Making the Most of Summer Camp Blues

While the summer camp season may be over, that doesn't mean the camp spirit needs to hibernate until next year. Here are some tips and tricks for coping with missing camp, what to expect from the next camp, packing tips, and how to maintain the skills and friendships gained at camp during the off-season.

Coping with Missing Summer Camp

Keep the Memories Alive: Create a photo album, scrapbook, or video montage of your summer camp memories. This can be a fun way to relive those special moments and can help alleviate feelings of missing camp. Stay Connected: Keep in touch with your camp friends and counselors. Social media, emails, and video calls make it easy to stay connected no matter how far apart you are. Bring Camp Home: Try to replicate some of your favorite summer camp activities at home. Whether it's singing camp songs, making s'mores, or crafting, it can bring a bit of camp into your everyday life.

What to Expect from the Next Camp

New Adventures: Every camp year brings new adventures. Look forward to new activities, trips, themes, and perhaps even new facilities. Reunion Time: One of the best parts about returning to camp is seeing old friends. But also, be open to making new ones. Each year brings new campers, adding to your circle of friends. Growth and Leadership: As you return, you might find yourself in a leadership role, helping first-time campers acclimate or leading a team in camp games. It's an opportunity for personal growth and to build leadership skills.

Packing Tips for the Next Summer Camp

Make a Checklist: Start by making a checklist. Most camps provide a packing list. Use this as a base and customize it based on your past experience. Label Everything: With hundreds of campers, things can easily get mixed up. Label all your belongings to ensure they find their way back to you.

Maintaining Skills and Friendships During the Off-Season

Practice Makes Perfect: Keep practicing the skills you learned at summer camp. If you learned a new sport, join a local team. If it was a craft, continue it as a hobby at home. Stay in Touch: Make an effort to stay in touch with your camp friends. Schedule regular video chats, meet up if you live nearby, and send each other letters or emails. Reflect on Your Experience: Take some time to reflect on what you learned at summer camp, how you've grown, and what you want to achieve next year. This can keep the spirit of personal growth alive even in the off-season. Remember, the end of camp is not a goodbye; it's just a see you later. Keep the spirit of the camp alive throughout the off-season, and before you know it, it will be time to pack your bags for another amazing summer!