From Camp Magic to School Life
As September comes to an end, we want to share some thoughts on the transitions we’ve all been on this past month.
Embracing the Transition: From Camp Magic to School Life
The transition from the sun-soaked, joy-filled days of summer camp to the structured world of school can feel like a jarring shift for many campers. After spending time at Waukeela, where friendships blossom, self-confidence grows, and experiences challenge every camper to be their best self, returning to the school environment may feel like stepping into a completely different world.
At camp, the magic is palpable: you can feel it in the way campers cheer for one another, encourage each other through new challenges, and celebrate even the smallest victories. The culture of kindness, bravery, and community at camp nurtures something very special in every camper, allowing them to develop essential life skills, such as resilience, leadership, and compassion. These tools help them become the best version of themselves—one that is brave, strong, and capable of facing the challenges that come with going back to school.
But as the new school year begins, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The dynamics in school can be very different from camp. Campers who spent their summer surrounded by positivity and love at Waukeela may encounter negative comments, peer pressure, or social anxiety. But here’s the good news: the lessons learned at camp don’t disappear when you leave. They live inside each camper, empowering you to face challenges with confidence and kindness.
Carrying the Magic of Camp into School Life
During the summer, we all learned how to be our authentic selves, free from judgment and societal expectations. The ability to build meaningful relationships, to be open to new experiences, and to support others is a rare gift that camp gives us throughout the summer. But now, back in the world of school, that can sometimes feel like it fades into the background as academic pressures, social dynamics, and the hustle of daily life take center stage.
But it doesn’t have to.
One of the most important things we can all remember as we return to “the real world” is that the bravery and strength we discovered at camp is always within us. We are more resilient than we know. At Waukeela, we were challenged to try new things, step out of our comfort zones, and believe in ourselves. Those experiences, while in a different environment, have prepared us to take on the challenges of “the real world” with the same level of courage.
Staying Brave in the Face of Negativity
Unfortunately, school environments may not always mirror the supportive community that exists at camp. In school, there are moments when negative comments or the pressure to conform to certain behaviors can be disheartening. But this is where the strength built at camp comes in.
It’s easy to get caught up in the opinions of others. Maybe someone makes an offhand comment about the way you dress, the friends you have, or even your hobbies. But at Waukeela, we all learned the invaluable lesson of self-worth—that who we are is enough. The confidence we developed over the summer is their shield against negativity. We need to remember that just because someone says something doesn’t make it true. The values instilled at camp—kindness, inclusivity, and empathy—are far more powerful than any negative words we may hear.
Being brave at school doesn’t always mean standing up in front of a crowd or speaking out against every injustice. Sometimes, being brave means holding onto your authenticity even when it feels like no one else is. It means staying true to the version of yourself that blossomed over the summer, even when others try to pull you in a different direction.
Positive Self-Talk: A Tool for Growth
One of the most impactful tools campers can use to navigate “the real world” after camp is positive self-talk. During the summer we learned to encourage not only others but also ourselves. When challenges arise at school—whether it’s a difficult subject, a social conflict, or a stressful situation—we can remind ourselves of the things we accomplished over the summer.
“Remember when you climbed to the top of the leap of faith even though you were scared?”
“Remember when you helped your cabinmates and helped everyone feel included?”
“Remember when you tried something new and realized how strong you were?”
“Remember when you spoke out at council fire in front of all those people?”
By reflecting on these moments, we can remind ourselves of our bravery and capability. It’s easy to feel lost in a sea of expectations in “the real world”, but the voice that says “I can do this” is always there to guide campers through tough times.
Share the love! In the “real world”
Waukeela teaches the importance of community, respect, and looking out for others. Campers who embody these values in the “real world” have the potential to change the world.
Whether it’s sitting with someone who seems lonely, helping a classmate understand a challenging topic, or simply offering a kind word to someone having a tough day, we can be leaders in our communities. The lessons we’ve learned at camp—about inclusion, respect, and encouragement—are not just for the summer. They are lifelong lessons that can create ripple effects in any environment and help “the real world” feel more like camp.
As the school year begins, it’s important for campers to hold onto the magic of camp and carry it with them. The courage, resilience, and kindness they cultivated at camp will help them thrive in school, even in the face of negativity.
Be brave, stay true to yourself, and let the best version of you—the one that blossomed at Camp Waukeela—shine brightly all year long.