What struck us most when we picked [son’s name] up last August was that he radiated a new kind of self-confidence, borne of having made it through three and a half weeks of summer camp on his own and of having experienced so many new things. We went out on the lake together in a canoe and were moved by his exclamations about the beauty of the mountains and lake and his assurance that he could steer us around in the canoe. He beamed with pride recounting how he summited a mountain and camped out overnight in the rain.
[Our son] has spoken of the kindness he experienced at camp, in particular from his older Deerwood brother, from counselors, fellow campers and around the dinner table. His experience at Deerwood was everything we had hoped it would be and we are so happy he has more summers with you!
We are so thrilled that [son’s name] has found a place that he calls his “home away from home” and his “second family”. I love that you instill and nurture the best values and I see how he carries them with him throughout the year and hopefully, throughout his life. When I asked our son who he liked hanging out with the most he said, “Everyone. Anyone. It doesn’t matter. Everyone is nice.” On the first day of school he mentioned he rounded up three new kids and invited them to sit with his friends at lunch. My first thought was “That’s Deerwood in action.” Camp gives him the confidence to do things like this.
When I look back at the defining moments in his life, that first summer at Deerwood between fourth and fifth grade is at the very top. He came back that summer so full of new appreciation of his family, home, and friends. He grew tremendously in his spirit and maturity. A really new attitude and way of looking at life. To this day, he strives to be inclusive of all and kind, and I really think that is Deerwood’s influence on him.
I wanted [son’s name] to gain independence and self-confidence. Deerwood gave him both! I was worried that three and a half weeks was a long time, and now he is interested in going for the full summer. That speaks volumes!
They can’t stop talking about the dozens of friends and adventures they have enjoyed at camp. It is also fun to see them appreciate the culture of Deerwood as they get a little older. They seem to take very seriously the values of inclusion and positive attitude you have nurtured over the years. It is an extremely special place and we can’t thank you enough for helping them become more confident and independent boys.
It has been the single most consistently wonderful experience for our son over the past six years. He has discovered greatness in himself that has been affirmed throughout all of his experiences at Deerwood.
[Son’s name] absolutely LOVED his Camp Deerwood experience. He came home happy and a better person. I am so grateful for this amazing, positive, fun experience that was given to [him]. It is a gift that will stay with him forever.
What a difference three and a half weeks made! (Our son) had a fabulous time as a first-time camper at Deerwood! His self-esteem, confidence and pride are significantly higher…his camp experience was terrific!
Thank you so much to return to me a child/young man with his joy, wonder and compassion fully on display.
All year long he talks about Deerwood, and the respect he has for his counselors and the gratitude for the opportunities he has had come shining through. He talked about camp in his eighth grade graduation speech, attributing his success in school to his experience at camp!
[Our son] really seemed to come into his own at camp. He loved all the activities and the freedom to choose what to do. We were glad to see him doing hikes, adventures and testing himself. We couldn’t be more thrilled. His younger brother can’t wait to come be a part of Deerwood.
Thank you again for such a wonderful three weeks. [Our son] has not stopped talking about camp – he LOVED it! His dad and I were just saying that he seems like a new kid – more confident, independent, flexible, and embracing of opportunities to be a leader. It’s magical!
I also just wanted to say thanks for another great camp session. [Our son] loves Deerwood so much and it is an incredible feeling to already be looking forward to next year. We feel like we hit the jackpot!!
Thank you for a great summer at camp. [Our son] LOVED it and is so excited to go back next year. He made so many new friends, idolized the counselors, tried new activities and appreciated the chance to be more independent. It was such a great experience all around.