Camper Stories

Over the years, we’ve heard countless tales of fun, friendship and a few fish stories.

We went ahead and compiled just a few of our favorite stories from our campers. Each one of them shares a special moment they experienced while at Camp Emerson.

Come join us for a summer and you’ll have your own stories to tell!

Brenner - Age 8

Brenner - Age 8

on Tuesday, 23 June 2015. Posted in Campers

Hello, my name is Brenner. I am 8 years old. But I will be 9 years old when I get to Camp Emerson next summer.

I have been at Camp Emerson for 2 years, and next summer will be my 3rd. This is my camp story...camp is my favorite place to be in the summer.CO2 cars and archery are my favorite activities to do. Clowning class is also fun. I remember when Dory made us go around in funny costumes!

I am wondering if you have any new activities? Any new campers? I am pumped to see new faces! The OLYMPICS are this year, right? The connected spoons idea was great! See you at camp Sue, Phil and Kevin!

Can't wait to see the new cabins too! See you soon.

Sam - Age 11

Sam - Age 11

on Wednesday, 07 October 2015. Posted in Campers

View Sam's camp story video

Sam tells us his 'Camp Story'. Trying a new activity and getting good with the help of our Instructors. He make some great pieces of Pottery to take home and share with his family. Great Job!

 

 

 

Dan - Alumni

Dan - Alumni

on Monday, 22 June 2015. Posted in Campers

Hello, my name is Dan and I am a Camp Emerson alumni. I first went to camp when I was 10 years old but this story begins before I even was a camper at Camp Emerson.

My sister was looking at summer camps around the Massachusetts area. Our final stop was Camp Emerson. I was about 7 or 8 at the time. I didn't
know anything about the camp in the slightest.

On the tour, the camp looked absolutely beautiful. However, it wasn't the sight of the camp that made me fall in love. No, it wasn't the huge soccer field, or beautiful Lake Plunkett. It was a wonderful meatball sub that was given to me from the Dining Hall. This beautiful, simple, and fantastic meatball sandwich made my entire day and while eating it, I knew that I needed to go to Camp Emerson. Two years later, I moved into Bunk 3 as a Mountaineer.

I stayed at Camp Emerson all the way until my Explorer year and then I participated in the first "Leaders" program that the camp offered. I miss Camp Emerson very much. I might even choose to be a counselor one day.

This is my story and it is my favorite one. I still think about that meatball sub some days.

Dan

Sophie - Age 9

Sophie - Age 9

on Tuesday, 23 June 2015. Posted in Campers

Hello, my name is Sophie. I am 9 years old. I have been at Camp Emerson for 2 years. This is my camp story.

My first year at Camp Emerson I was 8. I was really excited but also nervous. That year I made the best friends a girl could have. We had a wonderful time together that year. Finally it was time to go home. We were all sad to go. I got on the bus and left that year behind. I kept I touch with my friends emailing them and sending letters to them.

The next year I was super excited to come back and couldn’t wait to get to camp. When I got off the bus I was told I was with all of my friends. It made me so happy.

I had had many good times with them and had grown to know them really well. When my friends got off the bus I hugged them because I was so happy to see them and because I had missed them so much.

That year was wonderful. I met some new friends and hung out with my old ones to. Likethe year before, camp went by quick and was soon over.That was a special year because my friendsat camp are one of the best parts of camp.

My camp friends are special friends that I want to have in my bunk for all the years that I am at camp. I hope to be with my friend every year. That is my camp story.

Sophie - Age 12

Sophie - Age 12

on Tuesday, 23 June 2015. Posted in Campers

View Sophie's camp story

Sophie tried sailing at camp and now she loves it. “Camp Emerson teaches you how to do new stuff.

 

 

Julia - Age 10

Julia - Age 10

on Tuesday, 23 June 2015. Posted in Campers

View Julia's camp story video

At first Julia was very nervous and homesick but her friends and counselors comforted her. Now she can wait to go back to Camp Emerson this summer.

 

 

Danny - Age 11

Danny - Age 11

on Tuesday, 23 June 2015. Posted in Campers

View Danny's camp story video

Ginger - Age 13

Ginger - Age 13

on Tuesday, 23 June 2015. Posted in Campers

Hi, I'm Ginger, I’m 13 years old. I have been going to camp for 3 years, this is my camp story.

