Written by, Jennifer W. Yesterday is goneToday has just begunTomorrow is not yet hereThe clouds are shiftingThe fog is liftingAnd everything is made clear We can’t go back or forwardWe only have todaySo let us bow our heads and prayThat we stay in the momentNow and foreverBecause We only have today One was never enoughI…

    Recovery
  • A New Leaf on Life

    Written by, Anonymous My journey into recovery starts as a pre-teen. I was a survivor of childhood cancer– a kidney cancer– and my parents were superstitious so they did not tell me about my cancer until my pediatrician shamed them about this when I turned 10, 6 years after my treatment. I did not know…

    A New Leaf on Life
  • The Sandbar

    Written by, Anonymous She woke up and found herself alone in a rowboat, stranded on a sandbar with only food and water by her side. She wasn’t quite sure how she ended up there. She thought once the tide came in, “I can make my way to shore. I don’t need help or assistance.” As…

    The Sandbar
  • Heard in a Meeting

    “We recover by the steps we take, not the meetings we make.” Published in A New Leaf – August 2025

    Heard in a Meeting
  • Step One

    Written by, Anna T. I have admitted that I am powerless over cocaine, marijuana, my boyfriend and all mind altering drugs.   My life is/was out of control – I couldn’t handle my bills and my relationship with my boyfriend. I was having a hard time getting up for work.  I was becoming co-dependent and resentful…

    Step One