Well, it’s happened again. Another lovely summer at Camp Tall Timbers has come and gone. One filled with the requisite number of sunny days, balmy evenings, rumbly thunderstorms, and starry skies, all framed by the towering hills of West Virginia. What really made the summer special, though, was the kids who strived and thrived through it all: filling the days and nights with energy, adventure, and countless moments of lessons learned and pure joy. In these ways this summer reminded us, for the umpteenth time, why overnight camp is such a transformative experience. From the first day of Session 1 to the last goodbyes in August, our campers and staff brought enthusiasm, curiosity, and kindness to every activity: making the summer of 2025 a truly remarkable one.

To our families, thank you for trusting us with your children and for being an essential part of our community. To our campers, thank you for your spirit, smiles, and willingness to try new things. And to our staff, thank you for your dedication and heart; you’re the reason overnight camp at Camp Tall Timbers continues to be a home away from home for so many.

Highlights From This Summer’s Session

“This is the most important time of the year for my kids, because they’re unplugged. There are no phones. There are no iPads. They can just breathe and decompress.”
Cindy, Mother of Two Campers 

Each of our 2025 overnight camp sessions had its own personality, theme, and set of standout moments. Early-season sessions brought in younger campers excited for their first overnight experience. These weeks focused on building confidence through adventure activities like horseback riding, lake swims, and beginner archery. Watching first-time campers learn the ropes, and proudly earn their first badges, was a joy for everyone.

Our mid-summer sessions welcomed a diverse mix of returning campers and new faces. With older age groups joining, our program expanded to include more advanced elements such as high-ropes challenges, competitive sports tournaments, and specialty workshops in music and arts. Color War Week was a highlight, delivering unforgettable team spirit, friendly competition, and the loudest cheers we’ve heard in years.

The final sessions of the season included our leadership-focused programs, where older campers had the opportunity to handle responsibility, build communication skills, and learn leadership skills through counselor-in-training activities. They planned special events, led group games, and served as role models for younger campers.

Camper Experiences & Memorable Moments

“I would say that it’s a huge advantage to come here for two or three weeks and have the chance to unplug, think about things, and make connections with people outside of social media. When you’re at camp you’re focused on camp and the people in front of you, which is how you get to know people so well.”
Haley, Counselor

Every session was filled with stories worth sharing, from cabin friendships to personal triumphs. We saw campers conquer the climbing wall for the very first time, take brave leaps during lake trampoline sessions, and try new creative hobbies like painting and ukulele.

Of course, some moments were simply pure camp magic, like late-night stargazing, s’mores around the campfire, silly skits at campwide talent shows, and spontaneous dance parties that had everyone from campers to counselors joining in.

Staff & Counselor Shoutouts

“Our staff comes from all over the country and all over the world to create a fun, safe, amazing environment for our campers.”
Glenn Smith, Owner & Director

Our staff is the heart of Camp Tall Timbers, and their commitment turned the 2025 season into something extraordinary. From cabin counselors who created warm and inclusive spaces to program leaders who ensured activities were safe, engaging, and well-organized, we couldn’t be more proud of their efforts.

Special applause goes to our leadership team, who worked behind the scenes to maintain smooth schedules, thoughtful programming, and round-the-clock support. Whether guiding a nervous first-time camper, teaching new skills, or running epic evening events, our counselors were hands-on, compassionate, and endlessly enthusiastic.

Favorites & Big Wins of 2025

“What made this experience special was we weren’t limited to our groups. We were able to form bonds with every single person here, from the smallest kids to the oldest ones.”
Noah, Junior Counselor & Former Camper

Some of the biggest hits this year included our newly refreshed lakefront games, expanded arts programming, and upgraded archery range. The return of Adventure Day, complete with campwide challenges and relay races, was a massive favorite among campers of all ages. We also saw great success with the redesigned dining hall themes, which brought extra joy (and costumes!) to mealtimes.

