The Magic Tree House

The Tree House at Sanborn Western Camps

I recently watched an episode of Tree House Masters in which they claimed to “capture the essence of summer camp in a design…” I am not sure I agree, but they did create an awesome tree house complete with a rock wall, archery targets, and, of course, bunk beds. While the show is entertaining, this also got me thinking about how the tree house relates to summer camp.

Camp is about instilling a sense of wonder and appreciation for the great outdoors. And, in a way, so are tree houses. The way in which these spaces instill this appreciation is through teaching what the great outdoors are about.

What are camps teaching? If you have read anything about the value of camp recently, you have probably heard the argument for camps teaching "21st century skills". Often referred to as the “Cs” : Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, and Collaboration. Many camps have their own take on these skill sets, but the general principles are the same. Camps argue that these skills are crucial to youth development, and are not being taught in the traditional education system.

“Skills like curiosity — one’s drive to know, sense of wonder, and ability to stand in awe — need to be embraced and not squashed by premature demands for compliance. Imagination must be protected and encouraged. The desire to investigate, inquire, question, and study will need to be valued, both at work and home. These precursors will be critical to our future success as individuals, communities, and a country. And, they can all be found in a quality camp experience. “  –Peg Smith "Camp and 21st Century Skills: Oxymoron or Ideal?" 

So how do we cultivate a landscape to teach these very skills? The idea that the traditional education environment is not providing the skills needed for the next generation of leaders is nothing new. Charles Eliot, former president of Harvard University, wrote in 1922:

"I have the conviction that a few weeks in a well-organized summer camp may be of more value educationally than a whole year of formal school work.”

To return to the parallels between summer camps and tree houses: both idealize the child’s sense of wonder. Roper Mountain Science Center Association recently hosted a competition to design and build the ultimate cool green tree house to foster a child’s imagination. These designs captured a space that teaches wonder, something that the camp landscape should strive to create. (The design finalist can be seen here!) Many camps have capitalized on the playful nature of camp with great tree house designs. Take Camp Twin Lakes in Georgia, for example. Opened in 1993 to serve children with serious illnesses, disabilities and other challenges, the camp's treehouse - known as the “Wild Side” - is nothing short of magical. To see more photos of tree houses at summer camp click here!)

The Wild Side Tree House at Camp Twin Lakes

A well-written camp blog post from North Carolina's Green River Preserve recently quoted poet Mary Edgar:

“Youth sometimes outgrows the thrill of surprise, or assumes a blasé attitude, while adults often lose completely the glory and luster which wonder gives to life, and it becomes for them dull and monotonous. Yet there are many fortunate individuals who continue to experience all through their lives the adventure of living. They behold a universe so vast and amazing that the only possible response is an attitude of surprise and expectancy.”

The post goes on to articulate the sense of wonder in youth… something that camp designs strive to create and inspire in campers each and every summer. Whether it’s camps or treehouses the goal is to design a space that instills a sense of wonder and eagerness to learn in the next generation of campers.


Smith, Peg. "Camp and 21st Century Skills: Oxymoron or Ideal?" Parents & Families. American Camp Association, 23 Feb. 2012. Web. 27 Aug. 2014.