I’m writing this from Kenwood & Evergreen after finally getting here for the summer. And honestly, there’s a lot on my mind. There’s so much awesome new info coming at me, it’s like drinking out of a camp-firehose.
Which feels weird to admit, considering I’ve been working at camps for 29 years, run trainings every month, write about this stuff constantly, and think about it all the time (like, ALL.THE.TIME). You’d think stepping into a new place would feel routine by now.
You’d be wrong.
The truth is, I’m nervous about this big transition. Maybe especially because have so much experience as a camp professional. I know enough to understand all the moving pieces that make camp magic happen, but not enough to know each piece at K&E, YET.
I’ve spent this last week thinking about all the things I’m still learning.
How new arrivals introduce themselves at assembly.
The stories of Hut 6 grilling for senior hill and staff on OD.
The care that is put into learning to unpack each camper.
How many accents the staff bring from all over the planet. (Thanks, Georgie for always translating.)
And honestly? That’s probably exactly how it should be.
If you’ve ever started a new job, moved to a new town, or watched your kid walk into a new classroom, you know this feeling. The mix of excitement and nerves that comes with stepping into something important.
Expert But Human
Experience often teaches you how much you still don’t know.
I can walk into most camp situations and quickly understand what’s happening. Know how to spot staff who need a lift, groups that might not be vibing, what activities are reeeallly working, and help create the conditions where kids thrive.
But every camp is different. Every community has its own vibe, its own way of doing things that work perfectly for that place and those people.
K&E has been creating incredible summers for almost 100 years. There are traditions here that were going strong long before I showed up, relationships that run deep, and a culture that’s been carefully built over the last century.
It’s kinda like how your kid might feel coming to camp for the first time, or even returning after being away for a while. They might be confident kids who handle new situations like champs, but they still need time to figure out how things work here specifically.
Even experienced campers go through this. And that’s totally normal. It means they care about fitting in and contributing.
That’s exactly where I am right now: an experienced camp guy learning how to be an effective K&E camp community member.
Before Getting Here
Before showing up last week, I had a pretty clear list of things on my mind. The kind of stuff that keeps you up at 2 AM thinking through scenarios.
I was worried about learning K&E’s unique culture and traditions. Every camp has its own rhythm, its own way of doing things that make perfect sense once you’re on the inside.
I was worried about the Hidden Curriculum (yeah, I know, broken record with this concept).
How do meals actually work here?
What does swim time look like?
Will I be able to remember ALL the songs and cheers!?
When do people actually show up for the thing that’s supposed to start at 8 AM?
It’s all the tiny details that K&E pros and families take for granted.
I was worried about connecting with kids and staff in this specific environment. In previous camps, I could immediately sense the vibe. That intuition took years to develop. Would I be able to build those relationships here?
I was worried about making decisions that honored the deep history and incredible impact while still adding value. There’s this balance of respecting what’s been successful for years while having ideas that make camp stronger.
And honestly? I was worried about stepping into rhythms that have been established for decades without accidentally disrupting what already works beautifully.
These weren’t abstract concerns. These are the daily realities that directly impact whether kids have an amazing summer or just an okay one
What I’ve Already Seen
But you know about worries. Sometimes they turn out to be way smaller than you thought they’d be.
I spent this weekend in Unit Leader training.
These are the counselors who live in each unit (group of a few bunks) and are responsible for how that whole age group works together.
It’s amazing how seriously they take preparing to lead each group. How thoughtful they are about each camper about to be in their care. And it’s evidenced through the detailed and excited questions they peppered at the admin team.
As new staff trickled in each day, I watched the community reach out and take care of them, build inside jokes so quickly, and show each other around is inspiring. All the previous staff proudly showed off K&E like it was their own home. This is something you simply can’t “fake”.
I’ve been to enough camps to know that when staff interact like this, it’s genuine, real, and super special.
All those worries I had?
They’re still there a little bit, and I’m definitely still learning. But I’m so proud to be joining this team.
The Bottom Line
Look, being nervous is fine. Campers, staff, adults, parents, everyone. I get it. Stepping into something new is big. Stepping back into something is big, too.
But the cool news from someone here for the first time? K&E is already amazing. The culture, the people, the way things work. It all clicks.
And the best way to reduce worries is to come to a place with so many special things already built in.
I can’t lie, I am still a little nervous, and overwhelmingly excited for opening day next week. I can’t wait to get to know the kids, and the butterflies are real.
We got this,
Jack