Camp Is Community: Where Memories Are Made and Belonging Grows

At Camp Rippling Brook, we know that camp is more than just a place to play, it’s a place to connect. It’s where campers come to explore, belong, and grow. From the first day of camp to the Closing Show each week, we build a community where each camper is celebrated, supported, and encouraged to be their best self.

That sense of community starts before summer even begins. Families who register by May 1 receive a special camper welcome gift, including our annual Camp Rippling Brook shirt. Each week during the summer, every camper receives a tie-dye shirt, adding to their growing collection of camp memories. Throughout the year, we stay connected by sending birthday cards and postcards, because once you're part of Camp Rippling Brook, you're part of our family.

When summer begins, community comes to life. Each day, we all start with our Morning Show, recognizing accomplishments and coming together with songs and challenges. We eat lunch all together, gathering as a whole camp to laugh, talk, and recharge for the afternoon. Campers also participate in all-camp activities that spark excitement and unity, from silly games to creative challenges that get everyone moving and working together.

One of the most beloved parts of our camp culture is the Camp Cup competition, where campers are grouped into mixed-age teams that stay together for the week. These teams create a team name, chant, and poster, all reflecting their creativity, teamwork, and spirit.

Throughout the week, they earn points by participating in games, showing good sportsmanship, and living out our camp values. At the end of each week, families are invited to our Closing Show, where teams proudly present their chants and posters, and we celebrate the Camp Cup champions. It's a high-energy, feel-good tradition that brings the whole camp, and their biggest cheerleaders, together.

We also believe in keeping families connected to the magic. That’s why we send daily email updates and share photos on social media throughout the day. Families also receive a daily password-protected album on SmugMug filled with snapshots of smiles, laughter, and milestones. It's our way of bringing families into the camp experience and letting them see the joy for themselves.

At Camp Rippling Brook, we set out each day with a few simple but powerful goals: build a community, create memories, try new things, and have fun. Everything we do is rooted in these goals, and it shows. Our campers leave each week with new friendships, newfound confidence, and a stronger sense of self, all wrapped up in memories they'll carry with them long after the summer ends.

Because camp isn't just a place, it’s a community. And once you’re a part of it, you always belong.