My favorite place at camp is the swing set. After I get a phone call, which is usually right after dinner, or during dinner so by the time I'm done dinner has been let out, I go and sit on the swings, 3rd from the left, 2nd from the right. I just sit there pushing my feet back and forth on the ground. I'm not really swinging, I'm swaying. The swing is warm from the sun. And I just sit there listening to the boys play soccer over on boys side, I listen to the chatter of the girls hidden by a blanket of trees on girl side, listen to the birds chirping, to the trees brushing back and forth in the wind. I watch the most beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen set fire to the sky. I can only stay there for a few minutes so no one really notices I'm gone.

It’s nice to spend that time alone. It’s just the camp and I, my home away from home. I sit there, thinking away solving any problems I might have, savoring the few moments I have to myself to be calm. At some point sadly I have to get up and leave the most glorious swing set in the world, in the mean time leaving my favorite place in the whole world behind. Then I go back to bunk and forget all about the momentary sadness I felt when I left the swing set because now, back in bunk I'm with my family.

Bridget - Age 13

Bridget - Age 13

on Wednesday, 07 October 2015. Posted in Campers

Hello my name is Bridget, I'm 13 years and I've been going to camp Emerson for four years, 2014 will be my fifth. This is my camp story.

Some would say I'm obsessed with camp, my response is always "can you blame me?”. All the festivities going on there's never a dull moment. With over 50 activities to choose from, camp provides hours of endless fun. However, every year I find myself counting down to camp day by day not only for the amazing activities but, for the people.

Camp is a unique place where you can be you and you’re celebrated for it. There, I found out who I really was and who I aspire to be. From a young age I've been venturing to camp every summer and I find role models in not only the counselors but also some campers. Everyone there is accepting and truthfully just wants you to have fun. In time of sadness you never have to look far for open arms comforting you.

My first year was Azalea year, 2010 I was 10. That year I was very homesick. Whenever I felt sad my counselors would always be there; they became like family. I found my friends fast and they're my best friends today. Fast forward to today in 2013 four years from my first encounter with camp I can honestly say I'm campsick. I miss camp. You grow so close to counselors and campers that I can't picture my life without them. They're not my friends though; they're my sisters and brothers. Endless memories are created there that I know I will never forget. I don't think I can ever explain to anyone how much camp means to me. It's my oasis, my home away from home.

Camp Emerson is the highlight of every year for me. I could never explain enough how caring, loving, hilarious, kind, generous, amazing people surround camp and fill the camp atmosphere with nothing less than that; I just wouldn't give it justice. I strongly believe that camp friends are lifelong friends with no exaggerations. I think everyone should have the opportunity to go to camp and I consider myself very lucky to be able to go summer after summer.

Before camp I was a shy little girl, now I'm not afraid to be myself. I'm outgoing and frankly a little crazy, but in a good way. From daily activities to trip days, to special event days, color wars, or even a rainy day in the bunk there is NEVER a dull moment. Camp has framed my personality and has motivated me to do so much more than I ever thought was possible. Easily my favorite place on Earth.

Hailey - Age 11

Hailey - Age 11

on Wednesday, 07 October 2015. Posted in Campers

View Hailey's camp story video

Hailey’s about to start her 3rd summer at Camp Emerson. Hear her tell you how camp is a place to take chances with your friends.

 

 

 

Matt - Age 11

Matt - Age 11

on Wednesday, 07 October 2015. Posted in Campers

View Matt's camp story video

Matt explains how his counselor helped him shine in auditions, giving him confidence, leading to a great performance in Aladdin. 

 

 

 

Jordan - Age 14

Jordan - Age 14

on Monday, 22 June 2015. Posted in Campers

View Jordan's camp story video.

Jordan started at Camp Emerson when he was 7 years old. He was very nervous. It turned out to be a great summer and started his love for soccer.

 

Alex - Age 13

Alex - Age 13

on Tuesday, 23 June 2015. Posted in Campers

Hello, my name is Alex. I am 13 years old. I have been at Camp Emerson for 4 years. This is My Camp Story....

Camp Emerson is my home away from home.

I was 9 years old when I left for my first summer at Camp Emerson. I was a little nervous about being away for the first time for 4 weeks. I had no idea about what to expect. Looking back, there was nothing to be nervous about. Everything at camp was awesome: the counselors, the special days, the activities, and the campers. The 4 weeks went by so quickly. And it was filled with tons of special days, trips, evening activities, and best of all color wars. Every year, the theme for color wars is amazing: "Elements" (2010), "Harry Potter" (2011), Monopoly (2012), Circus (2013). The staff and counselors go all out, transforming the dining hall and getting everybody psyched about the competition. That last week of camp is the best. Color Wars, banquet and Club Emerson.... Staying up late, packing up your stuff, and realizing that even though one summer is over, there is another one ahead to look forward to.

