You made it! It’s been a week or two since your camper left, the house is a little quieter, and now it’s time for that long-awaited first phone call. You’re excited. Maybe a little nervous. And that’s totally normal – because first calls can be tricky.
Even the happiest, most well-adjusted campers can get emotional when they hear a parent’s voice for the first time in days. So, let’s talk about how to make this call the best it can be – for you and your camper.
I remember touring camps about a decade ago, and one Director told me I’d get one phone call with my son. ONE. I thought he was joking. How could I survive an entire summer with just one call?! (Spoiler alert: That anxiety was more about me than him.) Years later, now that my son’s done with camp, I kind of think that Director was a genius. I lived through summers with two or three calls – some of them were lovely, some were like pulling teeth. Looking back, we probably could’ve survived on one.
Then there was this gem: My son’s first-ever call lasted exactly 16 seconds. He picked up, said “Hi Mom, I don’t want to miss anything, camp is so fun – bye!” and hung up. That was it. Ten minutes allotted… gone in under twenty seconds. And guess what? He was fine. I was not. But thankfully, the amazing Assistant Director (now Director!) gave us a second call – not because he needed it, but because I did.
Then there was my daughter, who treated calls like board meetings. She ran the agenda, asked the questions, and left little room for us to get a word in. She always sounded great – but looking back, I realize that was probably her way of steering the conversation away from anything she didn’t want to share or answer. Feels very on brand.
Now, many years and many calls later, here are my best tips to help your camper’s first call go smoothly:
1. If you can choose the time – aim for earlier in the day.
It’s easier for kids to bounce back into the camp routine after a call when there’s still a full day of fun ahead. Talking right before bed can lead to emotional overthinking (for you and them).
2. Prepare for one-word answers.
Most kids aren’t exactly pros at phone convos. Be patient and stay upbeat – they’ll follow your lead. Positivity is contagious.
3. Come armed with questions.
Open-ended questions work best. A few to try:
Who sleeps near you?
What are your counselors’ names?
Have you tried any new activities?
What did you make in cooking? Did you try it?
Favorite meal so far?
Any new friends? Where are they from?
And yes – of course ask about waterskiing. Everyone does.
4. Normalize homesickness.
If your child says they miss you, reassure them that it’s okay to feel that way and still have fun. Let them know their counselors and division leaders are always there for support.
5. Know the staff is right there.
After the call, someone from camp is always nearby to help transition your child back into the flow of camp. Even after an emotional call, they know exactly how to help.
6. Don’t hesitate to check in.
If your camper says something that leaves you wondering, it’s okay to follow up with a note or call to the camp. You chose this camp for a reason – trust the partnership. After my 16-second call, I most definitely sent an email saying I was sure he was fine… but I still missed the other 9 minutes and 44 seconds of hearing his voice.
7. End with pride.
Remind your camper how proud you are of them. Being away from home is a huge step in their journey into who they are becoming – and hearing your encouragement will go a long way.
Good luck!
About the contributor:
Julie Kaiden is our Director of Details and the voice behind our social media. Fun fact: she never to sleepaway camp herself – but we let that slide. Her son completed his full camp journey and is now off on a teen tour with West Coast Connection and her daughter is in her 7th summer at Camp IHC. As of publishing this blog, she still has not had her first phone call of this summer.
There’s that saying – “The days are long, but the years are short” – and wow, does it hit differently this summer.
My oldest, Ben, is heading into his final summer as a camper. Just saying that out loud feels surreal. We’ve been through the packing, the countdowns, the “last suppers” … but this time, it’s different. More emotional. More final. More everything.
Ben keeps catching me in a moment – “Mom, are you okay?”
I think I am. But truthfully? I’m still figuring that out.
As a lifelong camp person, watching my own child reach this milestone is overwhelming. I’ve been wanting to share something for weeks. Ben’s not entirely on board – “Do you have to post about it?” he asked.
I guess I don’t. But I want to. Maybe I need to. Because this story – our story – is the reason I do what I do.
Camp has always held a special place in my heart. It brought incredible people into my life – people who helped shape who I am. For my family, it’s given us something even more lasting: an extended family, built not by blood, but by years of shared summers and unforgettable memories. A magical place that shaped us. Connected us. Grounded us.
As another summer begins, I’m not thinking about first-time camper nerves or bus stop jitters. I’m thinking about Ben. That last year is something we never forget. It marks the end of an era – the culmination of summers that helped shape who he is becoming. No responsibilities beyond showing up, soaking it in, and living 10 for 2 – one last time.
Eight years later, I’m overwhelmed with emotion. I’m thrilled for him to spend these seven weeks with the friends who have become his brothers – laughing late into the night, telling Boys Side stories, stepping into the DORM, and soaking up every bit of camp magic. They’ve had skinned knees and bunk pranks and Color War chants that will always live in their bones. I’m also a little sad, knowing this is the last time he’ll experience camp as a kid, especially when I so vividly still remember my last summer. Wasn’t I just a kid (Wait. Don’t answer that!)?
