Lake Views Blog

Lake Views

Category: Camp Families

pictures of doors at camp

Heart and Home: The SLC Mezuzah Fundraiser

Friday, September 12, 2025
Category: Alumni, Camp Families, Giving

“This is My Home” isn’t just a saying at Surprise Lake Camp—it’s a feeling we carry in our hearts all…

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Campers and staff member roasting marshmallows around campfire at night

From Campfire to Classroom: How Summer Camp Skills Power the School Year

Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Category: Camp Families, Why Camp?

With backpacks packed and buses rolling, the school year has officially begun. For many kids, the transition from carefree summer…

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Campers and staff hugging at camp.

Wearing Our Values: Recognizing Character at SLC

Monday, August 11, 2025
Category: Camp Families, Program News, Why Camp?

At Surprise Lake Camp, our five core values—Community, Compassion, Courage, Gratitude, and Grit—aren’t just words on a plaque. They shape…

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A stock image of a mother and daughter embracing in a field.

If Kids Can Get Homesick, Can Parents Get “kidsick”?

Monday, July 7, 2025
Category: Camp Families

Summer camp can be an exciting and transformative experience for kids: it offers opportunities for personal growth, independence, and unforgettable…

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Male campers enjoying playtime on the beach at SLC

Empower Your Child for Sleepaway Camp Growth

Thursday, June 26, 2025
Category: Camp Families

Summer camp is an excellent opportunity for children to develop practical new skills, make friends, and gain independence outside of…

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Training with Purpose: How SLC Staff Members Get Camp-Ready

Training with Purpose: How SLC Staff Members Get Camp-Ready

Monday, May 19, 2025
Category: Camp Families, Our Staff

Counselors: The Heart of Surprise Lake Camp As you prepare to send your child to Surprise Lake Camp for a…

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A smiling female camper gives a "high-five" to a male staff member.

Conquering Separation Anxiety for a Successful Camp Experience

Monday, April 28, 2025
Category: Camp Families

Your plans are set: it’s almost summer, and sleepaway camp drop-off day is quickly approaching. Although attending summer camp can…

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Photo of male camper wearing bucket hat, squatting down with crops in SLC garden.

Earth Day Adventures Bring Camp Nature Home

Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Category: Camp Families

Spring is bursting with life, and with Earth Day on the horizon (April 22, 2025), it’s the perfect time to…

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Two campers wearing swim goggles and holding floatation devices smile together in the lake.

6 Tips for Parents of First-Time Overnight Campers

Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Category: Camp Families, Why Camp?

If your child is anywhere between six and twelve years old, congratulations: they’re at the prime age for attending an…

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Group of campers gather around staff members at the SLC Farm.

Programming at SLC: The Perfect Blend of Structure and Choice

Monday, January 6, 2025
Category: Camp Families, Program News, Why Camp?

Surprise Lake Camp (SLC) offers a unique blend of structure and choice, empowering campers to forge their own path while…

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