Changing Perspective

Lake Noah at YMCA Camp Y-Noah

With the summer camp season coming to a close, I found myself visiting just two more camps, YMCA Y-Noah and Akron Rotary Camp, both part of Ohio's Akron Area YMCA. At YMCA Y-Noah, I was greeted by Mike Ohl, Camp Y-Noah’s Director who shared his passion for summer camp. The serenity of Lake Noah on the warm summer morning created a strong sense of place and provided me with a feel for the long tradition of camping at YMCA Resident Camps. Just down the road, the Akron Rotary Camp provides the camp experience for children and adults with special needs. Dan Reynolds, the camp's director of 14 years, shared his continued mission to meet each campers unique needs.

Once again each camp was a place where kids can have fun while developing lifelong skills.  So what do all of these camps have in common?... they are places where kids can be the best version of themselves. My summer camp adventures have changed my own views on summer camp for life. 

Just before I started touring camps, I was a bit of a skeptic. I remember reading an article by Pamela Paul in The New York Times, "Not a Happy Camper, Summer Camp Is Remembered, Sometimes Not So Fondly," and identifying with the "non-camp people" side of Paul's so bluntly-drawn line of division between people who love and those who despise it. 

"The world divides into those people who despised camp and those people who loved it. What about those who never even went? They would probably fall into either camp if they had."

It is now, however, the end of summer and I find myself wishing for that missed camp experience. At least, as Paul concludes, there is always Family Camp. 

When I first started this summer camp tour adventure, I had notions of stereotypical camp activities: bonfires, campfire songs, friendship bracelets, and the like. And, while I did see many of these things, I also found so much more. Camp is hard to explain, and I don't think I can adequately describe the essence of camp, but here are a few things that I learned: Camps- big and small- are making a positive impact on the lives of youths. The activities, the camaraderie, and the facilities are just the right tools to create a meaningful experience in a young person's life. Thank you to all of the camps who participated in tour; you have shown me many glimpses of the magic of camp.

-The Girl With The Red Umbrella 

Falcon Camp: Soaring for Greatness

Cabins built from the ground's trees.

Speechless. Just speechless. I know the redundancy of me telling you how wonderful all of these camps were, but Falcon Camp, in Carrollton Ohio, is one rare find. My journey began on what seemed like an endless dirt road which led to the grounds of the camp. I jumped out of my car and met Dave Devey -the camp director- who graciously shook my hand. I asked that he show me what specific things, places, or characteristics make Falcon Camp unique.My findings are as follows:

First, we explored the cabins. I know what you’re thinking… “Once you've seen one cabin,you've seen them all.” But these peaked my interest.That's because Dave cut down the trees growing on the grounds, made his own lumber, and built a cabin - equipped with handcrafted wooden bunk beds, on the same spot that he cut took the trees from.

Second, he led me to Leesville Lake- the camp's man-made lake that is shaped like a horseshoe. Other than being the best Muskie fishing lake in Ohio, this is where campers can paddle board, sail, swim, canoe, and even participate in log rolling; something I've always wanted to do!

Leesville Lake's log roll.

Next, Dave told me how the campers involved with theater and drama wanted to build a bridge for the upcoming production. At first, he was hesitant, wondering if the cost was worth it; however, he knew that it could double as an actual bridge for crossing the creek so he gave them the “go ahead.”

A handcrafted bridge.

Lastly, Dave shared with me Falcon Camp’s motto: “Fun for now, skills for life.” Dave was positively adamant about how much he values the growth of campers: something that he didn't have to tell me for me to figure out. By that, I mean that it was clear that he truly loves what he does and genuinely cares for each and every person at Falcon Camp. I can easily say that I felt more than welcomed at Falcon Camp. The hospitality and conversations I've had with not only the staff, but the campers were priceless. I don’t think that I've ever met more mature teenagers in my life. So, I want to sincerely thank Dave and Falcon Camp for allowing me to experience such a wonderful camp for a day!

Thank you!

-The Girl with the Red Umbrella

The Camp Christopher Color Run!

An air-conditioned cabin.

Now that I am back in Ohio, I am set to explore camps in the area. I wanted to experience the shift in topography from the Carolinas' extremely mountainous terrain to a more suburban and rolling type of environment. Camp Christopher is my first stop!