Ben and his friends have grown up together at camp. They’ve faced challenges, made memories, and returned each summer with bigger smiles and deeper bonds. These are the friends you call with good and bad news, laugh and cry with, and grow alongside as their own families take shape. Camp is where they’ve always wanted to be – and where they’ve become the best versions of themselves. Because of each other.
To the parents sending off their oldest for the last time: I see you.
To the kids living out their final summer as campers: soak it in. Hold it tight. These days really do go by fast.
And to Ben: thank you for letting me have a front-row seat to the best summers of your life.
Camp is truly the greatest gift.
And this final summer? It’s one for the books.
About the contributor:
Dara Cohen is a Summer 365 Counselor who lives in Roslyn, NY. She grew up going to Timber Lake Camp and now sends her 3 sons there. Each summer she gets to live vicariously through them.
We know, We know.
You might be thinking: “There is no way my kid is going to read at camp.” And honestly? Maybe they won’t. Camp can be the ultimate unplug, and taking a break from books is also totally fine.
But – many campers DO read.
Younger campers are often read to at night, and plenty of kids actually love winding down with a good book in their bunk. Our team has campers that really run the gamut on their levels of reading at camp. We have kids that devour books at bedtime and some that have never once thought about packing a book for camp. We have kids that made their way through almost the entire Harry Potter series at camp and ones that never got through their dreaded summer reading requirements. So we do get it!
Summer 365 advisor, Sam Shinewald, worked withHummingbird Books, to put together asummer reading list for BOTH kids and adults. At Hummingbird Books, located in Boston, they believe reading connects us to others as we search for ideas, wisdom and sometimes just provides a much-needed break from reality – and we couldn’t agree more.
Here are their suggestions for Summer (365) Reading:
KIDS
The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brailler (8-11) Ever since the monster apocalypse hit town, average thirteen-year-old Jack Sullivan has been living in his tree house, which he’s armed to the teeth with catapults and a moat, not to mention video games and an endless supply of Oreos and Mountain Dew scavenged from abandoned stores. But Jack alone is no match for the hordes of Zombies and Winged Wretches and Vine Thingies, and especially not for the eerily intelligent monster known only as Blarg so he builds a team. With their help, Jack is going to slay Blarg, achieve the ultimate Feat of Apocalyptic Success, and be average no longer! Can he do it?
Slugfest by Gordon Korman (ages 8-12) Yash is the best athlete at Robinette Middle School, so imagine his shock when he learns that his JV practices have kept him from earning a state-mandated credit for eighth-grade PE. To graduate, he has to take Physical Education Equivalency – PEE, also known as “Slugfest” – in summer school. Yash gets to know his fellow “slugs”, but when one of them tries to blow the lid off a scandal that could make all their time in summer school a waste, Yash is forced to take drastic action.
Camp Famous by Jennifer Blecher (ages 8-12) 11-year-old Abby is excited that her parents are letting her go to summer camp for the first time ever. But she’s not going to just any summer camp, she’s going to a camp for famous kids escaping the spotlight. Everything goes as planned, until she finds herself torn between who she has pretended to be and who she truly is.
The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson (ages 8-12) A girl who never knew she had cousins must spend the summer with them at her late mother’s family camp, uncovering secrets of the past.
The Secret Language of Birdsby Lynne Kelly (ages 8-12) Nina is used to feeling like the odd one out, but while trying to fit in at camp, she discovers two rare birds have built a nest in the marsh behind an abandoned infirmary. Experts track all the endangered birds, but they can’t identify the female bird that Nina found. With the help of some fellow campers, Nina sets out to discover who the mystery bird really is. As she gets closer to the truth, will she find a flock of her own?
Take It From The Top by Claire Swinarski (ages 8-12) Eowyn has waited all year to attend her sixth summer at Lamplighter Lake Summer Camp. Here, the pain of her mom’s death can’t reach her, and she gets to reunite with her best friend, Jules. This year Wicked, the girls’ favorite musical, has been chosen for the camp’s end-of-year production. But when Eowyn arrives at camp, everything seems wrong. There are two sides to every story, and if you want to understand this one, you’ll need to hear both.
Spy Camp by Stuart Gibbs (ages 8-12) Ben Ripley is a middle schooler whose school is not exactly average – he’s spent the last year training to be a top-level spy and dodging all sorts of associated danger. So now that summer’s finally here, Ben would like to have some fun and relax. But that’s not going to happen during required spy survival training at a rustic wilderness camp, where SPYDER, an enemy spy organization, has infiltrated the spies’ ranks. Can Ben root out the enemy before it takes him out – for good?
