ESF Camps are full of traditions, but none are as loved as our friend, Captain Respectacular. He is a vital member of the ESF Team, and campers show up every morning hoping for a sighting or – better yet—a high five. His story goes…

Whenever a Day Camper is in need… you will find him. Wherever this is kindness and friendship… he’ll be there. Day Camp will always have a hero to watch over them and his name is… Captain Respectacular! “Respect yourself. Respect your environment. Respect one another.” The mantra of Captain Respectacular can be heard loud and clear as the masked superhero spreads his message of respect to campers throughout the summer. Although the true identity of this caped crusader is unknown, Captain Respectacular has emerged each summer to psych up the crowd at pep rallies, welcome campers during car line, pop in during an activity or surprise campers when they least expect it!

We’ve recently had the opportunity to sit down with Captain Respectacular and do what no other camp has been able to do before: conduct an exclusive interview with the legend himself. What to know more about our favorite super hero? We’ve got the details.

Q: Mr. Respectacular, first let me say what an honor it is to sit with you. Why did you decide to follow this career path?

CR: Well, respect is something that has always been incredibly important to me, but unfortunately it is a trait that so many people forget about nowadays. When I heard about ESF Camps and their commitment to their core virtues, I know this was the type of place I wanted to be. ESF campers are already so open to growing in character that I realized I could really make a difference here. By coming in to talk to ESF Day campers I have the chance to help them make practicing respect a lifelong habit.

Q. What is your favorite activity at camp?

CR. I love sports because I love having the opportunity to work with a team.

Q. What is your favorite camp lunch?

CR. I love anything that comes with fruit on the side!

Q. If you were an ESF staff member, what position would you be?

CR. I would be a Day Camp counselor! Day campers are so much fun, and I especially love all of their chants and cheers in the morning! Not to brag, but if I were a counselor I think my tribe would win the Spirit Stick every day.

Q. What is your favorite hobby?

CR. Meeting new people! I love to see the world through someone else’s eyes. It helps me grow as a person and it helps me learn how to best help others!

Q. What is your ultimate goal in life?

CR. To travel the world teaching about respect! I want to give everyone the opportunity to learn the importance of respecting others, respecting the environment and respecting themselves. I believe that if everyone did that we would live in a peaceful world.

Q. Can you talk about a time when you felt respected at ESF Haverford?

CR. Every day I see day campers climbing the rock wall, and I thought it looked like so much fun! But even superheroes get scared sometimes, and I was really nervous. With the encouragement of campers, staff, and my friend Rockwall Joe, I not only got on the rock wall, but I climbed all the way to the top!

Q. Who is your role model and why?

CR. I admire the counselors so much. They work so hard every day to make sure the campers have the most fun they can. Rain or shine, they come in every morning with a big smile on their face and so much energy, and I think that’s really special.

As the summer goes on, keep an eye out for Capt. Respectacular! If you have any more questions for him, don’t hesitate to ask. He’ll help anyone with anything, as long as they ask respectfully!