Summer Camp

Over the winter, I learned about a concept called the “third place.” This is a social setting in our lives separate from our “first” and “second” places – home and work/school, respectively. They are anchors of community life where we exchange ideas, relax and have fun, and most importantly, build and maintain relationships. A “third place” place is where people from diverse backgrounds are welcomed, people know your name, and shared experiences are had. Examples of third places in modern life include libraries, parks, theaters, bowling alleys, and bookstores. Your community’s living room, if you will.

Upon learning about third places, Rockbrook immediately came to mind. Community is a word I hear time and time again when describing Rockbrook, and for me it’s the word that I think of first when I bring to mind this magical oasis in the heart of the wooded mountains. It is where I learned how vital being a part of a community is. Rockbrook has become a catalyst for me seeking other communities outside of camp, communities where lasting friendships- like at Rockbrook -are sure to be made. We are, after all, social creatures who need community.

Why We Need Third Places

For many, camp may be the only place where we experience what it’s like to live in and be a member of a community. In a society that is chronically online and addicted to screens, social media has become our third place. Yet social media provides a false sense of a social life, ultimately leaving us more isolated than connected. Not to mention, we then are too tired to meet IRL because not only are our schedules busier, but we are fatigued from interacting with people via group texts, comments, and DMs. Online, we simply don’t get the same exhilaration that comes from true connection. Sadly, this applies to children too. And for many of our campers, camp may be the only physical third space they inhabit.

Camp as the Ultimate Third Place

Camp, unlike other third places, provides a complete and total separation from social media and screens. It allows children to be immersed in a more intentional version of a third place— a home away from home where they feel carefree, included, and connected. At camp there is a feeling of belonging and identity as we are a collective who share common values and culture. Trust, solidarity, and empathy are built from our constant interaction with one another— vital social skills we can’t develop through social media. Campers feel rooted to Rockbrook, rejuvenated by spending time here.

Within the world of camp itself- where cabins serve as the home and activities serve as a second place of sorts -there are endless amounts of third places scattered throughout. These third places allow campers and staff alike to gather with others who they may not interact with in their cabin or activity settings. It provides opportunities for connection with campers from other age groups, counselors they don’t know yet, and the other adults that help keep camp running. There’s the dining hall, where a junior cabin may give a shout out and pass along a song to a senior cabin. A lodge, a great meeting spot for a club like Rockbrook Readers or to play a board game. The lake, which sees campers and counselors alike during a Free Swim. The creek by Curosty, a place where those of any age or role congregate who love to witness all the natural wonders that Rockbrook has to offer. The Hill, camp’s most central location, always buzzing with activity, and the main place we all assemble for, well, Assembly on the Hill. Even the paths that meander around camp serve as a third place, where small but meaningful moments of connection occur via a wave or a smile or a name called out in greeting.

In The Great Good Place, Ray Oldenburg explains that “third places thrive best in locales where community life is casual […] Attachment to the area and the sense of place that it imparts expands with the individuals’ walking familiarity with it […] These [places] are not only safe, they invite human connection.” What community life is more casual than that of camp life? Where children are encouraged to rest for at least one hour each day, can wear whatever they wish, and have the freedom to choose what they want to do with their time. Oldenburg characterizes third places as having a playful nature, and at camp unstructured real-world play and silly fun is highly valued. Rockbrook’s rustic, cozy feel where kids of all backgrounds are embraced align with another quality of Oldenburg’s third places. The casual nature of camp makes connecting with anyone easy.

Regular contact is one of the greatest requirements in any relationship. Third places flourish through the connection of the regulars who inhabit them because they set the tone of the community. Because third places offer availability with zero effort, they are key in helping to foster reliable, supportive, and lasting friendships. If you know Rockbrook, you know how much friendship is valued here. It’s in our songs, a tenant of our mission, and a subject of countless heartfelt Spirit Fire speeches. If the word “community” somehow doesn’t come to mind when you think of Rockbrook, then most definitely “friendship” does. A strong community breeds strong friendships, and community really thrives in these essential third places like Rockbrook – where we’re free to be ourselves, face to face.

This is the time of the year when we are commonly busy giving tours of camp. We get tour requests all year long, but we encourage families to come during the summer when camp is in session. It’s not unusual to have a tour scheduled each week, and multiple before the end of the summer. I think families hear about Rockbrook and then try to squeeze in a visit before we finish up for the season and school takes over.

It’s a delight for us to show people around and provide a first-hand glimpse into camp life. For people who haven’t seen Rockbrook, a tour is nothing short of marvelous, even magical. That’s because it’s easy to see how special this place is, how it differs from most other places in fascinating ways.

The Feel of Rockbrook

The Rockbrook facilities is one unique difference. Right away most people are taken by the woodsy feeling of camp— the towering trees, babbling creeks, large boulders, and very little “lawn.” Unlike the overly landscaped environments found elsewhere, Rockbrook feels more organic, like something that’s emerged within Nature on its own. There are points of natural beauty around most corners. Look up and you’ll see a shining rock cliff. Look right and there’ll be a waterfall, and left the swimming lake. Even the buildings seem to blend in— the simple, rustic sleeping cabins, stone meeting lodges, dining hall, and the two 19th-century log cabins used for craft activities, for example. Even our newer structures, like the Rockbrook Riding center with its modern barns and covered arena, carry this same aesthetic. There’s a certain feel to Rockbrook that generations of alumnae recognize when they return years later.

Activities Everywhere

Beyond the facilities, touring in session clarifies aspects of camp life that are special to Rockbrook, the activities and the pace of it all. You’ll see campers weaving on vintage floor looms, firing arrows at colorful targets, and rolling their kayaks in the lake. Mornings are a particularly exciting time, with everyone visiting the dining hall for muffin break. You might even catch a glimpse of a girl zipping past the office on the final leg of the zipline course. You’ll bump into all kinds of artistic creativity— girls working with clay, colorful dyes, yarns, paints, wood, and wax. At the Riding Center you’ll see beautiful horses and girls learning to walk, trot, canter, and jump in their riding lessons. At the same time, you’re bound to see girls relaxing with a book, or just chatting with a friend as they soak their feet in the creek. It’s nearly impossible to follow it all, but it’s clear campers are having the time of their lives.

Meeting the People

The true highlight of a camp tour, though, is meeting the people of Rockbrook. In each interaction with campers and staff members, you’ll sense their incredible enthusiasm for camp. You’ll notice the caring and friendly way the girls treat each other, the kind way they pay attention to one another. You’ll hear them chatting easily with each other and laughing at the littlest things. Meeting the girls at Rockbrook is a joy because they’re refreshingly silly, genuinely comfortable, cheerful and happy. You can tell camp is their favorite place. It’s this vibrant community spirit that makes Rockbrook special and the most delightful part of every tour.

If your daughter already attends Rockbrook, you don’t need a tour to appreciate the beauty, fun, and community of Rockbrook. You see it everyday in the photo gallery, and will no doubt hear more about it when she returns home. For those who haven’t experienced it yet, we hope they’ll hear about Rockbrook from current families and alumnae, and if possible come for a visit.

Today was a big day of whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River for our Seniors. It was a perfect, warm and sunny day and the girls had a complete blast bumping and splashing their way down the river. Here are just a couple of photos from the day. So fun!

It’s one of the most beautiful moments of camp. The setting is certainly beautiful with a bright, glowing campfire in the center and towering trees protecting us all around, with the sounds of crickets and peeping frogs, of falling water in the creek, and the soft singing of traditional camp songs. There’s the smell of woodsmoke, and the fading light of the evening turning everything from blue to grey. Of course, there’s also beauty in the people too— the clean red and white uniforms, freshly braided hair, and the shoulder-to-shoulder closeness as the whole camp attends.

