Hey, Camp Folks!

Our ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest at Everything Summer Camp saw an excellent response last year with 60 entries! That’s why we’ve published each and every one right here on the Blog! We received a handful that weren’t long enough to qualify for our contest, but we thought we’d at least share them on the Blog. Check out these three accounts from excited campers!

First is this entry from Jake V. who attended NYJ Camps Round Lake:

“I never get sick, ever. I go through the entire year, and I'm just fine. This was the third year in a row that I ended up in the Big I. I went to get checked out in the morning, and I was fine. No fever. Later, I went to get another dose of meds for the headache, and BAM, fever! THE CURSE OF CAMP STRIKES AGAIN!!! I wasn't really surprised. Or even angry. At least I got a day to rest.”

Next up is a submission from Jacquelyn S. who wrote in to tell us about her boys’ time at Camp Kawaga!

“My boys each spent their 4th and 5th summer up on the shores of Camp Kawaga this year. Summer after summer we see a change in them. More like growth! The entire staff at Kawaga teach more than independence. They teach them the importance of sportsmanship, the importance of helping and encouraging others, the ability to learn to let things go, and so much more. They have both formed friendships that I know will last a lifetime. There is an “ideal” at Camp Kawaga. Many of the boys memorize and recite it. These boys are taught to live by this ideal. It is a place we are proud to send our boys, And it’s a place they call home!”

Thanks for these submissions, Jake and Jacquelyn! Sorry this summer was a bit of a bust for you, Jake. Hopefully it’s a long, long time before you end up sick again—but especially not next year during camp! And thanks for sharing your family’s love for Camp Kawaga, Jacquelyn! It’s great to hear how much they love camp and how much camp has helped shape them to become the young men you see today!

If anybody else is interested in attending one of these camps, put some time aside and look into Camps Round Lake or look into Camp Kawaga for yourself! And, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Camp Folks!

The Everything Summer Camp ‘Share Your Camp Story’ drawing saw an excellent response last year with 60 entries! That’s why we’ve published each and every one right here on the Blog! We received a handful that weren’t long enough to qualify for our contest, but we thought we’d at least share them on the Blog. Check out these three accounts from excited campers!

First is this entry from Lily O. who attended Camp Rim Rock:

“This was my first year at camp. My favorite part was riding horses and learning songs to sing at camp. My mom sent us bracelets with our cabin and year on them and my bunkmates loved them. I can't wait to be a returner next year and teach the songs to other campers. I loved getting letters from home. I cried a little in the beginning, but I was ok. I can't wait to go again!”

Next up is a submission about Rylan C. and his time at Falling Creek Camp:

“I went to camp for the 2nd year this summer and loved it! I had the best cabin EVER and my counselors were so cool. I did some horseback riding but spent most time doing archery. I hit the bullseye several times. I missed home last year but not this year. I want to go back next summer for even longer. Falling Creek Camp is so awesome and beautiful. My cabin overnight was great and the campfires were so fun. I was sad when camp was over but I think about next summer everyday. I can't wait to see my friends and what cabin I will be in. I think next year I really want to work on kayaking and rock climbing. I hope I get to go to camp every summer because I get to be independent and make my own decisions.”

Thanks for these submissions, Lily and Rylan! It sounds like the both of you have many years of summer camp ahead of you! If anybody else is interested in attending one of these camps, put some time aside and look into Camp Rim Rock or look into Falling Creek Camp for yourself! And, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Camp Folks!

The Everything Summer Camp ‘Share Your Camp Story’ drawing saw an excellent response from last year’s camp experience with 60 entries! That’s why we’re publishing each and every one right here on the Blog! Today I’ve got two submissions ready to go from Emma C. as well as Maya C.! They’re entries are both on the shorter side, but you can tell there wasn’t any shortage of fun at the camps they attended!

First, take a look at what Emma said about her stay at Pine Cove Camp:

“All About Camp

Pine Cove was fun, awesome and amazing. I wish camp was longer because I loved it. My favorite thing at camp was making friends. My favorite activity was swimming. My counselors name was Double Chocolate Trip. My cabin was Wild Flower. I liked Bible study and the jumping pillow. I also liked playing with my friends. My favorite theme night was super hero night.

On the last day, it was sad to leave camp but I still have memories and friends from camp. I look forward to camp next year. I like my new friends. They are like sisters to me.”

And here’s the submission from Maya about her experience at French Woods Sports and Arts Center:

“I was that camper who cried on day one and cried on the last day because I didn’t want to leave. I fell in love with riding horses and playing piano at. camp. I made friends with girls my age from all over the world China, Spain, Argentina, England and Scotland! There was so much to choose from so I tried archery, live action role play we ran around using foam swords it was really fun. I already asked my mom if I could go back to the winter reunion. I want to go back next year! I heart FWSA.”

