Camp Builds the Kind of Kids the World Needs

By Deacon Stephanie Engel

As a parent and camp director, there are a few topics guaranteed to earn my click: kids, camp, and how children grow into resilient, compassionate adults.

This week, two very different stories caught my attention.

The first was The New York Times’ podcast The Daily: “Your Kids Asked the Artemis Astronauts Questions. They Answered.” Children asked the crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission what it takes to become an astronaut.

Their answers were strikingly simple.

Be curious.

Keep trying when things get hard.

Be a good teammate.

Stay humble.

Work hard.

Support the people around you.

I smiled listening, because that is not just advice for astronauts. That is advice for life. It is advice for discipleship. And it is exactly the kind of formation that happens at camp every summer.

At camp, curiosity is practiced daily. Children ask questions about God, themselves, friendship, nature, and the wider world. They notice loons calling across the lake, stars above the cabins, and the wonder of being part of creation.

Persistence is learned naturally. We keep paddling until we reach shore. We try again after missing the target in archery. We discover that discomfort is not the same thing as danger, and that growth often lives just beyond inconvenience.

Teamwork is everywhere. Cabins learn to live together. Groups solve challenges on the initiatives course. Campers discover that listening, encouraging, apologizing, and helping are not small skills; they are life skills.

Humility, hard work, kindness, and mutual support are woven into the rhythm of camp life. In a world that often rewards performance, camp still teaches character.

Then I Read a Harder Story

The second article was Forbes: “Summer Camp Is Back. But A Growing Number of Kids Still Can’t Go.”

I expected the story to focus on finances, and certainly cost can be a barrier for many families. But the article highlighted another challenge: a growing number of children whose emotional, behavioral, developmental, or medical needs do not fit neatly into existing systems.

Some children do not need a highly specialized therapeutic camp. But they may also need more support than a traditional overnight program has historically been designed to provide.

As the article noted, many families ask questions like:

Will my child be okay?

Will someone notice if they are struggling?

Will camp support them or overwhelm them? 

Those are thoughtful questions. Real questions. Loving-parent questions.

And too often, children in that “middle space” miss out on camp altogether.

Why This Matters to Me Personally

I was not diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder until I was 27.

Looking back, I wish I had understood the puzzle pieces sooner, why anxiety

sometimes felt so intense, why transitions were hard, why my first summer camp experience felt much harder than my second, third, and fourth.

That perspective shapes how I lead today.

Because I want every child to experience the growth, confidence, friendship, wonder, and belonging that camp can offer.

What We Are Already Doing at Camp Onomia

We are not perfect, but we are committed to growing.

Camper Profiles

We encourage every family to complete their camper profile thoroughly. You know your child best. Tell us what helps, what triggers stress, what routines matter, and what calming strategies work at home.

Those details matter.

Sometimes the most helpful information is simple:

• Transitions are hard.

• Gentle reminders work best.

• Deep breathing helps.

• New tasks may feel frustrating at first.

• We read a story every night to calm down.

That insight helps staff care well.

Better Staff Training

Our seasonal staff continues to receive more tools and training to notice concerns early, redirect appropriately, and communicate with leadership quickly.

That includes:

• emotional wellness awareness

• behavior support strategies

• sensory calming tools

• increased supervision capacity

• consultation with health professionals

• stronger escalation processes

Creating Supportive Spaces

Sometimes children do not need a major intervention.

They need a reset.

A quieter corner.

A trusted adult.

A few minutes to breathe.

A chance to begin again.

We are building for that reality with dedicated spaces to regulate and mobile packs to support campers through every camp experience.

Where We Want to Grow Next

We are already taking some important steps.

More Professionals On Site

We hope to expand volunteer support from nurses, mental health professionals, and spiritual care leaders during camp weeks. Children thrive when strong counselors are supported by experienced, caring adults.

Stronger Parent Communication

This summer, families will notice increased communication before camp begins.

Why? Because uncertainty creates anxiety.

When children and parents know what to expect, everyone starts from a calmer place. A confident drop-off often leads to a more confident camper.

We are exploring:

• open houses

• virtual parent info sessions

• pre-camp videos

• clearer schedules and expectations

• stronger feedback loops after camp

Advocacy Beyond Camp

As the Forbes article rightly points out, this challenge is bigger than camp.

Children need holistic support networks: schools, churches, camps, clinicians, neighbors, and families working together.

We want to be part of that village.

How Families Can Take the First Step

If your child is nervous, unsure, or needs a gradual start, that is okay.

Consider:

• Intergenerational programs

• Family camp

• Grandparent camp

• Year-round events

• Visiting camp ahead of time

• Starting with a shorter program before a longer stay

Sometimes readiness is built one positive experience at a time.

How You Can Help

If you believe more children should have access to camp’s life-changing benefits, here are practical ways to help:

• Donate to campership and support funds

• Volunteer your skills

• Invite another family

• Share camp opportunities

• Join leadership committees

• Encourage children who may need that first brave step

Final Thought

The astronauts were right.

The world needs curious kids. Persistent kids. Kind kids. Team-oriented kids. Humble kids who know how to work hard and care for others.

Camp helps grow those kinds of kids.

Our task now is to make sure more of them get the chance.

Links:

Get Involved - Volunteer & Donation Opportunities

Apply for Summer Staff - Be part of the team that makes this transformative experience happen

Invite Another Family - Our Perspective Family page makes a great link to send!