There’s also an incredible beauty to the emotions of the moment, to the wonderful feeling of being together like this. Here is a special community of caring friends, of people who know each other deeply, having shared countless experiences and relaxed into mutual habits of kindness toward each other. We feel the bittersweetness of loving Rockbrook, yet knowing that our time together is coming to a close for this summer. There are tears and smiles, laughter and sadness, love and joy —all made more poignant as the evening unfolds.

There’s beauty in what’s said as well. After a camp session, gathering like this evokes heartfelt reflections on what camp has meant to each of us. We can’t help but share how we’ve found unexpected friendship, felt completely at home at camp, how we’re now certain we belong at Rockbrook, and how we ache to return to camp life and our camp friends the rest of the year. Camp has encouraged us, supported us when we weren’t sure, and allowed us to connect so profoundly with each other. Together, we’ve sung songs and forged memories we’ll always treasure. Reflecting back, we’ve found a marvelous spirit in it all.

It’s the Spirit Fire, the century-old tradition at Rockbrook where we gather around a campfire for a program of songs, camper and counselor speeches and a candlelight ceremony to mark the end of each session. Tonight’s Spirit fire was indeed beautiful in all these ways.

As each camper shared their memories and thoughts of the session, and as we sang together favorite traditional Rockbrook songs like “In the Heart of a Wooded Mountain,” there was an extraordinary intimacy to the setting. The beauty of the moment was undeniable, almost unbearably emotional, yet somehow perfectly suited to how we all felt after such an amazing camp session. We all realized that we were part of something special, something deep, enduring and important. When Sarah talked about being grateful, it made perfect sense.

We closed by lighting candles from the Spirit Fire. As small flames were passed from person to person, symbolizing how the spirit of Rockbrook is shared, we felt even more connected, both to each other and to something larger than ourselves. We stood lined up around the lake singing softly, the flickering candlelight reflecting off the water. We felt the abiding magic of this special place, of these very special people. It really was beautiful.

Thank you for a wonderful session. It’s been a pleasure beyond what we imagined, and a joy we’ll cherish. Until next summer, be well and grow in the spirit of Rockbrook.

A few days ago I wrote a piece that described camp as a haven, as a “sanctuary” free from various detrimental forces and challenges common to modern life. I argued that Rockbrook’s goal is to create a special place where kids can escape the pressures of, for example, being too busy, being judged by peers, being inside and online too much, and so on. Creating this haven is our goal because we know that once girls are protected from these various harmful forces, they experience deeply important opportunities to grow in the most joyous ways. Campers develop different instincts and understandings when they find this unique kind of freedom and relief at camp. It’s marvelous to witness.

One comment I received about that post was from a parent who said, “I wish we adults could experience that sort of haven too.” I’d have to agree! It would be nice to be outside more, doing more real-world things, taking a break from screens and having more time to pay attention to everything around us. It would be nice to be free of social pressures, prejudices, competition and criticisms. We know it feels good to be physically active, to be creative, and to connect more with other people from a place of kindness. An environment offering all of this would be amazing for everyone!

Can We Bring Camp Home?

I just have to ask, “Why don’t we?” Why don’t we put in some effort creating at least hints of camp life the rest of the year? If we know what camp is doing— establishing a haven from various negative forces —can’t we oppose those forces at home and at school too, and thereby realize some of those same benefits? To some extent, I think the answer is yes.

A few of the ways Rockbrook creates a haven for girls are structural and could be implemented outside of camp. For example, families could be intentional about spending time outside when they can. Parents could make a conscious effort to slow down their family’s schedule, building in “down time” and other opportunities to relax with each other. We could all make an effort to moderate our consumption of news and other forms of media. We could remember to prioritize physical interactions with the world, not exercise or “working out” per say, but rather exercising all our senses among real-world phenomena.

The Smartphone Problem

Perhaps the most consequential way Rockbrook is a haven, yet also a way that could be copied at home, is the absence of smartphone use. At camp we all can ditch our phones and happily carry on, but it probably sounds absurd to suggest doing the same at home. After all, ordinarily your phone is your constant companion, always willing to fill your time at the slightest hint of boredom. You might even agree that most of us are on our phones too much, and you too would prefer we instead had more face-to-face communication and other real-world interactions.