I’m glad you two had such positive summers last year! If anyone else is interested in one of these camps, check out Pine Cove Camp or look into French Woods Sports and Arts for yourself sometime! And, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Camp Fans!

We’ve got extreme excitement to share the submissions we received for our 2018 ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest in which we ask campers and parents alike to write in about how the summer camp experience went. I’m happy to say that the turnout we received was so great that we’re still sharing them this far into 2019! Here is another installment to our contest collection!

Today’s submission comes from Rebecca C. who sent in her submission about her twin campers’ time at Camp Hilltop! Check it out:

“The hubs and I have 11-year-old twins, a boy and a girl. The last few years of our family adventures were chaotic . . . and that’s putting it mildly. We moved twice – big moves, Virginia to Texas and then back east to Carolina. The kids switched schools 3 times in 3 years – and we were so happy to finally feel settled again in June of 2018, new house – jobs were great – kids had a great school year – they were going to Middle School with all of their friends for the first time in 4 years we had consistency. Long intro to – let’s go to camp for 3 weeks!

They were all in – we were all in. I don’t know who was more nervous at drop off (likely mom). I sent the first box of things I wish I had not listened to the kids and packed anyway as soon as I got back to the grandparent’s house, scheduled for overnight delivery!

At 11pm we’d log on to see the pictures of the day that are posted by the amazing camp staff – and to our parental delight – big toothy grins as they waterskied – rock climbed – high roped – taught alpaca tricks (yep, alpaca), boating – go carts . . . on and on. We sent requests for adult or family weeks that we could join in the summer fun.

It took a few days after pick up for the stories to trickle out – the hikes to overnight campsites – the camp wide spirit day – winners and bonus movies for that cabin – the friends and the sense of adventure – and the independence that was gained in those few weeks will last a lifetime – we have already completed the paperwork for next year.

This family can’t wait to see what 2019 has in store for these very happy campers!”

Thanks for your submission, Rebecca! It’s interesting to get the other end of the experience than what we’re used to hearing. The camp stay through the eyes of the parents is a very different time—all the curiosity, patience, and a little hint of jealousy! I sincerely hope you guys get your wish in the future for family weeks. Summer camp is too much fun to leave the whole experience to the kids! Haha! For anybody else interested in Camp Hilltop, check them out sometime. And, as always, thanks for reading!

- John

Hey, Camp Fans!

Our 2018 ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest produced great results this year in which we ask campers and parents alike to write in about how the camp experience went. Ask and we sure received! We got such a great turnout that we’re still sharing them this far into 2019! Here is another installment to our contest collection!

Today’s submission comes from Aaron G. who sent in a retrospective look from adulthood at his time at summer camp! Check it out:

"I went to camp as a shy 6-year-old for one week. I cried the entire time because I was not ready for camp. So why is this a good story you may ask? Well... the staff from counselor to director comforted me through the entire episode. Anyone of these people could have given up and sent me home, ignored me, or become upset with me. Instead, each person that I encountered helped me differently. One person may have hugged me and said it was ok; the other may have given me a pat on the back and said, ‘Aaron you got this.’ Or still yet a firm ‘Aaron, you are going to be okay, let's do…(X). Each of these people helped to lift me up when I was feeling down. I did not realize the support I had received at the moment because I was a 6-year-old only child with poor social skills—now I am a 31 year old with better-ish social skills. I did return the next year and I was a different kid. It was not til too many years later that I realized how they treated me and how it made me feel even after many years. This feeling of love, connection, and support are what I have decided to live my life by. I want to help support campers that may be like me to have the positive experience I had. I have been involved in camping ever since. (Minus one year where I wanted to make real money—the worst summer of my life.) This love for camp and desire to keep the tradition alive is what caused me to pursue a full-time career in camp so I can support that mission all year round for many children to come.”

Excellent, Aaron! Summer camp folks really do such an awesome job, don’t they?! It’s very refreshing to hear that summer camp has influenced your choices as you begin this juncture of your life. It’s an understatement to say that it’s easy to let money drive you, but true it’s wise of you to not let money be your chief motivator. Enjoy surrounding yourself with true wealth each summer, Aaron and thanks for sharing your piece about your relationship with summer camp!

The camp that Aaron attended was Camp Fair Haven. To anyone else interested in this camp for your own camping experience, be sure to check them out sometime and, as always thanks for reading!

- John