Share your camp memories. Send short historical anecdotes (200-500 words) that describe milestones in your personal camp history, or in the history of your camp. Send your story to History@ACAcamps.org. Stories will be added to this growing archive. ACA reserves the right to edit submissions and exclude from posting.
Camp Awosting
Camp Awosting has just finished their 110th consecutive summer – not too many
camps can boast this longevity! Camp Awosting began in 1900 in Ellenville,
New York, on Lake Awosting under the ownership of Dr. Ted Truslow and the directorship
of Jerome Kidder. They ran Awosting as a summer camp program for boys from
the New York City area, giving them the chance to spend some quality time outside
in the woods. Read More . . . .
Best Friend for Life
At camp I met my best friend for life. I learned that I can be independent, and that being silly can be good for you. Camp taught me to play in warm summer rain and that I could conquer fears. I developed a love of turkey and pita sandwiches. I am more than I thought I could be. Fun is very freeing. - Elizabeth May
Camp Prepares You for Life
At camp, I developed as a whole person, something you can't get from school. During the summer, I worked at – Camp Tecumseh, YMCA. My boss read me an article that said, "school prepares you for college, camp prepares you for life." Nothing could be more true... - Joella Scott
Seashore Day Camp
Founded in 1926, Seashore has the distinction of being the first day camp in New Jersey. When John Cittadino, a teacher and swim coach in Asbury Park, founded Seashore Day Camp in 1926, he knew children needed a recreational program where they could interact with others during their summer break. Read More . . . .
Camp Winnataska History
Founded in 1918, Camp Winnataska, grew out of the desire of youth-serving organizations to serve city children during the summer months. The idea was to move children out of nearby Birmingham, Alabama, with its thick factory smoke and steel-making smog, to a wholesome, woodsy environment. Read More . . . .
YMCA in Thailand
In 1953, I was an 8 year-old boy on my way to my first camp. It was a YMCA camp in Thailand, where I was one of seven people who spoke English. We had a great time – making things from native Bamboo and going on the beach at night with our flashlights to gather crabs for a snack. Later, I enjoyed Boy Scout camping experiences, earning enough merit badges to become a Life Scout… These are fond memories. - Richard Lowe
Camp Horizons
As an only child, with non-outdoorsy parents, camp opened up a whole new
world to me. I started attending Camp Horizons at age 8, and
was a camper, CIT and counselor for 14 years. I came to work at Horizons
right out of college, and have been here ever since as Registrar, Associate
Director and now Director of Administration. Read
More . . . .
My Life Changed
Camp gave me a unique insight into american camping- having grown up in
the rural British countryside, I never knew such amazing places
existed. When I first worked as a counselor aged 18, something
clicked and my life changed from then on. Camp is a place to
be yourself and to work with inquisitive minds of children
that are there to learn and have fun. I now work full time
in the UK encouraging more people to take the opportunity to
work at summer camp. Without camp, I'd be lost. It is a wonderful institution
and a breath of fresh air (literally!).
- Lara Wilkes
Camp Matoaka and Camp Friendship
As the youngest in a family of 6 I was the only one that ever attended
any form of organized camp. I joined the Boy Scouts for a few
years and had a great time as a camper, but it wasn't until much later
did I realize how much I loved camp. As a college student looking for a
summer job I found Camp Matoaka in Maine. The summer of 2002 changed my
life forever. Read More . . . .
From the UK
I am an Englishman who was one of the first to participate in BUNAC's
Exchange Visitor Program, the precursor to BUNACamp and BUNAC's
SCUSA program. It was a real privilege to meet and get to know
so many Americans through camp in the 1970s. I have made life-long
friends, not only with counselors but also with campers. - David Heathcote
Cuff Camp-Cuff
As a new camp director my husband and I are following the history of camping
from his parents who started a camp in 1950. My in-laws felt
it was important to give children a new experience through
camping. Now we are continuing the traditions. As a former
girl scout, and leader, it was important for me to give my
children the experience of camping which I feel enhanced them
as individuals, camping gave them values, and character and
self- esteem. I am so proud to be a camp director and to pass
on the traditions to the new generation of children. - Katherine & Bruce,
Cuff Camp-Cuff
YMCA Camp Onyahsa
The sound of Reveille cuts through the morning mist
as it rises from Chautauqua Lake. The sounds of waking children fill the
campsite as the dew on the field sparkles. Another day has begun at YMCA
Camp Onyahsa; and, like any other day in its 112-year history, children
will experience the friendships, create the memories, and learn the values
that will shape their lives. Read More . . . .
Rain Dance
I was no more than ten or eleven years old one summer at camp. It had been
raining for days on end. It was like something right out of
the Noah's Ark story. We had been cooped up inside with various indoor
activities for days and we were going stir crazy. The bell for lunch sounded
and we all put on ponchos and boots and ran through the storm to the dining
hall. Read More . . . .
Geneva Glen Camp
I spent the first 22 summers of my life at Geneva Glen Camp in Indian
Hills, CO, because my parents were the directors. Now at age
78, I can recall something beautiful about that place every day — no exaggeration.
I lived it to the fullest: the singing, nature's spectacular
wonders, the staff members who served as role models, and often imagined
myself as an American Indian princess since the Ute Trail to South Park
went through our property. I learned to ride western saddle and to treat
a horse always with respect. I learned the value of hard physical work
and the joy of campfires and shooting stars. Our staff was our family,
though I had to endure the sadness of saying "goodbye" at the
end of the summer. It is the place I love most — still — today. - Diane
Gilmore Ross