Want to take a run down to the lake? Looking for a swim buddy? Need some convincing to climb to the top of the rock wall? Ray is your girl! Rachel, better known as “Ray” to her camp besties, is a life-long devoted camper. She is also the face behind Fit With Rachel, a fitness company “aimed at teaching people how to create a strong, healthy, fulfilling life.” She attended her 8-week sleepaway camp for 7 years as a camper and 3 years as a counselor. She grew up in the suburbs oh Philly, and is bringing her camp-inspiration and fitness tips right back to her hometown! Rachel learned so much at camp – from her relationships with her camp friends to the strength she uses in her daily life, and she is so grateful to have been given the gift of camp! We know you’re all itching to get Fit With Rachel, but first, let’s get ready to hear about Camp With Rachel!
What are you currently doing?
I am currently developing my company Fit With Rachel. Aimed at teaching people how to create a strong, healthy, fulfilling life. I use my path and experience to inspire me, and encourage others to use their own. I do this through social media platforms, but mainly Instagram. I also teach workout classes, kettlebell and body weight based, in the Philly area. I absolutely love what I do and that I get to help others connect with themselves mind, body and spirit!
How has camp influenced what you do/your career path?
Camp was an amazing developmental part of my life. I only really understand that now looking back. I was able to break away from home and establish my self and my own identity in a place where I felt such love. I got to play all day! I loved all sports, the climbing wall, arts and crafts, and there was an abundance of it and it was fun! Not to mention I got to be with my friends, the ones I built relationships with over the years, and new ones! New friends every year! From all over the world! I look back and I think wow, the different people I got to connect with that were all there to just have fun together and experience new things. Everything about it felt so right to me. I believe it has absolutely shaped the woman I am today. I want to connect with, and positively affect as many people as I can from all over the world. And the physical, fun, active, loving parts of me were completely cultivated in my time at camp. I just love every aspect of it for the individual development of a person. In all ways, mind, body and spirit :)
What are your top three essentials that you packed in your trunk?
Hmm magazines! To rip out pictures and hang them on the walls! My favorite CDs (haha Cds)! Nothing better than blasting music in the bunk and dancing. Everything and anything blue and gold :)
What are three words to describe your camp experience?
Fun! Loving! Growth :)
Who was someone at camp that you looked up to?
I made friends with a lot of the counselors at camp. I loved hearing about their life experiences and getting to know everyone. I really think it was great that they came from all over the world and from all cultures.
Why do you think it is important to go to camp?
I think camp is amazing for the development of a child. Not being around parents and friends I think allows a child to really express who they are in an environment the cultivates creativity and individuality. I just absolutely loved everything about my experience and I really do wish I could go forever!
What is your favorite camp memory?
Honestly my favorite memories of camp are the times that were so emotional! Color war, and sing! And the times when we’d cry in the bunk or laugh so hard from something so silly we were doing. The singing in the dining hall, all the chanting and screaming! Getting so intensely into whatever sport and game I was playing, that feeling of drive! Just having pure fun being with people you love!
How has camp affected your adult life? Is there something you learned there that you still do today?
I could write a book about this question! I think absolutely in the way I am with people and coming from a place of love and acceptance. And definitely the way I express myself creatively and have the confidence to!
Words of wisdom for current and future campers?
Keep going!
What is your favorite camp tradition?
Color War, duh!
What was your favorite camp food?
Probably the cereal bar every morning.
What is your favorite camp cheer?
Ready for this one… “Her name is Rachel she’s a flyin girl she rocks everybody out of this world. She flies like a butterfly, stings like a bee and that’s why we call her Rayyy. Go Ray Go Ray.” (As you do the butterfly dance.) I loved them all!
Sports or arts?
Both!!
Favorite canteen candy?
I literally ended up with like 20 items a night. I think Chipwich though!
Favorite / most requested item on visiting day?
Everything in excess. The amount of things we would put on a list makes me laugh now. So ridiculous. Ew do you remember Easy Cheese?!
What was your favorite camp activity?
I really don’t even think I could pick one! All sports. And the wall!
If you had to have something from camp tattooed on you, what would it be?
Probably “Blue” or “Ray” that was literally what everyone called me, and what they thought my name was since my first year when my bunk nicknamed me that.
Favorite camp memento?
The rope from my rope burn from Color Way apache relay.
Favorite camp word/expression?
Bunko
Everyone loves a camp love story…got anything good for us?
Not any I can share ;)
Follow Rachel’s awesome fitness advice and get ready for summer on Instagram, Facebook, or online!
I loved reading this interview.