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster (8-12) For Milo, everything’s a bore. When a tollbooth mysteriously appears in his room, he drives through only because he’s got nothing better to do. But on the other side, things seem different. Milo visits the Island of Conclusions (you get there by jumping), learns about time from a ticking watchdog named Tock, and even embarks on a quest to rescue Rhyme and Reason. Somewhere along the way, Milo realizes something astonishing. Life is far from dull. In fact, it’s exciting beyond his wildest dreams!
The Green Kingdom by Cornelia Funke (9-12) Twelve-year-old Caspia hates big cities, especially one as busy as New York. So, she isn’t thrilled by the news that her parents are taking her to stay in Brooklyn. But everything changes when Caspia discovers a bundle of letters, hidden in an old dresser. Each letter contains a ‘green’ riddle, with clues leading to a different plant. Caspia’s summer is transformed when she discovers a bundle of letters containing ten botanical riddles in this enchanting adventure.
The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner (9-14) Kate Messner caught on camera vandalizing a cemetery, he’s in big trouble for kicking down some dead old lady’s headstone. But it turns out that grave belongs to a legendary local mountain climber, and her daughter makes Finn an unusual offer…climb all forty-six Adirondack High Peaks with her dead mother’s dog, and they can call it even.
The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko (10-13) When eleven-year-old Hank’s mom doesn’t come home, he takes care of his toddler sister, Boo, like he always does. But it’s been a week and they are out of food and mom has never stayed away this long… Hank knows he needs help, so he and Boo seek out the stranger listed as their emergency contact. But asking for help has consequences. It means social workers, and a new school, and having to answer questions about his mom that he’s been trying to keep secret. And if they can’t find his mom soon, Hank and Boo may end up in different foster homes–he could lose everything.
In the Key of Us by Mariama J. Lockington (ages 10-14) Winner of a Stonewall Honor, this gorgeously told story of two girls who meet at sleepaway music camp and consider taking their relationship beyond friendship sensitively navigates body image, mental health, grief, and racial and queer microaggressions, all wrapped up in the endless possibilities of summer.
Holes by Louis Sachar (10-14) Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. A curse that began with his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather and has since followed generations of Yelnatses. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys’ detention center, where the boys build character by spending all day, every day digging holes exactly five feet wide and five feet deep. It doesn’t take long for Stanley to realize they are digging holes for a reason. Stanley tries to dig up the truth in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment – and redemption.
It Watches in the Dark by Jeff Strand (10-14) Twins Oliver and Trisha love going on adventures with their dad. Canoeing and camping on the Champion River will be their best trip yet! But when they capsize in rapids, their father is knocked unconscious. Alone and without cell phone reception, their only choice is to continue down river for help until they find an old dock, and a narrow path that leads them to a small village. The townspeople are kind and helpful but strangely focused on the giant scarecrow in the village square. They are warned not to spend the night in the village. But with the sun soon to set and their father not well enough to be moved, how can they escape? More importantly, can they survive?
This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki (12+) Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. Rosie’s friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer is different. Rose’s mom and dad won’t stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction from the drama, they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. One of the local teens – just a couple of years older than Rose and Windy – is caught up in something bad… Something life threatening.
ADULTS
FICTION
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid Fast-paced, thrilling, and emotional, Atmosphere is Taylor Jenkins Reid at her best: transporting readers to iconic times and places, creating complex protagonists, and telling a passionate and soaring story about the transformative power of love—this time among the stars.
I’ll Be Right Here by Amy Bloom (Out June 24) After the end of World War II, Gazala, a young Frenchwoman, leaves Paris with the help of her employer, the writer Colette, and lands in New York. There, she takes on work as a baker, develops a close friendship with two sisters and reconnects with her adopted older brother, in a multigenerational tale of love, compassion and found family.
Our Last Resort by Clemence Michallon (Out July 8) Frida and Gabriel reunite at a luxury resort in the Utah desert, hoping for a fresh start in their sibling relationship. But the illusion of paradise is shattered when another guest is found dead and Gabriel becomes the prime suspect. To clear their names, Frida is forced to confront their pasts – namely, the fallout from their childhood in a cult.
What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown Like bottles of sunscreen, the best beach reads are shareable. Pass this one-size-fits-most gem among fellow vacationers and, odds are, everyone under your Cool Cabana will find something to appreciate. In Brown’s sixth novel, a father-daughter duo live off the grid in remotest Montana. Only something isn’t quite right in their tightly controlled world: Jane, a perspicacious teenager, begins to realize that her father isn’t who he says he is. When she makes a courageous – and dangerous – break for freedom, we find ourselves embedded in the early dot-com boom in San Francisco. If the Unabomber had a daughter, this could be her story. It might prompt a pop-up book club, and it will definitely make you think about our reliance on technology (especially if you’re squinting at a screen).
