With all the different summer choices that girls have today, why would they (and their families) choose overnight camp - and specifically, Fleur de Lis Camp? I think that one of the best reasons is that we provide girls with that glorious experience of belonging. Belonging is about being comfortable and knowing that you are accepted and celebrated for who you are, being able to contribute to the group, and to give and receive support. A key reason our camp can make this magic happen is that, as camps go, we are small– no more than 100 girls at any time. This means that our girls are truly known – by their peers, the counselors, and the administrative staff. Being known leads to belonging, and belonging just feels right. Belonging is an experience that Fleur de Lis is known for – campers, staff, and alum frequently say that Fleur de Lis is their second home.
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Fleur de Lis Camp began 95 years ago on the shores of Laurel Lake in Fitzwilliam, NH, the vision of a group of strong, courageous, forward-thinking women. The founders believed that girls needed a place to have adventures in the outdoors, opportunities for leadership, and exciting challenges – all in the community of other girls and empowered adult female role models. While this remains the foundation for Fleur de Lis today, there are so many great reasons to choose our camp.
Here are my favorites:
Camp is filled with LEARNING and growth. Maybe it’s skills in swimming, archery, or ceramics. Yet for most campers, learning and growth comes from the safe environment for learning that we actively create every day. Sometimes to be open to learning may start with admitting that you don’t know how to do something. And sometimes falling short happens, yet being supported in practicing re-evaluation and problem-solving typically leads to an even bigger win – confidence, a sense of perseverance, and the powerful felt knowledge that “I can do hard things” – all true life skills. It’s amazing to watch a camper try and try again, finally succeed and walk away with a well-earned feeling of pride and accomplishment.
Camp builds AWARENESS to others, yourself, or nature. Whether it is awareness of others, yourself, or nature. Maybe it’s getting in tune with other’s interests, needs, and unique gifts. Or becoming sensitive to the track of the sun, the changes in the air before a storm, or the calls of the owls and loons providing a soundtrack as the dawn mists reveal an incredible view of Mt. Monadnock across the lake. From awareness comes empathy – and appreciation.
Camp is about SERVICE. All camps are communities – they are like little villages where everyone plays a part in its success. That success is linked to giving “service” – one of Fleur de Lis’ values. It may be a little thing like a camper helping another learn how to do a craft, or volunteering to help clear the table after lunch. It may be helping a homesick friend or celebrating someone else’s success. Some would say this is kindness, yet the deep meaning of service is the dedication to helping someone have a better life. Daily life at Fleur de Lis is filled with service.
Camp is UNPLUGGED. The opportunity to be unplugged is a gift to young people, and adults. Particularly for girls it can be a giant stress reliever to not always have to be checking their social media. Since everyone is unplugged at camp this is an easier adjustment than some people might assume. In fact, our campers report that they love being unplugged. It creates a focus on what is actually happening rather than peering through a screen at a limited version. Real “face time” happens when people are unplugged, and strengthens skillsets for interacting with and experiencing the world.
Camp is a place to make LIFELONG FRIENDS. These are friends that share so many moments. They see each other when they are brushing their teeth in the morning, dirty and wet from jumping in mud puddles, or hot and sweaty from playing Capture the Flag. This shared history grows exponentially with long chats, playing games, pondering life, jokes, and shared confidences. Almost anyone that has been to camp will tell you that their camp friends are the best – and like no other friends. They know camp friends can always be counted on no matter how far apart they are or how long since they have been together. AND that they laugh harder, louder, and longer with their camp friends than with anyone else.
Camp is FUN! This may sound frivolous, but simply put, real fun is great for kids and relieves stress - so important in today's world. Fun leads to creating closer bonds with others, feeling connected, and creating life-long memories.
Camp is filled with JOY. Feeling happy and content is great, but when you add in feeling balanced, accepted, and right in your world..., you get joy! Fleur de Lis at its best provides moments of unparalleled joy.
It’s not surprising that for 95 years, the Fleur de Lis Camp experience has stood out as the “right choice” amid all the options girls and families can choose. It is one of the most powerful gifts you could ever give or receive.
Marijean “MJ” Parry
Fleur de Lis Camp
Executive Director
