We welcome you to the Summer 365 family, we’re mighty glad you’re here! Meet our newest Campbassador, Sarah! Campbassadors are our version of brand ambassadors – they are our #1 fans, cheer squad, and fellow camp-obsessed former campers who want to spread the summer love! And, most importantly, they are dedicated to joining in our mission of giving the gift of summer camp to children. We are so excited to introduce you to our newest team member and this camp loving mother of two, Sarah Barkow!
Where did you go to camp?
I went to Lincoln Farm, which is now Timberlake West, for 2 years. It was 8 weeks. I also did two teen tours. One of the west coast and one in Europe.
How has camp influenced what you do/your career path?
During the summer I work in the office at an overnight camp. So if you call the main number there is a good chance you will get to talk to me! It also brought me to Summer 365, and I am so excited to work together with this amazing company and team. And I can’t wait to see where it will lead me in the future!
Why do you think it is important to go to camp?
Beside the fact that camp has the best activities from morning to night, it is so important for children to figure out things on their own, to forge new friendships and learn to be comfortable with who they are. Even when you are with a while camp full of people you have to depend on yourself. I think that everyone should have that opportunity. I am so grateful that my parents gave me that chance and thank them all the time!
What are three words to describe your camp experience?
Life changing, FUN, amazing
What is your favorite/most epic camp memory?
My camp was very politically correct and didn’t have the traditional end of summer “color war” competition. Instead, at the start of camp, they split up the whole camp: campers, counselors and staff into four teams. All through the summer the teams competed in different contests from swimming to board games. At the end of the summer the team who won got to get their ice cream sundaes first. My first summer my team won, and I was so happy to be standing in line with my whole team. It made me feel like I was a part of something.
And I have another…sorry, couldn’t just pick one! Every summer we did mini camping trips on the property. We would hike to a spot, set up tents, make a fire and cook dinner and sing, sing, sing. For some reason one of these excursions I got lost. Like in the woods…had no idea where I was going kind of lost. I followed the trail and just kept walking and the strangest thing is that I wasn’t scared. To this day, I don’t know why since if that happened now I would be freaking out!! I felt calm and just knew it would work out. I finally ended up back at campus and what a story it was to tell!
How has camp affected your adult life? Is there something you learned there that you still do today?
At camp there were people from all over the world. I loved that! One of my best friends was from Amsterdam. I loved hearing about their cultures and day to day lives in someplace that I thought was so exotic. I still love that and strike up conversations wherever I go.
Words of wisdom for current and future campers?
Try EVERYTHING! Where else scan you paint, swim, and zip line in one day? There are so many things to try, big and small. Take advantage, who knows… you might like something!!
What was your favorite camp food?
The big tubs of peanut butter and jelly we could eat if we didn’t like the main meal. YUM!!!
What did you prefer – pool or lake?
Neither… but I did both!
Favorite canteen candy?
Ice cream sandwiches
What was your favorite camp activity?
The Barn was the arts and crafts area, and I could spend days there! From movie making to leather and tie die, I loved it all.
Favorite camp memento?
I made a bowl in pottery and painted the outside yellow. When I brought it home my little sister dubbed it the big bird bowl. To this day we still call it that and my mom has it displayed at her house.
