Recapping and Reminiscing
“HEY YOU GUYS!”
It’s been about two months since the final cars rolled up camp road and we said our goodbyes. Seems like a pretty good time took look back, recap, and reminisce on all the good times from summer 2026!
Joni and Stevie!
If you are an Animal Care class lover, you may already know that two new furry friends joined the HVC community this summer!
Our new camp donkeys arrived on camp during second session. If you didn’t get to meet Joni and Stevie, here is a picture to serve as an introduction.
Joni and Stevie live at camp all year round and keep watch over the Burbs.
Can you guess who Joni and Stevie are named after?
New additions to the class day!
It’s always fun to see campers try something new at camp. It’s also fun to see counselors and staff teach try something new by teaching a new class. Here are some ways the class day got cooler in 2026!
Bushcraft — Over eight days, campers learned new wilderness skills. The class culminated in a celebration of their work with s’mores cooked over a fire they made themselves.
Mountain Boarding — Though it looks like a skateboard, the larger wheels on a mountain board allow for campers to ride all the way down The Hill. This activity is also a hit during Cabin Night.
HVC News — From interviews to opinion pieces, HVC News captured all the happenings in the Valley. During second session, HVC News engaged in their first ever Camp Meeting PD Press Conference.
Each session’s plays written by counselors — Never seen before (and maybe never seen again). Fairytale Endings and Like Nobody’s Watching premiered this summer on the Rec Hall stage.
Exciting Evening Programs and Lazy Days!
In 2026, counselors got creative with new Evening Program and Lazy Day activities. And it’s safe to say, they were a hit! What was your favorite non-class activity this summer?
Older Half
Contra Dance — A long standing tradition during counselor training made its way to the camper sessions. A joyous night led my local Maine musicians.
Campfire Iron Chef — A spin on the classic HVC cooking class! With the set list of ingredients, cabins worked together to create the finest meal.
Younger Half
The Amazing Race — From the Tree House to the Hill Zip, campers took on fun physical and mental challenges.
Science Day — From large bubbles to popcorn kernel experiments, campers and counselors put on their lab coats and experimented.
Four Teen Programs!
AWACs! Apprentices! Adventures! and Arts!
It was awesome to have so many teens engaging in personal projects, exploring the outdoors and arts around the state of Maine, working in cabins with younger campers, learning new skills, and more.
Till next month!
As a reminder, throughout the year, there is one blog post each month. Next month’s blog post will include updates on what’s going on at camp during the fall season. Be sure to check back in!