Plus, the evidence is staggering how phone use, especially the role played by social media, is doing significant damage to our physical and mental health. Jonathan Haidt’s new book, The Anxious Generation, makes the case for this quite clearly for young people, and Jaron Lanier makes Ten Arguments for Deleting your Social Media Accounts. For both of these authors, there’s unhappiness built right into how we use our phones, plenty of negative consequences, especially for kids.

Of course, putting down our phones is not easy, even if you wanted to. They’re too powerful and too ingrained in our lives, and most importantly, too widespread. If you tried to add restrictions to your teenager’s phone use, the resistance would most likely be epic, the least of which would be her cries, “but all my friends have their phones!” Without some kind of collective or institutional support, the amount of solo effort required to even moderate phone use would likely be too much. By the way, this is one reason Haidt recommends schools be phone-free. Schools have the institutional clout to align opinions on this.

Community Is the Key

This highlights a powerful advantage camp has— we’re a community. We’re foremost a tight-knit group of people who live (eat, play, make) together, who experience so much together, and who recognize that how we treat each other (with kindness, care, generosity, compassion) makes a crucial difference. At camp, whenever we have to do something that challenges us individually, we can count on encouragement and support from those around us. And if there’s something that would be hard to do on our own, we are more capable when we do it together, whether it be tackling cabin chores, braving uncomfortable weather, or severing the tether we have with a smartphone.

It’s this community spirit that anchors Rockbrook as a haven for girls. Being a community with shared values, but also with regular shared time together, makes most of what we do possible. We focus on the people around us, building amazing positive (friendly) relationships with them all, adding in a few structural elements— tech-free, outdoor experience, playful silliness, a relaxed pace, etc. —and almost like magic we have a beautiful haven.

My hope is that Rockbrook can provide a positive vision of what life can be. I think it does for those lucky enough to experience it. I also believe that if we want to extend the lovely benefits of camp, we need to first find (or build) a sense of community. Camp proves how powerful it is to bring people together like this. Meeting that challenge would be a good place to start.

“In the heart of a wooded mountain,
Circled by silvery streams,
Is a dear old place called Rockbrook,
The scene of our girlhood dreams.

The rosy mist of the morning,
Veil it anew at dawn,
Like a fairyland of beauty,
Where friendships so true are born.”

It’s true that the beauty of camp can be seen in the gorgeous greens of the trees and the sparkle of the cool, crisp lake, but it can also be seen in the true friendships born out of being our authentic selves. At camp, we are encouraged to choose clothes based on how it will allow our bodies to move, shoes designed to support our selected activities, and activities that intrigue us! Our days revolve around activities and out-of-camp trips we have chosen for ourselves, and our friends have done the same. Gone are the facades, societal pressures, and limitations! With each choice, we get closer to figuring out what makes us unique.

And how wonderful it is to see everyone exploring and sharing their interests! As you walk around camp, you will see campers sharing friendship in a myriad of ways. There are often friends on the hill, braiding beads in each other’s hair. Friendship bracelets being made not only in Jewelry Making, but in cabin bunks, on lodge porches, and in Crazy Creeks during down times. Crochet animals made in Curosty and gifted to cabin-mates! And someone is always there to lend a supporting hand or an encouraging cheer! 

These friendships, the ones that have comforted when sad, exalted when celebrated, and supported through uncertainty, are born to last!

“Oh Rockbrook, you have given,
What none can ‘ere destroy,
Ideals to guide our lives by,
And friends to bring us joy.”

—Morgan Boyd
   Camp Mom, former camper and counselor

There’s an article on the Rockbrook website where we identify the top reasons camp is important for children. If you haven’t seen it, it can be understood as a list of benefits of summer camp, as a summary of what kids gain from their experience at Rockbrook.

If camp is “fun that matters,” these are some of the ways it matters.

