20 Questions with a Summer Camp Counselor: Kate
Favorite Day Camp Memories
Kate grew up as a camper at The Nature Place and is now a counselor. She shares her experience from summer ’25.
How many summers have you spent at The Nature Place?
I have spent five summers at The Nature Place. I went as a camper for four and worked as a counselor last summer.
What interested you about becoming a Nature Place Counselor?
I’ve always loved working with kids, and I think that the Nature Place truly brings out the best parts of children. The Nature Place encourages all campers to embrace and share their inner curiosity and imagination with others. Kids who go to The Nature Place are not afraid to wonder and ask questions about the world. Becoming a counselor meant that I could be person who could answer those questions for them!
What is your favorite Nature Place activity?
My favorite Nature Place activity would have to be mucking. But of course I always look forward to the Barefoot Zone. My favorite thing to step in is the Jell-O!
What was your favorite memory from this past summer?
My favorite memory from this summer was watching my little campers learn how to swim! I think it touched my heart so much because I also learned to swim at The Nature Place.
What originally brought you to The Nature Place?
What originally brought me to The Nature Place (and why I kept coming back) was the non-competitive environment of the camp. I appreciated being able to try a bunch of different activities without the stress of not fitting in or being good enough at a sport. No one cares about those things here.
Who is your favorite morning share character?
My favorite morning share character would have to be a new addition from this summer: Fish Man. I admit I am biased because someone that looks a lot like me plays the character.
What was your first memory of The Nature Place?
My first memory of The Nature Place was being led around camp by our famous Scott Dunn as he showed us how to eat various edible plants in our nearby woods. I remember trying birch for the first time: It tasted like root beer!
What advice would you share with a new camper starting at The Nature Place this summer?
Try something new everyday! Whether it be an activity or a fruit or vegetable from the garden, The Nature Place encourages you to branch out, so why not? You’ll be glad that you did.
Who are you looking forward to seeing next summer?
I’m most looking forward to seeing my campers all grown up! A lot can change in a year.
What is your favorite camp song?
This Pretty Planet
What is your favorite spot at The Nature Place?
My favorite spot at NPDC is definitely the Pond, because it’s consistently the most lively place at camp. Kids are jumping in the water, lifeguards are teaching lessons, and counselors get to enjoy a nice swim as well!
Where do you think the trolls go during the winter?
The trolls stay in my heart and soul during the winter.
What is the first thing you do when you get home after a day at camp?
When I get home after a day at camp, I eat a nutritious snack and always do a tick check.
What is your favorite camp tradition?
My favorite camp tradition is singing to the cookie tree with my campers and then getting rewarded with delicious treats! As a kid, I never understood where the cookies were coming from. As a counselor, watching my campers experience that confusion is so adorable and quite hilarious.
If you could be an activity leader, what activity would you want to lead?
If I could be an activity leader, I would want to lead art because I find it very therapeutic. I love that we incorporate earthly materials into our art projects at NPDC.
What was the most unusual thing you saw in or that has come out of the Fairy Stream?
Probably a camper who was entirely covered in mud.
This or that, Morning share or Friday share?
Although morning share is a great way to start each day, I will always pick Friday share because we are treated to delicious popsicles!
What advice would you share with a new Staff member starting at The Nature Place this summer?
Treat each day like you would as a camper. You are at camp too, so enjoy all that it has to offer. Be silly, too! It makes the experience so much more fun.
Where is the best spot on camp to eat lunch?
My favorite spot on camp to each lunch is the Black Top. There’s always enough shade and it’s right next to the playground. I’ve always liked that we eat on the ground at NPDC because it brings us closer to the Earth. It also makes me feel like a camper again!
If you had to sum up your experience at The Nature Place, what would it be?
To me, NPDC is not just summer camp – it has provided me with skills, friends, and perspectives that remain with me throughout the year. My appreciation for nature was originally sparked as a young camper at The Nature Place and has only grown stronger with time. Because so many of my formative years were spent at The Nature Place, I have no doubt that the experiences I had shaped me into a caring and gentle counselor, too!