Camp Nebagamon

Perhaps the most meaningful connection a new camper can make at camp in the first few days isn’t with his counselor, or the Director or Associate Director who visited his home this winter – it’s with his camp Big Brother. Our Big Brother/Little Brother program is meant to help our new younger boys adjust and acclimate to Nebagamon by pairing them up with an experienced Nebagamon camper, their “Big Brother.” Little Brothers connect with their Big Brother prior to the season via phone calls and ice-cream playdates, as well as in the airport and on the bus, and all throughout camp in the first two days. Over the first 48 hours at camp, it’s been heartwarming to see the younger boys touring around camp, learning hill games, and visiting in the Rec Hall with their Big Brothers. The Big Brothers’ welcome wagon is all wheeling toward the Big Brother/Little Brother Soirée, a second night staple at Nebagamon. The event begins with special get-to-know-you games drawn up by some spectacular staff, followed by a rousing, outrageous, and unrehearsed story of the origin of the s’more as told by the Swamper and Lumberjack Village Directors. Of course, you can’t tell the story without getting to roast your own marshmallow. The night ends with Big and Little Brothers gathered around the campfire making s’mores together – to me, that first s’more is really what camp tastes like.

A friendly face is crucial for a camper who is arriving at camp for the first time, and our Big Brothers take the duty seriously. For many of them, this is their first responsibility that feels pretty weighty – sure, they’ve been making their bed and sweeping their cabin at camp for at least a few summers now. But the stakes are much higher when it comes to ensuring a smooth welcome to camp for their Little Brother. They hold their role in high regard, and have thoroughly impressed over the past two days.

One Big Brother was particularly eager to welcome his Little Brother. The first night of camp, he came to the Rec Hall seeking out his Little Brother for a warm welcome to camp, and we quickly realized he was searching in vain – his Little Brother won’t be arriving at camp until our second session. The Big Brother was understanding, and also a little disappointed that he wouldn’t get the chance to connect with the younger campers this evening. The Lumberjack Village’s activity that night was a rousing game of bombardment. When we offered the Big Brother this option, he balked a little, and asked if he could still participate in the Big Brother/Little Brother Soirée, even if he didn’t have a Little Brother to accompany to the event. Wasn’t there a way for him to still practice his leadership skills with the younger campers that evening?

Of course we could find a way. The theme of the Soirée was super hero training; Big and Little Brothers formed superhero pairs and prepared for a (heavily foreshadowed, counselor-acted) supervillain attack. They ascended upon the Upper Diamond for physical preparation, as well as designed superhero insignias, made a secret handshake, and found a totem to bond their team. And right on schedule, the villains came from the woods sporting stealthy disguises (evil, washable-marker mustaches), with our intrepid Big Brother volunteer among their ranks. The Big Brother and his villainous compatriots introduced a little chaos into the activities, and ensured our superhero pairs were working together cohesively. Of course, he was right there along the staff handing out marshmallows to end the night, just before enjoying his own. This Big Brother relished the chance to lead alongside our staff and interact with a wide range of new campers last night. His attitude with the mishap was spot on, and focused entirely on making sure our younger boys had the best night possible.

We’ve seen this same spirit of leadership around camp the past few days. Older campers have made it their mission to welcome our new boys into the community. At C.N.O.C., our outdoor skills program, I saw returners instructing new campers on how to set up our tent and tie a sturdy bowline. Through our first two G-Swim periods, when campers have the opportunity to swim and play in the lake at the end of a day of instruction, older campers have opted toward games in the shallow end with the new campers. And up in the Swamper Village at the end of the day, older campers go out of their way to play foursquare with their Little Brothers.

It’s a lot to ask of an 8th or 9th grader, forgoing some of the fun that they’re used to experiencing in camp themselves for the reward of ensuring a new camper’s fun, particularly in the first few days when they’re reuniting with their camp friends who they haven’t seen in months. And they take on the responsibility with an understanding of the immense honor. These budding leaders are beaming with pride as they successfully navigate their new mentorship role, and our new campers have settled into camp as easy as one could hope for. Our Big Brothers’ effort has paid off, for themselves, and for the rest of camp.

All is well in the Northwoods!

We’ve had some parents request the daily menu be included in our Summer Updates – as an experiment, we’ve copied it below. Let us know if that’s something you want to see, or if there’s anything else you’re curious about for us to report here. Thanks!

Today’s Menu, June 20th, 2025: