Beyond the Nametag: The Memories That Stick with Us
Campers often flip the script, making just as lasting an impact on their grown-up guides as the other way around.
As featured in Letters from Camp Magazine – Spring 2025.
Giggles. Nonstop giggles.
When Georgia Ellingson thinks back on her time as a camp counselor, she hears the chortling joy of the kids, over and again.
“I remember leading my first river trip with campers and the excitement they shared! They were so nervous and also so excited at the beginning of the trip. The entirety of our 10-day Challenger trip was just nonstop giggles. By the end of the trip, recalled Ellingson, now the executive director at YMCA Camp Icaghowan, they were so proud of what they had accomplished and full of joy.”
Counselors and campers come together as strangers at the beginning of a session and then spend nearly 24 hours a day together in a cabin or out on trail. Eating, sleeping, navigating differing personalities and backgrounds; learning, growing, communicating, and, in a short time, bonding in a way that only happens at camp. And then the session ends and everyone goes their separate ways. For some, they return to camp subsequent years and see each other again. But often, especially over time, despite the closeness that happens at camp, the connection is lost.
And yet, the memories from camp remain for years or even decades.
Three former Camp Icaghowan counselors took a trip down memory lane, sharing cherished photos and stories about some of the campers who left a lasting impact beyond their camp experience.
Felipe Zarate, Counselor (1999-2002)
“This photo was from my first year at camp in 1999. I was entirely new to Minnesota, but I saw an ad in a Colombian newspaper from the YMCA in Bogota looking for people who knew English to work with kids at camp, so I applied and, long story short, I ended up at Icaghowan. I went to camp without knowing exactly where I was going or what to expect. The people were very welcoming to me, a complete stranger from another country.
“I don’t remember the names of these kids, but I remember faces, smiles, laughter and all the love they gave me. I remember the fires, the small canoe trips and overnights, the lake, the activities in the ‘A’ field, all the meals in the dining hall. The Icaghowan philosophy, the core values, the staff, and of course the kids. More often than anything, I remember I was always smiling and happy, thinking about the activities, trying to be a role model, trying to bond with them, and of course, many times learning from them.
“Icaghowan changed my life because it gave me another perspective on life, of who I could be because of how I was with kids, which was something completely new to me at the time. It showed me lasting values, friendships, and ideas. It gave me love, happiness, and a sense of fulfillment.
“I spent four summers on staff. And every single summer I felt that same joy and happiness.”
Dave Weiman, Counselor (1969-70)
“I often wonder what happened to my Pioneer campers of 1970. This group was exceptional. I’m sure they excelled in whatever pursuits they chose.
“These young men listened to and followed instructions well, did an excellent job preparing for the trip by developing camping and canoeing skills, worked as a team on the trip, and cooperated with one another. They looked for adventure, seeking to learn something new like whitewater canoeing and camping skills, and to meet new friends outside their neighborhoods back home. We became a family for two weeks and then the session ended.
“I think that’s the hardest part of being a counselor — saying goodbye when the campers go home and you go your separate ways, knowing you will likely never see them again. You always hope you do, but that’s not often, unless you and the campers return the following year, or the campers become counselors.”
Erika Nordgren Dayle, Camper (1991-95) and Counselor (1996-99)
“These girls right here. Hands down my most memorable group of campers. Such an incredibly challenging two weeks for me in the summer of 1998. This was a group that fought constantly except for polar bear swim time and snack time.
“I didn’t want to get up early, but we got talked into going to polar bear plunge one day. The whole cabin got up and put their suits on. And they loved it! They took turns clinging to us as we floated in the water. I think some of them were really craving that physical contact. We got up every morning of that session to swim as a group. It proved to be a respite from the chaos of the week, and it is one of my favorite camp memories. I still smile every time I think of them. At camp I learned about who I was as a person, developed confidence, and had so much fun. I grew up there.”
What About You?
Do you see yourself in one of these photos (literally or metaphorically)? Do you have a memorable counselor or camper group? We would love to hear from you!