New Faces, Familiar Places
Three days ago, Hidden Valley Camp came alive once again as we welcomed the arrival of 180+ campers ready to begin another unforgettable adventure. Among them were familiar faces returning to their favorite summer home, as well as first-time campers stepping into this community for the very first time. While each camper brings their own unique background and experiences, they all share one common goal: to be part of another memorable HVC summer filled with friendship, adventure, and lifelong memories.
Alongside our newest group of campers, we are delighted to welcome Joni and Stevie, our two new donkeys who have joined the Hidden Valley animal pen. The excitement doesn't stop there however — One of them is in foal, meaning our animal family will soon be growing by one more!
The weather has been treating us kindly so far, with clear skies, cool breezes, and warm temperatures making it the perfect environment for a full schedule of activities. Whether campers are exploring the outdoors, heading down to the lake, or cooling off in the pool, the session has been off to a fantastic start.
After everyone settled into their cabins, we jumped right into the action. Arrival Day kicked things off with our traditional Opening Night Skits, where campers got their first glimpse of the many classes and adventures waiting for them throughout the session. Orientation Day brought all the familiar favorites — camp tours, backyard hangouts, class signups, and swim evaluations—before we gathered at Pinegrove that evening for dancing and plenty of campfire jingles.
The energy continued to build as we launched into Class Day One, and the entire valley was buzzing with excitement. From the lake to the backyard and everywhere in between, campers dove into their classes and began exploring everything we have to offer.
Across camp, creativity and adventure were on full display. Campers searched for nature discoveries, practiced soccer skills, sank baskets on the courts, fired up the kilns in the glass studios, splashed in the pool, found their aim at the archery range, channeled their inner Bob Ross in painting, explored their imagination through drawing, grabbed their press passes for HVC News, battled for points on the tennis courts, hit the trails on mountain bikes, and so much more!
Our first Cabin Night gave everyone a chance to slow down, connect, and begin building the friendships that make Hidden Valley Camp so special. Cabins spent the evening making pizzas, sharing ice cream, swimming in the pool and lake, and gathering around the fire for some classic s’mores.
That bonding came at just the right time, because tonight the cabins will put their teamwork, knowledge, and competitive spirit to the test in another edition of Cabin Feud! With bragging rights on the line, campers will battle it out on the challenge podium to see which cabin comes out on top. May the best cabin win!
It’s shaping up to be an amazing session and we cannot wait to give you more updates as the days progress.