CAMP BOTHIN

During my sophomore year here at State, I decided to rush a local greek org. Since it is a local, it's small compared to other greek organizations, but I like it that way. At the beginning of every fall semester we go on a retreat, and the year I had rushed, the location was Camp Bothin. The camp is located in Marin County, so its only 40 minutes outside the San Francisco area. I remember calling my parents to let them know about my whereabouts, since I wouldn't get any reception at the campsite. I looked forward to the weekend, it's nice to get away from the city or just people in general. I was in one of the cars that got there late, but I was still able to find a decent bunk in the room that had a heater. 

The camp was in located deep within the wooded canyons of the Marin County. The site was beautiful, but what laid inside turned into a sinister surprise. Camp Bothin, was once a tuberculosis hospital. Judging by its prison like restrooms it was not hard to believe why this was a perfect place to have this building here. Reading further into the campsite, some of my sorority sisters and I found out that the campground was on ancient Indian burial ground!

We stayed at the Manor House for only one night. The house had long narrow hallways and floors that would creak. I remember a couple girls sharing bunks because they were too scared to sleep alone. Before going to bed, we all were hanging out downstairs in the main corridor. I walked out with a couple of other girls to look at the stars. Sadly, we were not allowed to start a campfire, but we sat around the pit regardless. An hour or two after, I decided to walk back in because of how cold I was. I walked into the kitchen that is adjacent to the main room.  I was fixing myself a midnight snack, and wanted to grab some water before going to bed. I stood in the kitchen, and suddenly felt a warm sensation on the back of my neck. I felt a little dizzy, but then I started to hear like something was trying to say something into my right ear. I felt like I couldn't move and it became harder to breathe. As I stood, there I heard something that sounded like a faint moan that sounded like a little girl. The sound became louder and the hairs on the back up my neck stood up! I ran into the next room and couldn't believe what I had heard. 

I walked back outside to catch my breathe. My body felt like its been stripped from all it's energy. I got the courage to walk back into the house. I went straight to bed, and didn't say a word to anyone. People were already scared to stay, and I didn't want to cause a scene. Going to sleep was challenge, especially when you feel like you are constantly being watched. I closed my eyes and tries so hard to sleep. We were going to leave early the next morning, so I just had to stick through for a couple hours. The following morning I packed so fast, and fixed myself something to eat.  I don't think I can ever go back to that campsite. A week went by and I was catching up with one of my sorority sisters. She had told me something that made my body stiff. She explained how she saw a figure walk right past her when she was sitting around the fire pit. Apparently I was not the only one to experience something paranormal that night. I almost felt bad that I didn't speak up about what I had seen. I told her about my experience in the kitchen that night, and how it was hard for me to go to sleep. She explained how the shadow had a medium build and felt like a male presence. Could it be possible that it could've been a spirit from one of the Indian tribes who was buried there? All I know is that I am sure of what I experienced that night.