Summer Camp Builds Lifelong Happiness: Lessons From the Harvard Happiness Study

At Camp Waukeela, we believe that the heart of childhood growth lies in relationships — the friendships, mentorship, and community that shape who young people become. In this director’s reflection, Graham explores powerful research from the Harvard Study of Adult Development and how its findings affirm what we see at camp every summer: strong relationships are the foundation of lifelong happiness and well-being.

Hello Waukeela Families and Campers,

I hope this email finds you in good health and enjoying the start of Fall? On Wednesday I go into hospital to have both my knees replaced so this morning I decided not to cycle but opted for a game of golf instead, as it is going to be a few months before I can play again. I played on my own and even I do say so myself, I played very well so I was pleased with my choice. Being alone gave me a lot of time to reflect on life and camp whilst walking in between shots. My main thoughts were about the operation looming ahead this week and inevitably many of my thoughts were about the bigger things in life.

Jack Schott is one of my heroes/gurus in the camping industry, although he is much younger than me, he is a maverick and always has a different way of seeing things and his email this week was ringing around my head as I was playing. Here are a mixture of his and my thoughts:

Aging is kind of a scary thought, right? Especially when your body starts to fail you and you need new parts! And camp is for kids, so it’s a bit weird to talk about what happens decades and decades later. Except that growing up and eventually getting wrinkled is one of those unavoidable things, so here we are. Science on longevity is all over the place, and I’m definitely no expert here. But there’s one study I’m planning on hanging my Bills hat on for the foreseeable future, I have read about this study in many different articles now. It’s the one that started at Harvard back in 1938 to track what made for successful adult development, following the same group of people through their entire lives. The Grant Study findings aren’t specifically camp-related, but they are hugely relevant to what happens at camp.

85+ Years of Research Show How to Build Lifelong Happiness.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development has been following the same people through their entire adult lives. We’re talking almost 100 years of data on what makes people thrive versus what makes them struggle. The findings are pretty straightforward, and honestly, kind of obvious once you hear them. It isn't money. It’s not career achievement. It’s not even exercise or a healthy diet, though those for sure help. The single biggest predictor of health, happiness, and longevity

Relationships.

Dr. Robert Waldinger, the man who runs the study now, cuts to it: “The people who were the most satisfied in their relationships at age 50 were the healthiest at age 80.” Relationship satisfaction at age 50 was a better predictor of physical health than cholesterol levels. Great social support means less mental deterioration as people age. Those with strong relationships were less likely to develop heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis. And the flip side? “Loneliness kills,” Waldinger says. “It’s as powerful as smoking or alcoholism.” The study tracked people across all backgrounds and socio-economic statuses. The pattern held no matter social class, IQ, or genetics.

The key?

Relationships, relationships, relationships.

Where Summer Camp Fits In

So what does this have to do with camp? Everything. Camp is where kids learn how to do relationships. Not just make friends (which is 100% an important distinction). They figure out how to live with people who are different from them. How to navigate conflict over cabins, Gaga, games, whatever. How to be part of something bigger than themselves. Just walk yourself through a day at camp, and it’s incredibly easy to tell the relationship story. From the time kids wake up to the time they go to sleep, it’s just non-stop relationship building. Honestly, I don’t even want to bother making the list because it’s so obvious. And camp is one of the few places where it all happens. 24/7.

The Grant Study makes it clear that the foundation for lifelong health and happiness is built through the quality of our connections. Which means intensive practice disguised as wilding out fun when they are young is the best way to start. Be in relationships with other people. Show up when things get kind of hard. Care about someone else’s day. All of that camp stuff matters way more for long-term well-being than pretty much anything else.

Why This Matters for Us

Look, I know you already know that camp is important because you wouldn't send your most precious possessions every summer. But having the Harvard Grant Study behind us? That’s pretty powerful validation. We’re not just providing fun summer experiences. We’re literally giving kids the foundation skills that research shows predict health, happiness, and longevity across their entire lives. Camp is the key for getting old and I plan on growing as old as I can there because, paradoxically, being part of such a loving community, keeps me young. We’re in the relationship business and it turns out, that’s the most important business there is.

Have a great Sunday,

For the love of camp

Graham & Gill