Looking Ahead to Summer 2026

“Overnight camp here is absolutely the best way in this world for kids to learn how to make their own decisions in a safe environment. There’s an illusion of total freedom, while in reality you have counselors checking in on you just the right amount. It’s an amazing opportunity for kids to not get smothered and to exercise their own judgment.”
David, Former Counselor, Former Camper

We may be a little biased, but we think Camp Tall Timbers is one of the best overnight camps on the East coast and beyond! We’re already gearing up for Summer 2026, and we can’t wait to share what’s coming! Early interest is already building, but don’t worry: You can register for 2026 summer sessions right now!

Overnight summer camp. It’s an American tradition, and a key milestone in a child’s journey towards independence. It’s a chance to explore, make friends, and build confidence away from home, all while having mad amounts of fun.

As 2026 approaches, overnight camps like Camp Tall Timbers are already preparing for a new generation of campers: ready to dive into outdoor adventures, creative activities, and lifelong memories. But how can you tell if your child is ready for this big step? Read on for five clear signs that it might be time for your young explorer to experience overnight camp next summer.

1. They’re Showing More Independence at Home

An important indicator your child might be ready for this kind of camp is an increasing sense of independence at home. You might notice they’re proudly handling daily responsibilities on their own: getting dressed, brushing their teeth, or packing their school bag without being reminded. You might be hearing them say “I can do it myself” more and more often.

This growing feeling of independence shows your child is comfortable managing small tasks: an important foundation for overnight camp life. At Camp Tall Timbers, campers are encouraged to take responsibility for their belongings, follow schedules, and participate in group activities, all of which build overall confidence and self-reliance.

2. They’ve Had Positive Sleepover Experiences

Has your child successfully spent a night away from home? That’s a great sign they might be ready for a longer stay at overnight summer camp. Children who enjoy sleepovers with friends or relatives, and handle them without anxiety, are often more comfortable with the idea of spending several nights at camps like Camp Tall Timbers.

Positive sleepover experiences help children practice being away from their parents in a safe and familiar setting. If your child looks forward to these nights, instead of worrying about being away from home and hearth, it’s an important sign they’re emotionally prepared for the independence and social excitement that comes with overnight camp.

3. They Can Communicate Their Needs Confidently

Communication is key to a successful camp experience. A child who can clearly express their feelings, ask for help, or tell an adult when something doesn’t feel right is well on their way to being camp-ready.

This particular skill shows emotional maturity and comfort around new people: important traits for living in a cabin, sharing responsibilities, and connecting with counselors and peers. Camp Tall Timbers’ staff are trained to support children as they grow in this area, creating a nurturing environment where campers feel heard, understood, and safe.

4. They’re Excited About New Adventures

When your child’s eyes light up at the mention of swimming, hiking, or campfire stories, that’s another important sign they’re ready for overnight summer camp. Children who express curiosity about meeting new friends, trying new activities, or exploring the outdoors are often eager for the kind of adventure that camp offers.

At Camp Tall Timbers, campers get to do all that and more: whether it’s climbing the rock wall, creating art projects, or joining in a spirited game of capture the flag. Enthusiasm for new experiences suggests your child will thrive in the fun, structured environment that overnight camp provides, opening your child up to all the many benefits of summer camp.

5. They Handle Transitions Well

Change can be tough for kids, but those who adapt easily to new teachers, classrooms, or routines often handle the transition to camp life smoothly. If your child bounces back quickly from short separations or moments of homesickness, they’re likely ready to embrace the temporary challenges and rewards of overnight summer camp.

At Camp Tall Timbers, campers are supported through those first-night jitters and quickly find comfort in the camp community: making friends, discovering new passions, and learning just how capable they really are.

Call of the (somewhat) wild

The benefits of summer camp are multifarious and many. Your child is going to experience real adventure and responsibility in a caring, controlled environment. It’s an experience they’ll always carry with them. But readiness for overnight summer camp isn’t about checking all the boxes; it’s a journey that evolves over time. If your child shows at least a few of the above signs, 2026 might be the perfect year for them to make the leap. 

