Camper to Camper: How to Get the Most Out of Your First Summer
After ten years of unforgettable summers at Jameson Ranch Camp, I’ve acquired an incredible amount of knowledge, a myriad of skills, and have learned countless valuable lessons. Although I could sit and talk about my wonderful time at JRC for hours on end and recount all of my favorite memories, (of which there are realistically too many to name) I’ve compiled a list of advice I’d love every first time camper to hear.
1. Give camp a chance.
Your time at camp is entirely dependent on your attitude towards the experience and the effort you put into your summer. As Ross always says, “You get out of camp what you put into it.” and I truly believe this is something that has made my time here so fulfilling. While the dirt and bugs that are inevitable parts of the camp experience may not be for everyone, the caring staff, the delicious food, and the unique activities all combine to create an environment where anyone can have fun.
2. Challenge yourself!
At Jameson Ranch Camp, campers are surrounded by staff who offer an overwhelming amount of support. Counselors are always ready to lend a helping hand, give encouragement, and give campers space to achieve and feel pride in themselves. This makes camp the perfect opportunity to try new things and push yourself outside your comfort zone. JRC is the place where I’ve accomplished things I’ll be bragging about for the rest of my life, and that’s because the people surrounding me gave me the confidence to try things I never thought I could do. The staff believe in you, all that’s left is to believe in yourself.
3. Pack wisely.
After an unfortunate incident my second year at camp that ended with all my belongings smelling strongly of sunscreen, I urge every camper to put their sunscreen and bug spray in a Ziplock bag before packing it in your trunk. Additionally, I have also found it useful to bring an extra water bottle, lots of socks (they get dirty extremely quickly), a lip balm with SPF, baby wipes (they come in handy after a dusty hike), and a small foot mat to wipe your feet on before getting into bed.
4. Live in the moment.
JRC offers something truly rare, which is the opportunity to spend time away from your parents, away from technology, and away from the relentless pace of modern life. At camp, I find myself noticing and appreciating things I'd normally rush past: waking up to birds singing right beside your bunk, the bright blue sky overhead while you paddleboard on the lake, the taste of a cucumber picked fresh from the garden. Two weeks without a phone is more refreshing than you'd expect, so lean into it. Take advantage of this time to build real connections and soak in the nature all around you.
5. Be yourself.
This one may sound cliche, but at camp, I feel a sense of belonging I’ve never experienced anywhere else. A huge reason I have become the confident, kind, and adventurous person I am today is because of my time at JRC and the experiences I’ve had at camp. Jameson Ranch Camp is full of the most loving, welcoming, and genuinely joyful people you will ever meet, and this is part of what makes JRC so incredibly special. No matter who you are, where you come from, what you like to do, what you’re good at, there is a place for you at Jameson Ranch Camp, so be your authentic self.
Sincerely, Genevieve F.