I’m a CAMP-person, growing up a Girl Scout, CAMP was a huge part of my childhood. A place I gained independence and a rich love of the outdoors. A place I had the single best potpie ever – baked to bubbly perfection in a dutch oven in the ground no less – and I’ve had a lot of potpies in my day. campfires and sing-alongs, learning the best place to be is right in my very own skin – I would have spent all Summer every Summer at CAMP if they would have let me.
Summers at an amazing CAMP in Minnesota – Camp Lake Hubert. There I learned that CFAB and what an invaluable experience CAMP is for children. They didn’t have potpies baked in dutch ovens but they do have a mean bagel dog and a water weenie that still gives me the chills when I think about it. That same self-confidence and independence I grew at Camp Butterworth is passing to the next generation and the next on the shores of Lake Hubert each Summer. CAMP is a special, indescribable place, feeling, state of mind…always calling you back.
When I became a mom, I knew after all those “required” duties – the whole bath them and feed them, teach them to walk and talk and wipe properly were tended to – she’d be ready for the good stuff and CAMP was at the very top of that list. I contemplated a move to Minnesota, but Doug took one look at their weather history up yonder and I knew that notion would never make it out of committee.
So I was thrilled when Shannan introduced me to Camp Ernst…a warm place where memories are made and marshmallows are roasted. I knew right away that this would be P’s CAMP for years to come – super staff, wonderful facilities and grounds, not to mention a message and a feeling she can grow with in the years ahead. She will do her first week of sleepaway camp in July and not a week goes by when she doesn’t ask “how many more days till CAMP”. I’ve raised her right.
I was able to make this connection during a weekend of Family Camp over Memorial Day weekend. Shannan’s crew and my trio celebrated the holiday weekend at Camp Ernst last year and we’re already packing our bags for May’s return!
Even if you’re not a diehard CAMP person like me, there is a place for you at Family Camp – activities for all ages (horses, lakefront, creeking, crafts and much more), yummy meals prepared lovingly by CAMP staff, time for your family just to be a family. All of this surrounded by nature that makes it so easy to disconnect from all the other “stuff” that preoccupies our lives.
I can’t say enough good things about Camp Ernst’s Family Camp, and there are plenty more details on their site if you hear the call of the woods beckoning you. Family Camp kicks off the Summer over Memorial Day and puts the CAMP to bed over Labor Day weekend – so there are two chances to add Family Camp to your Summer bucket list.
We’ll be in Cabin 7…stop by any ol’time.
