A Friendly Guide for New Camp Families
Camp is a world of its own – filled with fresh air, friendship bracelets, color war… and words that might sound like a completely different language to new families.
If this is your first summer, don’t worry – you’re not alone in wondering why your child suddenly can’t stop talking about “OD,” “Fake Breaks,” or how they made a new best friend at the blob. Whether you’re a first-timer or just brushing up, this glossary is your guide to decoding the phrases that make the camp world go round.
Let’s break it down – the Summer 365 way.
Bunks, Beds & Beyond
Bunk: Your child’s cabin or group – typically made up of kids their age, bunk counselors, and plenty of inside jokes.
Bunkmate: A fellow camper your child shares their bunk (and lots of memories!) with.
Mess Hall / Dining Hall: Where campers eat, cheer, and occasionally sing on benches. It’s a lot more than just a place to grab a grilled cheese.
OD (On Duty): The staff member responsible for supervising campers during the “late” hours while others are off-duty. Basically the nighttime MVP.
Traditions, Events & Camp Magic
Color War (or Olympics): A beloved all-camp competition filled with cheering, sports, song, and serious team spirit. Often the highlight of the summer!
Fake Break: A hilarious and dramatic spoof where campers are tricked into thinking a major event (like Color War) is starting… only to find out it’s not. Yet.
Flagpole: Morning and evening gatherings often filled with announcements, songs, and the raising or lowering of the camp flag.
Intercamps: Friendly competitions or meet-ups between different camps – great for showing off team skills and meeting new faces (and even seeing some familiar ones!).
Campfire: A classic gathering often filled with music, skits, s’mores, and reflection. It’s as wholesome as it sounds.
Banquet: A special night to celebrate the summer – often full of traditions, speeches, and many, many emotions.
Daily Life, Activities & Adventures
Rest Hour: A quiet break in the middle of the day for campers to read, write letters, nap, or just chill. (Parents, don’t we all need this?!)
Specialty: A specific activity – think tennis, ceramics, waterskiing, drama, etc. Campers often get to choose their favorites.
The Blob: A giant inflatable water launch pad at many lakefront camps. One camper sits at the end while another jumps on from a platform – launching them into the air and into pure camp joy.
Trip Day: An off-site adventure – think amusement parks, beaches, or minor league baseball games. Always a fan favorite.
Bug Juice: That bright-colored drink served at camp meals. It’s not juice. It’s not bugs. But it’s definitely part of the experience.
Silent Disco / Glow Night / Talent Show: Special events that vary by camp but live in the memory vault forever.
Canteen: The snack shack. Enough said.
People & Roles
Counselor: The heart and soul of every bunk – part big sibling, part mentor, part dance party leader.
Division Head (or Group Leader): Oversees a group of bunks within a similar age range. Your go-to for questions or updates.
Specialist: A staff member who runs a specific activity area at camp – from waterskiing to ceramics to coding. They’re pros in their field and help campers build skills (and confidence!) in everything from sports to the arts.
Camp Sister/Brother: A buddy or mentor from another age group. Big sister/little sister vibes, minus the sibling rivalry.
Growing Into Greatness
CIT (Counselor in Training): A leadership program for 16–17-year-olds. They’re learning the ropes (literally and figuratively) of being a counselor and role model.
From Camper to Role Model: Many camps offer natural growth opportunities – from helping younger campers to organizing activities. It’s all about stepping up and paying it forward.
Try Something New: Whether it’s a ropes course or stage fright, camp teaches kids to push boundaries and celebrate progress – not perfection.
Extras That Deserve a Shout-Out
Camp Wrist: The ever-growing collection of friendship bracelets worn proudly on one (or both!) wrists. The more, the messier – the better.
Flashlight Time: The few minutes after lights out when campers can whisper, giggle, and bond before the day ends. Pure magic.
Letter Days: The days your child finally writes home! Frame them. Treasure them. Decode them. They’re camp gold.
Campsick: Like homesick, but in reverse. That feeling when camp ends and all you want is to go back.
Camp Magic: Hard to explain but instantly recognizable. It’s in the laughter, the friendships, the s’mores – the intangible something that makes camp unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
Camp has its own way of doing things – and that includes its language. But by the end of the summer, your child will be fluent, and chances are… you will be too.
At Summer 365, we believe camp is a world filled with purpose, joy, and just the right amount of messiness. It’s where kids grow, try new things, and find their voice – even if it’s cheering loudly in the dining hall. And we’re here to guide you every step (and buzzword!) of the way.
About the contributor:
Summer 365 is the leading consulting service created by and for parents, driven by a customized, holistic approach to finding the best summer experience for each child and family. Through in-person visits and meetings with camps and programs, our momboss team of experts have insider knowledge on more than 500 top sleepaway camps and summer programs for children and teens ages 7–18. Our service makes it easy for parents to find whatever they’re looking for – whether it’s traditional or specialty sleepaway camp, community service, performing arts, enrichment, wilderness, or language immersion programs.