Great Big BeautifulLifeby Emily Henry Welcome to Little Crescent Island, Ga., where two journalists are vying to write the memoir of Margaret Ives, a reclusive heiress who calls to mind both Patty Hearst and Priscilla Presley. Alice Scott is hoping to shore up her fledgling career with this white whale of a story, while Hayden Anderson coasts into the competition fresh off a Pulitzer win. Of course, the two fall for each other – this is Henry’s world, we just read in it – while violating every basic rule of journalism. Surprisingly, Ives’s back story proves more scintillating than the sunset trysts and cozy diner meals. “Queen of the beach read” is an oft bandied term but let the record state: Henry wears the crown.
Mansion Beach by Meg Mitchell Moore If you love Elin Hilderbrand and “The Great Gatsby,” Moore’s frothy confection of a novel, set on Block Island, is a satisfying treat. The outsider here is Nicola Carr (get it? Nick Carraway?), who trades a failed relationship and a miserable job for a borrowed cottage and an internship at a local maritime institute. Her stab at equilibrium is quickly thwarted by a love triangle involving her cousin’s wife (whose family is her real estate benefactor) and the party-throwing fashion entrepreneur next door. We learn about their shenanigans – which culminate in a death – in part from a chorus of podcast guests. This might not be the freshest plot device, but what Moore sacrifices in originality she makes up for with smocked maxi dresses and snarky asides.
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong A year in the life of a wayward young man in New England who, by chance, becomes the caretaker for an eighty-two-year-old widow living with dementia, powering a story of friendship, loss, and how much we’re willing to risk to claim one of life’s most treasured mercies: a second chance.
NONFICTION
How to Lose Your Mother by Molly Jong-Fast “I was born to privilege, born on third base, but desperate to strike out and go home,” writes Jong-Fast of her childhood in the shadow of her fame-hungry feminist icon mother, the writer Erica Jong. As Jong’s health declines, Jong-Fast – now an esteemed writer in her own right – offers an unflinching, albeit not unkind, reflection on the relationship between mothers and daughters.
On Her Gameby Christine Brennan (Out July 8) Caitlin Clark, the highest-scoring college basketball player in N.C.A.A. history, was a revelation to most observers following her standout season in 2024. Brennan draws on interviews and behind-the-scenes reporting in this energetic account of that campaign and explains how the ensuing explosion in popularity of women’s basketball is a legacy of Title IX’s passage in 1972.
Raising Hare: A Memoir by Chloe Dalton Dalton, a political adviser based in London, was not much of a naturalist when she retreated to the English countryside during the pandemic. That changed one frigid morning in 2021, when she rescued an abandoned newborn hare. Their resulting bond prompts her to meditate on humans’ relationship to animals, to ourselves and to the rhythms of life. “If I could derive this much pleasure from something so simple,” she writes, “what else might be waiting to be discovered?”
The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forwardby Melinda French Gates The philanthropist reflects on the inevitable but uncertain periods of change – from new parenthood to career pivots to the loss of loved ones – that punctuate a lifetime. Though focused primarily on her personal experiences, French Gates also offers guidance to readers seeking support through their own times of transition.
Matriarch: A Memoir by Tina Knowles This personal history from Knowles spans generations: her grandmother, Celestine; her own childhood in Galveston, Texas; and her daughters’ – Beyoncé and Solange Knowles – meteoric rise to superstardom. A testament to Black motherhood, this memoir offers a look behind the curtain at one of the best-known mothers in the entertainment industry.
We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, Amanda Doyle Glennon, Abby and Amanda asked each other, their dearest friends, and 118 of the world’s most brilliant wayfinders: As you’ve traveled these roads–marriage, parenting, work, recovery, heartbreak, aging, new beginnings–have you collected any wisdom that might help us find our way? As Glennon, Abby, and Amanda wrote down every life-saving answer, they discovered two things: 1. No matter what road we are walking down, someone else has traveled the same terrain. 2. The wisdom of our fellow travelers will light our way. They put all of that wisdom in one place: We Can Do Hard Things – a place to turn when you feel clueless and alone, when you need clarity in the chaos, or when you want wise company on the path of life.
About the contributor:
Hummingbird Books is an independent, female owned and operated store on Boylston Street in Chestnut Hill. It is a welcoming community destination of an extensive collection of adult and children’s books and showcases a mix of local and widely beloved authors.
Sending your child off to sleepaway camp for the first time is a major milestone – for them and for you. It’s exciting, emotional, and a little bit overwhelming. But with the right preparation, you can help your soon-to-be camper feel confident, capable, and ready for the adventure ahead.
