The students of Fauquier High School (FHS) participate in a variety of activities over summer break. One of the students’ favorite activities is summer camp. From sports camps to spiritual trips and educational opportunities, there is a summer camp for everyone. Older students even have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within camps. FHS kids enjoy various summer camps every year, but no matter which camp they attend, they all have great memories to share.
Many students attend residential sports or educational programs over the summer to use their time best. FHS offers many such camps, allowing students and athletes to hone their skills with specialized training while having a ton of fun. Freshman Silas Mulroney discussed hockey camp, saying, “It’s good for meeting new friends and building skills.” Camps such as these provide learning opportunities while also balancing recreation. They are a great way for students to work on their passions or to discover new ones.
There are also a large number of students who go to religious-centered camps. Young Life, a popular Christian youth group, hosts many different camps throughout the nation, providing numerous opportunities for teens to connect and share beliefs. Quite a few FHS students have gone to said camps, and many upperclassmen have taken on the role of counselor at them as well. Addie Gorg, a senior, has a large presence within the group and has participated in many camps with them over the years. “I went and served at a Young Life camp for a week in Oregon…then in Malibu [and in] Canada, I got to share my testimony in front of the whole camp,” she shared. In her experience, faith-building camps feature “some of the best memories in your life.” While they might not be for everyone, religious and belief-centered camps are very impactful for those involved.
Other students, however, opt for a more traditional summer camp experience. Senior Willa Strong shared her experience with Songadeew Canoe Camp in Vermont. “It’s a beautiful location in Vermont,” stated Strong. She added, “It’s a sort of smaller camp, so you really get to know everyone by the end of your time there.” Strong attended this camp for many years, going the whole two-month session each summer she was eligible. One of her favorite parts of her time there was the friends and memories she made. She also attests to it building her independence and confidence. For Strong and many others, traditional camps include great opportunities and cultivate lifelong memories.
At the end, camps are one of the highlights of summer break for many students. Teens look forward to their time at camp, making memories and friends that will stay with them throughout their lives. Camps are an excellent way for students to branch out and try new things. As Gorg stated, “A lot of camps challenge you…They get you out of your comfort zone.” And that is just a sliver of what makes camp so special for so many. Summer camp is one of a student’s most remarkable experiences, and more opportunities are emerging every year. This upcoming summer of 2025 will be no exception.
