Hooked on Camp

For Deb Hooker—our Director & Property Manager at Camp Lou Henry  Hoover—camp is more than just a summer away in the woods. It's a lifestyle she carried into adulthood, and she couldn't be more proud of everything she's learned through camping. In this blog, lovingly dubbed "Hooked on Camp," Deb recounts her days as a kid at Camp Hoover, what camp means to her, and the hardest part about leaving camp when the session was through.

For as long as I can remember, camp—and in particular Camp Lou Henry Hoover—has always been a part of my summers. I don't remember the exact moment that I fell in love with camping, the outdoors, and Hoover, but I do remember it being a feeling that I couldn't ignore. It was a feeling that I was home, that I was included, that I could be me, and that I could be a leader amongst others. In school, I was shy, I hung back, and I definitely didn’t want to be in the spotlight. I remember thinking I was a bit of a dork and I absolutely was not a part of the “in” crowd. Undeniably, my last name didn't help. People told jokes, made comments, and gave me nicknames that I learned to live with. But at camp, everything was different—I was Debbie and I belonged.

From the moment I got off the bus at Hoover, I felt that I fit in with this group of girls and young women. I wanted to soak in every moment of camp and the activities and feelings that came with it. I made myself face new challenges that I never would have experienced at school or at home. Camp was a great way for me to get away and it was a chance for me to grow and develop in ways beyond my wildest dreams.

I loved participating in the General programs—today’s Grand Tour and Every Night Live—meeting new people, sharing a tent, sitting around the campfire, and learning new skills. Each summer was a new escapade. From horseback riding to computer camp to canoeing on the Delaware, I wanted to try it all. At camp, I felt confident, like I was able to take the lead when needed and be a part of a group. I loved the fact that we all looked similar in our shorts and knee high socks. No one person was the leader of the unit, instead we all worked together to complete the tasks at hand.

The hardest part was leaving camp on Saturday morning. Loading up into the bus, saying goodbye to my new friends, and leaving the staff that were my role models wasn't easy! Through teary eyes, I waved goodbye and started planning for next summer on the ride home. 

Before I knew it, it was a brand new summer and we were pulling into the parking lot with the entire bus singing Camp, Camp Hoover, Camp. I was hooked and I knew it… I just didn’t know that this great adventure that started in 1978 would continue today. 

As the director, I have the same feelings I had when I was a kid. I can be who I am and I'm so proud to belong to this wonderful group of girls and women from the past, present and future. We have all fallen in love with camping and are HOOKED!

If you can find Deb in the photo above, post a comment in the box below!