Ready to learn more? Discover how Camp Tall Timbers helps children like yours build confidence, friendships, and unforgettable memories. To explore programs and start planning your child’s overnight summer camp adventure for 2026, check out this page.

There’s a lot that goes into childhood, and for anyone it’s next to impossible to single out any one part of it that could be said was the defining feature. But a strong contender might be summer camp, in particular the friendships made there. There’s just something magical about them. Between the late-night campfires, inside jokes, cabin pranks, and shared adventures, the bonds formed at summer camp often feel stronger than those made anywhere else. That’s why saying goodbye to a summer camp friend can be so hard: you’re not just leaving a place, you’re parting from people who feel like family.

Once the school year begins and life fills up with homework, sports, and other activities, it can be easy to drift apart. But staying connected with camp friends helps keep that warm, joyful camp spirit alive all year long. And with a little creativity and a touch of effort, it’s easier than ever to stay close until you’re all back together under the same summer sky.

1. Schedule Regular Check-Ins

One of the simplest ways to keep in touch with a summer camp friend is to plan regular catchups. Set up a monthly video call to share updates, swap stories, or even sing a few camp songs together. You could even add in some related fun by hosting a “virtual campfire night,” in which you and your friend grab your favorite snack, join a video call, and have a nice chat. The key is consistency. Checking in regularly helps keep your friendship fresh and reminds you both how much those summer memories mean.

2. Write Letters or Send Care Packages

In a social scene dominated by texts and DMs, getting a handwritten letter in the mail can feel extra special. Send your summer camp friend letters with drawings, photos, or even a friendship bracelet or two tucked inside. It’s a personal way to show you’re thinking of them and helps recreate that simple, heartfelt feeling of overnight summer camp life. And by the time summer rolls around again, you’ll have a stack of memories to look back on.

3. Plan a Mini Reunion or Camp-Themed Get-Together

In the end, of course, nothing can really beat seeing your summer camp friend live and in-person. To this end, try organizing a mini reunion during a long weekend, school break, or holiday. If travel to some fun locale isn’t possible, plan something local, maybe a picnic at a park, a day of hiking, or a campfire-themed night with s’mores and stories.

You can even make it feel like overnight summer camp by wearing your Camp Tall Timbers shirts, singing camp songs, or playing a few of your favorite games. In-person reunions are the perfect reminder that even though the school year keeps you apart, a camp friendship can truly last all year long.

4. Keep the Camp Spirit Alive at Home

If you’ve done all of the above, and you’re still yearning for that connection to your time and your friendships at summer camp, you can find ways to bring a little summer camp magic into your daily life. Do your favorite camp crafts, go for a nature walk, or teach your family a campfire song. You could even start a “camp tradition” at home, like a Friday night s’mores bar or a backyard stargazing session. All of these activities keep you connected to camp and help the countdown to next summer feel a little shorter.

It’s Not Goodbye …

Summer camp can be one of the defining features of childhood, the bonds formed there often feeling stronger than those made anywhere else at any other time of youth. But the friendships you build at summer camp don’t have to end when summer does. By making small efforts throughout the school year, you can keep those connections strong, stay in touch with your camp family, and keep that camp spirit alive no matter where you are.

And before you know it, the next summer will be here and you’ll pick up right where you left off, laughing around the campfire with all the friends who made Camp Tall Timbers feel like home. And for those truly motivated to make sure a return to Camp Tall Timbers is in the works, you’ll be excited to know that registration for summer 2026 is open now, with discounts still available for a short time. So what are you waiting for? Keep the friendships and the adventures going by reserving your spot today!

Sleepaway camps are a staple of many children’s summer memories. They’re filled with campfires, canoeing, and plenty of other great activities. But though that sense of adventure is a highlight, there’s a lot happening beneath the surface—all of it good—that your children won’t even notice.

