Browse Our Stories

Steve and Kate

Steve's Story

If you were to tell someone one thing about Outpost, it would be...
...it's a really fun place to go over the summer to play exciting games, but also challenge yourself. It really helped me become more confident in myself. I never would have seen myself leading a group or the whole camp in a song or skit. Nobody makes you do anything that you don't really want to do, but if you are willing to try something, everyone will help you out.

Steve in the old creek (2005)

The moment that made me smile was...
...seeing kids achieve goals they never thought they could. Last year, we had a camper that really wanted to go into the big pool but didn't think he could pass the test. So, we practiced swimming in the smaller pool first for a day or two before he took the test. When he took the test, he passed and had the biggest smile on his face. Those kinds of things happen all the time at camp.

My most memorable group was...
...last year with Evan because we had such a diverse group of kids. We had kids who were really interesting, and others who were super athletic. The best part of the group is that we helped all the kids make friends. Most of the kids got along really well and it made it really fun for everyone. I was really glad to be a part of this group because at first, I wasn't going to do Outpost last year. But, they called me up right before the summer started and I decided to come back - and I am really happy that I was called in.

I never expected...
...working as a JC to be as fun as it is. I was a camper for a bunch of years before becoming a JC, and it always seemed kind of like the junior counselors were just doing the extra jobs, and not having as much fun. But I was really surprised my first summer when I was working with the younger boys, on how exciting everyday can be. Each day and each kid is a different adventure, and that adventure is very fun!

Kate's Story

If you were to tell someone one thing about Outpost, it would be...
...how much I have grown as a person with this great experience. If you ask anyone about my first year going there, they might say they don't remember anything about me because I was so shy and barely willing to try new things. As I got into the Outpost years though, it made me be completely comfortable with whatever I was doing, whether it was yelling at the top of my lungs, jumping up and down to a silly song, or doing a challenge that required me to be covered in mud. All of these activities brought me out of my shell and made me the person I am today.

The moment that made me smile was...
...when I see not only me, but the other kids/staff around me trying new goofy things that allow them to have fun. Camp is all about fun so it is hard for me to choose one thing that makes me smile when all day, every day, I can smile about all that surrounds me.

Kate as a Senior Outpost camper with her friends

I never expected...
...Outpost to allow me to grow so much. I realize now how every day I am a more outgoing and helpful person because of the opportunities presented to me through Outpost.

The person who's had a big impact on me at camp was Michael Baum because...
...he has shown me everything Outpost is about. He went from being a junior counselor to a director and everything in between. He is never afraid to do anything required of him and mainly he proved to me that if you feel embarrassed you are probably having the most fun. Michael also helped me improve on my public speaking and getting more involved in what helps solve any problem.

One of the coolest things about working at Outpost is...
...all of the people you get the chance to meet. I was hesitant at first to get to know everyone, but now I feel like Outpost is a family that welcomes anyone to join. I feel completely comfortable around everyone working there and it is one of my favorite things to do each summer.