Camp Reviews — Memories from Real Camp Families
Read these stories from our camp community:
Alexandra said... |
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My girls have been going to Kamp Kohut for the last 5 years. This will be the fifth year for Jeanne and her younger sister, Justine, will be her 3rd year.
Justine was only 7 years old when she joined the Kamp Kohut family. Some people might think she was too young to leave for 2 weeks. I also thought she was too young and wouldn't be able to be away from home. Was I wrong!!!
Justine was to stay only two weeks but ended up staying the whole session, just about 4 weeks.
When came time to pick up Justine, we got a phone call from Lisa letting us know Justine wanted to stay 2 more weeks. We knew she was having the time of her life after seeing all the picture Kamp Kohut had posted and her letters where always filled with Wow! Cool! But two more weeks!!My baby girl was growing and was having an amazing summer. I wanted to see her but I had to let her learn and grow. She wanted to catch more fish, play the drums, have fun with her new friends, be part of the Kohut family. How could I say no?
I'm proud of myself for sending my kids each summer to Kamp Kohut. It's one of my best decisions I've made for my girls. They are part of an amazing family with great values. Thank you Kamp Kohut! |
Alexandra said... |
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For the last 4 summers, my daughter Justine watched with envy her sister Jeanne leave for Kamp Kohut. Every day, Justine would look at all the pictures sent by Kamp Kohut. She would constantly ask us when she would be able to go to camp. When we told her she would be going to Kamp Kohut, she was so excited!
I was reluctant at first, wondering if she was too young to go to camp. My 7 year old baby would be gone for 2 weeks. How would she manage without her mommy? Would she be able t communicate with others since she only spoke French? Silly things like, would she know when to wash her hair? I was worried!!! Lisa reassured |
Alexandra said... |
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For the last four years, my daughter Justine watched with envy her sister Jeanne leave for Kamp Kohut. Every day, Justine would look at all the pictures sent by Kamp Kohut. She would constantly ask us when she would be able to go to to Kamp Kohut. When we told her she would be going to Kamp Kohut this year, she was so excited.
I was reluctant at first, wondering if she was too young to go to camp. My 7 year old baby would be gone for 2 weeks. How would she manage without her mommy? Would she be able to communicate with others since she only spoke French? I had to trust Kamp Kohut and my daughter. She had wanted to go to Kamp Kohut for such a long time. It was now her chance to be part of an amazing family.
Justine helped out packing and made sure shw brought all her favorite stuffies with her. When we arrived at Kamp Kohut, Justine was all smiles. She was trilled to meet her bunkmates and counsellors. I helped her settled in and gave her all the advice a mom could give her baby girl.
Time had come for us to leave our girls. We would be picking up Justine in 2 weeks and Jeanne in 4. Both girls were excited to have the best summer ever! No tears from Justine! I wasn't expecting that!She told us to have a safe drive home and off she went with Jeanne to greet the buses arriving with the campers.
Early each morning, I would read the Kamp Kohut's newsletter filled with loads of pictures. This made us feel like we were with our daughters and seeing them having fun at Kamp Kohut was so reassuring. We knew our daughters would come home transformed.
The 2 weeks went by so fast! It was time to drive down to the States to pick up Justine. All day, I was planning our trip to the States Sandwiches and snacks were in the cooler. Passports were in my purse. Butterflies in my belly! Couldn't wait to see my girls!
Well Justine had other plans! Lisa and Justine phoned us in the afternoon to let us know that Justine wanted to stay 2 more weeks. We were so surprised! We couldn't believe our baby girl was ready to stay the whole session. I wanted to see my girls so badly! As a mother, I realized Justine was growing up and needed others to teach her. You might have heard the saying: It takes a village to raise a child. Well, Justine needed Kamp Kohut to help her grow. I put aside my feelings and let her stay 2 more weeks. She wanted to catch more fish, play the drums, have fun with her friends, to be part of the Kamp Kohut family. How could I say no?