One of the best things about Camp Emerson, to me, is that they let campers choose their own activities. Every summer, I get the chance to try new things, like videography or CSI, but I also get to keep doing the things that I have tried before and really like, including CO2 racecars, tennis and Lake Plunkett.

Every summer that I came home, I told my younger sister about how awesome Camp Emerson was, and how she HAS to go there. She finally had her first summer there last year, and she loved it. Now she understands why I talk about camp so much and why I can't wait to go back.

I think about camp constantly during the school year. My cousin started going to her sleepaway camp the year before I started at Emerson. After her first summer, she told me the saying, "WE LIVE 10 FOR 2." She said that it meant that she lives the ten months of school just waiting for the two months of camp to arrive. Now that I have been at Emerson for four summers, I understand the saying and I feel the same way. I sometimes check the "count down until camp" counter on the Camp Emerson website, looking forward until summer starts again. It's great to see in the newsletters which counselors are returning, and all of the new bunks that are being built at camp.

Camp has been one of the best experiences of my life because I learned how to be independent, do lots of new activities, and I have made so many amazing friends. It is great to keep in touch with them during the school year. I am sure I will stay close with my camp friends for a very, very long time.

Maddie - Age 10

Maddie - Age 10

on Tuesday, 23 June 2015. Posted in Campers

View Maddie's camp story

First time camper, Maddie, tells you what you can expect at Camp Emerson.

 

 

 

Jasper - Age 14

Jasper - Age 14

on Tuesday, 23 June 2015. Posted in Campers

Hello my name is Jasper. I am 14 years old. I have been Camp Emerson for 5 years. This is my camp story…

My first year at Camp Emerson I was on the baseball team, and one day we went to a baseball tournament at Camp Grey-lock. Camp Grey-lock is an all sports camp and we were also competing with other sports camps. Us, being Camp Emerson, aren’t exactly a sports camp, but we try our best.

When we arrived at camp Grey-lock it was very intimidating, there was about a dozen other camps that specialized in sports. Our first game was against camp Grey-lock, and we all new how good of a team they had because we hadn’t beaten them in over 20 years. We had two very big players on our team named Steven and Dan and they were probably the best two players at the tournament. It was a very close game we won and we all felt on top of the world when we did but we knew it wasn’t over yet.

After we beat Grey-lock it started to rain. It rained for a good hour and we were stuck inside of a dark sports center for the entire time with a couple other camps. As time passed some of the camps decided to leave, but because we are Emerson, we stayed until they let us play again. Because we were one of the only teams left we made it to the finals without even playing another game. Then the worst thing that could have happened, happened Camp Grey-lock decided to not let our two best players (Steven and Dan) play because they were, “too good.” So we had to play the game without them and we lost but it was a very exiting experience. It felt so good to bring a trophy back to camp, even if it was second place. We all felt proud of our camp and ourselves.

Being at Camp Emerson has been the best 5 years of my life and whenever I get the chance to come back I will be there.

Emily - Age 14

Emily - Age 14

on Tuesday, 23 June 2015. Posted in Campers

Hi my name is Emily. I am 14 years old. I have been at Camp Emerson for 3 years. This is my camp story...

The summer going into 5th grade I went to a different, all girls, sleep away camp. It was my first time at sleep away camp and I was so excited. I went to visit the camp with my parents and liked it a lot. I went with my best friend Jane. I got there and was put in a bunk with 15 other girls with only 2 counselors! I got very homesick and the camp only let me call my parents once. I was miserable and never wanted to go back.

The next summer I stayed home, very upset about what had happened. The next summer I wanted to try sleep away camp again. My mom found Camp Emerson. When I arrived I felt very welcome. I loved choosing my actives and being with such nice people. The counselors were so much fun to be with. I got to do things that I had never gotten to do in my life. I never felt homesick, there was always someone there by my side.

I was never a person with lots of friends. But after spending 1 day at camp I felt like I had so many people around me to talk and laugh with. The people that I met at Camp Emerson at the funniest, weirdest and best friends that I will ever have. For the next 2 summers I had the best 6 weeks of my life. I spent them with the best people in the world. I got to do and experience so many things that I would never get to do at any other camp.

Camp Emerson is the place that you can be you. I feel so comfortable with myself in camp. I really get to do what I want to do, while doing it surrounded by the people I love. My camp friends are my closest friends and my life has changed because of the summers that I spent at Camp Emerson.

