first time campers

Absolutely. Many Camp Jewell campers are spending their first extended time away from home. Our counselors are trained to help new campers learn the routines, meet friends, try new things, and become comfortable with camp life. From the moment your camper arrives, our goal is to help them feel known, included, and part of the Camp Jewell community.

Homesickness is completely normal—even for campers who end up loving camp. Our counselors are trained to recognize when a camper is struggling and help them work through those feelings with reassurance, engaging activities, familiar routines, and plenty of support.

Every child adjusts differently. Some settle in almost immediately, while others need a little more time. Either way, your camper won't have to navigate those feelings alone.

hat’s completely normal! Many campers arrive at Camp Jewell without knowing anyone, and making new friends is a big part of the camp experience.

From the very first day, counselors lead games, icebreakers, and cabin activities that help everyone get to know each other and feel included. Campers eat meals, enjoy activities, and take part in evening programs with their cabin group, so friendships develop naturally throughout the session.

By the end of camp, it’s common for the hardest part to be saying goodbye to the friends they just made.

Campers live in cozy, rustic cabins grouped by age and village. Each cabin includes:

• 8–10 campers

• At least two trained counselors

• Access to nearby bathhouses

• Porch space for relaxing and connecting with friends

Our counselors are carefully selected and trained in youth development, safety procedures, leadership, and creating an inclusive cabin environment. They stay with the cabin group throughout the day—guiding activities, supporting routines, and helping campers feel comfortable, confident, and connected.

Cabin life is where many campers make their closest friendships and favorite memories.

Yes! We offer Open Houses throughout the year, and we can schedule a personal tour if the dates don’t fit your schedule.

We know that sending your child to overnight camp can be a big adjustment for parents, too. Throughout the session, we post photos regularly so families can get a glimpse of camp life.

Our leadership team is also available if there is something important we need to discuss with you. While camp gives children an opportunity to build independence away from home, parents can feel confident knowing there is an experienced team looking out for their camper.

For many campers, the cabin quickly becomes their home away from home—and the place where some of their closest camp friendships begin.

Campers live with kids of a similar age, along with trained counselors who are there to help with everything from getting ready in the morning to winding down at night. Most cabin groups include about 8–10 campers with at least two counselors, creating a small community where everyone can get to know one another.

Most of our Main Camp cabins are comfortable, year-round buildings with electricity, bathrooms and showers right inside the cabin, personal storage space, and a central common area.

The first few hours are intentionally designed to make camp feel smaller and more familiar. Campers meet their counselors and cabinmates, unpack, explore camp, learn some basic routines, play games, and begin getting to know their cabin group.

Our counselors know that opening day can bring a mix of excitement and nerves, especially for first-time campers. Their job is to get everyone involved and help the cabin begin feeling like a team.

It may sound surprising, but two weeks gives first-time campers time to truly settle into camp rather than feeling rushed through the experience.

The first few days are about learning routines, meeting people, and getting comfortable. Once that happens, campers can really enjoy everything camp has to offer—building stronger friendships, developing skills, gaining confidence, and becoming more independent.

By the second week, campers aren't just learning how camp works. Camp has started to feel like their place.