Hi, everyone! And welcome to the 2025 camping season! Opening Day on Saturday was full of energy as the counseling staff and JC’s welcomed campers, new and old, to their home for the summer! After move-in, all campers joined on the Green to play Buds and Blooms games, pairings made between older returning campers and new campers. We ended the night with the opening campfire where activity heads performed skits about their activities.
The excitement carried over to Sunday where counselors passed on their advice and intentions for the summer. One that stuck out to me was the advice from the JC counselors and inspired by the #1 rule of improv: “Yes, and?” They challenged their campers to view the summer through this mindset, embracing all new opportunities, “yes,” and always staying curious and open for more, “and?”.
On Monday night, the JC’s initiated new campers and counselors into camp, giving them light-hearted forfeits which they performed Tuesday after lunch. Finally, on Tuesday night, after a full day of camp activities, the much anticipated Team Night arrived! The Buffs and the Greens gathered for the first time this summer, decked out from head-to-toe in team colors. New campers were sorted onto the two teams and team leaders were elected. The air was filled with the cheers and songs that hold a certain magic, only felt through the sister teams. Congratulations to all the JC’s who will serve as team leaders throughout the summer!
We can’t wait to share more adventures soon!
Sophie Thomas
Hi everyone, and welcome to the exciting 2025 summer season at Camp Mont Shenandoah!
I’m a new counselor (from Italy!) this year, and let me tell you: this experience has already been incredible! Each day begins with a delicious breakfast that brings everyone together. The food, prepared with care by our amazing kitchen staff, includes French toasts, pancakes, fruit, cereals, bagels, and so much more.
From there, the day is filled with fun and engaging activities like archery, lacrosse, painting and drawing (I’m co-heading this class with Charlotte Lattanzio, a new counselor from the UK!), basketball and games on the green (I’m co-heading this class too, with Henley Shumadine, who many of you may already know), soccer, and more. In the evening, we come together again for group activities that always end with a beautiful tradition: holding hands, embracing the day we have just had, and wishing each other goodnight. It is a special way to appreciate nature, life, and the wonderful community CMS has created.
Wednesday night was Vespers night. We gathered by the campfire by the river and sang songs that have been passed down for decades. On Thursday night, staff members organized a variety of activities, including spa treatments, ball games, and much more. But the highlight of the week was a surprise event on Friday night everyone had been looking forward to: The Dance. Boys from a nearby camp joined us, and the atmosphere was incredible: everyone was chatting, the music was fantastic, and we all danced.
This camp is teaching me so much. It’s helping me understand the value of slowing down and fully living in the present. We are not allowed to use our phones here, and honestly, that is one of the best parts. In a world dominated by mobile phones and computers, it is a gift to step away – to read, write letters, sing songs, and simply smile at someone. This is a place of connection, gratitude, and joy.
Martina Pienabarca
After team night on Tuesday, the campers resumed their regular classes and ended the night with 1 up’s vespers. Their prompt asked them to share the lessons they have learned from their time at camp. The girls beautifully expressed themselves as the rest of camp listened and sang camp songs. The night ended with 1 Up roasting S’mores by the fire.
While Wednesday night was for reflection, Thursday was for fun and freedom. The girls were able to sign-up for their evening activity. Counselors and campers enjoyed their evenings in different ways. Some listened to music while playing Touch the Fence on the tennis courts, while others played in the creek listening to the talented counselor, Colby, play the banjo- this was called “Jump Rock Jam”. We were back to excitement on Friday night with the dance with camp Maxwelton! The counselors broke the news by planning a “beach party” and having a few counselors dressed as boys. As the “boys” paddled down the river in canoes, the campers realized the real boys from Maxwelton would be coming that night. The dance began with the “Snowball” where campers were selected from each age group from both camps. Once the duos danced in front of both camps, the dance began. We had a huge dance party, cake and refreshments, and a competition called “Dream Couple”. The dance was a huge success and letters are now being sent between Maxwelton and CMS.
The excitement kept rolling as Saturday, known as “Playday”, began. The Greens and the Buffs competed all day, ending in the final event, “The Race around Camp”. Both teams competed with sportsmanship, but the Buffs came out on top. Saturday concluded with a classic evening activity called “The Auction”. The counselors dressed up in ridiculous outfits and performed skits corresponding to an envelope. The campers “bid” imaginary money and won prizes ranging from: moving the benches in west lodge to having milk and cookies with Ann, Jane, and Kelsey.
The last week as camp has been wonderful, and the campers are settling into their new routine!
Mason Read
