"One of the best summer camps to work at and the experience you get there is truly unique and it's hard not to go back."
“Throughout the last two summers…I have learned a lot about leadership, classroom management, teamwork, and musicianship. Not to mention the connections and numerous memories created at camp. Being a counselor has made me feel more and more excited for the future!”
“This summer was filled with more learning opportunities and growth than I ever expected. I was worried going in with the world as it is but on the other side I feel nothing but joy!”
“I had a wonderful experience this summer. It was so nice to be in such a positive atmosphere surrounded by people who are fully invested in their work and the campers. I was impressed by the support network that exists, and it helped reassure me to know that there was always someone to turn to when I had a question or concern about a situation at camp. Having never been to Blue Lake previously, I enjoyed seeing the variety of opportunities that campers have during the course of just one session. I also appreciate the emphasis that Blue Lake places on the character development of both campers and staff; it is a great learning experience.”
“Overall my experience at Blue Lake was wonderful and even more than I had hoped for. The people I met were wonderful and the experience I gained working with children will be incredibly valuable as I continue working towards a degree in education. I really hope to come back again next summer.”
“This was probably the most beneficial experience of any that I've had for my chosen career of music education. The other staff and campers were great to work with, and the performing ensembles allowed me to keep playing and improving on my instrument. It was wonderful to be around so many like-minded people.”
“It was amazing and life-changing. I learned so much about myself and others.”
“At Blue Lake I felt an incredible feeling of support from the administration, my fellow counselors, and especially my unit director. The philosophy of the camp was so deeply embedded in every rule and procedure that things just made sense. This allowed the campers to thrive and staff to celebrate the growth of the kids. I am extremely appreciative of my time at Blue Lake and the wonderful memories I made at camp.”
“This was an incredible experience for me as a future music educator- being able to lead sectionals, work as a rehearsal assistant, and perform in staff/faculty ensembles in addition to counseling duties/being with the campers was incredible. I feel I've taken so much from my work with Blue Lake that will be relevant in my career. I felt the staff had an excellent support network and that if I needed help, advice, etc. I would get it. THANK YOU!”
“Wonderful! I did not want to leave. I've never had such a hard time tearing myself away from a place.”
“I loved it here. It was never a job for me. This is the perfect place for the person that I am and I absolutely loved the feeling of gratification I got from making a difference in the lives of those campers.”
“I felt I learned so much about myself and how to work with children a lot better. I was unsure if I could really be a teacher and after this I feel more confident with my career path. Being able to share my art and help children grow in theirs was extremely rewarding.”
“Absolutely life changing. I have never been in an environment as enriching and encouraging as this one was. Everything that I did during my time at Blue Lake was able to teach me something.”
“The sense of community and safety that is really encouraged to all the campers is a strong point, as well as the chain of command for the counselors and staff. I also believe that the campers are learning a lot from the environment and schedule that we set up, so that they are more independent and prepared for life.”
“There is always a support system if something happens and a counselor isn't sure exactly how to deal with it. The warm atmosphere among the staff and administration makes cooperation very easy. Blue Lake as a whole is very philosophically consistent in its message and daily operation.”
“I've always known I am capable of working hard and doing things well, but I had never felt the inspiration that I found working with the campers, counselors, associates, directors, and everyone else at Blue Lake. There is nothing like being told you gave someone an amazing experience, inspired them, or taught them something they'll never forget. I experienced all of this over the summer, and it's given me direction and purpose for the upcoming years of my life.”
“I love seeing the joy that my campers have in camp. Getting letters throughout the summer from past campers and seeing the smiles my girls have when they return after their final concerts on Final Sunday to give me one last hug justify everything I do on a daily basis. Closing Activities on Saturday night always help me to realize how much camp is not MAINLY about growing as an artist or a musician but rather it is greatly about how these campers grow as humans. It always struck me when I was a camper here how much I came not just to grow as a musician but to meet others who are passionate in their arts in the same way I always have been. I love to see a cohesive cabin that I have created finish off a session and all talk about how they will keep in touch. I also find unclogging toilets to be rewarding. I just find my job to rewarding in general.”