Benefits from Simply Living at Camp

Some of the “reasons camp is great for kids,” in the article, spring just from living the life we have at Rockbrook. For example, “Reconnecting with Nature” is the simple consequence of being outside most of our day. We’re living in a forest, hearing and smelling it, even through the night in our open-air, screened cabins. We’re getting wet when it rains, and finding a bug of some sort almost anywhere. “Being physically active” is built into our day too. We’re walking up and down the hills just getting from one activity to another, not to mention the activities themselves— the hiking, swimming, tennis, gagaball, horseback riding, and so on. “Unplugging from technology” is likewise simply a part of camp. Quite intentionally and for many reasons, we don’t allow anyone to be “on their phone” at Rockbrook. Everything about that is antithetical to the attentive community we value at camp.

Growth from the Camp Experience

Other reasons camp is important, listed in the article, focus on how kids grow from the experience. Many of the particularities of camp life— being away from parents, making decisions like choosing your own activities or when to take a shower, experiencing all sorts of new things, overcoming challenges when something doesn’t turn out just right —are behind this growth in character. The article puts it this way; at camp, children “become more confident,” “gain resiliency,” and “grow more independent.” The examples are endless. Think of the confidence it takes to control a 1,200-pound horse, or to climb a 50-foot tower. Imagine the resilience, flexibility and persistence required to keep trying when you can’t figure out how to center a ball of clay on the wheel, but still try again, or when your first choice of activities is not available after all. Of course kids are practicing being independent at camp (no parents or teachers to guide every move) too, but it’s exactly that practice that proves, even on their own, they can do it.

Camp as Empowerment

Recently another idea came to mind that brings together these aspects of the camp experience. It’s the idea that camp life empowers the girls at Rockbrook. We might say, most of the “benefits” in the article can be understood as different ways camp girls are empowered by the experience. They’re made more physically powerful by being active most of the day, more socially powerful by joining this cooperative community, and more personally powerful by gaining confidence and resilience. They’re empowered by discovering they can be creative and attentive when away from electronic entertainment. They’re more powerful from the expanded awareness that comes from spending this extended time in Nature. And they’re certainly empowered knowing they can be friends with anyone who is open and kind in return, no matter where they’re from.

It was a quote by writer Wes Angelozzi that got me thinking about “camp as empowering kids.” He writes:

“Go and love someone exactly as they are. And then watch how quickly they transform into the greatest, truest version of themselves. When one feels seen and appreciated in their own essence, one is instantly empowered.”

Reading that, I thought, “Yes, that is so true at Rockbrook.” We are helping our girls discover “the truest version of themselves” by creating a loving community of care and kindness. We strive for everyone here to feel accepted “as they are,” respected and appreciated, no matter their looks, smarts or talents. This extraordinary, friendly community proves, over and over, that everyone belongs. And yes, that feeling of “the people here love the true me” is instantly empowering. It’s freeing, empowering and joyful.

I think it’s a bit of secret sauce— the culture of Rockbrook. A community this friendly and accepting, one that opens girls up, inspiring them to learn about themselves and be genuine to themselves, is an added force making camp even more empowering. Now when you see Rockbrook girls being powerful and especially amazing, you’ll have a hunch why.

It’s not hard to imagine that we’re having a great time at camp. If you’ve been tabbing through the daily photo gallery, and if you watched the recent video, it’s clear. The girls— and I’d add also the staff —are having fun in so many ways. You can tell by the smiles, the laughter, and the excited cheers that erupt throughout the day. You can get a sense of it by seeing the sheer variety of things everyone is doing. In a single day, a camper can ride a horse, shoot an arrow, climb a tower, weave, swim, hike, sing, and many other specific activities. But the campers will also tell you that it’s fun to just be at camp. They value the periods of self-directed free time too, just like the activity time. Mealtime is fun, free swim is fun, and even getting ready for bed and waking up in the morning is fun in way.

How can this be? What’s different about camp that makes even ordinary times fun? I have two thoughts.