Camp Tall Timbers and sleepaway summer camps like it offer plenty of positive outcomes beyond your child having fun. It offers opportunities for them to work on their life and leadership skills—responsibility, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and confidence, to name the big ones. They may not even realize they’re building these skills, but the skills are sure to stick with them long after camp concludes. Even something as low-key as roasting marshmallows over a campfire can help children build these vital skills. Let’s discuss all the benefits of summer camp!

Responsibility Through Daily Routines

At Camp Tall Timbers, every day offers structure. This allows the kids to enjoy as many activities as possible, but it also offers plenty of opportunities for them to learn accountability. For starters, each day begins with bedmaking, followed by the day’s first activity. If they’re late to that, it’s a lesson that their actions do affect others.

These routines reinforce the importance of personal responsibility and encourage the campers to take ownership over their belongings. Doing so fosters a sense of respect for the shared spaces they occupy during their stay.

Teamwork in Group Activities

A camp like this thrives on the community it fosters. Group settings dominate the daily routine, and that’s by design. Soccer matches, scavenger hunts, or any other structured activity found here focuses on teamwork to achieve the goal. These experiences place a heavy importance on:

• The value of cooperation in order to achieve a shared goal
• Listening to and respecting differing perspectives
• Understanding the importance of every team member’s role within a group

While these activities are largely team-focused, we know campers do need some time for themselves. That’s why we incorporate various “free time” slots throughout the day!

Communication Skills

Communication is the basis for a large portion of human interaction, and it’s absolutely vital in order to be a great leader. Sleepaway camps offer plenty of chances to develop these communication skills—participating in group discussions, voicing opinions on how to tackle activities, encouraging teammates, and resolving disagreements, to name a few examples. Through all of these practices, kids gain an understanding of how their words affect others, giving them a stronger grasp on compassion and empathy. From telling campfire stories to communicating in the heat of competition, every interaction matters.

Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

Throughout a child’s time at sleepaway summer camps, they’re faced with challenge upon challenge. These may come in the form of hiking trails, rock walls, or creative arts and crafts. Though fun, they also encourage the campers to put their brains to work and figure out how to achieve their goals. These decision-making moments can help them:

• Strengthen their confidence in their own choice-making abilities
• Weigh all the possibilities with the risks and potential outcomes associated with each one
• Embrace the concept of trial and error as a part of learning

If there was ever a perfect setting to experiment with these concepts, sleepaway camps are it! They make it safe to take risks while learning from success and failure alike.

Confidence Through New Experiences

Climbing walls. Canoeing. Horseback riding. Scavenger hunts. These and so many more activities are likely going to be new to many campers, meaning they can be a transformative experience for them. Being exposed to these exciting things can help campers push past any self-doubt they have when they begin to “get” what each activity is all about. This helps them build resilience and boost their self-esteem through peer support and personal achievements.

Role Models and Peer Mentoring

Leadership is always being practiced, whether or not the individual is in a formal role or not. It’s often modeled through mentorship and a natural journey from student to teacher. Young campers who are new to the concept of sleepaway camps often look up to the older kids, who show them the ropes. When these young campers return to camp, they’ve gained some experience and can then offer guidance to the next batch of first-timers, such as:

• Acting as a buddy to a new camper they connect with
• Serving as a team captain during activities
• Leading the charge in games, campfire songs, or other camp traditions

When older campers find themselves in these natural roles, they’re learning to guide and teach others with patience, enthusiasm, and empathy. These are all qualities that they keep with them in life outside of camp.

The Benefits of Summer Camp Can’t Be Overstated

Sleepaway camps offer plenty of fun and adventure to young campers, but there’s a vast array of benefits that extend beyond having a good time. They’ll return home with valuable leadership skills that aren’t easily forgotten.

At Camp Tall Timbers, we’re incredibly proud of the values we instill in our campers—all while giving them a summer adventure they’ll remember for years (if not their entire lives). If you have any questions about summer camp sessions, never hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always happy to chat!

