There is something magical about camp. Something happens in the days or weeks of camp that has a lasting impact on the lives of those who go. Perhaps it’s the new friends that share the adventure. Perhaps it’s the counselors who bring out new talents. Perhaps it’s the place: safe, yet exciting. Or is it an alchemic mix of all of these that makes camp experiences golden?
To gain a sense of what makes camp magic, we asked campers and parents to share their insights. Whether it's a one-week class for youngsters or a four-week hiking and horseback riding trek for teens, camp is remembered with words from the heart.
Camp is where new friends are made
“Half the fun of camp is meeting new people,” says 15-year-old Sam Murray. “It’s interesting to see someone else’s perspective on things.” Of course, the camps are also a draw. Sam should know. He has attended day camps at local museums since the age of four.
“The best moments in camp are with all the new friends that we make,” says 13-year-old Raquel Penasquito, a four-year camper at Camp Jaycee. For those who are shy about meeting new people, Raquel says, “within the first week you do a lot of ice-breakers and even if you don’t reach out to others, they’ll reach out to you.” She keeps in touch with her summer friends year-round through e-mail.
Sometimes the bonds that are made can be especially strong. Natalie Priester, Program Director at a Girl Scouts resident camp, recalls, “(Camp) Winacka magic has evolved into a place where campers become staff members and the staff becomes more important to them. There’s a feeling that they belong. After I was a Counselor-in-Training, we went to each other’s houses, graduation parties and birthday parties with camp friends. I went to college with one of my camp friends from 6th grade.”
Tim Murray, a former camper and father of Sam, says, “I still keep in contact with some of my friends from camp – and that goes back 30 years.” For Tim, camp offered a sense of freedom as well as a chance to learn about the “creepy crawlies.” The friendships and experiences at camp ultimately shaped his future: he followed a former camp friend’s advice to move to San Diego for a job opportunity.
Camp is where you grow
“Camp offers a wide variety of opportunities not found elsewhere,” says Sandy Siperstein-Rafner, director of Camp Jaycee. “It’s a place to try new sports, like archery or rock climbing; and a place to master new skills, like tennis and soccer.”
Growth is also measured by gaining independence. Resident camp often marks a milestone in a child’s life. For Sam, who also spent four summers at a YMCA resident camp “focused on team building, character and greater responsibilities.”
“The other day I was remembering all of the amazing things about camp,” writes 14-year-old Corey, another Camp Marston teen. “Each counselor had something special to offer to the group and each of them became our parent, our teacher, and our friend. I can't remember one time in the whole two weeks in which I wasn't having fun. From the rock climbing, mountain biking, and backpacking...to....the campfires, cookouts, and just the times when we got to hang out. I have sooo many memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
Sometimes the growth from camper to counselor is a natural progression. Counselors are often former campers who are eager to bring the “magic” of camp to others. “As I’ve gotten older,” says Natalie Priester, “I’ve wanted to re-create the experience that I had at Winacka. The most meaningful times are getting girls to sleep under the stars for the first time -- the girls who are so afraid the first night are the first ones to ask to sleep out the next morning. I am part of their growth to become more independent.”
Gabrielle Coburn, a 10-year camper at Winacka, reflects, “When I was welcomed onto the staff as a kitchen aide the summer before my senior year in high school, it totally changed my life. It helped give me direction, and inspired me to go beyond being grateful for what this place had done for me. I had to pass it on.”
Camp is a community
Karyn Mor, mom to four enthusiastic campers, says “Every day is a rainbow day at camp. There are smiles on their faces when they go and smiles when they return.” She attributes this largely to “the love that they (the counselors) love to give to other children.” When her oldest two children were counselors, she recalls, “each and every morning my kids could not wait to go and be a counselor – and that says a lot for teenagers.” Younger daughter, Raquel, confers, “it’s warm and home-ish, like a community.”
Gabrielle describes how the community became vital to her life. “The things that I said, no matter how dorky, were always listened to, and never shot down. The counselors let all of us know that we were valued and special. During the year I was the fat kid, at camp I was strong. During the year I was the poor kid, during the summer I had camper-ships. As I grew older, during the year I was a kid, during the summer I was a woman, who was ready to give, as well as receive, the magic of camp.”
“Those were the best of times,” says Sandy of her memories of camp. As a director, she sees kids who “still get that feeling” that camp has touched their soul.
For many, camp becomes a family tradition. At Minnesota’s Camp Mishawaka, a large percentage of the staff is made up of former campers, many of whom are second or third generation Mishawakan’s. What a wonderful thing to have in common with your parents and grandparents!
Camp is certainly more than roasting marshmallows over a fire or learning to tie a square knot. It becomes a place that less about its destination and more about its place in the heart.
Elizabeth A. Berg is a freelance writer and former camper who still remembers the magic.