I’ve dreamed of this moment since the day we found out our 12-week-old fetus was a girl. Of course, she would follow in my footsteps to Camp Robindel, just as I had followed in my mom’s. It felt written in the stars: my mom was the Blue Team Song Leader during her Juniper summer in 1973, I was the White Team Song Leader in 2003, and yes – I had already pictured my daughter standing on that same stage in 2030, sixty years later. Let’s be honest… her speech was practically written.
Robindel was my summer home for eight unforgettable years – seven as a camper, one as a counselor. It shaped me. It taught me independence, resilience, leadership, and friendship in the most authentic ways. It welcomed me back when I asked to be a last-minute counselor just days before camp began. It even made its way into my “Why Penn” essay, and my dad couldn’t resist working it into his wedding speech. To this day, I can tell you people’s Juniper summers, their Alma themes, and yes – I still play Robindel Jewish geography. I’m a walking banner of Camp Robindel pride.
When I was 15, visiting my brother at Emory, I met Lauren (Kasnett) Nearpass. We bonded instantly over our shared camp obsession. Years later, when Lauren launched Summer 365, I knew I’d eventually find my way to her team. And when I did, in the spring of 2023, my love for camp was reignited in a whole new way.
But here’s what I quickly realized, even as a lifelong camper: every camp has its own magic. Its own traditions, facilities, culture, and leadership style. There’s no one-size-fits-all. I grew up in the world of single-sex New Hampshire camps, with Lake Winnipesaukee as my backdrop. But through Summer 365, I’ve had the chance to explore camps across the country, each with its own philosophy and personality – all incredible in different ways.
So when it came time to think about camp for my daughter, I knew I had to (try to!) take off my nostalgia goggles and follow the same process I guide my clients through. With my husband as my sounding board (and my mentor Lanie as well), I asked myself the questions we always ask parents:
-
What is your child like?
-
What do you hope they’ll gain from camp?
-
What kind of environment will help them thrive?
That’s when it clicked. This wasn’t about me. This wasn’t about reliving my summers. This was about my daughter – and finding the place where she would grow, flourish, and make memories of her own.
Yes, I held my breath as we pulled into camp. Yes, I was nervous, excited, and a little teary. But walking through those gates – now as a mom – I asked the questions, met the directors, and looked at it all with fresh eyes. And I knew.
I knew Sophie (and eventually Logan) would thrive here. Not because it was mine. Not because of tradition. But because it was right for her.
So here we are. A third-generation Robindeler. Watching the torch get passed – not because it had to be, but because it’s where she belongs.
And I’m just so, so grateful to be part of the journey – as a mom, as a camp consultant, and as a lifelong believer in the magic of camp.
About the Contributor:
Lani Sterling is a S365 Counselor and Bloomingdale’s buyer who lives in Livingston, NJ. She has 2 daughters, Sophie and Logan, who are 7 and 5. She of course cannot wait for Sophie to embark on her Robindel journey and live vicariously through her! Lani has been training for her sprint to Sophie’s bunk on visiting day through the back of camp to be the first parent at her bunk!