Lower Campers have a lot to share about their experience being at WriCampia for the first time. The campers explain what they think about being the youngest group. There are both highs and lows in the experience of the Lower Camper at WriCampia.
Before arriving, some Lower Campers were worried about their first time at WriCampia. We caught up with Remy B., 10, outside of Page 2 Stage. “Everyone is very nice,” she said. “I thought it was going to be sad and dreary. All the activities are so fun, and there are so many activities to choose from. I was impressed.”
Other campers said that starting as a younger camper is fun because you can experience all that camp has to offer early. “It’s fun because you could have more opportunities to do stuff,” said Elizabeth F., 9.
But Willa B., 11, thought that we should all get to do the same things, from Lower to Senior Campers. Willa says, “I feel sad cause I think we should get all the advantages that the Upper Campers get.” These advantages include late nights and later bedtimes.
While Lower Campers Maya M. and Remy B. thought everything was clear with the camp schedules, some campers struggled with understanding WriCampia’s daily order of events. “I was confused about the schedule and the counselors helped me smooth it out so I wouldn’t be,” shared Elizabeth F.
Lower Campers’ spirits are usually high, but some nerves can also emerge. Elizabeth F. said, “I felt good and nervous when I arrived, and the counselors helped me overcome that feeling.” Maya M. also found kindness among WriCampia staff and campers, noting that she “felt welcomed.”
Willa B. said, “When I arrived at camp, I was excited because I had no idea what was in store for me and because it’s a new experience I’ve been looking forward to for years.”
Alongside the positive energy and fun that Lower Campers have found, mentoring and caring for these writers have had its challenges. Counselor Jaida H. said, “You have to look over all the campers in your bunk and make sure they’re getting along, and everything goes smoothly.”
Counselor Franny Rae said, “Nighttime is the hardest because that’s when lower campers get scared and homesick.” Counselor Ella D. added, “But it’s all worth it. We love them so much!”
The WriCampia community appreciates the fun personalities and energy that Lower Campers bring to camp each year. Paige M., a CIT, said, “There is so much value to the kids who come in young and then grow up at camp and become CITs. They foster our culture throughout time. They’re a core aspect of the community.” ✎
