This summer, my 13-year-old twin daughters, Etta and Violet, went to overnight summer camp for the first time. And not just any camp—Wildwood Outdoor Education Center, the place I’m lucky enough to call my workplace.
Sending your kids to summer camp, especially for the first time, comes with a swirl of emotions. I grew up going to camp—it shaped who I am. I can still clearly remember the names of my friends, how cool I thought my counselor was, and the trail from the pool to my cabin. I still count one of my old camp friends as one of my closest. So when the opportunity came to send my girls to Wildwood, it felt both exciting and deeply personal.
We’ve always been an “outdoorsy” family. I vividly remember setting up a tent with two pack-and-plays inside when the girls were still under a year old. Being outside was something my husband and I prioritized from the very beginning. But as they got older, life filled up with sports, school, and activities—and our outdoor time slipped away.
When I joined the Wildwood team this past winter, one of the incredible perks was that staff can send their kids to camp. I knew instantly this was something I wanted for Etta and Violet.
Still—being teenagers—they met the idea with eye rolls, shrugs, and a few “bros” for good measure. As summer crept closer, we all started to get nervous. Would they be bored without a screen? Would they make friends? Would they feel the same magic I get to witness at Wildwood every day?
I’d seen Wildwood bloom from winter into spring and summer— laughter echoing from the cabins, muddy shoes parading through the dining hall. I hoped my girls would fall in love with it too.
Drop-off day came. After one last flurry of Snapchat messages to friends, they left their phones at home, and we said goodbye. I drove away hoping I’d made the right call.
By Friday, when my husband picked them up, he could barely get a word in. The stories came pouring out—archery, canoeing, silly games, swimming, and so many camper and counselor names we couldn’t keep track. They told us about singing songs, playing with younger kids, and laughing until they couldn’t breathe.
When I asked, “What was your favorite part of Wildwood?” they paused just a beat and said, simply:
“Everything.”
As a parent and a Wildwood staff member, that moment meant the world to me. They didn’t just have fun—they grew. They built independence. They made new connections. They stepped away from screens and into a real, living community.
That’s the magic of summer camp. That’s Wildwood.
Whether you’re a long-time supporter or just discovering us, I hope your family gets the chance to grow better outside—just like mine did.
Denise Wiese – Development Director