Parenting, Camp, and the Lessons of Belonging

The first month of school always feels like a big adjustment, for kids and for parents. This year, it was an especially big one for my family. My son started first grade at a new school. He’s 6 years old, naturally shy, and struggles with social anxiety when he doesn’t know anyone. Until now, he had been at the same school since he was 18 months old, so the change felt overwhelming, for both of us.

Watching him step into a new environment reminded me of just how important community is, especially during times of transition. I found myself hoping that he would be welcomed, included, and supported. And as I thought about what he was going through, I realized something that I’ve always known at camp, but never appreciated as deeply as I do now that I’m a parent: building community can’t be left to chance. It has to be intentional.

At Camp Rippling Brook, community is at the heart of everything we do. It’s one of our guiding pillars: belonging. It’s also one of our four camper goals each week: to build a community. Starting even before campers are dropped off, we’re intentional about helping campers feel connected, whether it’s through team-building activities, camp-wide events, or even little things like cheering for each other during Camp Cup competitions. We know that sometimes we only have one week with a camper, but that doesn’t mean the sense of belonging is any less important. In fact, it matters even more.

As a parent, I now see this work in a new light. The intentionality behind creating community at camp isn’t just about making camp fun. It’s about helping kids feel safe, seen, and supported when they face new experiences, skills that matter just as much at school, at home, and in life.

I’ve worked in camps since I was 16 years old, but now as both a parent and a camp director, I’m learning even more. My son’s transition this fall reminded me that what we do at camp matters in ways far beyond the summer. Camp helps kids build the confidence, resilience, and connections they carry into every new chapter. And as a mom, that’s exactly what I want for my son, for my daughter, and for every camper who walks through our gates.