Today, as we mourn the end of the 2024 camp season and celebrate the time we have spent here. I wanted to take the time to acknowledge a few of the things that make this place so special. Camp Kamaji has had a profound impact on my life, and on many of yours, in ways that I never imagined when taking this job. Camp Kamaji is more than just a summer camp; it’s a community where lifelong friendships are forged, learning is nurtured by talented and kind people, and laughter is a constant companion.
I want to start with the friendships that Kamaji fosters. I have seen many campers, who arrived without knowing anyone, form deep and lasting bonds with their peers. For instance, Ellie and Lincoln who have been inseparable since their first day, or Luna and Mia, who have blended so well with their porch that you would never guess this is their first year at camp.
We also heard a number of stories of friendship during paddle speeches last week, from campers who would never have met each other if it wasn’t for this special place.
Counsellors too have formed close connections, we all watched Lucie and Mia serenade Renee at the staff show; Amber and Romy, who are everyone’s favourite duo; Mariana and Meg, a perfectly silly pair and Dima and Sienna who dominate Drama together.
I have also developed friendships in my short time here, with people I didn’t even know walked this earth, until nine weeks ago.
During our training week, it felt as though I would never get used to the size, the noise and everything that being a Kamaji counsellor involves, but I can now say confidently that I have had one of the best summers of my life, and that is thanks all my fellow counsellors.
It’s an incredible feeling to call some of you my close friends, and I have so much love for each and every counsellor I’ve worked with over the summer.
Learning is another cornerstone of the Kamaji experience. Camp is not just an escape from the real world; it’s a home away from home – surrounded by beautiful nature and our sparkling Wolf Lake – where curiosity is encouraged, and knowledge is shared every day.
Whether you’ve spent time in the Arts Village with me, Carys, Yaya and Eden; waterskiing with GG, Sarahi, Luke and Jonas; improving your swimming or finding critters with Rachael, Jule, Mar, and Abi; sailing with Molly, Bel, and Marta; or climbing to the treetops with Madi and Jess, it’s clear that Kamaji and its counsellors help girls to push themselves, discover new interests, and have fun all the while.
Kamaji is a place that lightens everyone’s spirit and builds confidence in every girl who comes here, no matter how many summers. There’s never a day without laughter in cabins, at activities, or in the dining hall. From Cabin 4’s ‘Eggy Beat’—which we all pretend not to know the meaning of—to Cabin 2’s famous rendition of ‘Yellow Bird,’ Kamaji is infused with a sense of fun and light-heartedness that helps to build confidence.Whether it’s the bravery of those who sing at O’Naug each week or of those who light the fires at Council Fire or present their dances to the whole camp, Kamaji’s sense of humor has created a community in which everyone feels confident in their abilities, and cheers one another on.
Camp Kamaji’s impact is profound and far-reaching. Kat and everyone before her have created a space where friendships flourish, learning thrives, humor brightens every moment, and campers leave more confident than when they came. My experience here has given me treasured memories that I will hold with me for the rest of my life.
Kamaji has enriched the lives of everyone who has walked its grounds for over a hundred years, and I am deeply grateful to have called it home for the past nine weeks along with all of you. Kami girls are kind, confident and brave and it has been an honour to get to know you all.
From the bottom of my heart, Thank You.
ZoeTalbot is from Tasmania and was a 1st year counselor at Camp Kamaji in 2024. She stood out in her role as a cabin counselor and Art Village instructor as someone who gave 100% to campers and implicitly understood the importance of camp. She was given the distinct honor of presenting the “Counselor Farewell” during Kamaji’s last night’s candlelight program.