So, you’re getting ready to go to camp for the first time, huh? That’s super exciting! But we get it—it can also feel a little bit scary. Maybe you’re wondering what it will be like or if you’ll make friends, or maybe you’re a little nervous about trying new things. All those feelings are totally normal! A lot of guys just like you feel the same way before they head off to camp. But let me tell you, once you’re here, you’ll start having fun in ways you never imagined.

Here’s why:

Everyone’s in the Same Boat!

When you arrive at camp, guess what? Everyone is meeting new friends and trying new things, just like you! Even though some boys may look like they know exactly what’s going on, they’re probably be feeling the same way deep down, even if you can’t tell. You’ll meet tons of new kids your age who are just as excited (and maybe just a little bit nervous) to start their adventure. Plus, the counselors and staff are there to help you every step of the way. They’ve been through it all before and will make sure you’re feeling comfortable and included. You’ll have a whole team of people supporting you, making camp a place where you can relax, have fun, and just be yourself.

It’s All About Sports and Fun Activities!

At Winaukee, there are tons of sports, games, and activities to enjoy—some you may already know and love, and some new ones you’ll get to try for the first time. Think about the sports and hobbies you already enjoy: soccer, basketball, swimming, maybe even some awesome water games like canoeing or kayaking. At camp, you get to play these games with new friends and have a blast doing it! And guess what? You don’t have to be the best player to have fun. What matters most is being part of the team, cheering each other on, and giving your best effort. You’ll also get to try new activities that are just as exciting. Maybe you’ve never been on a ropes course, or you haven’t yet tried archery or hiking—but at camp, you’ll get to give it a go, and you might even discover a new favorite interest you didn’t even know you had!

Making Friends is Easy at Camp!

You know how it feels when you meet someone new, and it’s a little awkward at first? That’s totally normal, but guess what? Camp is the perfect place to make friends, and it happens fast!

You’ll meet new buddies while playing sports, working together on challenges, and even hanging out at meals.At camp, everyone’s there to have fun and be a part of something special, so you’ll quickly find people who like the same things you do. Plus, the camp traditions help bring everyone together, whether it’s singing songs around the campfire, competing in friendly sports events, or sharing stories of the day. It’s a place where you can be yourself, and you’ll soon realize you have lots in common with other campers.

You’ll Grow and Learn a Ton—Without Even Realizing It!

Here’s something really cool about camp: You’ll grow in ways you didn’t expect. When you try something new—whether it’s a sport, an activity, or just being away from home for a while—you learn a lot about yourself. You might surprise yourself by learning how to swim a new stroke or how to play a game you never thought you could.

Even though it might feel a little scary at first, each time you try something new, you become a little braver, stronger, and more confident.

And here’s the best part—everyone at Winaukee is there to help and encourage each other! The counselors, your friends, and your teammates will be right there cheering you on, which makes trying new things feel way easier.

You’ll Have Tons of Fun—And You’ll Be So Glad You Came!

Even though it’s totally okay to be nervous, camp is all about fun. Once you’re here, you’ll forget all about the nerves because there’s so much going on! Every day is packed with exciting activities—games, swimming, sports tournaments, and tons of laughs with new friends. The camp meals are great, the camp songs are catchy, and new adventures are waiting for you.

By the end of your time at camp, you’ll have so many great memories, from winning a tournament with your team to roasting marshmallows around the campfire. And, the best part? You’ll look back and realize that everything you worried about before camp started wasn’t so bad after all.

You’re Going to Have an Amazing Time!

I promise you that the minute you step onto camp here at Winaukee and start playing your first game or trying your first new activity, you’ll forget all about feeling nervous. Camp is a place where you’ll grow, have fun, and make friends that could last a lifetime. And when you come home, you’ll have stories to share and new skills to show off. So, take a deep breath and get excited for the adventure ahead. We can’t wait to see you at camp and show you how amazing it is to be part of the Winaukee brotherhood!

You got this!