We know that overnight summer camp helps prepare teens for college. Each summer we see tons of growth in campers in all kinds of ways: taking responsibility for cleaning cabins and clearing dishes; conflict resolution and participation in community roles; initiating projects; setting goals and learning from experiences. We know all of this. But how can you show that the Camp Jeanne d’Arc experience sets you apart?
How You Can Showcase Skills from Camp in College Applications
Campers who reach their teen years are suddenly faced with something they may have not been faced with before: showcasing their skills. Colleges (and in some cases, high schools) require students to talk about themselves in a way they have not yet had to do. In addition to academic rigor, colleges want students to write essays and document what differentiates teens from other applicants, what they have done to develop leadership, creativity, and resilience, what skills are unique to them, and more.
Most college essays, regardless of the actual question, really want to know “Who are you, and what do you value?” Campers can use their experience at JDA to answer this in a robust and unique way.
The key is to get specific. Admissions officers are less likely to connect with a general account of sailing and hiking and cleaning cabins and making friends. But if you experienced a critical moment at camp or an impactful relationship that reveals your character, you might get noticed. And you might find that yes, indeed camp helps prepare teens for college.
What Does This Even Look Like?
Here are some examples of how to showcase your personal growth and leadership development:
Gardening. “While spending weeks at summer camp, I have shed some of my city-girl traits and delved into gardening. My camp supported a camper-run garden where we were responsible for tending the garden, harvesting the vegetables, and prepping them for the kitchen. The concept of ‘farm-to-table’ was lived out right before my eyes and has really inspired me. I have since become interested in the food systems in my city.”
Senior Mountaineering Club. “While at summer camp, I became what is called a Senior Mountaineer. I learned advanced mountaineering and safety skills and honed my leadership skills. As a part of this journey, I ran an overnight hike where I needed to procure supplies, plan meals, research the route, ensure safety, and lead younger campers into a new (perhaps scary) experience of an overnight hike. Typically, counselors would contrive tricky situations for the trip leader to have to react to and demonstrate leadership skills. However, during my trip, I faced a real emergency. A young camper overturned a log unleashing a swarm of angry bees. The camper was stung multiple times. The incident was alarming and required quick thinking and mature reasoning. I stepped up to support the camper as well as the panicked group. This experience was invaluable in my leadership and personal growth.”
Leadership Awards. “I was a camper at an overnight summer camp for five summers. During this time, I developed into a strong and confident leader. Last summer, I was awarded the Medalist Award. It is an award that harkens the spirit of Jeanne d’Arc and the qualities of faith, endurance, courage and confidence. This is my camp’s highest honor, given only to those girls who have truly impacted camp. Because it is not awarded every year, and sometimes over a decade will pass without a winner, the award is held in very high regard. Two of the main reasons I received this award are: 1) I impacted positive culture at camp and 2) I connected with and gained the respect of campers and counselors. Here’s how…”
Milestones. “You may not think that an eight-year-old from Brooklyn, a fourteen-year-old from Puerto Rico, a twenty-year-old from Scotland, and I have much in common, right? Enter Milestones Club! While at summer camp, I joined a running club that met every morning. We were a diverse group who at first didn’t know that much about each other. But as the summer progressed and we ran side-by-side, encouraged each other on our goals, pushed through pain, and laughed, we became an unexpected source of friendship and support. After camp, our Milestones group continued to run ‘together’ though a virtual accountability group that I led to keep this support system going all year long. I have learned that we can draw strength from all kinds of people, sometimes in places and ways you would never expect!”
Introduction to Nursing. “‘The Nest’ or the infirmary at my summer camp was established shortly after camp opened in 1922. As I sat there with my arm in a splint, I thought about all the times the camp nurse listened to heartbeats for over a hundred years. Moments earlier I had tripped on the pesky tree root outside of Whippoorwill building and landed on my arm. Watching the nurse serve orders over the walkie talkie, check my body’s vitals, do a concussion test, firmly but safely apply the splint, and make phone calls to the nearby medical facilities, I sensed a feeling of awe come over me. Sure, I’d been to plenty of doctors’ offices. But treating injuries out in the wilderness hit different. Nurses made a real impact. And were vital. And had been keeping campers healthy and happy for hundreds of years. It was then that I realized I wanted to pursue nursing.”
Connection to Your Legacy. “I never knew my great Aunt Else. Of course I didn’t. She died 55 years before I was born. But there I was staring at her name printed on an archived newsletter stored in Woodsheart, the oldest building in my overnight summer camp. My great Aunt Else served as medical staff in the early years at Camp Jeanne d’Arc. She was a psychiatrist at a time where very few women were doctors, let alone doctors in the field of psychiatry. Camp Jeanne d’Arc’s mission is ‘Building Strong Girls since 1922.’ As I stood there in a century-old building in the Adirondacks, reviewing the highlights and updates in the 1930s newsletter, I couldn’t help but feel a connection between the strong woman my Aunt Else was, and the strong woman I am to become…”
Some of these examples are hypothetical and very plausible while some actually happened! The point is, Camp can provide fodder for a really engaging essay, especially if you recount a specific moment, an unexpected event, or a powerful relationship and expand how it impacted you.
Am I Better Off Doing an Academic College Prep Program or Summer Camp?
Great question. And the answer is, it depends. Are you sure you want to major in physics? Or are you developing skills to have an impact in your community? If so, it is possible that camp helps prepare teens for college. Consider this insight from an organization called The Admissions Village that JDA alum parent, Meg Joyce, shared with us:
“Admissions officers review your activities (and really, your entire application) to learn more about what motivates you and how you are using that to impact your community.”
Academic programs might fit the bill, but don’t underestimate how overnight summer camp can help prepare teens for college by building the types of skills colleges are looking for. Consider this:
Character Development and Impact: College admissions officers are interested in well-rounded students. Summer camp provides opportunities to develop leadership, creativity, and resilience through activities like leading hikes, initiating service projects, and mastering new skills. These experiences demonstrate personal growth and a commitment to community impact, qualities that stand out in college applications.
More Than Just Academics: While grades are important, colleges also value students who pursue their passions and interests. Summer camp allows you to explore new activities, discover hidden talents, and develop skills outside of the classroom.
Future Careers and Interests: Camp can spark interests that lead to future careers. For example, a garden at camp could inspire a passion for environmental science.
The Bottom Line: Both academic programs and summer camps offer valuable experiences. The best choice for you depends on your individual goals and interests. However, don’t underestimate the power of summer camp in shaping your character, exposing you to new possibilities, and making you a more competitive college applicant.
Camp Can Prepare You, But Only If You Let It!
While academic preparation is essential for college, the unique environment of overnight summer camp helps prepare teens for college by offering invaluable experiences that traditional schooling cannot replicate. The personal growth, leadership skills, and confidence gained at camp can significantly enhance a college application and provide a strong foundation for success in higher education and beyond. But only if you let it! While at camp, be sure to step outside your comfort zone. Dive deep into your interests. Ask for more time on the sailboats. Serve as the choir group leader. Start a camper-run newsletter. Initiate a post-camp running group. Make an impact!