Imagine your child standing beneath towering pine trees, listening to the wind move through the forest, or looking up at a sky full of stars near Lake Tahoe. Those moments of wonder aren’t just beautiful—they’re deeply meaningful. Research shows that experiences of awe in childhood support emotional well-being, curiosity, and resilience. Awe helps children feel connected to something bigger than themselves, which can reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and perspective (Psychology Today, 2023).

Awe plays a powerful role in social and emotional development. Studies suggest that when children experience awe—often through nature—they become more empathetic, generous, and cooperative. Feeling small in the presence of something vast, like mountains or ancient trees, helps kids shift their focus away from themselves and toward others, strengthening kindness and social connection (Greater Good Science Center, “Feeling Awe Might Help Kids Be More Generous”).

Beyond awe itself, regular time in nature helps children thrive. Outdoor experiences are linked to improved attention, reduced anxiety, better emotional regulation, and increased happiness. Nature offers kids a break from constant stimulation and screens, allowing their nervous systems to reset. Even short moments outdoors—unstructured play, quiet observation, or creative exploration—can have lasting positive effects on mental health and overall development (Greater Good Science Center, “How Moments in Nature Help Kids Thrive”).

Nature also supports learning in ways that classrooms alone cannot. When children explore outdoors, they naturally practice problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and scientific thinking. Climbing over logs, noticing animal tracks, or asking questions about plants encourages curiosity and confidence. These hands-on experiences help children build independence and a lifelong love of learning rooted in real-world discovery (Psychology Today, 2023).

At Mountain Camp, we see these benefits come to life every summer. Time spent hiking forest trails, playing beneath tall trees, and marveling at the natural beauty around Icehouse Reservoir gives children space to experience awe, build resilience, and grow in confidence. We encourage families to continue these experiences at home—get outside together, slow down, and notice the wonders around you. To get started, try completing the Nature Scavenger Hunt we’ve attached and see where curiosity and awe take your family next!

Sources

• Psychology Today. 11 Benefits of Experiencing Awe in Childhood (2023), https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beyond-school-walls/202303/11-benefits-of-experiencing-awe-in-childhood
• Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley. Feeling Awe Might Help Kids Be More Generous, https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/feeling_awe_might_help_kids_be_more_generous
• Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley. How Moments in Nature Help Kids Thrive, https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_moments_in_nature_help_kids_thrive

At camp, when we gather for meal time, something magical unfolds: bonds deepen, laughter flows, and a sense of belonging grows.

Why Shared Meals Matter

Recent research confirms what so many of us have felt — sharing meals is a powerful way to build connection, belonging, and well-being. According to the 2025 World Happiness Report (WHR), people who dine with others frequently report significantly higher life satisfaction, more positive emotions, and less negative affect — across ages, cultures, and countries (6).

Eating together doesn’t just feed our bodies — it nurtures our social bonds. Numerous studies describe communal dining (sometimes called commensality) as a key ritual for forging and reinforcing trust, friendship, and sense of belonging (3). 

Moreover, communal meals offer more than emotional benefits. For children and teens, regularly eating family-style meals — where everyone sits and eats together — is linked to better mental health, healthier eating habits, reduced risky behaviors, and even improved academic performance (1).

How This Aligns with Our Mountain Camp Philosophy

When we look at our history and philosophy, we’re reminded that our camp was founded not just as a place to play and learn, but as a place to belong. On our “About” page, we talk about the importance of community, and our family-style meals reflect those values intentionally. At each table, campers and counselors share food, stories, questions, and experiences. These moments often become the seeds of friendships, trust, and the kind of community that lasts long after camp is over. As our campers often say, “we start the week as a table full of strangers and end the week as a little family” and we always start each meal sharing “shout-outs”, highlighting what and who we are grateful for. 

In a world where more and more people dine alone, surrounded by screens or time constraints, our camp offers real, unhurried time together. Research suggests this matters: shared meals can improve emotional well-being, reduce loneliness, and strengthen social support networks (5). 

