And So It Begins
May 29, 2026
After many months of planning, discussing, hiring, answering questions, more planning and discussing, and making the case for shorter-session camp, it’s finally time to get Eastwood started.
As I wait to board a plane to Maine, I’m feeling excited, nervous, and about a hundred other emotions but most of all, grateful. What a summer lies ahead. Not many people get the opportunity to be part of a camp’s very first summer, and somehow I’m lucky enough to be doing it for the second time.
I keep thinking back to those first days at Somerset, and I’m incredibly thankful for the experience and confidence it has given me as I prepare to do it all over again at Eastwood in just a few short weeks. Believe me, it won’t be easy, but Lauren and I are ready to get to work.
Enough Zoom calls. Enough planning meetings from afar. It’s time to get our hands dirty at camp.
I never take for granted how fortunate I am that this is my profession and how I get to spend my days. Camp professionals spend all year planning and working toward these summer months (and yes, there is plenty to do in the off-season!). Now, after all the preparation, it’s finally time to bring it to life.
As international staff visas continue to be approved and travel dates shift from weeks away to just days away, I’m taking a moment to reflect. A veteran colleague in the camp industry said to me at a conference this spring, “Start journaling the experience of opening a camp, it will be so meaningful.” So thanks, Todd. I’m taking your advice.
I’m already dreaming of early mornings, campers filling cabins, and staff teaching out in the fields. But before we get there, we have a camp to set up, a staff to train, and an Eastwood original summer to prepare for.
I couldn’t ask for a better partner in this adventure than Lauren. We’ve got this.
And to everyone who has supported us, cheered us on, shared advice, and loved us through this journey, thank you. We can’t wait to welcome you to Eastwood’s very first summer.
Stacey spent over 20 years as an educator and coach at every school level. A former three-sport college athlete, she also earned numerous degrees in education and counseling. Her camp director journey began as a Unit Leader at Camp Manitou and evolved into helping with the creation of Camp Somerset in leadership roles, including Head of Athletics, before becoming Associate Director. She is looking forward to bringing this experience she shares with Lauren, as a Director at Camp Eastwood.