Think of it like training for a big race – no one shows up at the starting line without a few practice runs. Here’s how you can help your child prepare for their best summer yet:
1. Talk About Camp – Often and Positively
Start early and keep the conversation light and encouraging. Focus on the fun they’ll have, the new friends they’ll make, and the independence they’ll gain. It’s also important to normalize feeling a little nervous – it just means they’re stepping out of their comfort zone.
Try saying: “Remember when you tried soccer for the first time? You didn’t know the rules, but you figured it out and had fun. Camp will be like that too.”
2. Practice Being Apart
If your child hasn’t spent much time away from home, now’s the time to ease them into it. Try sleepovers with grandparents or friends, longer playdates, or extended time away during the day. These experiences help build confidence and ease the transition to being away for a longer stretch.
Think of it as warm-up laps before race day – each little moment of independence helps.
3. Build Everyday Skills
Campers don’t need to be fully self-sufficient – counselors are there to help – but it’s empowering for kids to know they can take care of themselves in small ways.
Encourage them to practice making their bed, brushing their teeth and showering on their own, choosing outfits that suit the weather, and speaking up when they need help. Packing their own camp bag (with your guidance) is a great confidence booster and helps them feel prepared.
4. Set a Calm, Confident Tone
Kids take emotional cues from their parents. If you’re calm, positive, and reassuring, they’re more likely to feel the same. Avoid focusing on how much you’ll miss them – focus instead on how proud you are of their bravery and spirit of adventure.
If they ask: “What if I miss you?” You can say: “That just means you love us – and we love you! And we know you’re going to have so much fun, even if you miss us a little.”
5. Create a Communication Plan
Knowing how and when they’ll hear from home can help ease anxiety. Whether your camp allows letters, emails, or care packages, talk through what communication will look like. Practice writing letters or postcards at home so they feel familiar with the process.
There’s nothing like receiving a note from home at camp – or sending one and knowing it’ll be read with love.
6. Celebrate This New Chapter
This is a big moment, and it deserves to be marked. Whether you make a countdown calendar, plan a special send-off meal, or start a new pre-camp tradition, taking time to celebrate helps your camper recognize just how special this experience will be.
Remind them: they are brave, they are ready, and this is just the beginning of something amazing.
You’re Not in This Alone
At Summer 365, we do more than help you find the perfect camp – we support you through every step of the journey. From the first conversation to opening day, we’re here with expert guidance, real-talk reassurance, and helpful tools to make the transition smoother for both you and your camper.
Because every great adventure starts with preparation – and you’ve got a great team by your side.
About The Contributor:
Leila Saeed joined us this Spring as a Senior Options Intern from Scarsdale High School. She spent five summers at Mohawk Day Camp and participated in Pre-College Programs at Brown University and Emory University. Her favorite part of those experiences was building connections with her fellow campers and classmates over shared interests and activities. This fall, she is so excited to be heading off to the University of Michigan to study Psychology. We can’t wait to hear all about it!
If I could go back and talk to my younger camper self, the girl nervously standing by the bus, oversized duffel bag in hand, trying to act like she wasn’t freaking out, I know exactly what I’d say.
I’d tell her: you’re going to be okay. In fact, you’re going to be better than okay. You’re about to step into something that will change your life in all the best ways.
But I get it. Camp feels big at first. New faces, new routines, a whole new world. So, I’d start by saying: don’t try to figure it all out in the first hour. Let it unfold. Take a deep breath, unpack at your own pace (or your counselor’s pace), and give yourself permission to feel all the feelings- yes, even the homesick ones.
I’d remind her that camp isn’t about being perfect, it’s about becoming. Becoming braver, more independent, and more yourself than you ever thought you could be. It’s about learning how to live with others, laugh at yourself, and find joy in the little things, like spontaneous dance parties on the tennis courts or finishing your first friendship bracelet without it getting completely tangled.
I’d tell her to lean into the awkward moments, because they’re usually the start of great friendships. To try new things even when they’re scary, like the ropes course (despite your fear of heights). And to definitely dress up for the themed days, even if she thinks she’ll look ridiculous (spoiler alert: everyone else is doing it too, and its way more fun that way).
And if I could whisper one more thing to that younger version of me, it would be: you belong here. Even if it takes a few days to feel it, you will. Because camp is made up of real people, real friendships, and real memories that stay with you long after the summer ends.
Now, years later, as a soon-to-be college freshman, I look back and realize how much camp gave me. Confidence. Resilience. Lifelong friends. A place where I could truly grow up.
So, to the parents reading this, thank you for giving your child this experience. And to the campers just starting, trust the process. Let camp shape you. And someday, you’ll look back and realize it was one of the best gifts you’ve ever been given.
With love and bug spray, Your future self
About the contributor:
Izzy Josephs worked with us this Spring as a Senior Options Intern from Scarsdale High School. She spent nine summers at Camp Canadensis, one on a Teen Tour to Greece + Italy, and one as a Scarsdale Rec Camp Counselor. Her favorite memories of those summers were making connections to people with different backgrounds and experiences. This fall, she is so excited to be heading off to the University of Michigan to study Sports Management. We are cheering her on every step of the way!
