Dear Camp Jeanne d’Arc Families,
Greetings from hot, sunny Nevada. Although Randy missed us at camp this summer, he stayed very busy selling our home in California, packing and moving to our new home in southwest Las Vegas. We are onto a new adventure in NV but, of course, Camp is never far from our minds. In fact, Randy is hoping to schedule more time at Camp Jeanne d’Arc in 2027. Yay!
Before we get too far out in front of ourselves, I have been doing a lot of reflecting on summer 2026. There is much I could say about our time at camp every year that would be true regardless of the year. This includes highs and lows, victories and failures, rainy days and sunny days, special events and memorable traditions—but the difference every year is in the people. We are a different group every year, which creates new opportunities for unique experiences and interactions—some challenging, but most wonderful and life-changing. I want to share a few unique moments from this summer that have stayed with me. Perhaps one of them strikes a familiar chord with you.
Different Kinds of Tears
We had one sweet young camper this summer who struggled quite intensely with homesickness. She spent a couple weeks in discomfort as she fought her feelings of despair. I was honored to be one of her trusted confidants. She came often to me for encouragement and a “Camp Mom” hug. I assured her that every day, little by little, it was going to get better.
It was the last week or so of camp, and this camper was on top of the world—performing in the play, mastering the camp dances, and making so many new friends—yet she was weeping again. I asked her why she was crying. She was lamenting the time that she had wasted being homesick, and soon it would be time to return home and start school.
What a personal victory for this sweet young woman. So many lessons learned about faith, endurance, courage and confidence at Camp Jeanne d’Arc.
The Least Favorite Becoming the Most Favorite
An upper camper shared her experience of opening up to an activity that she was not previously fond of. With the encouragement of her outstanding counselor as an instructor, she discovered something that she never knew she would enjoy. She opened her mind to giving something another chance.
Along those same lines, a young camper who is averse to trying new things tried stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) for the very first time. She was not only proud of herself, she found a new favorite activity!
Those Mom Vibes
I recall a conversation I had with a first-time counselor where she said that she had no idea what kind of maternal feelings she would develop for her campers—a sense of protection and attachment that she had not anticipated. I’m not kidding when I say Camp Jeanne d’Arc is more like a family than a camp.
Warm Welcome Committee
We adopted a new practice this summer of inviting some specific campers to serve as the “warm-welcome committee” on arrival day. They were handpicked because of their natural ability to reach out in friendship and kindness. This select group stood with the staff, proudly wearing their Camp polos and a pin-on button stating, “I am a Camper—Ask Me.”
They made all the difference in the world to our brand-new friends who were nervously coming to camp for the very first time. This is what it’s all about!
The Bluebirds Take Flight
It worked out that our Bluebird campers arrived early to our Sunday Service Project because their counselors were needed elsewhere on camp. Seeing the opportunity, I enlisted the much-needed helpers to organize and execute the activity. I quickly explained the objective to my 12- and 13-year-old helpers and turned over the reins (and the microphone—which was their favorite part). I not only saw them rise to the occasion; I saw them shine! They were ecstatic to be trusted with a responsibility and to be empowered with the opportunity. A new idea was sparked at that moment—pre-assigning specific cabins with various leadership opportunities throughout the summer.
The Details Mean A Lot
This summer’s Christmas in July was extraordinarily special. We chose the theme “Christmas at Pooh Corner.” Our counselors attended to every detail, including specially designed T-shirts and meticulously crafted personalized Christmas cards. I could not believe the level of detail that our counselors put into each one of these items! At times, I would ask myself, “Is it really worth it?” But our counselors know best. They know what it means to be seen and to feel special. These small acts of kindness mean the world to our campers. Don’t believe me? Just look at their faces as they experience these super special moments.
True Sisterhood
One of the sweetest moments of the summer is the High Honors Reception that happens immediately following Banquet. The recipients of the High Honors are invited to the Chalet for a late-night reception. It’s my honor to celebrate this extraordinary group of young people for their strength of character. This summer, I asked the recipients if anybody in that room had influenced their experience that summer. It was heartwarming to listen to this group of young women share with one another how they had influenced one another. The older to the younger, and the younger to the older… This is true sisterhood!
Scary Things Not So Scary With Friends
This summer, we had a very unique instance when a tornado warning was issued for the area, and although the locals did not believe anything would materialize, we took the threat seriously. We decided it was best for both the physical and emotional well-being of the girls and counselors to stay together in the Hearth for a sleepover. We gathered our blankets and pillows and settled in for the evening. The storm-watch quickly became a movie-watch party as snacks and treats were distributed to campers. Not one tear was shed as the potentially scary moment became a super special experience campers will never forget.
Staying Cool with Mud Pies
Of course, it’s hard for me to think about the summer at Camp Jeanne d’Arc without thinking about the garden. And although we didn’t have an impressive harvest this summer, we had a lot of fun. One highlight was making mud pies in the garden. Four or five campers and I saturated the soil with water and trudged through it with our bare feet—making the soil nice and muddy, perfect for making mud pies. We formed our beautiful pies and decorated them with sticks and flowers and rocks to create the most beautiful display, not to mention how refreshing the cold soil felt squishing between our toes. Campers took turns slicing their pies and serving them to their friends. The joy of being a child!
Wishing all of our Camp Jeanne d’Arc campers and camp families a wonderful start to the school year! We hope to see many of you at virtual or in-person events this off-season. Stay tuned!
Much love,
Sandy