Warmly greeted by Amanda, the camp director, our first stop was the day camp area. Equipped with typical playground equipment, some swings and a large open field area, younger campers enjoy not only this space, but several shared areas around the rest of Camp. Next, Amanda took me to one of the cabins near the entrance of the site. This particular cabin was air-conditioned to accommodate some of Camp Christopher's special needs campers. Having not yet visited a Camp on my tour that accommodated such, it was very remarkable to see a Camp that accommodates children with special needs who also makes them feel no different than other Campers and encourages them to participate in many of the same activities.  

A small creek along the trails.

We continued to the horse stables were I got to see the youngest group of campers saddle up and head for a short trail ride. Next, Amanda led me to a hiking trail that included a low ropes course and several great spots to pitch a tent. A small creek along the trail, trickled with water; how relaxing!

Another favorite part of my visit was stumbling upon a plethora of bamboo fishing poles at a lake on site. They weren't your average rod and reel, rather they had only two eyes for the fishing line and a small hook on the end.  Stale bread biscuits were being used as bait.  This allowed younger campers to learn how to fish, without trying to comprehend casting the line and reeling in the fish.  This is just one activity that, as Campers progress at Camp Christopher, they are taught new techniques, eventually working their way up to your typical rod and reel. 

Bamboo fishing poles for the younger campers.

Lastly, and undoubtedly the most exciting moment of my visit, was the color run. Camp Christopher holds their very own color run race every Friday at Camp. They even craft their own paint and powder, used to color the campers as they run! At the starting line, all of the Campers are wearing white t-shirts and as they race through the campsite they are sprayed with colored liquid and powder tie-dyeing their t-shirts with all different colors. When campers reach the edge of camp, they turn around and head towards the finish line. Don't worry moms: everything is machine-washable!! 

The color run!

This camp visit was more than just a walk in the woods… it was a lesson that everybody deserves to have fun and let loose. No boundaries or restrictions should prevent him or her from enjoying life to its fullest potential. Camp Christopher is a shining example of a successful program. Thank you, Camp Christopher!

-The Girl with the Red Umbrella

Camp Ridgecrest and The Little Chief Challenge

I will admit: venturing just a couple miles from Camp Crestridge and onto an all-boys camp was a little intimidating at first. But after pulling up to the office building and meeting Phil, Camp Ridgecrest’s full-time director, I realized how ridiculous that thought was.  I asked the same of Phil as I asked all of the other previous camp directors- if he would be kind enough to show me what makes Camp Ridgecrest unique.  I was interested to see the difference in dynamic, as I shifted from an all-girls to an all-boys camp.

Basketball Court

The first building I entered was the dining hall.  It is actually one, if not the largest vertically-standing log cabin-type buildings in this part of the country. You see, the majority of cabins have logs laid horizontally, while this building's logs stand on end. It is a really unique site to see.

Their lake had TWO blobs!

Another interesting feature was how impeccable their lake was - equipped with not one, but TWO “blobs”, and plentiful kayaks and canoes.  Sharon, back at Crestridge, had told me about this lake, but I didn't fully understand the excitement until actually seeing it.

One tucked-away area that we almost walked past was a small chapel. There were maybe ten benches for small groups to come after breakfast and have devotionals.

Outdoor Chapel

Lastly, Phil explained to me something called the “Little Chief Challenge".  "Little Chief" is the highest rank attainable by a camper. Though, attaining the title sure isn't easy. Eligible campers are woken up at midnight and have to perform a series of assignments.  They have 18 hours to complete numerous physical and mental tasks... without making a sound!  The challenge entails:

a.     Building, starting, and maintaining a fire for 6 hours

b.     Run up Mt. Kitazuma, always remaining in between two other runners (who are constantly being replaced)

c.      Reflect on the meaning of these previous tasks at a devotion center

d.     Write a 1500 word essay after breakfast with the topic, “What Camp Ridgecrest Means to Them” which is to be completed by lunch time

e.     Perform various grueling physical labor tasks

Whether your make it to the 6 PM cut-off or not, the underlying lesson of the "Little Chief Challenge" is that we must fail in order to grow.  Only 3-4% actually complete the challenge, but everyone is right there by your side if you fail.  They are surrounded by an incredible support system and THAT is the true lesson. Thank you, Camp Ridgecrest for an amazing adventure!

Thank you, Camp Ridgecrest!