I'm proud of myself for sending my kids each summer to Kamp Kohut. It's one of the best decisions I've made for my girls. They are part of an amazing family with great values. Thank you Kamp Kohut! |
Kristin said... |
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We sent our girls, ages 8 and 11 to Kamp Kohut in Oxford, Maine during the summer of 2014.
To phrase it simply: It was a WONDERFUL experience for them and for us.
Kohut is situated an hour from our home on Thompson Lake. The grounds are pristine and vast, the facilities are clean, well maintained and have both a modern feel and classic camp style.
The process of looking at camps started when the director, Lisa Tripler met with our girls and discussed what camp life was like. Lisa also discussed camp "readiness" and the culture of Kohut. We knew that her kindness and responsiveness set the tone of the overall milieu of the camp. Kohut felt like and easy choice for us all.
The camp experience extended beyond the weeks they were away from home. The directors paired our 1st-timers with seasons camp veterans who contacted them via phone and snail mail. Our girls loved having a pall to connect with on arrival day.
That same pen-pal became am ambassador for other new friends and helped our girls navigate day-to-day camp life.
The counselors were all well spoken and gregarious. We appreciated that they reached out to us to make us feel comfortable in letting our girls "go" as we helped them unpack. Kohut's directors choose a diverse and well-educated group of leaders for its counseling positions.
Our girls were encouraged to try new activities each week and we were thrilled that they both enhanced the skills they had ( swimming, crafts, dance and singing) as well as tried new activities (water-skiing, mountaineering, fishing).
Kohut's culture is one of connection, caring and warmth. Our girls made terrific friends and were treated with great respect and mutuality.
We knew our girls were in great hands. They loved the time they spent away and were so happy and full-of-life the day we came to pick them up. Their time spent at Kohut only strengthened their beauty (inside and out).
We highly recommend Kohut to any family searching for an ideal place for well-rounded growth and fun for their children.
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Michael said... |
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Kamp Kohut is an AMAZING experience that will stay with our children for a lifetime. We have sent our three oldest children to Kamp Kohut and we have greatly valued the happy memories that they have shared (hoping our youngest will soon will have Kohut memories of her own!). They fondly remember laughter with bunkmates, sailing on Lake Thompson, and trips around the beautiful state of Maine.
Every part of Kamp Kohut was a positive life-forming event for our children. They met bunkmates and counselors from around the world, developed life-long friendships, and accomplished goals large and small. Among the great activities were fantastic sports and crafts instruction, GREAT FOOD, the College Days competitions, and group activities that fostered positive relationships with their peers.
Our oldest son (now in college) attended Kamp Kohut for seven years and the friendships with his bunkmates continues to grow. Our other children who attended have the same experience with friendships that began at Kamp Kohut.
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Merrill said... |
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Kamp Kohut has been the most wonderful gift we have given our daughter. She values her Kamp Kohut summers more than anything else and considers her "campies" among her best friends. From the moment she stepped onto the Kohut bus almost six years ago she has appreciated every day she spends on gorgeous Lake Thomson. She treasures the friendships she has built, her relationship with the Kohut directors and staff, the opportunity to try new things, and the chance to slow down a little and be a young girl enjoying the simple pleasures in life- fresh blueberries, a dip in an emerald watering hole, a camp fire, talking with bunk-mates at sunrise, or a sail in the early evening. I have saved every letter from my daughter and each one is filled with joy. As time goes on, I continue to see what a special place Kohut is for Francesca. She writes about her Kamp experiences in English class throughout the year. I truly believe Kamp Kohut is the best gift I could have given her. |
Benjamin said... |
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Our son completed his 5th summer this year at Kamp Kohut. When we pick him up - his first words are: "I cannot wait till next summer!". The positive life changing experience that our son has every summer is truly amazing. The structure of the camp allows him to become more independent, schedule oriented yet he has fun every minute of each day. One of the most important things that Kamp Kohut does is they pick quality counselors. Kamp Kohut makes sure that each kid is paired with counselors that share similar interests. The camp does a wonderful job to make sure that each summer my son is paired with past bunk mates as well as new bunk mates. Kamp Kohut makes every effort to keep friendships strong while encouraging new friendships. Kamp Kohut is to our son his second family! We love it and we know that he will have many memories/stories to share when he grows up. |