What Happens at Our Tables

Here’s what typically happens when we sit down together at camp:

• Conversation & Listening. From tales about the day, hopes for the summer and beyond, to stories about home, mealtime becomes a space for sharing and reflection. 
• Learning & Caring. Campers learn to serve themselves, pass dishes, and respect each other’s needs. Manners are modeled by counselors, and campers leave their time at camp more conscious and aware of the needs of others, and hopefully with bellies full of delicious food too! 
• Laughter & Play. Jokes, spontaneous songs, silly games — these lighten the mood and help break down barriers. Do you know the some of our songs we sing at camp? If not, ask your camper, it’s a great way to pass the time as you wait to be dismissed to do your dishes!  
• Belonging & Trust. Over time, campers begin to feel seen and valued. At Mountain Camp, meals are a great time to slow down and talk with your cabin mates. At our partner camp, Farm Camp, campers eat meals at smaller tables with people outside of their unit groups. These small table sizes, and a mix of ages and genders at the table, campers have the opportunity to be seen and heard by people with whom they otherwise may not have interacted. They make connections outside of their unit groups and have another touch point in the community. 

These moments embody the spirit of our camp: cooperation, respect, shared growth, and belonging within the community.

Why It Matters

The benefits ripple beyond camp. Campers develop the habits of sharing meals, listening, and connecting, which helps young people build social confidence, empathy, and a sense of belonging. These are qualities that matter deeply in adulthood. Research shows that regular communal eating supports better mental health, more stable relationships, and overall well-being (2&4).For our camp community, shared meals anchor us. They remind us that we’re more than a group of individuals working or playing together. We are growing, caring, learning — together.

This month we wanted to share a beloved camp recipe from the Farm Camp Recipe Book with you and your family; Cinnamon Rolls! We hope that you’ll be able to bake these together and share them with those you love this holiday season. And be sure to check out Farm Camp when you are looking ahead to your summer plans!

1. Bernardi, Elisabetta, and Francesco Visioli. “Fostering Wellbeing and Healthy Lifestyles through Conviviality and Commensality: Underappreciated Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet.” Nutrition Research, vol. 126, 1 June 2024, pp. 46–57, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2024.03.007.
2. Dunbar, R. I. M. “Breaking Bread: The Functions of Social Eating.” Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology, vol. 3, no. 3, 2017, pp. 198–211, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40750-017-0061-4, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40750-017-0061-4.
3. Jönsson, Håkan, et al. “What Is Commensality? A Critical Discussion of an Expanding Research Field.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 18, no. 12, 9 June 2021, p. 6235, www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/12/6235, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126235.
4. “Shared Meals: A Predictor of Subjective Well-Being.” Center for Health & Well-Being, 2025, www.ie.edu/center-for-health-and-well-being/blog/shared-meals-a-predictor-of-subjective-well-being/.
5. UCL. “Sharing Mealtimes with Others Linked to Better Wellbeing.” UCL News, 20 Mar. 2025, www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/mar/sharing-mealtimes-others-linked-better-wellbeing.
6. “World Happiness Report 2025: People Are Much Kinder than We Expect, Research Shows | Saïd Business School.” Ox.ac.uk, 20 Mar. 2025, www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/news/world-happiness-report-2025-people-are-much-kinder-we-expect-research-shows.

Choosing a summer camp is choosing a community that will shape your child’s growth. At Mountain Camp, we believe camp is one of the most powerful educational experiences available to young people today. Our program is built on five core values—Community, Education & Growth, Integrity, Connection, and Sustainability & Adaptability—and every day at camp is designed to bring these values to life.

A Community Where Kids Belong

Community is the heart of Mountain Camp. We create a diverse and inclusive environment where every camper feels seen, supported, and empowered. In this kind of community, kids learn collaboration, communication, empathy, and leadership—essential 21st Century Skills that help them thrive long after camp ends.

Camp as Education

Camp is the ultimate hands-on classroom. Through play, exploration, and challenge, campers gain independence, self-reliance, resourcefulness, creativity, and critical thinking. These skills grow naturally when children’re navigating real experiences—trying new activities, solving problems with peers, or stepping outside their comfort zones.

We also back our work with research. Mountain Camp partnered with the Stanford Graduate School of Education and Challenge Success in a multi-year study that confirmed the strong social and emotional growth that happens at camp. Traits like curiosity, perseverance, optimism, gratitude, and social intelligence are intentionally nurtured here.

Integrity and Joy in Every Moment

We model honesty, responsibility, perseverance, and service in everything we do—and we pair it with the silliness and fun that define the camp experience. Campers see what it looks like to live with integrity and to be part of a caring community.

