The Importance of a Beginning, Middle, and an End
At Kippewa, the way we structure our sessions is very intentional. Philosophically, we believe that when everyone arrives and departs together it creates the best possible environment for growth and friendship. Whether a camper is joining us at Camp Kippewa, Camp Kippewa Point, or our Equestrian Academy, they are part of a group that starts on the same day, experiences every camp milestone together, and eventually says goodbye together. We have carefully built our calendars around this natural rhythm because it just feels right.
One of the best things about camp is the feeling of belonging. The feeling of being part of something special, surrounded by people who really understand and appreciate you. When our campers and staff feel supported and recognize that they are with people who not only “get” them but really celebrate who they are as individuals, that is when they truly start to shine! They gain the confidence to try a new activity, they form the kind of deep friendships you only find at camp, and they reach the end of the summer with feelings of accomplishment and connection. We find that this sense of belonging is most powerful when the whole group shares the same journey from start to finish.
The first few days are all about settling in and breaking the ice. Since everyone is starting at the same time, nobody feels like the "new person" joining a group that has already bonded. During the middle of the session, the energy shifts into high gear as everyone focuses on having fun, building skills, and growing closer. Then, as the session winds down, we naturally transition into activities that help the girls reflect on their time and celebrate what they have achieved. Because the whole group is on this same trajectory, there is a shared understanding and a collective bond that makes the experience feel complete.
Our structure ensures that no one misses out on being part of the shared story of camp. No matter which one of our camps or which session they attend, we love creating the experiences that help every girl feel like an important part of our camp family from day one!