If you’ve ever searched for the perfect sleepaway camp or embarked on finding the right college, you know that both experiences are deeply personal, emotional, and surprisingly similar. Here’s how the two stack up – and what they teach us.
It’s All About the Fit Whether you’re choosing a spirited camp known for its legendary Color War or a liberal arts college that prioritizes small seminar-style classes, the goal is the same: finding the right vibe. Does your child prefer a highly structured environment or the freedom to explore? Do they thrive in a bustling, energetic atmosphere or a smaller, close-knit community? These preferences matter more than any ranking or reputation.
Tours Tell You More Than Websites Ever Could Slick websites and glossy brochures are nice, but nothing compares to stepping onto the grounds. Whether it’s a virtual visit or an in-person tour, being there lets you sense the energy of the place. Are the campers genuinely smiling? Do students seem excited and engaged? These real-life glimpses can reveal more than any promotional material ever will.
There’s Always a “Gut Feeling” You can’t always explain it, but you can feel it. Maybe it’s the view across a peaceful lake or the hum of conversation on a sunlit quad – sometimes, there’s just a spark that says, “This is theplace.” That instinctive reaction is powerful and often a key part of the decision.
Parents Ask All the Questions – Kids Feel All the Feelings Parents tend to zero in on the details: food accommodations, medical staff, and internet access. Meanwhile, kids quietly wonder if they’ll make friends, find their people, and feel like they belong. It’s a delicate balance of logistics and emotions, and both perspectives matter deeply.
FOMO Is Real – But So Is What’s Meant to Be With social media and peer pressure, comparing choices and worrying about missing out is easy. But the truth is, what works for someone else might not be right for your child. The best place is where they can grow, feel accepted, and be themselves.
It’s a Milestone Moment Choosing a sleepaway camp is often a child’s first step toward independence. It sets the stage for future transitions, like heading off to college. Both are monumental moments, not just for the kids, but for the entire family. They mark growth, change, and new chapters.
And Yes – There Will Be Tears Expect a few tears from the anxiety of the search to the emotional goodbyes at drop-off. But also expect pride, resilience, and memories that last a lifetime. These transitions may be challenging, but they’re also beautiful.
Whether you’re packing a duffel bag for camp or decorating a dorm room, the journey is all about helping your child find a place where they can belong, grow, and shine. And really, isn’t that what every parent wants?
About the contributors:
Izzy Josephs is joining us this Spring as a Senior Options Intern from Scarsdale High School. She spent nine summers at Camp Canadensis, one on a Teen Tour to Greece + Italy, and one as a Scarsdale Rec Camp Counselor. Her favorite memories of those summers were making connections to people with different backgrounds and experiences. This fall, she is so excited to be heading off to the University of Michigan to study Sports Management.
Leila Saeed is also joining us this Spring as a Senior Options Intern from Scarsdale High School. She spent five summers at Mohawk Day Camp and participated in Pre-College Programs at Brown University and Emory University. Her favorite part of those experiences was building connections with her fellow campers and classmates over shared interests and activities. This fall, she is so excited to be heading off to the University of Michigan to study Psychology.
By: Jack Schott
When I think about the healthiest environments on the planet, maybe you jump to fancy wellness retreats or high-tech fitness centers. And that would make sense.
But that’s just not where I go.
It goes straight to the sound of cabin doors slamming at 7 AM. Kids racing to the flagpole in small groups, taking in that first batch of sunshine, rocking through the beginning of the day.
Yeah, I’ve got a bold claim here (if you’ve heard me say it before, buckle up, it won’t be the last time):
Camps are the healthiest places on Earth for kids.
This isn’t just wildin’ out summer camp-director rah-rah stuff talking, though I’ve got plenty of that.
It’s what happens when you look at what health experts are recommending for optimal wellbeing and realize – oh, wait a second, that’s just describing a day at camp.
Camp is secretly winning the wellness game in a way that’s basically lapping the competition.
Check it out:
1. Screen time → Green time
Cheesy subtitle? Yeah, but it’s true.
Parents, I see you fighting the good fight against devices at home. The negotiations. The time limits. The inevitable “just five more minutes” that somehow stretch into hours.
And honestly, I’m pretty pro screens.
I love a good binge-able series like the West Wing or the new Wheel of Time, and have been known to rock Fortnite or Minecraft from time-to-time.
In fact, young Jack would have been all over this stuff (even if Pam Schott would have been fighting the same “battle”).
At camp, all that simply… disappears.
Instead of scrolling, kids are swimming, climbing, and laughing with friends. Instead of gaming, they’re playing actual games with their arms, and legs.
