Why the Forest Friends Matter at Eastwood

Four values. Four friends. Endless camp adventures.

I mean, how cute is this branding? I’m obsessed. Yes, my teacher brain is loving creating all of this right now.

Without a doubt, Stacey and I want Camp Eastwood to be a place that our campers think is so fun! BUT, we also believe that camp is more than fun–our purpose is deeply rooted in making Eastwood a foundation for growth.

As we have been imagining and building out our program and traditions, we have been thinking about how to make camp both developmentally appropriate AND engaging for our campers. This taps so well into our background in elementary education. As teachers we always try to find ways to scaffold and make content more accessible for kids. Plus when you can make the learning engaging and enjoyable–that’s the chef’s kiss- muah! This is why we created our Forest Friends.

When we started, we knew we had to build out values that we felt would be most important to us as a community of 6-10 year olds and the adults caring for them. We leaned on our partner camps at Manitou (Core 4 Values) and Somerset (Rings)and then crafted our own versions of what we thought mattered.

We also wanted to express these ideas in ways that young kids could grasp-making them relatable and tangible. We realized what better way to do this than matching each value to a forest critter (we are Eastwood afterall) that embodies that value and brings it to life.

So, without further ado, let me introduce you to them!

Our Forest Friends and their Core Values

The Bear 🐻 Be Brave

Bears are strong, independent, and adaptable—just like campers learning to step outside their comfort zones.

The Otter 🦦 Play All Day

River otters are playful, energetic, and social. They love to slide, splash, and explore together, just like campers bonding through games and activities.

The Deer 🦌 Choose Kindness

Deer are gentle, social animals that thrive in herds, looking after and looking out for one another. They represent the empathy, respect, and cooperation that make our camp the community it is.

The Owl 🦉 Give a Hoot

Owls are wise, watchful, and caring. To “give a hoot” like an owl, means showing that we can make a positive impact—on our friends, our camp, and the world around us.

What does this look like at camp?

We want opportunities for learning woven into the daily routines and rhythm of camp. We want our campers to see our Forest Friends and their values and think about them in activities, at meals, when things are tough, and when things are good.

Check out a few of our ideas to make this happen:

-The Bear’s Challenge of the Day: The Bear reminds us to try, grow, and be courageous every day at camp.

Cabin counselors read a card at breakfast that encourages kids to try new things, find courage when they’re scared, and have resilience to work through tough moments.

-The Otter’s Game Breaks: The Otter teaches us that play and laughter help us find joy in unfamiliar situations (like going to a new camp!).

Surprise mini-games between activities, at meals, and throughout the day at camp (quick relays, silly water games, dance-offs).

-The Deer’s Community Cards: The Deer teaches us that small acts of kindness make camp a welcoming home for all.

Campers decorate and write cards to community members like kitchen staff, maintenance and counselors who work behind the scenes. Staff members decorate and write cards to campers noticing acts of kindness and generosity.

-The Owl’s Give a Hoot Projects: The Owl reminds us to care for others, protect our environment, and make a difference.

Cabins complete service activities showing how they can “give a hoot” about their Eastwood family. Cabins can help clean camp spaces, groups can work together to prep for campfire night, a cabinmate teaches a new game to their cabin at Open Play.

It Matters

Camp is so much fun, but it isn’t always easy. We are confident that our four Forest Friends matter and will have a positive impact in helping our campers practice courage, joy, kindness, and community every day.

With lots of camp love,

Lauren

Lauren’s camp journey began at Camp Manitou after university where she was a collegiate basketball captain and earned her degree in elementary education. She and her husband spent many summers at camp while building careers as educators and coaches. After nearly two decades in the classroom, she transitioned full-time as Camp Mantiou’s, Associate Director. Though she didn’t attend overnight camp as a child, her own children’s experiences as well as hers at Manitou deepened her belief in its power to build confidence and independence. She is looking forward to bringing her knowledge and passion to her work as Co-Director of Camp Eastwood alongside Stacey.