Nic Eaton

This was my first year at Camp Bob and my first time ever being a camp counselor. I learned about camp through my friends who have been counselors for a few years. After talking with them for a bit, it was clear that their passion for this camp was intense and in many ways contagious. When I ended up joining the team, I didn't know what to expect. Now, I can confidently say that it is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Camp is a special thing. It's a week away from home, a step outside of your comfort zone, a new place to discover. What makes Camp Bob special to me is that it's also a first. For a lot of the campers, this camp is full of first time experiences. Kayaking, playing music, seeing unique animals, making art, climbing a rock wall, being in a team setting, and so much more. Camp Bob is the baby steps that lead to great leaps in the future.

To me, Camp Bob is about being a kid. It is about helping the campers forget any troubles and tap back into the simple joy of childlike wonder. It's the basic thing that all campers share and it's a characteristic that Camp Bob shines a bright light on. I had the privilege of helping run wilderness exploration, one of the many campers’ choice activities. Wilderness was a place where the curiosity of the campers was really put on display. There is nothing more grounding than seeing the campers take off into the forest to look for that special leaf, or challenge each other to a game of capture the flag, or look for fish along a creek, or tie a tarp up as a makeshift fort. I noticed throughout the week that the campers were so eager to share experiences they had or things that they learned. It is amazing to hear what the kids pull from all of the camp activities. So much is experienced, learned, and shared. It is one of the main aspects of camp that inspires me.

I have never been part of something that has fostered so much growth in such a short amount of time. The seeds sown in a week of camp have the capacity to develop into incredible life skills that campers will carry with them forever. They will always remember this chance to step back and express themselves. I have quickly fallen in love with Camp Bob, and I am extremely grateful to be part of the family. See you next year!!

- Nic Eaton, 2026