Blog
For most people, summer camp only exists for a few short months each year. Campers, families, and staff spend all year looking forward to it, and when August ends, most folks head home—aside from those who return for reunions or off-season retreats.
But the truth is, running a place like Camp Takodah is a year-round endeavor. When the last goodbyes are said in August, a small team remains behind to prepare for the next summer. This past year, I was fortunate enough to be part of that team as one of Takodah’s Management Trainees.
The Management Trainee program gives a few lucky seasonal staff the opportunity to spend the off-season as part of the year-round staff. From fall 2024 through summer 2025, my co-trainee, Nae Theberge, and I had the privilege of supporting Takodah in countless ways while learning what it takes to run a nonprofit camp.
One of the biggest parts of our role was representing Takodah out in the world. We traveled to conferences across the Northeast, attended recruitment fairs to share Takodah with prospective campers and staff, and reunited with old friends at events like skating nights and ice cream socials.
Another unique part of the experience was living at camp all year. At first, the sudden quiet was striking after the buzz of summer, but I grew to love the peace of Cass Pond in the fall and the stillness of camp blanketed in snow. Of course, winter also brought plenty of shoveling, as Nae and I pitched in with the maintenance crew each week.
Beyond daily tasks, we were deeply involved in planning for summer. Nae led incredible work on Takodah’s social media and camp store—including designing the new songbooks—while I supported the leadership application process and helped coordinate our revamped Winter Reunion. Together, we helped design brand-new Tournament Day themes, which quickly became a highlight of the 109th summer.
When the campers returned in June, it was our turn to step into leadership as Program Directors—Nae for South Village and me for North Village. Over eight weeks, we welcomed nearly 1,300 campers who filled camp with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. The energy of summer was followed by a vibrant season of fall programs, from Family Camp to Women’s Weekend, and we’re especially excited about the first-ever Reading Retreat launching soon.
Now, as my time as a Management Trainee comes to an end, I’m reflecting with gratitude. This year has been an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a place I love deeply. While Nae and I are moving on to new adventures, we’re thrilled to welcome the next pair of trainees in spring 2026.
No matter where life takes me, I know I’ll always be a Takodian at heart. With the 110th summer just around the corner, I can’t wait to see how camp continues to inspire, challenge, and connect all who call it home. Because at Takodah, being “Friendly to All” isn’t just a motto—it’s a way of life.
See you soon,
Victor
CATEGORY: Takodah Whispers