The memories at camp I will carry with me forever. I am so upset not to be going back next summer. I have loved every single second spent at camp. I will never forget how camp taught me how to have the best time in the world.

Thank You Camp Emerson for being the best place on earth that I am happy to call home.

Aaron - Age 11

Aaron - Age 11

on Wednesday, 07 October 2015. Posted in Campers

View Aaron's camp story video

Aaron’s summer at Camp Emerson was the “best one of my life”. Listen to Aaron tell you about the friends he made at camp.

 

Gabi - Age 12

Gabi - Age 12

on Wednesday, 07 October 2015. Posted in Campers

Hello, my name is Gabi. I am twelve years old. I have been at Camp Emerson for four years. This is my Camp Story.....

My first year at camp was 2009. My counselors were Jackson and Johnny. The people I remember most were Andy, Dylan, and Sonny. I think they are what made me stay at camp.

The bond that I made with them was unbreakable. I had many similar years and Andy, Dylan, Sonny, and I were in the same bunk for three years. Sonny ended up going for four weeks last year but Dylan and Andy stayed with me making it a four year streak.

Last year I met Sean and Rio who I am looking forward to being with next year. I am also looking forward to receiving my five year jacket. At camp I have enjoyed all the activities I have tried and am looking forward to new ones next year.

Vanessa - Age 8

Vanessa - Age 8

on Wednesday, 07 October 2015. Posted in Campers

View Vanessa's camp story video

Vanessa became an expert on the pottery wheel at Camp Emerson. Hear her story about her 2 years at camp.

 

 

Amanda - Alumni

Amanda - Alumni

on Monday, 22 June 2015. Posted in Campers

View Amanda's camp story video.

Amanda has been a camper and a counselor at Camp Emerson. She tells us how each summer is full of surprises

 

 

Sarah & Lily - Age 12

Sarah & Lily - Age 12

on Tuesday, 23 June 2015. Posted in Campers

View Sarah & Lily's camp story

Sarah and Lily have so many memories they want to share with you about their Camp Emerson friends.

 

Stencia - Age 12

Stencia - Age 12

on Tuesday, 23 June 2015. Posted in Campers

View Stencia's camp story

This was Stencia’s first summer. Camp Emerson became her second family. Hear her story.

 

 

Skylar - Age 14

Skylar - Age 14

on Tuesday, 23 June 2015. Posted in Campers

Hello my name is Skylar. I am 14 years old. I have been at Camp Emerson for 4 years. This is my camp story.

When I first went to camp, I was kind of a shy kid, didn't like public speaking or being in front of a crowd. That year I stayed in the background, but decided to join the all camp play. I was going into sixth grade, and because of how much fun acting in 'Shrek' had been, I joined my middle school's production of 'A Christmas Carol', and after switching to a private school, played as the White Rabbit in 'Alice and Wonderland'. My second year of camp the four week play was ‘Wicked’ which was my very favorite musical, so of course I joined, and even though I didn't get a lead, it was very fun.

I tried Rock Band that year, and loved it almost as much as theater! Ever since then, I've done Rock Band at least once, most of the time accompanied by one of my best camp friends, Sarah.

Because of having that opportunity at Camp Emerson to step out of my comfort zone I've tried out for solos in my schools' chorus, sung in talent shows, and been told multiple times that I've stolen the show in theatre performances.

Now in high school, I'm coming to my last year at camp, and I will be forever grateful for the experiences that I've been able to have, and my hope of one day acting for a living.

Sam - Age 14

Sam - Age 14

on Tuesday, 23 June 2015. Posted in Campers

Hello. My name is Sam. I am 14 years old and I have been at Camp Emerson for 2 years. This is my camp story.

I really loved Color Wars time at camp. It was a fun time where you could truly build a team and connect with lots of other kids across all age groups. I hung out with campers I had never seen before during Color Wars and became good friends with them because of it. I always felt the most energetic, happy, and excited during Color Wars time. Although I never won it, I still had fun fighting to win it. I enjoyed how into it everyone was, and how everyone, no matter what age, took it seriously. It made it all the better.

I remember my first year at camp. We had Monopoly themed Olympics. I woke up the first day, not knowing what to expect, and heard the chime of the Monopoly theme song playing. It was six in the morning and I didn’t know what was going on. Suddenly, a bunch of older kids banged on our door and ran into our bunk. I was so confused, crazed out, and shocked. They gave us tickets and ushered us out of the bunks and into buses that drove away. It was so much fun to go to the local bank, where Jen was waiting to give us instructions. I was thoroughly surprised and impressed by the beginning of Color Wars. It made me feel very excited to see what was to come.