Marla said... |
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Seeing photos of my daughter lobster fishing for trip day. |
Tabetha said... |
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I am a parent as well as the Kitchen Manager. My fondest memory of my daughter and all the kids at camp is during one of the Kohut Olympics. Everyone was going about their daily routine and the sound of a helicopter filled the air. All the campers looked up to see where the helicopter was. The looks on their faces and the excitement in the air just exploded when the helicopter came to the front of the dining hall and hovered over their heads. The door opened and the "Joker" stuck his head out and proclaimed the opening of the Kohut Olympics! The shouts and cheers of excitement where tremendous. |
Maureen said... |
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We chose to send our daughter to camp in Maine because of the wonderful variety of activities that were offered (and intrinsic to Maine) - lobster fishing, gem mining, berry picking, mountain climbing, rock climbing as well as arts and crafts and the "traditional" camp activities. |
Robyn said... |
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Waiting for pictures of Olympics on the nightly emails. |
Amy said... |
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"Your care and meticulous attention really show....Kohut is a wonderful place with an excellent program." Amy from New York |
Rebecca said... |
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"When I was 11 I had been going to the same day camp for six years and I was perfectly happy. Then my younger sister Maddy decided to go to sleepaway camp and of course if she was going I had to go too. My mom did some research and found Kohut. After I saw the video, I was hooked. Both lisa and steve came to my house to tell us exactly what to expect: lots of sunny skies, fun activities and great bunkmates.
Ill always remember things like the first time I got up on water-skis after a week of trying. Ill never forget our Milford Rock Lobster/Twilight bunk skit, which was probably the best I have participated in out of all my four years. During First-Year Senior year we all (some of us unwillingly) got up at 4 am, hiked up a mountain and watched the sunrise. Although it was literally the crack of dawn and our legs were exhausted from all the walking its something Ill always remember because my bunk and I did it together.
The Bar Harbor trip this year were some of the best three days of my life- things like the Lumberjack Show are things I would never even think of doing it if it werent with my crazy camp friends.
I think that Kohut has made me a better person in so many ways. Kohut gives you the chance to let your true colors shine through, even when youre rocking out to Taylor Swift in a canoe in the middle of the lake with Dana and Jill. Kohut gives you the chance to meet people from around the world and try things that you dont have the chance to do anywhere else. I always leave Kamp a more confident person because I know that people can accept me for who I am like they do at Kohut.
I think what Ill miss most is the entire atmosphere at Kamp. Waking up every single morning and knowing that the day will bring new, exciting things. Also the people you meet here are lifelong friends even after only being together for 3 and a half weeks. At Kamp you can be and do whatever you want to, free of judgment, which doesnt happen at home.
My advice to everyone thats lucky enough to be able to come back next year is that you need to just be yourself. Do things that you want to do and have fun. Three and a half weeks goes by faster than you know. When I first got here four years ago I was homesick and unsure of what would happen and suddenly here I am now." Rebecca from Massachusetts
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Jamie said... |
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"Kamps like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get. Seven years ago I came to Kohut, having never been away from home before. I couldn't water-ski, I couldn't row, and I definitely couldn't do 200 pushupss in ten minutes Dan Meade!
I came to Kamp Kohut because my parents believe that its one of the best, most unforgettable experiences of a lifetime. Of course, my first year I had no idea what they were talking about. I didn't know many people, I didn't know what to expect, and I certainly didn't know my way around. And now seven amazing sessions later I know what my parents mean. Every day is truly a surprise. I never quite know what Kamp has in store for me, whether its a hilarious car wash or operation swamp kayak. And the memories never cease to exist.
