The end of the school year is fast approaching, and everyone is gearing up for outdoor activities. For many children, the much-anticipated summer highlight is camp. There’s much to love, from arts and crafts and outdoor games to s’mores and songs around campfires. Savage Mill-based Terrapin Adventures has a rich slate of choices for children ages 4-17. We spoke with some of their camp counselors to learn more about the camps and what they enjoy most.
What’s been a fulfilling experience working at Terrapin?
I enjoy working with kids, because they learn and grow so fast. You really do see them develop right in front of your eyes and it’s very enlightening–and wholesome. Also the things they say… They say some very crazy things and you can’t help but laugh.
Adventuroos Camp mixes adventure and traditional camp fun. Children age 5-7 try their hand at rock climbing, mini zip lines, an aerial adventure course, hiking, environmental education, field games, arts and crafts, and exploring the local state park.
In Kids Exploration Camp, in addition to the above activities, children ages 8-11 try out the climbing tower, ziplining, the giant swing, archery, sling-shotting, and river tubing.
Brooke (above) has been a Camp Counselor at Terrapin for 5 years, and is Assistant Camp Director this year. She finds it so fulfilling when campers are nervous about an activity but give it a try and end up loving it.
What background do you have in adventure camp experiences?
I was a camper at Terrapin myself and loved it. I was a Girl Scout, and grew up camping and doing other outdoor activities with my family. My favorite place is the beach. I am most looking forward to leading camping trips because I love to camp and it is always the most fun for me.
Teen Adventure Camp (ages 12-15) offers cool, unforgettable experiences include camping, campfire cooking, kayaking, natural water swimming, and hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Wilderness Expedition Camp offers a smorgasbord of unforgettable outdoor adventures for ages 12-17. It starts with kayaking to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and segues to backpacking on the Appalachian Trail. The grand finale awaits in West Virginia, where participants will explore the underground world in a cave and forge unforgettable memories.
Pathfinders offers an unforgettable adventure through the stunning Maryland section of the Appalachian Trail over the course of four days of backpacking. The final day includes a choice of exciting outdoor activities, including caving, a day at Greenbrier Lake, or a thrilling challenge on the ropes course at Terrapin Adventures. It’s the perfect balance of adventure, nature, and fun!
Grace (above) has been working at Terrapin for 7 years, ever since she was 15 years old! This year, she will serve as Assistant Camp Director with Brooke.
I came here as a camper and I fell in love with this place. As soon as I was old enough to work here, I applied and have been ever since. I grew up going to sleep away adventure camp and I loved doing outdoor activities like camping, swimming, sailing… I loved those camps so much and knew I wanted to work at one when I was older.
I will be leading the offsite trip this summer! I am super excited to go kayaking. It’s one of my favorite activities! In fact, I love the ocean. When I was younger I fully believed that I was a mermaid and I loved to swim. I’m looking forward to meeting new staff and campers and helping them make amazing camp memories!
Visit Terrapin Adventures online to learn more about these six great camp programs!