-The Girl with the Red Umbrella

Paint Wars and More at Camp Crestridge

Thursday was a busy but adventurous day.  An hour down the road was my next stop to two camps: Camp Crestridge and Camp Ridgecrest.  Crestridge is an all-girls camp while Ridgecrest is all-boys.  They are both under the executive management of Ron Springs and are right next to each other.  I headed to Camp Crestridge first and was greeted by Sharon, the program director.  Her lively spirit assured me that I was in for a fun tour.  I requested that she show me everything at camp that makes them unique, and she did just that.

The dining hall was under renovation due to the growing number annual campers, but it still kept that “home away from home” vibe.  Sharon continuously mentioned how much the camp was growing.  More and more girls were wanting to partake in the summer camp experience, and she was thrilled!

The chapel, beautifully adorned with green and white stained glass.

Another extremely unique and beautiful structure was their chapel.  It was definitely a unique building, with a stunning stained glass focal point at the altar.  Renovations were also under discussion in order to accommodate the (growing) amount of campers.

The paint war is definitely a favorite!

I grew anxious as Sharon informed me about the next activity; something that I haven’t encountered at camp before: paint wars!  Each camper (there were about 70 on this day) is given a white t-shirt and as soon as the music starts, they completely let loose and throw washable paint onto each another.  And what is a paint war without a slip-n-slide?

Lastly, the most interesting building of all was the museum, which was only made possible by funds from alumni.  It contained miscellaneous collectibles from years' past.  What an everlasting way to remember history!

The museum that was built thanks to numerous alumni donations. 

Seeing the youth, especially young girls, bond with one another and create new friendships is surely refreshing.  Merely being in their presence evokes a smile that you can’t quite replicate anywhere else.  The positive and judgment-free atmosphere is contagious.

Extending my deepest gratitude to Sharon and Camp Crestridge is the least that I can do for allowing me a taste of their way of life, and I wish them all the best. Next stop: Camp Ridgecrest!

Thank you, Camp Crestridge!

-The Girl with the Red Umbrella

Camp Illahee: The Land of Jolly Fun

My introduction to Illahee actually started before I even set foot on the 110 acre site. It began on Dolly's front porch, where I was soaking in the mountain summer night.  For those of you who don’t know Dolly, Her Ice Cream is nothing short of a legend in Brevard. Of course there are the standard flavors: (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, etc.) but there is also High Rocks Arctic Slide, Illahee Swirl, Kandalea Avalanche, Keystone Sunrise, Merrie-Wood Boo-Woop, Pinnacle Paradise, Pisgah Perfection.. the list goes on. Each local camp has its own specialty flavor. Yes, yes, ice cream is amazing, but I digress. 

I was sitting on Dolly’s front porch, in a rocking chair enjoying my Music Camp waffle cone (read: coffee ice cream filled with cookie pieces, a touch of coffee swirls and just the right amount of chocolate flakes), when two buses filled with about 40 Illahee campers pulled up. The girls, in their PJs, were out for a late-night treat. Their smiles, genuine happiness and excitement was contagious.

So when I arrived at camp Illahee, I already had some idea of the magic in the air. I met Kris, the assistant camp director, who led me around the camp. Near the entrance are Illahee's tennis courts. Now, these are not you average camp courts; these are the real deal. Equipped with ball carts and automated feeding machines, and a fierce tennis program, there is always a match being played.

As we continued our tour, we stopped by the craft shop in full swing. Girls were working on everything from pottery to bracelets. Making our way across camp, I hear shrieks of joy as campers zip down the zip line. The zip line and high ropes course starts about 50' in the air from the climbing tower known as the Beanstalk. Cabins are scheduled for the Beanstalk once a session. This is a great opportunity to build confidence and cabin community. Another unique feature at Illahee is the tunnel. This tunnel allows campers to safely cross under the camp's main road. The tunnel is approximately 7 feet tall. What a creative solution to cross the road!

In truth, I think the camp welcome song describes the camp's energy and joy quite nicely.

"Welcome to Illahee
the mountains echo welcome to thee
Where bowers of flowers that bloom in the sun, old campers, new campers, guests and everyone,
Oh welcome to our land of jolly fun,
We are happy you have come,
To our guest we'll give a cheer!
Welcome welcome welcome! HEY!"

Camp Illahee is focused on developing girls with 5 essential qualities: confidence, conviction, integrity, faith in God and abiding respect for the natural world and all its wonders. And it shows through the welcoming nature, the magic in the air, and the sound of singing carrying across the lake -- it's all here at Illahee.

-Girl with the Red Umbrella 

YMCA Camp Greenville: The Tradition Continues

YMCA Camp Greenville is located right on the border of North and South Carolina near Brevard, North Carolina. Currently in its 102nd year of camping, Camp Greenville has quite the history.  In 1925 Camp Greenville moved to its current site. Camp Greenville sits on 1,400 acres, making it the 5th largest YMCA camp in the country. Originally, Camp Greenville was an all boys camp while the YWCA operated camp Burgess Glen, until the late 1970s. In 1980 the Camp Greenville became coed. Today, Camp Greenville offers one-week sessions to approximately 200 boys and girls per week. The Camp Director, Rick Burris, recently showed me around the camp.

Inside The Lodge

The most tangible pieces of Camp Greenville history are located in the Thomas F. Parker Lodge, originally built by John M. "Uncle Johnny" Holmes in the late 1920s. At the time Uncle Johnny was a member of the Rotary Club and sent letters to Rotary members asking for artifacts from around the world. The amount of history in that building was much more that I could take in during my short visit! Rick pointed out a few of his favorites, including a letter from Gandhi.

As I was walking up the hill towards the seemingly spontaneous dance party that was happening in the airnasium for class change, I spoke had a chance to talk with a returning camper. When I asked him what the coolest thing at camp was, he said the “Monk Secret” of course. Clearly, I needed an explanation.  Becoming a Monk Old Timer is an honor for 5th year campers. The campers explained to me that you can’t really know the secret unless you are a Monk. The tradition got its name from Monk Mulligan, the camp director from 1944-1967. Part of the tradition is a special camp shirt, like the ones below -- the meaning is only known to fellow Monk’s Old Timers.

Photo credit: YMCA Camp Greenville

As I was headed back to the main office, the campers were enjoying the beautiful day swimming at the lake. As I took in the magic of camp, I saw the signs across the lake reading "Be a Great Boy / Be a Great Girl” and I asked if that was the camp motto. Rick said yes, and told me the story behind the saying. The story goes like this. When  Teddy Roosevelt was asked how to be a great man, he replied with, "First you must be a Great Boy." From there the tradition was born and continues today. As I was leaving I even heard the song:

    "Be a Great Boy
     Be a Great Girl
     Be a child of the Lord; it’s the greatest thing in the World
     Do you know the Monk?
     Do you know the man?
     Do you know the power of God is right there in your hands?  
     In your hands…"

The spirit of camping at Camp Greenville is alive! On my way out of Camp, I had one last stop. Pretty Place Chapel. Campers use this place for special chapel services throughout the week. The views were stunning. As I sat on the first row I was thinking about how important this place is to Camp Greenville.  With over 100 years of camping, I wondered how many campers have sat in this chapel. It's amazing how one place can have such an impact on a young person’s life.

-The Girl With the Red Umbrella

The Keystone Total Girl

Celebrating its 100th year in 2016, Keystone Camp is an all-girls camp located just a short drive (or bike ride) away from downtown Brevard, North Carolina. The 51-acre site is home to 220 girls per week. Keystone Camp's director, Page Ives-Lemel, is a fourth generation Keystone director. Page grew up at camp and her passion for Keystone is contagious! The camp's mission is to support and develop the Total Girl.

So what makes the Total Girl? Keystone stresses the individual character of each girl at camp. In the small camp setting, each girl has the chance to shine. With over 20 activities from A Cappella to Yoga, with Archery, Horseback, and many more in between, Keystone is about being you!
With the filming of the Hunger Games in nearby DuPont State Forest, Archery is an ever popular activity. The girls even wear the popular “Katniss” braid during archery competitions. Keystone is also known for its Horseback Riding Program. With three riding rings, six miles of trails, a hunt course, and several large pastures, girls can ride every day.

At Keystone, there are no age divisions. Campers learn and play with campers of all ages. It's about creating community. Page even places campers at designated dining tables based on what they have in common. It's about getting the conversation started and building relationships that last a lifetime.


As the oldest girls' summer camp in the Southeast, the history and tradition is alive, but the camp is not standing still. Under Page's leadership Keystone is continually moving forward. In the last few years, many buildings have been replaced, property has been consolidated to protect camp, and the landscape is full of beautiful flowers. Camp has a long tradition of counselors sleeping in a loft above the girls in each cabin.  This allows the girls to feel like they have their own space, while counselors can still see and hear the girls from above. The new cabins which have been built in the past few years still maintain this tradition.

