The Most Memorable Night at Camp
If there is any proof that Christmas is not about presents, it is at 154 Gadway Road in Merrill, New York on a random night in July. Ask any current or former camper from Camp Jeanne d’Arc and they will list Christmas in July as one of the most memorable nights at camp. And there are no presents. Just a bunch of campers, dressed in red and green, singing Christmas carols at the top of their lungs, drinking hot cocoa, eating gooey cinnamon rolls, and relishing in a community of strong girls.
Who Did Christmas in July First?
There is some debate as to which overnight summer camp started the tradition of celebrating Christmas in July. Camp Jeanne d’Arc purists will claim that Christmas in July definitely originated at our camp. Looking back into the archives, there is evidence that proves that on a summer night in 1937, Camp Jeanne d’Arc hosted a Christmas Dance, that according to a 1946 document, was coordinated to admire the “splendor of the Northern Lights.” The greenish tinted night sky inspired Camp Jeanne d’Arcers to pull out their christmas attire, play holiday music, and dance the night away. And while the night’s activities may have slightly shifted, the festive spirit of Christmas in July has lived on!
Why is this Night So Special?
Regardless of whether or not Camp Jeanne d’Arc started the Christmas in July tradition, the night has solidified itself in the category of Most Memorable Night at Camp. There are a few things that make this night special.
- It is a total surprise. Campers are not made aware of when Christmas in July will take place. They go to sleep in their cabins as usual while counselors hustle behind the scenes to decorate and prepare for the festivities. Then, after all the campers are tucked into bed, the counselors stroll through the cabins signing Christmas songs alerting campers that the anticipated night is here!
- Camp comes alive in the middle of the night. Camp Jeanne d’Arc is located in a small town way up in the upstate New York mountains. It is typically sleepy and quiet. But one night a summer, way after bedtime, there is more joy in one building than there is for hundreds of miles! Camp comes alive and celebrates community and joy!
- Hot cocoa and cinnamon rolls are available on this night. Campers might not remember if the hot cocoa was extra chocolatey or if the cinnamon were particularly moist. But they will never forget the feeling of holding the warm mug and licking the sugar from their lips. Nothing beats a smidge of whipped cream on a camper’s nose!
- The counselors bring the energy. While campers LOVE Christmas in July, the counselors might actually love it more. Not only do Randy and Santa completely transform into Santa and Mrs. Clause, the counselors dress in holiday gear from head to toe. They do not hold back! They accessorize with Santa hats, jingle bells, ugly sweaters, and more. They are incredible at bringing the joy and getting the campers to match the holiday vibe!
- The whole camp finds joy together. Yes, camp comes together as a community all the time – flag raising, meals, campfire, Sunday games. But something hits different at Christmas in July. Campers mix up with campers in different cabins or age groups. Everyone is clad in festive clothes and Santa hats, singing and eating and being joyful together. The whole camp even gathers for a Christmas storytime. It is a special community-building night for all!
See the Joy for Yourself!
This year campers woke up the next morning and made gingerbread houses, enjoyed lots of Christmas-themed activities, and even got to watch Elf and Home Alone as a camp community.
Are you curious about what Christmas in July looks like? I am certain that you will be able to feel the Christmas joy through the computer screen. Follow along on Camp Jeanne d’Arc’s Instagram posts to see the festivities of Christmas in July and you will understand why it is the most memorable night at camp!