It's the People

The first I mentioned earlier. A big reason life at camp is fun is because of the other people here, the other kids and the staff. You might say that without other friendly people at camp, what we do here wouldn’t measure up at all. We wouldn’t have people wanting to return year after year to shoot another arrow, or put on another costume, or sleep in a rustic cabin. Older campers will put it that way. They’ll tell you they come back to be with their friends. They come back for the people. And I think that’s because no matter what they’re doing, it’ll be great, if they have their camp friends to do it with.

To put that a little differently, it’s the relationships we have with each other that make a difference. The camp culture sets the tone for these by valuing kindness, caring, and respect. The Rockbrook community spirit is built on a philosophy of belonging, encouragement and cooperation —all pointing toward developing deeper more meaningful relationships. At camp, we’re not competing and we’re not judging or undermining anyone. Instead, we’re applauding each other for trying things. We’re supporting everyone around us. There’s a positivity to camp that helps everyone feel safe and valued. This encourages openness and a feeling of freedom to enjoy whatever we’re doing. It all comes from the genuine relationships we have with the kind people around us.

The Power of Play

There’s another factor too, another characteristic of camp life that serves up so much fun. It’s Rockbrook’s emphasis on play. On the one hand, our daily schedule provides lots of free, unstructured time for the girls to play. Whether on the hill, or by the creek, or floating in the lake, the campers are playing— being social, being active and creative. They have the freedom for real-world play, for making things up, and open self-expression. Here too, having great friends to join makes it even more likely that kids will spontaneously play together if given the freedom (time, space and encouragement) to do so. It’s wonderful to see these Rockbrook girls relish the opportunities to play at camp.

Rockbrook also promotes play at camp by injecting a little silliness into most things. We know that wearing a goofy hat to dinner makes it more fun. We know that the zanier the dance move, the more fun it will be. When we’re making things, the more imaginative it is the better. We foster exploration and experimentation, excited no matter what the outcome. We’re silly with the rules of the game— tennis with your non-dominant hand, climbing the tower blindfolded, gagaball with more than one ball —all for just the playful fun spirit of it. And when you’re not keeping score or competing (who cares who wins?), the play itself is intrinsically rewarding. This celebration of the silly helps us approach things playfully at Rockbrook.

Play as Development

I should add that the play we enjoy at camp, and the fun we experience while playing, is not just frivolous. There’s mounting evidence that the sort of play that camp provides is a fundamental aspect of childhood that contributes to social, emotional and even cognitive development. Removing the regular opportunity to play is largely detrimental for kids. There’s more to say about that later. For now, let’s appreciate the fun our kids have playing at camp. It’s a really great, and valuable thing.

Is it possible to have too much fun? Well, for adults who have daily responsibilities and various “urgencies,” I can imagine that having nonstop fun would be a distraction, depending on what you mean by “fun.” If it’s thrills and excitement, or novel entertainment, or just pleasure without purpose, then yes, too much fun for most adults wouldn’t be recommended. But if fun means having moments of playfulness, the freedom to create, or that relaxed feeling of being absorbed in something recreational, then this sort of fun is, when you can find it, certainly a good thing.

Why Camp Fun Is Different

For kids at camp, however, I think it’s a little different. Camp means taking a break from things, a break from the pressures of school, from the wildly rushed pace many kids endure, and yes from the orchestration parents ordinarily provide (almost constantly!). Camp means being given the freedom to try new things, to make countless decisions for yourself, and to slow down or speed up as needed. At camp, the many forms of fun are available everyday, and girls can enjoy as much of it as they like. And at camp, there’s something special here that makes almost everything more fun— it’s the people, the other kids and counselors who have the same mindset. “Let’s go! It’ll be fun!” Even if it’s doing cabin chores, singing a song, or jumping in the lake, it’s more fun together. Too much fun at camp? I don’t think it’s possible.

Whitewater Rafting on the Nantahala

Two recent examples of this come to mind, and both happened on the same day. The first is the whitewater rafting trips we took with our Senior campers. With all 6 buses making the trip over to the Nantahala River, we took two trips, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, enjoying the bumping and splashing of the rapids. Altogether, about 80 campers and counselors made their way down the 9-mile stretch of river on these trips.

