From Nerves to New Beginnings: What to Expect and Why It’ll Be Amazing

Your first day at Summer Camp might feel like a whirlwind. One minute you’re waving goodbye at the airport, the next you’re waking up in a log cabin surrounded by towering trees, a fresh pine-scented breeze, and complete strangers who’ll soon become lifelong friends.

And yes — it’s a lot.
But here’s the truth: if you embrace the chaos, the nerves, the butterflies, and the excitement — you’re in for the best summer of your life.

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Meeting the Team

Stepping into any new role can feel intimidating, but remember — everyone feels the same on Day One. You’ll be welcomed by a crew of returners who know exactly how it feels to be in your shoes, and they’re ready to make your first day easier.

From your Camp Director to your bunkmates, you’ll be surrounded by friendly faces, positive vibes, and people who genuinely want to help. During Staff Week or Counsellor Training, you’ll get the time and space to ease into camp life, learn the ropes, and have some fun before the campers arrive.

This is where the bonding begins — over ice-breaker games, s’mores, and shared nerves.

Get to Know Camp

Camp might seem huge at first — but after your tour with the returners, it’ll start to feel like home.

You’ll be shown the key spots: the dining hall, activity areas, lakefront, and your very own bunk or cabin. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or laugh at getting lost (everyone does). Soak in the surroundings, take a few deep breaths, and let yourself enjoy this new environment — it’s going to be your happy place all summer long.

Settle Into Your Space

Whether you’re sleeping in a rustic cabin, canvas tent, or a quirky teepee, this will be your home base. Make it yours.

Bring a few small comforts from home — fairy lights, your favourite snacks, a couple of photos, or a silly plushie from your childhood. These little touches can help ease homesickness and spark great conversations with your cabin mates.

Your roommates might start off as strangers, but trust us — in a matter of days, they’ll feel like family.

Feeling Unsure? That’s OK.

If you have a wobble on the first day — you’re not alone.

It’s normal to feel homesick or second-guess your decision. You might even wonder, “What have I signed up for?” That’s all part of the journey. It takes a little time to adjust, but every single person around you has felt the same way at some point.

Before you know it, the homesickness fades, the smiles get bigger, and you’ll catch yourself laughing so hard your cheeks hurt.

And when the end of camp rolls around, we guarantee — you’ll be the one wishing for just one more week.

The Start of Something Amazing

Your first day at Summer Camp is the start of something unforgettable. It’s the day that leads to inside jokes, talent shows, late-night chats, canoe races, colour wars, and the kind of friendships that last a lifetime.

So take a deep breath.
Say hi to someone new.
Let yourself feel all the feels.

Because by the end of summer, you’ll look back on Day One and smile — knowing it was the beginning of the best decision you ever made.