Texting or Snapping about life? Nah, they’re living it – in three dimensions, under an open sky (remember that thing?).
Camps have been quietly offering the perfect screentime alternative since before smartphones existed. And they still are without any of the negotiating.
2. The exercise routine (that doesn’t feel like exercise)
When’s the last time your kid did hours of physical activity and begged for more?
Swimming in the morning.
Post-lunch hike.
Full camp Capture the Flag after dinner.
Strength, endurance, coordination, and balance all without a single “exercise routine” in sight.
And no kid is going home being like, “Yo, what a workout!” It’s just what you do at camp. The physical activity is wrapped in layers of the day-to-day.
Oh and another bold claim: One week at camp often delivers more natural movement than a year of PE classes.
3. Real-time social connections in an increasingly disconnected world
Health pros like Peter Attia and Andrew Huberman are now ranking social connection as important as diet and exercise for long-term health.
At camp, children develop what I might call “connection fitness.” (Ok, I just started to call it that, but it sounds good so we’re going to stick with it).
They learn to navigate disagreements face-to-face. They practice reading emotions by actually seeing them play out on their friends’ faces. They experience the vulnerability of being (maybe a little) homesick and the courage to know it’s all okay.
No algorithm curating these interactions. No delete button or filter. Just real-time connection happening all day long.
4. Sleep. Yeah, kids sleep.
After days filled with sunshine, swimming, and non-stop activity, kids experience what I can only describe as “the good tired.”
Not the wired, overstimulated exhaustion that comes from too much of what they get all day long, all year long, but the deeply satisfying fatigue of a body that’s just lived its best life.
By the time a counselor calls “lights out,” most campers are already halfway to dreamland. The consistency of camp schedules – same wake-up time, same meal times, same bedtime – creates the perfect conditions for quality sleep.
Just Google what experts say about optimal sleep conditions and it’s basically the camp schedule.
And unlike home, there’s no midnight scrolling or 2 AM YouTube rabbit holes. Just crickets and occasionally, a counselor reminding everyone it’s really time to stop whispering now.
5. Nature’s secret hack: just being outside
The research is overwhelming: time in nature reduces stress hormones, improves mood, boosts immune function, and even enhances creativity. The list is way longer than this, but you get the point.
Morning dew on their sneaks, afternoon sun on the shoulders, and evening stars (that you can actually see) overhead. Kids pay attention to weather patterns in all the ways that matter, identify plants, navigate terrain, hang out outside.
This full-on immersion in the natural world resets their nervous systems in ways we’re only beginning to understand scientifically.
But camp pros have seen the effects for generations: children who arrive tense and distracted almost immediately soften, focus, and come alive in new ways.
Why this matters
Look, anxiety, depression, and physical health challenges among young people aren’t exactly trending in the right direction.
Camps offer a complete wellness reset.
For a few weeks each summer, your child rocks out in an environment where healthy habits aren’t a struggle – they’re built in.
Natural movement. Easy connections. Deep sleep. Nature doing its thing.
And those habits and memories they build at camp don’t just stay at camp. They become reference points for what healthy living feels like → joyful, connected, and full of adventure.
So next time an expert recommends more outdoor time, better sleep routines, increased physical activity, and richer social connections – you can just be like, “All good, we’ve got camp for that.”
You got this!
About the contributor:
Jack Schott is in charge of Family Engagement & Camper Support and brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for camp culture to Kenwood & Evergreen. As one of the most sought-after staff trainers and camp consultants in the industry, Jack has spent years helping camps across the country build stronger communities and create meaningful experiences for kids. Jack joined K&E to focus on Family Engagement & Camper Support, ensuring that every child feels seen, supported, and empowered throughout their camp journey.
Our Camper of the Week is none other than Bari Margolis, who is receiving the SCOPE Leadership Award at the 2025 SCOPE Benefit in NYC on April 9th. The SCOPE Leadership Award recognizes a member of either the SCOPE Associate Board or Junior Leadership Council who demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the lives of children by awareness and fundraising in their efforts to provide access to overnight summer camp opportunities for children of low-income families and/or under-resourced communities through their support of SCOPE. Bari is being recognized with the 2025 SCOPE Leadership Award for her steadfast commitment to expanding access to summer camp experiences for all children. As Chair of the SCOPE Associate Board, Bari has inspired a new generation of leaders to be part of SCOPE’s mission, fostering growth and engagement within the organization. Her passion, vision, volunteerism, and tireless advocacy have helped ensure that SCOPE continues to open doors of opportunity for countless children nationwide. This is her story.
By: Bari Margolis
On a warm summer day in June 2005, I boarded a coach bus to Camp Blue Ridge in Wayne County, PA, with my twin sister by my side. Little did I know, this would be the first day of the rest of my life.