These days, mobile devices are everywhere. We shop on them, play games on them, chat with our friends using them, navigate using their GPS apps … you get the picture. While these technological marvels offer plenty of convenience and other benefits, it’s difficult to deny that there have been drawbacks as a result—a lack of connection with nature, low social skill development, lower levels of confidence and mental well-being, and more. That’s where overnight summer camps come in. When phones are taken out of the equation, kids can discover what they may be missing out on, if only for a short time. In this blog, we’ll discuss all the benefits of summer camp without phones.

Reconnecting With Nature

When phones are taken out of the equation during summer programs for kids, it’s a lot easier to take in the world around you without distraction. At Camp Tall Timbers, the scenic setting becomes something that begs to be explored, rather than an afterthought that plays second fiddle to a YouTube video. Campers have countless opportunities to discover the world around them through:

• Nature walks and hikes that get their legs moving
• Horseback riding, swimming, and other outdoor games that blend fun with strength and coordination building
• Campfires and stargazing sessions that spark wonder and curiosity of the unknown

Who knew the benefits of summer camp without phones were so extensive?

Building Real Social Skills

Technology has allowed us to stay connected to anyone we want, putting communication at our fingertips. Ironically, however, it’s also proven to be a detriment to social interactions. When everyone is behind a screen, human interaction is less personal and much different from the “real” thing. When these social experiences are in-person, connections can become stronger and real, genuine friendships can be formed. That’s exactly what overnight summer camps seek to encourage.

We offer shared experiences—such as group living and group activities—that require essential face-to-face communication. On top of that, our campers learn teamwork and collaboration through sports and challenges. The result is an amazing boost to empathy and understanding that’s based on more than just likes and shares.

Boosting Confidence and Independence

Summer programs for kids force campers to take in the world around them, which can be a big boon for their confidence. When they can’t rely solely on their phones for entertainment or answers, their problem-solving instincts kick in. They’ll turn to their surrounding environment for their experiences rather than what’s confined to a rectangle in their hands—and the results can be amazing as they gain actual life skills, including:

• Problem solving and decision making as a result of everyday camping activities
• Responsibility and leadership from performing group and individual tasks
• Resilience and confidence from stepping outside of their comfort zones and trying new, exciting things

Improving Mental Well-Being

More than just speculation, there are mountains of evidence supporting a link between mobile phone use and declining mental health—just take a look at this article. In short, many kids develop a dependency on their phones, not knowing how to cope with many parts of life without this “lifesaver” nearby. Social media paints everyone’s life as a wonderful, care-free experience, when it’s actually just a highlight reel that ignores the everyday struggles and challenges everyone faces.

Overnight summer camps can become a respite for these issues that exacerbate FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) as a result of a constant stream of notifications. When those are removed from the picture, it’s easier to see what’s important and realize your potential rather than comparing yourself to the online appearances of others.

Encouraging Creativity and Play

Overnight summer camps offer plenty of opportunities for imaginative play and hands-on experiences. That rings especially true at our phone-free camp, where traditional experiences are brought to life. These activities include:

• Arts and crafts that encourage self-expression
• Storytelling that lights the fire of imagination
• Scavenger hunts and other games based in nature that stoke curiosity in young minds
• Sports activities that encourage collaboration and spark the joy of friendly competition

Rediscover the Real World

The phones will always be there when camp comes to an end. When our campers realize this, they’ll find it increasingly easier to separate from the devices that are seemingly glued to their hands. The interesting part is that many campers who successfully “unplug” realize how much they’ve been missing when all is said and done. Stronger friendships, improved mental health, heightened confidence, and a sense of wonder are all realized once the time is taken to “stop and smell the roses,” so to speak.

We encourage every child to experience overnight summer camps without their phones as a crutch. Who knows what amazing discoveries they’ll make? For a truly wonderful summer camp experience, contact us at Camp Tall Timbers.