One of my favorite moments happened only a week or two ago. My bunk and I were flying across the lake in the Hunter belting out Bohemian rhapsody at the top of our voices (by the way thats how our bunk skit started). My first year I remember having a Gold Rush as a Kollege Days Special Event. I remember watching in awe as the older kids ran around Kamp, finding golden colored rocks and here I was, just nine years old, still trying to figure out what the heck was going on! My point is, I looked up to those seniors as role models and as friends. And now her I am, a senior, with younger kids looking up to me. Kamp truly does fly by and you have to savor every moment.
Kohut has meant a lot to me over the years. Its a place where I can be me and not have to worry about what others think. I've tried new activities and gotten extremely close to awesome people. Id especially like to thank the bunk of Ohio. You guys are some of my best friends and we've had great times together. Id also like to thank my brother and sister, for being two people I can go to no matter what, and for making my time at Kamp that much better.
And finally, Id like to end with one last piece of advice. Go outside your comfort zone. Dont be scared, because the things you regret the most are the things you dont do. Since day one of Kamp seven years ago, I've wanted to catch the trapeze more than anything. At first, I was scared and didn't really believe in myself. I've taken adventure for one week every session since that first day and I finally caught it yesterday. Before Kamp, I never could have imagined myself jumping off a platform thirty feet in the air to try to catch a bar, seemingly impossible to reach. And thats what Kohut does for you; it makes you want to try things you're not necessarily the most comfortable with at first. It gives you the courage to conquer anything you set your mind to. Kohut has turned me into someone Im very proud of, and I hope it has and will do the same for you. Thank you." Jamie from Masschusetts |
Augie said... |
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I would just like to let you know how much I got out of Kohut. I learned how to waterski, which was HUGE for me, mountain bike, play soccer, windsurf, kayak, play volleyball, play softball and even learned some knew stitches for my friendship bracelets. I will never forget performing in the talent show in front of all of kamp, having a fire truck ride in when Olympics was breaking or getting up on those water skis and feeling like I was on top of the world. Memories like these will be with me forever.
Ever since my first year at Kamp you welcomed me and treated me with so much kindness. I never felt hesitant about talking to when it came to other girls or just sharing exciting news. You were always there for me and I will always remember you as my mom away from home.
Please tell the rest of the kohut family (Steve, Jenny, Dan, Joe) that I say thanks for everything!
Thanks again, and I hope we can keep in touch!" Augie from Masschusetts
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Laura said... |
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"Ali misses KK!! I can't begin to tell you how much she loves her camp. It is so nice to know that she feels that way about KK. Sometimes school can be stressful and it is a lot of work. On the other hand KK gives her a sense of pure happiness and joy." Laura from New York |
Jaime said... |
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"Jimmy arrived last night very happy. He said to us that these were the best
holidays ever. He told us that everyone was kind and friendly and that he made a lot of friends (he invited each one of them to Peru).
Again, Terese and I are forever grateful for the care and love you gave Jimmy and Rafael. I hope you have a chance to come to Peru one of these days." Jaime from Peru
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Jennifer said... |
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"Mike and I cannot thank you enough for having Alex each summer and allowing him to have a wonderful time while teaching him many of life's lessons. We saw so much maturity in him as he returned home each year. Alex has changed so much since that first summer and we feel Kohut had a lot to do with the development of his confidence and character." Jennifer from Westfield, New Jersey |
Patti said... |
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"I am so struck with how happy my children are now, and how good they seem to feel about themselves. You offer an environment which is nurturing and empowers each camper in his or her own area of interest. My family thanks you!" Patti from Maryland |
Harriett said... |
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"Ever so expertly, we were gently guided into what our children now refer to as 'the best summer of our lives'. There just aren't enough words to thank you for the extraordinary month Jacob, Julia and David had at Kamp Kohut. My heart overflows with gratitude to you...we've finally found our summer home!" Harriett from Florida |
Andrea said... |
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"My daughter has yet to descend from her Kohut cloud...she could not have had a more positive experience. It was everything we hoped it would be for her, and more" Andrea from Connecticut |