Hello Camp Family! Adam Trufant here. Opening Day was a blast. As I write to you, our campers are working our their “heart” and activity goals alongside their cabin counselors after our opening Campfire ceremonies. Today, former Kahdalea Program Director, Claire Losavio Willis, shares her insights with us after accompanying our campers through opening day. Enjoy!
There is something special about opening day at Camps Kahdalea and Chosatonga. Long before the first cars wind their way up the mountain, camp is already awake. Staff members make last-minute preparations, cabins receive final touches, activity areas are
freshened up, and familiar faces exchange excited smiles. After months of planning, praying, preparing, and waiting, the day has finally arrived.
Then, almost all at once, the quiet gives way to joyful energy.
Families arrive carrying duffel bags, sleeping bags, water bottles, and just a few butterflies. Some campers bound out of the car, eager to reunite with cabinmates and counselors. Others step out a little more cautiously, taking in a place that may soon become one of their favorite places on earth. The energetic music and excited shouts of welcome help to put everyone into the camp spirit.
Within minutes, counselors are introducing themselves, helping unpack trunks, learning names, and beginning the simple but important work of helping each camper feel at home.
First-year campers Lucy G. and Campbell G. report they are most excited about horseback riding, while their cabinmates Sarah G. and Lizzy H. can’t wait to try out archery, gymnastics, and dance.
One of the remarkable things about opening day is how quickly strangers begin becoming a cabin family. A shared bunk, a game in the gazebo, a walk to lunch, or laughter over a silly meal prayer can accomplish more than anyone expects.
Throughout the day, campers explored camp, met new friends, sang familiar songs (and even learned some new ones!), completed their swim tests and ground schools, and began settling into the rhythm that makes camp feel like camp. Every handshake and hug, every encouraging word, and every small act of kindness helped lay the foundation for the days ahead.
By bedtime, counselors pray their campers feel connected and at home with the people around them. Choctaw Tribe Leader Brinkley hopes to ensure the youngest campers feel listened to, even in the small conversations, while Seminole Tribe Leader Sophia strives to help the oldest campers feel free to be themselves.
As someone who has experienced camp from many different perspectives—as a camper, counselor, parent, and now serving as Camp Mom—I am reminded every opening day that this place has a remarkable way of helping young people grow. It starts quietly, often in moments that seem ordinary: a counselor remembering a camper’s name, an older camper inviting someone into a game, a nervous smile becoming genuine laughter.
These seemingly ordinary moments are where camp’s greatest lessons begin to take root: courage in trying something new, compassion in caring for others, resilience through challenge, and joy in belonging to a community.
Returning campers Lillian S. and Izzy W. have been most looking forward to seeing their friends and “getting away from all the noise” of normal life. Kat R. most looks forward to being loved by the amazing counselors.
For parents at home, know that your campers are off to a wonderful start. Today was filled with warm welcomes, new beginnings, and countless reminders that they are surrounded by counselors and staff who are committed to helping them have a safe, joyful, and memorable session. It was an extra special joy to meet so many children of former Kahdalea and Chosatonga campers and staff members. By the time today’s mountain sun began fading behind the trees, camp already felt like home again.
The adventure is officially underway, and we can’t wait to share more of it with you throughout the week.
Welcome to Kahdalea and Chosatonga. We’re so glad you’re here.