From the moment when I woke up on the first day to the moment when the winner was announced, I had a blast! Those two days were the best! We played so many fun, competitive games against our friends and I remember wanting so badly to win for our team because the spirit was soooooo high. Everyone loved it and was trying so hard to t win. It was wonderful! I’d experience competitions like this in the past where everyone tried half-heartedly and without much emphasis or effort. In this case, it was nothing like that. Everybody was amped up for Color Wars.

Playing Monopoly in the dining hall was great. I couldn’t believe that the whole dining hall had been rearranged to fit a life-sized Monopoly board with life-sized pieces in it. It was magnificent. I loved rolling the “dice” for our team and moving our giant wheelbarrow around the board.

The final performances were also amazing. I remember being one of the actors in our skit and being so excited to perform it in front of the entire camp on the final night of Color Wards. I really gave my performance my all and I think it truly paid off, because everyone was clapping and screaming at the end. Performing our team’s song was also incredible. It felt great to be in sync with everyone else, singing a song we had just learned that morning and knowing it like we knew our favorite song. The feeling I had when the winner was about to be announced was indescribable. Although we didn’t win, it was all worth it. At first, I was upset. But as I thought about things, I realized that the fun of Color Wars isn’t in winning, it’s in the actual two days of competition and team building and spirit. Just walking around camp with my team, chanting “Worldwide Wheelbarrows!” was fantastic! I couldn’t have asked for a better two days at camp.

I loved Color Wars at camp. It was a truly unique experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. I will never stop saying, “Go White Team!!” Whenever I thinking about Colors Wars, it reminds me of camp and how much fun I had there. It makes me sad that I am not there right now, but I do have all the photos to look through of those awesomely amazing two days!! I am Sam, and that is my camp story.

Avery - Age 13

Avery - Age 13

on Tuesday, 23 June 2015. Posted in Campers

View Avery's Story

Avery had a great first day at Camp Emerson. Hear what you will learn and who you’ll meet when you arrive at overnight summer camp. 

 

 

 

 

 

Anya - Age 12

Anya - Age 12

on Wednesday, 07 October 2015. Posted in Campers

Hello my name is Anya. I am twelve years old. I have been at Camp Emerson for two years. This is my Camp Story...

When I get off the bus my first year at camp, I see a line of people holding up a bridge for me to walk through. I slowly grab my bags, not wanting to be the first one out. I follow Rebecca, the only girl that I knew in the whole camp. She walks through the bridge, and I follow. We walk over to two counselors holding the letter B above their heads. When we get there they ask us our names. We tell them our names and they check them off the list.

I look around and see all these friends embracing after not seeing each other for so long; even the counselors meeting kids that they haven't seen in forever. Suddenly, Nikki and Ali walk up to Rebecca. They are all hugging and I feel a little lost. Rebecca introduces me, and as all the girls come together, I’m not feeling lost anymore. I feel like by the end of four weeks, I will have made so many more friends. I quickly learn everybody’s name, and I’m relieved to see that there are a few more new girls.

I follow my counselors, Lou and Amy, towards my bunk. As soon as I walk in I see my duffel bags next to my bed. I’m excited. This summer, in only four weeks, I’ll have a chance to be with all these girls. From the first day of camp, until the end of Color Wars I’ll be with them. I already know that this summer will be a summer to remember.

Jocelyn - Age 11

Jocelyn - Age 11

on Wednesday, 07 October 2015. Posted in Campers

My name is Jocelyn. I am 11 years old.

My favorite part of camp Emerson is how everyone is so nice to you, and they have a lot of fun activities like field trips and they make going away from your home fun! I met two really good friends over my two years at camp Emerson.

Camp Emerson is a great experience for a child. Everyone is nice and the counselors will make you feel happy there. My favorite activity's there are arts ‘n crafts, (Sewing, Jewelry) and sports (Swimming Tennis, Softball). The food there is fantastic and the kids there are lots of fun to be around! Over the past two years I have been in the Azaleas and the Belmonts. The field trips I have been on are a movie, bowling, and ice cream.

The photos are so much fun to look at after camp ends. Visiting day is fun too! The sprit week was fun! We had stuff like pj's parties and breakfast in bed! We had lots of doughnuts. But Sue was the nicest person there! She was nice, sweet, and loads of fun to be around!

I cannot wait to go back next year for more fun at Emerson!

smiles

1,490,674

Smiles since Camp Emerson opened 55 years ago!