Deep Connection—Unplugged and Outdoors

Without technology, campers are fully present: making friends, exploring nature, and discovering their own strengths and purpose. This deliberate unplugging gives them space to recharge, focus, and connect in a way that’s increasingly rare.

Growing With Kids and Families

We design our program to be flexible and responsive, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of today’s campers. Our structure, staff training, and activities all work together to support healthy lifestyles, positive self-image, and meaningful personal growth.

Why Camp Matters

Camp gives children what they need most: a supportive community, opportunities for challenge and growth, time in nature, and caring adults who guide them with intention. Mountain Camp provides the best possible environment for kids to practice the skills that help them succeed in school, relationships, and life.

Don’t just take our word for it, check out this video summarizing our research with Stanford University and Challenge Success on the power of camp!

Heading to mountain camp is an adventure like no other! You’ll spend your days hiking, swimming in the lake, sitting around the campfire, and trying awesome activities like rock climbing, archery, or arts and crafts. But one of the best parts of camp? The friendships you make along the way!

Making friends at camp isn’t just about having people to hang out with—it’s what makes camp special. The friends you meet in your cabin or on the trails might turn into lifelong buddies, and camp memories are always better when you share them with others.

But let’s be real—meeting new people can feel a little scary at first. What if you don’t know anyone? What if you’re not sure what to say? Don’t worry! Most campers are in the same situation, and with a few simple tricks, you’ll be making friends in no time.

1. Be Friendly and Say Hi

It might sound simple, but the easiest way to make a new friend is just to say, “Hi, I’m [Your Name]!” A big smile and a friendly attitude go a long way. Your cabinmates and activity groups are all looking for friends too, so don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and start talking!

2. Ask Open-Ended Questions

One of the best ways to start a conversation and get to know someone is by asking open-ended questions—ones that need more than just a “yes” or “no” answer. Instead of asking, “Do you like the lake?” try, “What’s been your favorite part of camp so far?” or “What activities are you most excited for?” Questions like these keep the conversation going and help you find common interests, and maybe you will even sign up for the same activities! 

3. Get to Know Your Cabinmates

Your cabin is like your camp family. You’ll be sleeping in bunks next to each other, eating meals together, and spending time hanging out before bed. Make an effort to talk to everyone in your cabin. Ask where they’re from, what their favorite camp activity is, or if they’ve been to camp before. The more you get to know each other, the more fun your time together will be!

4. Invite Others to Join You

If you’re heading to an activity, walking to the dining hall, or starting a game, invite others to come along! Saying, “Hey, want to go to archery with me?” or “We’re about to play a card game—want to join?” makes people feel included. You don’t have to wait for others to ask you—take the first step and invite them!

5. Join in on Games and Activities

Camp is full of fun things to do, and the best way to make friends is by jumping into activities. Whether it’s a game of capture the flag, a group hike, or a swim in the lake, participating helps you meet people who like the same things as you. Plus, teamwork and shared experiences bring people closer together!

6. Be a Good Cabinmate

People love being around someone who is kind and thoughtful. Be the kind of person you’d want as a friend! That means including others in conversations, helping out when needed, and being respectful of your cabinmates’ space. If you notice someone looking left out, invite them to join your game or sit with you at mealtime.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Yourself

Camp is a place where you can be YOU. You don’t have to impress anyone—just be yourself! Whether you’re goofy, adventurous, creative, or quiet, you’ll find people who appreciate you for who you are. Being real is the best way to form genuine friendships.

8. Try New Things and Meet New People

It’s easy to stick with the same people once you make a friend or two, but camp is a great chance to meet lots of different people. If you sign up for a new activity, sit with different people at lunch, or join in on a group game, you’ll keep meeting more friends.

9. Be Patient—Friendships Take Time

Sometimes, making friends happens fast, and other times it takes a few days to feel comfortable. That’s totally normal! If you don’t click with someone right away, don’t worry—there are lots of campers and plenty of time to make connections. Just keep being friendly, trying new things, and having fun.

10. Have Fun and Enjoy Camp!

When you’re having fun, people will want to be around you. Laugh, play, and make the most of every moment. Camp is all about adventure, and the friendships you make along the way will be the best part of it all!

So get out there, be yourself, and enjoy every second—your new camp friends are waiting for you!