Smirkling Overnight: Firsts, Friendship, and Flying
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Camp Photographer & Communications Assistant Elly Craig
Last Saturday we welcomed our Smirkling Overnight campers. The energy at drop off was a mix of excitement, nervousness, and wide-eyed curiosity as many campers were spending their first night away from home. Backpacks tumbled out of trunks, hugs were given, and parents waved goodbye with encouraging smiles that tried to hide their own nerves. That initial leap into the unknown quickly transformed into confidence and connection. Campers made fast friends, supported each other with compassion, asked for help when needed, and dove into every activity with bravery and joy.
There was a mix of excitement, nerves, and curiosity as campers stepped into a brand-new adventure. Some clutched their favorite stuffed animals; others scoped out the dorms with wide eyes. And then, the moment of decision: top bunk or bottom? With a confident grin, one camper declared, “Top bunk. I want to be up high!” That one choice—so small, yet so bold—set the tone for the weekend ahead: this was going to be a time for stretching, growing, and trying new things.
It didn’t take long for those first-day jitters to melt away. A game of icebreakers sparked instant laughter, and soon, strangers became teammates. Mealtimes turned into lively gatherings with second helpings and inside jokes, and everywhere you looked, kindness and encouragement were quietly weaving new friendships together.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for: circus time. The tents were buzzing with excitement as campers rotated through trapeze, lyra, fabric, tumbling, juggling, and clowning. Some were fearless from the start, others took a deep breath before taking the leap—but one by one, each camper had their moment of triumph. There were delighted cries of “I did it! I DID IT!” as new skills were mastered and shared with pride.
Even after a full day of flipping, flying, and giggling, there was more fun to be had. Whether it was going on a hunt for the legend of the missing camp llama, having a dance party, or playing frisbee in the field, everyone was fully invested – full of fresh air and freedom. There is something incredibly special about watching kids feel free enough to be their full, goofy, creative selves with such joy and ease.
As the campers wound down and snuggled their tired bodies into bed, they drifted off to dreams of the new day to come. As promised there was even more circus, the ability to hone their skills, bond even closer with their new friends, and just to push themselves to grow in every way. They all rose to the challenge and created tangible magic with each other and within themselves.
By the time pick-up rolled around, the nervousness of Friday had been replaced with something altogether different: confidence, connection, and a spark that only circus can ignite. These campers had stepped into the unknown, and in just two days, created a little world full of magic, bravery, and belonging.
Smirkling Overnight wasn’t just a camp weekend. It was a milestone. We are so lucky to have gotten to witness these kids on such an adventure. Yay Smirkling Overnight!