I always look forward to the start of the New Year. My birthday falls on the last day of the year, December 31st, and the start of a new birth year and calendar year brings me energy and excitement. I love making resolutions and setting new goals; whether I stick to them is the hard part!
The New Year also means CAMP! For the year-round team, this marks the time to “get serious” about planning, staffing, and making any changes for the upcoming summer. Enrollment is finalized, campers are confirmed, and summer 2026 is shaping up! With this countdown to camp, can also come cold feet. Opening Day feels like a distant memory, and it’s easy to forget the excitement that was once felt. Campers start to worry about missing home or their friends- maybe the swim lake is feeling a little more daunting, or sleeping in a bunk bed doesn’t quite appeal, maybe two weeks feels like a lifetime.
We get it! It’s normal to have second thoughts and to feel these nerves (parents too), so we have made a list of top tips for cold feet to help ease those pre-camp jitters:
- Watch some Illahee videos- Check out the YouTube channel, especially last summer’s highlight video, and talk about the activities that look fun to try!
- Make a list of Camp Goals for the summer-Want to try a new activity? Hit a bullseye in archery? Write a letter home every day? Setting goals will help you get excited and motivated for an awesome summer.
- Connect with another camper or staff member-Whether it’s on FaceTime, writing a letter, or meeting someone in your hometown, connecting with a familiar face can help ease the nerves of coming to camp. Email lynn@campillahee.com if you would like a list of other Illahee girls in your area or would like to connect with a camper/staff member!
- Come tour Illahee-There is nothing like a camp visit to get you excited, and Brevard is a great place to bring the family for a long weekend or vacation. We offer tours year-round, including summer. Email emma@campillahee.com to schedule a visit.
- Practice some camp songs-One of the best parts about camp is the traditions, and singing is a big one. New campers, we will mail your Illahee songbooks to you at the end of the month- happy singing!
- Cook a camp recipe- Camp food is the best, and nothing makes you miss camp more than Hershey Pie. Check out some of our favorite recipes here and make them at home with your family!
Whether it’s your first summer or your 10th summer at Illahee, having cold feet is normal! We are here to support you and can’t wait to welcome you to camp. We have no doubt this will be THE BEST SUMMER EVER!
-Gardner