Preparing for Summer Camp – Easing First-Time Jitters
By Whitney Strang, Director of Development
Planning for Summer Camp this year is extra special, and a little nerve-racking, because our family has not one but two first-time Mini-Camp campers, and our oldest is returning as a traditional camper. As any parent knows, balancing excitement and anxiety is part of the process. The kids can’t wait to see their friends, swim in the lake, and sing around the campfire, but for us parents, the logistics come first.
Since this will be the first overnight camp experience for our younger campers, I’ve begun researching resources to help combat homesickness before it occurs. Camp Ondessonk’s First Time Camper & Family Sleepover, held before select sessions in 2026, may be the perfect option to help ease our nervous campers and further narrow down the perfect week for our family.
The new program lets families of first-time campers to arrive Saturday afternoon before their camper’s session begins, and stay overnight in St. Noel. Meals from Saturday dinner through Sunday lunch are included, along with a campfire program, guided hikes, and the chance to check in early on Sunday before the official rush begins.
Even better, the weekend includes time with seasoned staff who can answer last-minute questions, a Meet & Greet with the Camp Nurse, and time to explore the units together. It’s the perfect mix of fun, familiarity, and reassurance.
The First Time Camper & Family Sleepover aims to turn what could be a hectic drop-off day into a calm, memory-filled start to the week.
The First Time Camper & Family Sleepover is offered before select sessions:
- Session 2: June 6, 2026
- Session 4: June 20, 2026
- Session 7: July 11, 2026
- Session 9: July 25, 2026
With those dates in mind, we’ll try to match them to our calendar and our campers’ preferences, confirm with friends, and register early to lock in the best rate before Early Bird Pricing ends on February 1st.
Because once the logistics are handled, all that’s left is the fun part, watching our kids build confidence, make friends, and come home full of songs, stories, and the unmistakable glow of summer at Camp Ondessonk.
