Posted by Jeb Brinkley | 03.01.2018 | Kid Summer Camps, Teen Camps

Summer Camp Friends Are Forever Friends.

Ahhhh, summer.

I heard a quote the other day that stuck with me. I’m usually not a “quote” guy, but this one rang true to what I’ve seen and experienced as a camp coordinator. It read: “TRUE friends are never far apart, maybe in distance but never in heart.”

I thought about it, and immediately decided that this quote was VERY true. I’ve seen it in the flesh and witnessed it in real life. I’ve seen the look on a kid’s face as they greet their friend from last year’s summer camp. And not just kids…adults too. During surf camp, friendships are formed and lifetime bonds are sealed. You share memories that will last forever. Sharing experiences like those that happen at summer camp enrich our lives and bring us together.

Every year we inevitably get phone calls from parents asking if their camper can room with the same kids that they met at camp last year or asking if so and so we met last year is going to be at camp this year. This is definitely one of the best parts of my job. I LOVE hearing that friendships forged at summer camp carry on and distance isn’t a factor in these wonderful relationships. Truly one of the best parts of my job. In my day, we traded letters with our camp pen pals until we could see them again the next summer. In today’s world, social media makes keeping up with camp friends throughout the year virtually seamless.

Summer Friendships go Beyond Childhood

I recently had the pleasure of being in Costa Rica in January for our Adult Surf and Yoga Camp. We had multiple returning adult campers who attended the same program last year. When the first day arrived and the camp participants started showing up, it was a joy to see the adults so stoked. Of course they were excited to be back in a tropical paradise, but it was the people that made them most happy. Seeing the friends they made at camp the prior year for the first time in a year was the true highlight. These friendships lasted and I can say with confidence that I’m sure they will continue to last for years to come.

This is the true magic of summer camp. Not the skills you will acquire, or the sight you will see, but the friends you will make. Nothing beats the human connection and nothing beats camp to introduce that connection.