Camp Notre Dame is a generational summertime staple for kids and camp counselors, alike.
"Last summer, since we didn't have camp, it was my first summer without camp in some capacity. Whether I was working, coming as a camper,” said returning camp counselor, Ned Murphey. He and several of his family members have worked at camp for years.
Last summer was the first year since 1960 Camp Notre Dame was not in operation. but summer 2021 will tell a different story. "I'm excited to hear the sounds of camps. The singing, the yelling, joyful announcements, cheers,” said camp executive director, John Yonko.
He loves camp. That's why he started as a camp counselor in the 1980s and never left. For him. Camp Notre Dame is a family affair. "My kids all went here and then worked here. My son is getting married after meeting his love here. It's family. Camp really does that,” said Yonko.
Yonko says the hardest part about closing camp was losing staff. They're still looking to hire camp counselors for the 2021 season.
That's why he says summer camps everywhere are so important.
This year, cabins will only be at 50% capacity, but the camp says it will still be a great summer experience.
For staff, they say it’s the memories that turn them from campers to counselors. "Really one of the most rewarding parts of it is to see that they've had such a good time here. Those are some of the experiences I remember having as a kid. To give that to someone else now, it feels really good,” said assistant director, Nathan Delmaramo.
Aside from capacity, not much will be different about Camp Notre Dame. There will still be arts and crafts, swimming, fishing. and fun. "Once you've had a camp experience... it's going to impact and effect the way you raise your children. It's meaningful enough, you'll want to bring your own kids back too,” said Yonko.
Few spots are left for this summer. To fill out a camper application, click here.