It might have been a wonderful experience at age 10, hiking or acting or painting and, most important, bonding with a handful of great friends. Or perhaps it was a memorable moment swimming, splashing and laughing with buddies when life’s future seemed as brilliant as the sky overhead.
For some camp directors, childhood experiences at summer camp affected them so deeply they moved into the field, often from counselor up the ranks to director. For others, the fact they weren’t able to attend camp was a strong incentive to reach out to kids. We spoke with the directors of five summer camp programs to find out what inspired them to a job that requires long hours, a ton of patience and a whole lot of love.
(Photo: Horseback riding is among the activities at YMCA Camp Shady Brook in Deckers.)