As a parent, I realize that “cool” is constantly changing before I can get a firm understanding of what “cool” is, especially at camp. While “cool” is impossible to define because it means many different things to many different people, there is a camp “cool” that just doesn’t translate to the rest of the world and I LOVE it! Camp “cool” is the license to play, be vulnerable, act goofy, make a fool of yourself and not take life too seriously. Camp “cool” says, this would look really odd in the everyday world, but at camp who cares! It’s cool!
Camp cool is anything and everything from wearing your clothes backwards to breakfast, because it’s backwards breakfast Friday, to talking in a foreign accent all day. At camp, costumes are always a good idea, insects are cool and so are fanny packs. Socks with chacos are a statement piece and tutus are a necessity. Breaking out in random song, spontaneous dancing and uncontrollable laughter are at the center of our best memories. At camp, we love the odd, unexpected, playful and creative, and so do your children.
What I think is the coolest thing about camp is the way our campers love and accept others. I love that our community doesn’t require you to prove yourself to be valued, respected and included. At Highlander, our campers seek to love and be loved each day at camp and this is why we think that they are just too COOL!