For 11-year-old Laura (real names not used), camp was already home. She knew the traditions, all the words to the Good Night Song, her favorite directors, the best places to sit at Friday night barbecues, and she had a whole circle of friends waiting for her. A returning camper, she knew exactly what made Robin Hood special.
So this year, she decided she wanted someone else to experience it, too. She invited a family friend, 7-year-old Sarah, to join her at camp. At just seven years old, Sarah would be one of the youngest campers there. And while she was excited to come, the reality of arriving at camp without her family was a little more daunting than she had imagined.
There was a two-week gap between their arrivals. By the time Sarah arrived, Laura had already settled into her summer rhythm, was working on stripes in most of her Morning Interest activities, and had plenty of friends to spend time with.
But instead of running off to her own activities, she stayed close to Sarah. For the first two days, Laura became her guide, and her familiar face in a brand-new place. She showed her where to go, spent time in Sarah’s cabin at Rest Hour, introduced her to counselors, and invited her to sit with her friends on the picnic benches at mealtimes. And she explained the little things that only a seasoned camper knows, like how to get a good place in the shower line, and made sure Sarah never felt alone.
Then there was the swim test. For a seven-year-old who was already navigating so many new experiences, attempting to complete the King Alfred could feel intimidating. So Laura got in the water with her. Side by side, the two friends swam from dock to dock, and back, together.
Slowly, Sarah found her footing. And then something wonderful happened. The camper who arrived nervous and wondering if she might get homesick began to discover Robin Hood for herself. She made her own friends, and invited them to sign up for Circus with her in Afternoon Activities. She became part of the rhythm and magic of summer.
Soon, she didn’t need Laura by her side quite as much.
And perhaps that is one of the greatest gifts of Robin Hood—not just the memories we make, but the way camp teaches us to make room for someone else. Laura had already discovered how much she loved camp. This summer, she got to share that feeling with someone younger. She helped a seven-year-old find her courage, find her friends, and find her own in place in the RH community. Because camp teaches you the best welcome is someone who says, “Come with me. I’ll show you the way.” Rah-rah!
