Hi friends!
This is my tenth summer working with the camp where I met my wife.
We met here as kids.
We worked here as counselors.
We got married on the soccer field.

Over the years, our role and responsibilities at camp have changed, but Kristi (my wife) and I have always found our way back. Showing up in some capacity at camp for the love of camp, for the sake of kids, and because we deeply believe in this:
Be who you needed when you were younger.

One of my favorite parts of this whole experience isn’t just the starry nights, goofy songs, or wide-eyed campers. It’s the counselors.
Camp counselors are rare and remarkable human beings. A unique breed of person who steps away from comfort and the typical summer job. They trade steady air-conditioning and predictability for one of the most joyful, exhausting, and meaningful roles imaginable.
I’ve been honored to witness some of the very best to do this job. Truly.
So I wanted to share something to honor all you camp counselors out there (and really for anyone who has ever led a group of kids through games, growth, snacktime, storytime, and extreme emotions all while standing in the sun surrounded by chaos and campfire smoke.)
A little reminder:
If you’ve ever been a camp counselor, you’re pretty much qualified to now do most any job in the world.
ASTRONAUT
Space isolation is nothing compared to the homesickness of a first-time camper.
CEO
You led culture-shifting meetings in a canoe while dodging water balloons. You coordinated people, schedules, supplies, and dreams. This is next-level executive-caliber leadership.
STAGE MANAGER
You pulled off a talent show with zero tech, a homemade Minion costume, and skits that made little sense to anyone, yet everyone got a standing ovation. Broadway would be lucky to have you.
WILDERNESS SURVIVAL EXPERT
You led a hike with cranky campers, a questionable trail map, bug spray, and one juice box. Everyone returned. You even made it fun.
CRISIS NEGOTIATOR
You once settled a high-stakes snack dispute using a flashlight, two granola bars, and a look. There’s no conflict you can’t settle.
PUBLIC RELATIONS EXPERT
You’ve spun delayed swim time into a surprise adventure. You’ve delivered awkward news (“The canoe is technically *gone*, but we learned SO MUCH!) with grace and grit.
INTERIOR DESIGNER
You transformed an old cabin into a cozy little world using string lights, thrift store art, and random items from the previous camp session’s lost and found. HGTV has nothing on your bunk.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You’ve seen things. Mystery rashes. Nosebleeds. THAT ONE INCIDENT. YOU KNOW THE ONE. You’re ready.
EDUCATOR
You’ve taught life lessons using a marshmallow and a stick. You’ve led impromptu field trips, hikes, kindness circles, and science experiments. You’ve lit a spark in someone’s mind, then handed them the matchbook.
EMOTIONAL FIRST RESPONDER
You’ve sat in the dirt with a crying camper and reminded them they are safe. You reminded them they are seen. They are supported and celebrated. They’re okay. That’s a kind of kindness this world could sure use more of.
Counselors, you’re essentially ready for anything.
Those who work at a camp might leave with strange tan lines, mismatched socks, and glitter somehow permanently embedded in their skin, but you also leave with something else:
weird rocks from campers who loved you …
inside jokes that make no sense to anyone else …
moments you’ll remember for the rest of your lives.
Never forget how powerful you are. You’re a listener. You’re a leader. You’re a rare gift to this world. You can love with your whole self and show up when it’s hard and still laugh until your stomach hurts.

If you’ve ever worked as a camp counselor, or worked with young people in any capacity,
I hope you know what belonging feels like.
I hope you remember your power to create it anywhere.
You can shift the entire atmosphere of a room with a nickname, a story, a song, or (even more so) simply with your presence. It’s who you are.
Carry this kind of leadership and courage into classrooms and boardrooms and anywhere else you might go.
The world could use more camp counselors.
You do the impossible and you make it fun.
Best job ever.
HAVE AN AMAZING SUMMER!
STORY CONFERENCE! October 9-10! Nashville, TN!
This event is sort of like a summer camp’s older, more caffeinated cousin. It’s full of BOLD ideas, BIG-HEARTED people, and breathtaking performances and insights. I’ll be speaking alongside a stellar lineup of artists. Would love to see you there. GET YOUR TICKETS NOW.
BOOKS! With pages and words and pictures and stuff!
Kristi and I are currently working on the art for our next book. I’m reminded yet again what an honor, joy, and TOTAL MESS it is to make a book. If you’d like to encourage us, one way to do so is by BUYING BOOKS! Support your favorite local bookseller, too, while you’re at it. GET OUR BOOKS NOW!
SPEAKING! Me talk words at people on stage!
For the first time in over 5 years, my speaking calendar is full. I’m feeling incredibly grateful. It’s a joy to be busy sharing stories and encouragement with such a wide range of audiences (from creative communities to corporate teams and beyond). I’m now booking for 2026 and beyond.
Planning something meaningful? Reach out here.
I had 3 summers of being a camp counselor. It’s my absolute favorite job I’ve had, and I have lifelong friends from it. It’s been 21 years (!!) since my last summer there. I’ve been a teacher since, still wearing all those hats.
You could have written my own love story. Gavin and I met as campers in 1989, worked as counselors, and then married in 1996. Now, my own son is a counselor at the same camp, and lo and behold, he met his future wife there as well. (They're getting married in September!). Summer camp really is magic, isn't it?