What Makes Camp so Special

July 8, 2025

As we process the Hill Country floods in Texas and the impact on camps in the area, we’re continuing to pause from highlighting specific Maine Camp trips, activities, traditions, and events, and using this week’s blog to share the emotional outpouring of what makes camp so special. There are two things we’ve seen and wanted to share.

The first is a post that’s been circulating around by a mom named Sarah Abigail Cytryn. It’s a beautifully written post about the power of camp as she offers hope, strength, and community. It begins with this:

  • WHEN YOU CHOOSE TO SEND YOUR CHILD TO SLEEPAWAY CAMP, YOU JOIN A SMALL, QUIET, POWERFUL CLUB. IT DOESN’T MATTER THE RELIGION OF THE CAMP - JEWISH, CHRISTIAN, MULSIM, CATHOLIC - OR THE FOCUS OF THE CAMP - SPORTS, THEATER, NATURE, HEALTH. WHAT UNITES US IS A SHARED FAITH IN THE POWER OF CAMP, IN THE PEOPLE WHO DEDICATE THEIR SUMMERS TO SHAPING YOUNG LIVES, AND IN THE BELIEF THAT THIS EXPERIENCE WILL HELP OUR KIDS GROW, THRIVE, AND DISCOVER WHO THEY ARE.

The second is a from a social media forum where a parent asked: “In light of the recent tragedy in Texas, Why do people send their kids to sleep away camp?”

Below are some replies about why people send their kids to overnight camp:

  • My kids loved it. They learned independence, many life skills and were very prepared to go off to college.
  • I am sending mine because it was the most amazing experience for me as a kid. I grew so much at camp and I am hoping my kid will similarly gain independence, confidence, and lifelong friendships there as I did.
  • Sleepaway camp is an amazing experience that promotes growth, independence, and a sense of belonging and community.
  • I went to sleep away camp starting at 7 and it was the best opportunity I have ever been given. I went for 9 summers. It gave me confidence, taught me to problem solve and build lasting relationships, and helped me become the person I am today. I’ll definitely be sending my kids to sleep away when they express interest. Sleep away was one of the greatest gifts my parents gave me.
  • I went to sleep away camp when I was 12 years old and that experience really shaped me as the person I am today.
  • Camp, sleep away camp is wonderful experience, My mom went, I went, my kids have gone. It is beautiful way to spend at least part of summer. I think it does foster independence, the kids disconnect in a very genuine way
  • Loved going to sleep away camp. I was about 9 or 10. Fond memories and such fun.
  • My kids started overnight Camp at eight years old. They are now in their 20s and 30s and still remember the great experiences.
  • I sent my daughter to sleep away camp .She learns how to sail windsurfing paddle boarding archery and independence.I went every year myself as a child. I love her to interact with different cultures and backgrounds.
  • It’s great to build independence, test decision making skills, and give parents a break.
  • My sister went to sleep away camp as a kid. She got to experience things that kids from where we grew up otherwise wouldn’t get to experience. My mom wanted her to experience other things.They want to give their kids opportunities.
  • I went to sleep away camp growing up- I think I was 8 or 9 my first year but I’ll have to confirm that with my mom. I went all the way through high school until I was 18! Best summers and experiences of my life!!!!!!! Best memories! I’m so grateful for the opportunity
  • Camp is an extraordinary opportunity for kids to grow, connect, learn and discover. Choosing to send your children to camp is giving them a gift that lasts a lifetime. They learn to be independent, they discover their passions, they learn new skills, they become their truest selves.
  • I went to and worked at sleep away camp. It’s a great experience and taught me many things. I just sent my kids for their first summer and they loved it.
  • I went to camp when I was 9. I learned to swim there and learned new foods and games. I rode horses and made so many friends. It was an amazing time. To this day I tell my kids about how awesome it was.
  • I went to summer camp and so did my children. They have great camp friends, and so do I.
  • It is one of the only times in your life you can disconnect as a kid, learn new activities, bond with kids your age, adopt new traditions, sing, and be silly. Millions of children go to camp each year and benefit from the experience.
  • We learned how to swim and made friendships that have lasted a lifetime
  • I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for kids. Many thrive and learn life skills that will last a lifetime.
  • I think it’s amazing for kids to learn to be independent, experience different cultures and different foods. Meet new kids.
  • It truly taught me to be independent, kind, resilient, responsible, resourceful, inclusive & more.

Our hearts are with the family and friends who lost loved ones in Texas. If you’d like to support recovery efforts and affected families, the American Camp Association (ACA) has provided these donation links:

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