Because Camp Highlander was founded nearly 50 years ago, we’re lucky to have a vast community of alumni. Each month, we’ll spotlight one outstanding former camper or staff member who attributes some of their post-camp success to their experiences and lessons learned while at camp.
As a Camp Highlander alumna, I have firsthand knowledge of the many valuable life skills camp provided. I know countless others who’ve spent time on the mountain and would agree that Camp Highlander is so much more than just a place to spend a few weeks every summer.
I attended Camp Highlander from 1984–1987, and again in 1989. One thing’s for sure: There is no feeling like the one you get in the pit of your stomach as you turn down Dalton Road toward camp. The anticipation of what’s to come rivals that of any holiday or birthday. It was truly magical, and I still get that feeling when I return to camp today.
In my time as a camper and CIT (counselor in training), I had the opportunity to try activities like archery, whitewater rafting and rock climbing — and little did I know — I was simultaneously garnering life skills I would use for decades to come. Whether working with my cabinmates to get over The Wall in Wilderness or having the courage to step onstage and perform a skit for the talent show, I developed a strong sense of self-confidence that helped me achieve my career goal of becoming a writer.
A wonderful, full-circle experience! Here I am in 1989 posing next to the Camp Highlander sign and my children are posing below (2013).
Camp Highlander cleverly disguises character-building as adventure. I had no idea that when I was on overnight camping trips with my cabin or strategizing with the White Knights during Color War, I was also raising my self-esteem and learning how to problem solve. Without those valuable adolescent experiences at camp, I would not be the woman I am today.
As a camper, I always felt like I was part of a family. When I stepped back on the mountain in 2011 after being away for 22 years, I experienced the same inviting feeling that l felt as a child. Now, I go back every year with my children for Family Camp — if you’re an alumni and have children, I highly recommend this experience. It’s truly amazing to attend a weekend at camp with your children. My daughter also attended camp alone last summer for the first time, and she is still talking about her experiences there and counting the days until next summer! There’s nothing more special than passing the torch to my children and watching them experience camp with the same intrigue and wonder that I did many years ago.
My daughter and I at campfire during Family Camp 2013.
Julia Ade is a Senior Creative Copywriter based in Tampa, Florida. Our Alumni Spotlight focuses on Camp Highlander alumni who’ve utilized skills learned at camp to excel in their adult life. If you — or someone you know — has gone on to achieve goals and can attribute some of that success to experiences at camp, please email your contact information and a brief summary to .