Posy, 3

ESF Episcopal Mini Camp

Whether your camper has discovered a new interest, met a new friend, bonded with a counselor or considered ESF a home away from home, every summer has a story. 

“Posy grew up watching her older brother, Trainer go to camp. At three years old, she could already sing all the Day Camp songs, she knew all the activities campers did, and she definitely knew all about the Spirit Stick.

This summer she was so excited to finally go to ESF too, but she was also a little nervous. She’s never been a big risk-taker in terms of jumping into a new setting, and she didn’t know any other Mini Campers at the beginning of the summer. Immediately, she formed this amazing friendship with another Mini Camper, Charlotte.

The two were inseparable. Every morning Charlotte would take her by the hand and they’d walk to their group together. They spent the rest of the day side-by-side, hand-in-hand — by their little pool, during performances, as they played, every time they switched activities and walked with their counselors like little ducklings in line on the sidewalk.

Posy and her new ESF best friend Charlotte loved every part of camp. They loved splashing around in the tiny Mini Camp pool,  and when the camp shows came around, they walked off the stage looking as if they had just won an Emmy. During Project Discovery they went on nature walks with a magnifying glass in their hands to look at the flowers, bugs and leaves they found along the way. By the way they talked about them, it was as if they had gone on a safari!

At the end of the summer when it was time for them to graduate from Mini Camp to Day Camp, ESF celebrated with a graduation ceremony. Campers were onstage in the theater, and families got to come take pictures. The campers all received personalized awards, and Posy won the “Most Colorful Outfit.” Every day she wore colorful dresses and tulle skirts — outfits that are totally impractical for camp. But she loved them, and she was thrilled with this award. The whole ceremony felt so special.

For me, watching Posy have this experience alongside her amazing new best friend was so special. Even now when they see each other outside of camp, they regain this little piece of summer. They run off and hold hands and immediately snap back into this special camp relationship. Everyone at ESF helped foster what has turned into such a magical friendship, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

-Leah, ESF Episcopal Parent

This summer, let us be a part of your story.