My first summer away from home wasn’t exactly the picture-perfect experience I had imagined. There were phone calls home from the head counselor, a strep throat diagnosis, and the unfortunate reputation of being the “problem camper” in my bunk. But outside of the bunk, I thrived—jumping in the lake, playing sports, singing, and cheering. There was simply nothing better. Camp quickly became my second home, a place where I could explore who I was, build resilience, and gain confidence in a way that wouldn’t have been possible anywhere else.
Determined to turn things around, I entered my second summer with a fresh start in a new bunk. This was where I found my fit, and over the next six summers, my reputation evolved from “problem camper” to an all-around camper. I earned numerous “B” awards (Camper of the Week), led my age group’s sing, and eventually was chosen as the Upper Senior Chief of the 2011 Blue Journey. This experience not only helped shape the person I am today but also led to a historic moment—leading one half of the camp while my twin sister led the other, making us the first siblings to compete against each other in Camp Blue Ridge Color War history. This leadership opportunity helped me discover my voice, my passion for bringing people together, and my ability to inspire those around me.
Then came the summer of 2012, a surprising detour in my camp routine. Instead of heading straight back to my happy place, I found myself unpacking at Cornell University for a four-week college course. My parents had always emphasized the importance of both sleepaway camp and academic summer programs before college, believing they were key to a successful transition. So, we struck a deal: if I completed the Cornell Summer Program, I could return to camp for the second half of the summer—and every summer for the rest of my life. Little did they know how seriously I would take that agreement.
Six years later, as a college graduate, I was introduced to Camp Westmontand received the job offer of a lifetime. Just 25 minutes down the road from my childhood summer home, Camp Westmont was new to me at the time, but now, seven years later, I can’t imagine a life without it.
Today, as an Assistant Director at Westmont, I handle everything from staffing to programming to trips, camper management, and more. While camp is no longer just sunshine and rainbows like it was when I was a camper, I now have the privilege of creating that magic for every child who walks through Westmont’s gates. I live for the moments when I watch a camper thrive after months of conversations with them and their parents, when I tour a prospective family knowing they’re about to make the best decision for their child, or when I help orchestrate a Color War break that campers will tell their own kids about someday. These are the moments that make camp truly irreplaceable.
Through my leadership role, I have gained an even deeper understanding of the profound impact summer camp has on a child’s growth. Camp fosters independence, resilience, and social-emotional development in ways that traditional education cannot. It provides a unique space for kids to unplug, connect face-to-face, and develop lifelong skills in teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. I have seen firsthand how children transform over the course of a summer—how the shy, homesick camper turns into the confident Color War captain, how friendships formed at camp last a lifetime, and how the sense of community created within camp walls extends far beyond the summer months.
Camp is more than just a summer experience—it’s a foundation for life. I get to play a role in providing an environment where children build confidence, gain independence, forge lifelong friendships, and create memories that shape who they are. I get to shine a spotlight on every camper, making them feel special and ensuring they feel a true sense of belonging.
On April 9th, the spotlight I so proudly shine on others will be turned onto me as I receive the 2025 SCOPE Leadership Award. This honor is incredibly meaningful to me because SCOPE’s mission aligns so deeply with my own beliefs about the power of camp. SCOPE provides children from underserved communities with the opportunity to experience the magic of summer camp, and I am proud to play a role in making that possible. Through my time at Westmont, I’ve become an active member of the SCOPE Associate Board, serving as the Events Chair and now the Associate Board Chair. I’ve had the honor of helping transform our fundraising efforts—from an event that raised $7,000 to one that now brings in $28,000. I’ve helped launch new initiatives like Pickleball4SCOPE, and this fiscal year, we’ve raised over $65,000 to give even more campers their own moment in the spotlight.
To me, receiving the SCOPE Leadership Award is not just a personal achievement—it’s a celebration of the countless individuals who believe, like I do, that every child deserves the chance to experience the life-changing power of camp. It is a testament to the impact we can have when we come together to provide opportunities for the next generation of campers.
Twenty summers later, I can wholeheartedly say that camp has shaped me into the leader I am today. It has taught me how to stand up for what I believe in, given me confidence in every aspect of my life, helped me build lifelong friendships, and opened doors I never imagined possible. Camp isn’t just a place; it’s a part of me—and I am forever grateful for the journey it has taken me on.
Note from the editor:
Congratulations Bari! The Summer 365 Team is so proud of all of your accomplishments and how much you do to shine that camp magic on all around you. We can’t wait to watch you on April 9th receiving the 2025 SCOPE Leadership Award.
We are also proud to support SCOPE through our GIVE SUM Initiative. GIVE SUMis our passion in action – a special scholarship fund for families who would otherwise not be able to afford to send their children to camp. For every child that we help place in one of our recommended camps or programs, we will donate a portion of each commission we receive into GIVE SUM.
