Here’s what our campers have to say – excerpts from our Camp Kennedy summer journal…

Camp is almost over. This is my first year at camp & I really enjoyed myself. I met many new friends and rekindled the light & various old ones. The memories made I know will last a lifetime. Hopefully, everyone will stay in touch after we walk off the bus (I love the bus) for the last time. I will miss Kennedy. It has truly become my home.

I am going to miss this place so much. It is something that I will carry with me forever. This is something that I am going to tell my kids about. A camp like Kennedy probably only comes along once in a lifetime and you have to cherish it.

Well, I am writing on the way back to the JCC. I can’t believe 4 weeks have gone by already. Camp Kennedy has been so much more than I could have ever have hoped for. I don’t think I have ever been this close with a group. One of the things I have treasured more than anything else was all the chill time we had together in the lodge. There was always a card game going , a guitar, and people rapping, harmonizing, or playing piano.

The canoe trip was incredible. I have never bonded with a group of girls that much. We all shared all of our secrets and stories and we all helped each other out.

The hiking trip was also amazing. I loved my group (Eugene, Jaime, Josh, Justin & Garrett). We had the best time - almost always joking around, but still getting things dome. The hike was fast-paced (1.6 miles in 20 minutes- baby!) and gorgeous. I shared a lot with that group and I have many good memories.

After 9 years as a camper, it is time to step back, smile at it all, and jump back in as staff. Kennedy was the perfect way to go  - if only it could have been longer.

Take care of each other and keep in touch!

Hi. Today was our 4th day on the canoe trip. It has been an absolutely amazing experience. I have never been on a trip like this. There are a few qualities that have made this trip unique. The first reason is that this trip is just girls. We all bonded during the trip. The second reason is how challenging it has been. I feel as though I have accomplished so much. MMM!!! I smell the scent of our Mexican dinner. Yummy!! The food has been pretty good. We have also had great weather. Well, that’s all!

This has been an amazing experience. I never thought that we would become such good friends. I am having so much fun and I feel like I have accomplished a lot on this trip and I can’t wait until the end. I hope with everyday our experience becomes better & better.

I totally enjoyed the day today. We did tye-die stuff and worked in the dark room where I got to develop pictures! After all of that, we had a BIG lunch that was filling. I really am enjoying my experience here, and the people. The comfort of good friends is important here. I have learned to give people second chances and not to judge people that quickly.