This summer marks Courtney Manning’s fourth year as Nature Discovery Camp (NDC) director at Camp El Ranchito. She witnesses the transformative power of camp firsthand, where both campers and counselors return year after year. The camp team includes 15 returning staff members, including six counselors who are former campers. Courtney reflects on what draws her back each year and shares her hopes for the camp community.
What inspired you to return?
Working for El Ranchito the past three summers has been a joy: meeting new campers, building relationships, and enjoying camp activities such as hiking, visiting Reimers Ranch, and playing camp games in the field. I was excited to come back for another summer to reconnect with returning campers, welcome new ones, and see the camp community we build while enjoying the natural world.
How have you seen campers grow during their time at camp?
Every year, there are so many returning campers who come for their second, third, and even fourth summer. Several returning campers have also invited their friends and close cousins to join them for camp.
How has camp shaped you as a leader and educator?
Each year, I learn more about the importance of building a camp community through respect, friendship, joy, and individuality. Over the past few summers, I have met a range of staff who have various leadership styles and ways they engage with campers. As a leader, I have learned the value of encouraging staff to lean into their leadership qualities and engage with campers using their strengths and interests.
What do you hope your campers and staff will take away from camp?
This summer, I hope the camp community grows, awesome memories are created, friendships are made, and lasting impacts from nature exploration ensue.
