Entries by Heather Chalmers

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Courage Beyond Camp

E Session radiates such presence, excitement, and fresh energy that it’s difficult to imagine its conclusion just around the corner. Whether it’s a camper’s first year or fifth, it has been a joy to watch them embrace new experiences and challenge themselves throughout the session. From the traverse line on the Lake to blacksmithing in […]

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So Much to Smile About

Bittersweet feelings fill the air as our wonderful D Session and Starter Camp comes to a close. On the final evening of these unforgettable days, our Main Campers gathered in the Lodge to celebrate the memories they’ve made together. We watched a heartfelt recap video and slideshow, sang the beloved camp favorite “Linger,” and closed […]

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Celebrating Culture & Community at Camp

While campers scatter across Gwynn Valley each morning and afternoon for their various activities and adventures, cherished moments rooted in familiarity and unity remain a constant. These moments unfold during nightly Friendship Circles and Evening Programs, as well as three times a day around the table at each shared meal. One of my favorite places […]

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First Full Day of Camp Gives Us a B-B-B-BINGO

Not to be outdone by the bright and happy A Session that just wrapped, B Session has gifted us with a shining sea of new faces and a wonderfully bright start. Yesterday, we got to watch our campers enjoy the wonderful weather that lasted all day, get settled right into activities in the afternoon, dive […]

The Health Benefits of Camp

At Gwynn Valley we write often about the benefits of summer camp, in terms of gaining confidence through overcoming fears, practicing independence, and the value of learning new skills all while having fun. These are so valuable for children and there are additional, tangible health benefits for kids (and staff) that come from spending their […]

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A Wonderful End To C!

This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed home, and these SIX little piggies were born here at the farm on July 8! As we started off C2, we are simply thrilled to announce that Gwynn Valley Camp has been joined by the arrival of several adorable piglets, all named after campers’ favorite […]

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Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!

Thursday at camp was International Day, and we were able to celebrate our fantastic staff members from New Zealand and Australia! We started the day with an Aussie breakfast that included marmite and vegemite for those crazy – I mean brave! – enough to try it. The Dining Hall was decked out in red and […]

Finding Treasures at Camp

While the Olympics may take a four-year long hiatus (two years if we want to be technical), here at GV we have a spotlight on countries from around the globe multiple times every summer, sometimes twice in one session! We recently celebrated Ireland, New Zealand, Colombia, and Germany as we honored several counselors and staff […]

Adventures in the Rain

I always say that a rainy day at camp is better than a sunny day anywhere else, and the last few days have proven that to be just the case. A fun-filled Sunday morning allowed our Main Camp campers the chance to enjoy some fun sports themed Special Day activities (in honor of the upcoming […]

Every Day is Special Day

As special as camp always is, the past few days have given a little something extra! The Summer Solstice on June 21st marked the longest day of the calendar year, and what better way to take advantage of the extra minutes of daylight than spending every second soaking up the sun splashing on the water […]

Registration Opens for Returning Campers on Wednesday!

As summer of 2023 comes to a close and we reflect on another stellar summer here at Gwynn Valley, we feel so fortunate to have had such a phenomenal nine weeks! This was our first summer since 2019 where we were able to operate “as normal” with several camp traditions since COVID first arrived on […]