Running the river is certainly thrilling, but when it’s in a raft of silly Rockbrook girls, it’s even better. Having a bunch of friends in the raft with you makes the songs louder, the poses for the camera goofier, and the shrieks laughter more hilarious when someone falls out of, or bounces back into the raft. These trips are big fun, and today the perfectly warm, sunny weather was a welcome boost.

All-Camp Shaving Cream Fight

The other example is the all-camp shaving cream fight and slip-n-slide (one naturally leads to the other!) we held after dinner. Here too, bringing all of these excited girls together made the whole event more fun for everyone. If you haven’t seen one these it goes like this. Show up wearing your swimsuit ready to get a little messy. Armed with a can of regular plain shaving cream, you then race around the field trying to spray the white slippery foam on your friends, which means anyone nearby. In all directions foam was flying! There’s something inherently hilarious about surprising someone with a handful of shaving cream splattered on their head or neck or just about anywhere. Squirt, splat, howl with laughter, and repeat.

It doesn’t take long before most everyone is covered with shaving cream, and in some cases completely covered. That too is simply funny to see. But the fun doesn’t stop there. There are hairstyles to form (mohawks seem popular), high fives and other tricks to perform. Girls drew letters in the foam, posed for photos and kept laughing the whole time. Meanwhile, our now slippery campers took turns sliding down a wet sheet of plastic, zooming on their bellies, here too, grinning all the way. Sounds like fun, right? It is! It’s the kind of excellent fun that’s hard to find anywhere else.

The Spirit Fire Setting

For many of us this was an especially emotional evening because we held our last Spirit Fire of the summer. The Spirit Fire is another of the long traditions at Rockbrook, something that’s been a closing ceremony for every session since the camp’s founding more than 100 years ago. It’s a campfire ceremony held on the large rock (“Vesper Rock”) overlooking the camp lake. Surrounded by huge white oak and hemlock trees, the entire camp gathers there dressed in our red and white uniforms. In the same fire ring as generations of Rockbrook girls have done in the past, we build a great campfire. We begin near dusk, so as the surrounding woods turn from green to blue to grey and finally to black, the orange glow of the campfire looks gorgeous. With crickets and frogs chirping, and the sound of the waterfall into the lake faintly splashing in the background, we create an almost dreamy setting.

The Spirit Fire program provides an opportunity to recall and reflect upon the rich experiences we shared during the session. We sing favorite traditional camp songs and listen as fellow campers and counselors share their thoughts about their time at camp. For example, we sing “How Did we Come to Meet Pal” and “The Streams and the Mountains,” just two favorites. The speakers are selected from all age groups (Juniors, Middlers, Seniors, and Hi-Ups) and from both first-year and returning counselors.

Home Away from Home

The speeches tonight confirmed what we’ve all been experiencing this session— a profound closeness, a special feeling of connection and comfort shared with the others at camp. One word that kept coming up was “home.” Campers described feeling “at home” here at Rockbrook. One simply said, “When I’m at camp, I’m home.” And a counselor put it perfectly, “Rockbrook is my home, not because of the place, but because of the people.” All of these speakers realized that as camp enlivens the best part of ourselves, as we live those core relationship values of kindness and caring, we make the best friends of our lives. Through the day, we find our true selves relaxing into the generous arms of a supportive community.

That’s why the Spirit Fire is bittersweet. It’s a wonderful reminder of why these girls love camp, of why, for many, it’s their favorite time of the year. Nowhere else do they feel this good and have these kinds of close relationships. But the Spirit Fire also marks the end of the session and the time when we must soon say goodbye. Camp friends are the best friends, but they are also usually seen only once a year. Closing camp for this reason is always sad.

It’s been especially gratifying this session to see your girls enjoy the special experiences of camp, to learn and grow individually, and to forge so many close camp friendships. We are so grateful to everyone— campers, staff, and parents alike —for helping make this session so successful. Thank you! We know Rockbrook means as much to all of you as it does to us. We are already looking forward to being together again next summer.