Senior Camp Traditions

Since 1982, we have established many wonderful traditions. At ESF, every day in camp is an opportunity to create memories that span generations. This may be why so many of our Alumni (former campers and "Team" members) are still very involved. Some are famous, some less so, but all of them still love ESF because it's a special place where they spent their summers. Here are just a few of our Senior Camp Traditions:

The Oracle Founded in the tradition of the ancients, the Oracle is a source of wisdom and a guide to the truth. In the true spirit of teamwork and community, The Oracle represents respect, leadership, dedication, and effort of Senior Camp groups working together. Senior Camp's official Town Council votes for the group who has demonstrated these characteristics as well as good deeds and random acts of kindness. Carrying The Oracle is a Senior Camp group's greatest responsibility. The Oracle is fragile, and must be treated with care and pride. Senior Campers are charged with spreading this message of respect throughout camp.

Ambassadors
Every Friday, counselors from each group nominate an Ambassador who will help the counselor meet and welcome new campers to the group. Campers are chosen to be Ambassadors based on their leadership qualities and the positive contributions that they have made to Senior Camp. Ambassadors must arrive at camp no later than 8:45 AM to meet with their counselors and prepare to welcome new campers. Ambassadors wear their camp T-shirts on Monday mornings and are also given a special Ambassador nametag to symbolize this accomplishment.

Assemblies The best way to start the day! Senior Campers, like every group at ESF, begin their days with fun and energizing morning assemblies. Assemblies take place in Senior Town with all Senior Campers in attendance. From birthday celebrations to Wacky Counselor Wednesdays and Fabulous Fridays, there is a lot in store at Senior Camp morning assembly. Senior Campers also end their day with an assembly. This is a time for special announcements, information on what's happening tomorrow at camp, and even a few special surprises!

Senior Camp Sleepover
It's a "bonding experience." The Senior Camp sleepover is also a special privilege, reserved only for the oldest group in Senior Camp. Senior Camp night owls are treated to special games and activities throughout the night, and hopefully get a few minutes of sleep before the new Camp Day begins. The sleepover culminates the following morning with a special breakfast and morning surprise.

ESF Gratitude Rock
The newest ESF tradition, the ESF Gratitude Rock is given each day to someone who has performed a random act of kindness. Each group passes their Rock along to someone each day at Morning Assembly. While the Rock always stays at camp, whomever is chosen receives a "you rock" card from the presenter, which then can be taken home as a reminder of their random act of kindness.

The Pennant
The Pennant is considered the "yearbook" of camp and is signed by all the campers and counselors. The Pennant serves as a symbol that will recall many memories that a child will treasure forever.

Masquerade Day On Masquerade Day, nobody is quite who they appear to be. Counselors, Specialists, Directors, and campers put on their zaniest, spookiest, and "out of this world" costumes. Accompanying special events include the traditional Masquerade Parade and the Witches Brew Scavenger Hunt! In addition to this, there is a Costume Contest down the "Catwalk" for Team Members!

Family Fling
Team Members, campers, and their families come together for an incredible evening of fun and farewells, as ESF hosts the "Family Fling" held one night during the last two weeks of camp. Highlights include a DJ blasting music through the airwaves, campers and their families dancing with Team Members, refreshments galore, and an unforgettable recap of the summer with the traditional "Memories Slide Show"...an ESF favorite.

The Honors Banner
The Honors Banner is the place where campers display the awards that they have earned throughout the years. It is a way of gathering camp memories so they will last for a lifetime.

The Mark
Making an indelible impression, leaving your legacy or your trademark -that's what The Mark is all about. Every Friday, Senior Campers are awarded The Mark for guiding younger campers by their example, for doing the right thing in a difficult situation, or for going the extra mile for a friend. Campers may also earn The Mark for random acts of kindness. Senior campers can achieve six different Mark awards representing the following values: Respect, Teamwork, Leadership, Dedication, Spirit, and Effort. Essentially, campers are recognized for making their Mark on the rest of Senior Camp!