We kicked off our Learn About Camp Zoom series recently with a conversation focused on the heart of Camp Wawenock: our philosophy. Parents and alumnae joined us to reflect on what makes this experience so meaningful and why it continues to matter, generation after generation.
A few themes rose clearly to the surface:
An intentional, welcoming community
Wawenock is a place where every girl is truly known and warmly welcomed.
✨ “When you show up, people will know your name. A first-time camper comes off the bus and her counselors already know what she’s interested in. That’s something really special about Wawenock.”
— Kelsey, Alumna
Roots and wings
We strive to give girls both a strong sense of belonging and the confidence to stretch themselves, take healthy risks, and grow.
✨ “Camp taught me to be independent and, most importantly, to be okay with failing at things sometimes.” — Gabi, Alumna
Learning how to live and work with others
At Wawenock, the focus is on learning how to navigate real relationships with honesty, accountability, and care. Campers practice resolving conflict, taking responsibility, and extending forgiveness, supported by adults who guide rather than solve.
✨ “There are people to help her learn — not to change herself — but to navigate her place within the cabin and the broader Camp world.” — Marli, Current Parent
✨ “Letting kids sit with some of those feelings and learn how to advocate for themselves becomes a very different kind of engagement.” — Quincy, Current Parent and Alumna
Time to slow down and be present
Life at Camp is intentionally unplugged, giving girls space to connect with themselves, one another, and the natural world.
✨ “Raising kids in this digital age, I feel it’s even more important that they have a place where they have time to really live and understand how to be themselves, without technology.” — Martina, Current Parent and Alumna
Values that last a lifetime
Wawenock Spirit values, such as honesty, thoughtfulness, friendliness, and respect for others, are lived every day.
✨ “The values we learned at Camp have stuck with us and continue to shape our lives.” — Lucy, Alumna
Again and again, participants spoke about confidence gained, friendships formed, and joy experienced, not because Camp is perfect, but because Camp is purposeful, human, and deeply caring.
We would love for you to join us for — and help spread the word about — upcoming Learn About Camp sessions, where we’ll explore other aspects of life at Wawenock, from the camp community to program structure.
👉 Learn more and register for future zoom sessions here
We hope to see you, or someone you care about!