Camp Talk
Summer camp. Type those words into a Google search, and you’ll get 1,440,000,000 results in just .87 seconds. We live in a world where information, photos, data, and resources can be accessed digitally in less time than it takes to snap your fingers. It used to be that in order to experience camp and this... read more
Being a parent is a huge, scary, overwhelming, and honoring responsibility. If you do it correctly, you are preparing your child to become a thriving, happy, and responsible adult. It’s no small task. In this day, parents have more to worry about than ever before. Is all that screen time damaging their intellect and social... read more
Many of us would agree that we like to be comfortable. When we are comfortable, we feel safe, restful, comfy, and relaxed. The word might evoke visions of snuggling under the covers at bedtime, sinking into a cushioned recliner, or entering a crowded room with a friend on each arm. However, when we leave that... read more
In September of this year, the documentary The Social Dilemma was released on Netflix. It sparked many conversations about safe and healthy use of social media as well as its impact on our culture, society, beliefs, and ideas. The film addressed the unseen dangers lurking beneath the surface of our social media use. Not all... read more
The Pandemic Has Taken Its Toll. Summer Camp Will Help.
We all know about the great physical benefits that summer camp brings to kids. Being outside in the sunshine where they are moving and active is a great experience for children and youth. However, camp also actively improves the mental health of attendees. At camp, kids experience community, authentic relationships, and friendship. As they turn... read more
Summer Staff: Where Are They Now?
Lisa Gammon grew up coming to camp as a camper, but spending one week of her summer at camp wasn’t enough for her. She couldn’t wait to join the summer staff so that she could spend her entire summers at camp. Lisa got her chance, and worked on staff from 1990 - 1994. Lisa loved being the head lifeguard and one of her favorite jobs was cleaning the pool. Each morning before vacuuming the pool, she used rescue all of the frogs out of the skimmer buckets, wash the chlorine off of them, and line them up by the fence so they could hop back into the woods. She was always amazed at how many frogs chose to go for night swims! Lisa says, “Some of my favorite memories include all the crazy places we "slept" at night from the swinging bridge and Horse Thief Cave to Deer Meadow in the middle of Wintertainment and watching the Northern Lights. I loved the campfires and the sound of the logs popping and tree frogs singing. I made many lifelong friends there.”
After camp, Lisa graduated from Iowa state and got married. She and her husband have two beautiful daughters. Lisa has been teaching elementary special education for over twenty years now. She lives with her husband in Cedar Rapids where she enjoys good books, going on long walks with their two dogs, and traveling. Looking back at her time at camp, Lisa says, “I think camp helped me on my journey to becoming an educator and being a positive impact on the lives of others. I hope Camp can continue to be a special place in the hearts of many.”
