Camps of the past meant summer adventure and memories. Days spent outdoors, playing finished games and telling stories around the campfire. The sights and sounds of the forest wilderness and many friendships made for summers to remember.
Table of Contents
1. Campfire Sing-Alongs
Songs and stories shared around the campfire, and the joy on the face of the camp counciler as they tell the story of Kumbaya and “This Land is Your Land” and teach simple guitar impromptu performances to little campers, and lead the singing of the songs and story of Kumbaya and “This Land is Your Land” and teach simple guitar.
Save for later
Want to come back to this story? Save it with your email so it is easy to find again.
2. Canoe Adventures
Paddle on the canoe trips and learn the value of teamwork with hard work and effort, we glided through the water like pros. Birds called from the shore and taught the value of teamwork and winning as the lake mist glided.
3. Arts and Crafts
The craft lodge was the place to be for creaticitive. The simple painted ceramic ashtrays for our parents (who usually didn’t even smoke) and lanyards, and friendship bracelets. The simple painted ceramic ashtrays for our parents (who usually didn’t even smoke). In child’s mind, the thought of meeting our parents was priceless, and many still survive in memory boxes.
4. Capture the Flag
The best game we played in the camp was the capture the flag game. We would turn the whole camp into a battleground filled with competition. To win the game, we would come up with different strategies like making decoys, and we would run across enemy team territory. The best experience was getting the enemy’s flag, and running back to your team area with the whole enemy team chasing after you.
5. Swimming Lessons
Jumping in the lake in the morning was always cold, but it was worth it. With each level we completed, we received a swimming badge. It was super cool to receive a new swimming badge because it was like winning gold at the Olympics. It was also super cool to see other campers cheer for the first time the swimmer jumped into the water.
6. Bunk Pranks
We would raid the other cabins at night, and spread fake spiders throughout the cabin and do so call short sheeting beds. These were done to lose the fear people had between each other during camp. You had to get ready for pay back so it was all part of the fun.
7. Nature Hikes
Most of us developed a love for nature thanks to the counselor’s walks. We would identify tracks and plants on the walks, and the wood surrounding the camp. The counselor’s love for nature was contagious, and they taught us everything about the plants and berries, and bird calls.
8. Archery
The best memories were at the archery range. We all felt like we were robbing hood. It was super cool to hit the bullseye. It taught us sport and competition but also patience and focus.
9. Mess Hall Memories
The mealtimes at camp were not just about food. They included socializing with friends, singing silly songs, and making announcements. You could even trade desserts. ‘Bug juice’ was just colored sugar water, but it tasted amazing in the summer heat. Long tables meant more people to talk to and more friends to make.
10. Talent Shows
The talent show was the highlight of camp. There were all sorts of acts including magic, lip-syncing, and singing. Everyone got a turn and got to show their talent. The room was very supportive and people were comfortable enough to perform who would otherwise be too nervous to do so. Many people found a new passion and talent they never knew they had.
11. Overnight Camping
It was a real adventure to pack all our stuff and hike to a remote campsite. For many, this was the first time they had to pitch a tent. We learned to cook on an open fire and then tell ghost stories. This brought us all closer together and we made real camp memories.
12. Care Package Sharing
When we received mail from home we made the contents of our boxes communal property. We would all sit on someones bed and share mail together. This really helped with homesickness.
13. Square Dancing
Learning to do si do and promenade was very fun, and many people thought it was a bit corny, but it broke down social barriers. These were the highlights of summer camp, even for those who thought they were poor dancers.
14. Final Campfire
Each bittersweet summer evening we watch embers fade for the last time. Closing Campfire. This tradition brings the whole camp together one last time. We sing our favorite camp songs, share our summer highlights and many campers shed tears as we trade contact info and vow to stay in touch. That last glow brings the end of another summer where we made friendships and experienced personal growth.