Sleeping in cabins. Getting in touch with nature. Campfires. We could fill multiple pages just listing the exciting things that kids can do at our overnight camp, but that wouldn’t quite do the experience justice. It wouldn’t convey just how impactful two or three weeks away from home can be for youngsters—but we’re still going to try to get the point across. Because it really is quite an experience, and if we had our way, every kid in the world would be able to go to overnight summer camp at least once.

So stay a while. Take a seat on the stump, grab a stick and some marshmallows, and listen to all the ways a great summer camp can build character, independence, confidence, and more.

Stepping Out of Their Comfort Zone

By the time a kid is old enough to attend camp, they’ve probably gone to a sleepover or two—or at least spent the night at grandma and grandpa’s. Aside from that, though, they probably haven’t spent an extended amount of time away from both their home and their parents. While that prospect can be nerve-wracking for parents and kids alike, the experience is a great way to help them adapt to unfamiliar surroundings in a safe environment.

Daily routines are practiced here while this exciting new environment is navigated with the guidance of camp staff, rather than familiar family members. Throughout the overnight summer camp experience, kids will learn to adjust to different schedules, sleeping arrangements, and unfamiliar faces. This shakeup teaches them to start trusting their instincts and ability to make decisions in small yet meaningful ways. 

Making Decisions on Their Own

Overnight camp gives children the agency to make their own choices in a safe setting, which provides a boost in confidence and decision-making skills. Camp Tall Timbers, for example, offers choice:

• Before arriving at camp, campers can choose which activities they want to partake in each day, be it archery, swimming, arts and crafts, and much more.
• Free time offers campers the opportunity to do what they want, as long as camp rules are being followed
• Kids learn to take responsibility for their belongings and keep their personal spaces within their cabins organized.

These daily decisions may seem simple, but they’re empowering campers to take ownership of their day and develop vital self-reliance.

Building Social Skills

You know the feeling you get when you take your child to the playground and see them interacting with the other kids? It’s probably a good feeling. They’re making friends and learning to interact with their peers! Now imagine if they could do that for two or three weeks straight! With this kind of opportunity, kids can develop real-world social skills that will be invaluable in a school setting and beyond. They’ll be:

• Meeting new people and establishing friendships with other kids from varying walks of life
• Actively listening, sharing, and resolving conflicts
• Participating in team-focused games and activities

It isn’t just an overnight camp—it’s a training ground for making valuable connections and friendships!

Learning Through Challenges

Summer camps aren’t just about fun—though that’s a huge part of it, for sure. No, they’re also about growth. When placed into a new environment away from home, new daily challenges present themselves and campers learn to push past their fears and reservations.

That doesn’t mean kids are subjected to scary situations—quite the opposite, actually. Much of the fear they overcome here is simply born of a lack of exposure. Trying something for the first time—ziplining, canoeing, or even public speaking—can be a little scary despite how rewarding it is in the end. When a child confronts those fears, they develop a sense of pride that often isn’t found in a daily home setting. It also teaches them that they’re stronger and more resilient than they realize.

Every little victory can provide exponential growth in confidence as each camper discovers what they’re capable of. At the best summer camps for kids, they’ll learn to come out of their shells.

Encouraging Personal Growth

Every camper can accomplish new things without relying on their parents (don’t worry—parents are still as important as ever). They just need to realize it! Here’s how overnight camp helps them along:

• They gain valuable self-esteem through achievements and peer recognition.
• Realizing they can solve problems, make friends, and have fun on their own helps them feel empowered—and who knows what they will achieve after this realization!
• The skills and values they learn at camp can be applied elsewhere in their lives—school, home, and in their community.

In short, the independence that manifests at overnight summer camp can build the foundation for continued growth in life.

Camp Tall Timbers: The Overnight Camp You’ve Been Looking For

The best summer camps for kids are those that go beyond campfire songs (though those are always fun). The whole experience should build the character and confidence of every camper, teaching them valuable life skills while providing an experience they’ll always look back on fondly. That’s exactly what Camp Tall Timbers provides. Get in touch with the camp director if you have any questions, or sign your child up for an unforgettable experience today!