Transferring the Summer Camp Tradition Across Generations

The Camp Tradition: Generations of Family Bonds and Life Lessons

When Sarah Wagoner’s first child entered the world, the doctor’s unexpected question during delivery was direct: “It’s a girl. Do you know what to do with a girl?” Without missing a beat, Wagoner’s response was filled with enthusiasm: “We’re going to send her to Clearwater Camp!”

This moment is not just a whimsical exchange; it reflects a deep-rooted tradition for many families who view summer camp as a rite of passage passed down through the generations. For Wagoner, who resides in Chicago, Clearwater Camp for Girls in Minocqua, Wisconsin, is a cherished part of her childhood. As a former camper and counselor, Wagoner fondly recalls the joys of camp life and the invaluable lessons it imparted, particularly in building confidence and encouraging sound decision-making. “Camp gave me so much confidence and taught me how to make good decisions,” she reminisced. “I want my daughter to experience that too.”

A Legacy of Family Connections

The sentimental aspect of returning to the same camp where parents, grandparents, and now children attended can significantly strengthen family connections. Dimitris Xygalatas, a professor in the departments of anthropology and psychological sciences at the University of Connecticut, elaborates on the importance of these family traditions. “They provide a feeling of continuity, which is crucial for our sense of collective identity and unity. Engaging in the same activities as our ancestors instills a feeling that we are continuing their legacy,” he explains.

A family’s shared summer camp experiences create a rich tapestry of stories and connections. Jack Angelo, now 50, recalls his own summers at Keewaydin, a camp in Salisbury, Vermont. He enjoyed recounting tales of canoeing and hiking with his father, who also attended the camp as a child. Today, he shares those stories with his 11-year-old son, Julian. “It reminds me of all the conversations I had with my father, connecting me to him,” Jack said, highlighting how those shared experiences weave generations together.

Honoring Memories and Legacies

For Julian, attending Keewaydin is not just about enjoying the outdoors; it’s about feeling connected to his late grandfather. As he roams the campgrounds, he sees boards that list activities that his dad, uncle, and grandpa participated in, providing him a sense of belonging. “I hope he feels like he’s not really alone at camp—that when he’s there, he’s with all of us,” says Angelo, who now lives in Los Angeles.

The Clearwater Camp, which has welcomed campers since 1933, is another institution that showcases the impact of tradition. Liz Baker, the great-granddaughter of the camp’s founder, explains that many campers have mothers or grandmothers who have walked the same paths. Traditions play a significant role in the camp experience, allowing families to discuss cherished memories like “Tuesday Muffin Nights” and the emotional council fire rituals. “There’s something timeless about camp,” Baker remarks, emphasizing the emotional resonance of revisiting familiar locations that have remained largely unchanged over the decades.

The Power of Camp Experiences

Connie Scholfield, the camp director at Red Pine Camp for Girls in Woodruff, Wisconsin, echoes this sentiment. “Parents often had experiences at camp that shaped their lives—friends for life, self-esteem, and confidence. They naturally want their daughters to experience those same transformative moments,” she notes.

Similarly, Sheila McNulty, now 58 and from Glenview, Illinois, cherishes her time at Red Pine for its outdoor adventures that taught her sailing, fire building, and canoeing. The camp environment provided her with the freedom to learn through both her successes and failures. “One of the greatest things about camp is the opportunity to try new things every day,” she reflects. “That leads to a profound sense of accomplishment.”

Jillian Entenman, McNulty’s daughter, experienced her own enchantment with Red Pine, excited by the prospect of following in the footsteps of her mother and aunts. “I was desperate to go,” says the 29-year-old from Queens, NY. She felt a thrill spotting her cousins’ names carved into cabin rafters and seeing family photos from years past, which contributed to a strong sense of family tradition: “It definitely felt like a family tradition,” she adds.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Camp

Summer camps like Clearwater and Red Pine serve more than just a recreational purpose; they create lasting bonds between family members while teaching essential life skills and fostering a community spirit. As camps adapt to modern times, their core values of connection, discovery, and growth remain unchanged, turning them into beloved institutions that span generations and hold a special place in the hearts of families. So as children embark on their own camp journeys, they carry a piece of family history with them—an enduring legacy that will shape their childhood and, perhaps, carry on for generations to come.