Keystone Camp for girls strives to develop the total girl on an individual basis. From their programming to their facilities to the smiling faces of the campers, this message speaks for itself.

Thank you for an enriching experience, Keystone Camp!

- The Girl with the Red Umbrella

Gwynn Valley Camp: Sustainability at its Finest

Gwynn Valley Camp is located just south of Brevard, North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  As the camp is renowned for its sustainability efforts, I was eager to see their green initiatives in action!  Anne and Grant Bullard, the two camp directors of Gwynn Valley, were kind enough to show me around the camp last week.  Anne and Grant have a strong passion for the outdoors, as well as for the intellectual growth of children, and these passions are evident throughout Gwynn Valley.  The rest of the staff comes from around the world – which makes for a diverse, inspiring atmosphere for the kids as they learn to develop appreciation for others as well as themselves.

Gwynn Valley's water mill supplies power all throughout camp.

The most visible sustainable initiative at Gwynn Valley is their historic water mill, which supplies energy to the camp.  Built in 1890, the mill is situated on the edge of a lake where a mountainside creek meets the lake.  The water running down from the mountains generates hydropower that is delivered to many of the camp buildings.

Four wood burners provide the camp with even more renewable energy.  The enticing scent of burning hickory and oak permeated the air throughout the camp – just an added bonus for being green!  Gwynn Valley uses these wood burners to heat up to 70% of their water.

Food production at Gwynn Valley Camp is also highly sustainable.  I was surprised to learn that Gwynn Valley grows up to 70% of their food on-site, including beef and eggs!  There is also a food mill that campers can use to grind corn into cornmeal – and better yet, to churn their own ice cream… YUM.  Currently Anne and Grant are searching for a solution for food waste disposal; they are exploring the option of using Black Soldier Fly Larvae to speed the food decomposition process – and afterwards, the nutrient-rich larvae can become a healthy meal for Gwynn Valley’s chickens.

Thoughtful design solutions, like the ones described above, were all throughout camp.  The walls of the horse barn were even designed to collapse to create winter storage areas for bikes and kayaks – simple, but clever.  And how could I forget the lightning detector?  Grant and Anne decided to invest in a lightning detector as a safety measure; this device can send a signal to the camp staff that alerts them when it is unsafe for outdoor activities.

The stable walls collapse,
enabling more storage.

My first visit was a success!
Thank you, Gwynn Valley!

Gwynn Valley Camp is clearly a place where the three pillars of sustainability (people, environment, and economy) come together. The camp offers a rewarding social experience for campers, earth-friendly initiatives that respect nature, and efficient practices that save time and money for the camp.  Learn more about Gwynn Valley Camp by visiting their website here!

- The Girl with the Red Umbrella

Introducing the Girl with the Red Umbrella

The famous Sandlot “s’mores” conversation is a classic:

Ham: “Hey Smalls, you want a s’more?” 

Smalls: “Some more of what?” 

Ham: “You’re killing me, Smalls!” 

Headed to my first camp
visit!  Look for the Girl
with the Red Umbrella
at your camp soon.

When it comes to the time-honored camping tradition of roasting marshmallows, I am the ‘Smalls’ of my generation: clueless.  I am brand-new to the world of summer camp – because, surprisingly, I never attended summer camp as a child!  When I heard about all the exciting things that happen at camp, immediately I was hooked.  Needless to say, I am exceptionally eager see what camp is all about.

When I think of summer camp, I stereotypically think of bonfires, campfire songs, friendship bracelets, harmless gossip, and burgers hot off of the grill. But is this TRULY what happens at summer camp?  How will I know if I don’t give it a try?  I have the “summer camp itch.”  I need to go.

Luckily, Miss Maggie Allen here at Domokur Architects is a previous camp program director, as well as Mr. Greg Copeland who is recognized as a national camp design leader; maybe they can show me the ropes.  Or even better, maybe YOU can!  I’ll be visiting several summer camps in North Carolina over the next few weeks to learn all about the ins-and-outs of summer camp.  Leave us a comment or tweet @DomokurCamp if you want us to visit YOUR camp!

As Ham would say, “First you take the graham… then you roast the 'mallow… you stick it on the chocolate…then cover with the other end. Then you scarf. Kind of messy, but good! Try some!”

- Girl with the Red Umbrella