SUMMER REFLECTIONS

As we begin the school year, we continue to reflect on a truly remarkable summer. From the opening campfire to our final Send-Off, the moments we shared and the memories we made will carry us through the winter.

This is also the time when we are fortunate to hear from so many families and to receive reflections from campers—conquering fears, trying new activities, building confidence on stage, and forming friendships that feel like they’ve been there forever. These are the moments that make Somerset and summer camp so special.

At the same time, not every day was perfect. Campers faced all the typical camp challenges, including homesickness, shifting friendships, physical ailments, and navigating new activities, among others. And with a community of our size, we also saw and heard about some upsetting “mean girl” behaviors: teasing, mocking, and exclusion. These behaviors are unkind and unacceptable. It is bullying, and it has no place at Somerset. That is why each camper signs our behavior contract at the start of the summer—so expectations are clear and every girl understands the responsibility she has to herself and to others. A failure by one to uphold that contract is a failure by many.

While these moments are painful, they also serve as powerful reminders of why our values matter so much. They push us to double down on fostering empathy, respect, and kindness. Every challenge, even the hard ones, presents an opportunity for growth. And each incident reinforces our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive community.

For us as directors, reflecting on these moments is deeply personal. Somerset is a place that we’ve poured our hearts and souls into, and hearing about experiences that fall short of our vision is gut-wrenching. Yet they are also part of what makes Somerset real: a place where mistakes are not the end of the story, but stepping stones toward understanding and growth.

What we treasure most are the values represented by our Rings: grow every day, be a good friend, make an impact, and be you. These guided us throughout the summer, and we encourage our campers to carry them into the school year ahead. The true measure of camp is not only what happens for a few weeks in Maine, but how it shapes who we are in the world beyond.

We wish you all a safe and successful year ahead.

Kate & Josh