Hello from Camp Lakewood, and welcome to our Couch to Camp series as we help you prepare for your summer with us! Dive into what your summer will look like at camp below, and if you missed it, click here for the first blog that previews a day in the life at Camp Lakewood!
Getting Immersed in Nature
You can almost hear the buzzing as we prepare for the emergence of cicadas from Brood XIII and Brood XIX. These winged friends are expected to join us at camp in May - before summer camp starts. But, Camp Lakewood is still rich with wildlife all summer long. Everything from great blue herons to bald eagles, and who could forget our trout in Sunnen Lake (our longest residents)! Nestled in the Ozarks Mountains, camp also has a stunning backdrop of the Mark Twain National Forest where campers are able to take full advantage of the natural beauty of the property.
Weather Preparation
Summers can get warm and humid, but we make the most of Sunnen Lake every day. With summertime temperatures staying well above 80 degrees most days, we have many ways to stay cool. Our main camp cabins, as well as most central buildings, are air conditioned. Don't worry East Campers, your open-air cabins come with a large fan to improve circulation and let in those nighttime breezes! Main Camp cabins also come with private showers located inside, so campers and staff can rinse off the day and go to bed clean, fresh, and cool. Right after lunch, often the hottest part of the day, everyone has a chance to return to their cabins and rest during siesta hour.
While we experience humidity, rain showers, and the occasional thunderstorm, Camp Lakewood staff are always prepared to provide relief from the weather. In case of inclement storms, we have several storm shelters located around camp. On days when there's a heat advisory, we find creative ways to escape the heat and cool down. We do recommend packing light and breezy clothes to camp to help as well. Campers spend most of their day outdoors, so it's important to use sun protection, such as hats and sunscreen, and always carry a water bottle to stay hydrated. Note that all campers will receive a free Camp Lakewood water bottle on their first day, along with a camper t-shirt!
A Good Night's Sleep
Every evening, campers will have time to wind down and get ready for bed. Lights out is at 9 pm for Main Camp and 10 pm for East Camp. Packing good bedding can help your camper get a great night's sleep. We recommend a fitted twin sheet, flat twin sheet, a light blanket, and a sleeping bag. And don't forget your comfiest pillow! Many campers, especially younger campers, enjoy having a stuffed animal or book for bedtime as well. Cabins typically have a shelf or a cubby for campers to store their personal items in. Luggage may be stored under bunks or out of the way.
Additional Tips
Talk with your camper about how Camp Lakewood might feel. It will likely be a warm, sunny week for them. They will probably walk far every day and be outdoors most of the time. Help them understand how to stay cool and comfortable. Remind them they will always have a siesta hour after lunch and evenings to relax in their cabins. We love spending time here and will help your camper enjoy it, too!
See you there!
Rose, Camp Lakewood Director