Q&A with a Former Camper and Counselor
Hello everyone,
Spring has sprung! Here in Freedom, the sun (and some rain!) is making camp come alive again. The animals are starting to frolic and the flowers bloom, and the smell of fresh grass is filling the air. Our buildings are also being prepared to welcome campers again in tip-top shape with all their wooden charm and the timeless memories they contain.
With summer fast approaching, I was inspired to reach out to a former camper and counselor to hear about their experiences and insights including some of their favorite memories and advice for new campers. Here’s what they had to say!
Q. What are some of your fondest earliest memories as a camper?
A. During my first summer as a Down Under camper in 2015, one of our Cabin Nights was making terrariums; this night has been imprinted in my mind. We hung out by the creek all night and built cool little worlds in mason jars. Cabin Nights were always some of my favorite evening programs overall. My first summer they included a bonfire with s’mores and designing cabin t-shirts, which I still have today!
Q. What was something you had to adjust to?
A. I had to adjust to the Dining Hall, as the range of options can sometimes be overwhelming and as a camper I was a bit of a picky eater. But I love it now! Don’t be afraid to try something new or to ask what a particular dish is made with.
Q. What was something you most looked forward to returning to camp after your first summer?
A. I looked forward to seeing all of my friends from my cabin each summer. Basically, the first day back is always so fun because it feels like you’ve waited a whole year to see those friends. When I was a camper I acted in all the musicals, so I also looked forward to finding out what the musical would be at Opening Night Skits.
Q. What was something you wish you had known coming into camp?
A. I wish that I’d had more of a sense of what it would feel like to sleep in my camp bed. My first summer, I only brought a sleeping bag and a pillowcase. However, it’s always nice to have another blanket or stuffed animal to make the camp beds more comfy!
Q. What was one worry you had before your first summer, and what would you say to campers with that same worry?
A. I would tell campers that letters and packages are not SO important! I never got care packages and though I did receive letters from my family, some of my friends got multiple a day. As I got older, I realized that care packages and letters weren’t why I was at camp and that I thus shouldn’t worry about how many I got, but instead focus on staying present and having fun.
Q. Any advice for first-time campers?
A. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions! Camp can feel pretty big, especially if you have a class at the lake and you’ve never been there before. People will always be willing to help point you in the right direction.
Q. Any packing tips?
A. Bring extra socks! Sometimes socks get lost in the wash; they might also get lost under someone else’s bunk bed. So it’s always a safe choice to bring a couple extra pairs. Also, bring extra batteries for your flashlight. You’ll have time to read or write letters or generally have some quiet time in bed before going to sleep every night, so your flashlight will be working hard!
Keep an eye out for more news in the coming months! In the meantime, we are counting down the days to summer :)