The Stories
That Stay
With You
From bonfires to epic Battle Challenges, from sunset soccer to heartfelt goodbyes—these are the stories that stuck. Read on and relive the magic through the eyes of campers, counselors, and everyone in between.
Erdman has shaped me in ways that are hard to overstate. When I think about where the best parts of my life come from, I can trace so many of them back to camp, largely because of the people Erdman brought me to. I first came as a camper in 2017 and kept returning as a CA and then a counselor, and over time camp has become the place where I built my closest friendships.
Growing up, I didn’t always feel like I fit in at school. Camp was the
first place where I felt fully comfortable being myself, and where I felt valued. Counselors and
peers alike were curious, supportive, and genuinely welcoming. More than anything, Erdman introduced
me to people who challenged me to be better: more thoughtful, more patient, and more generous with
others. In my hardest moments, the people I met at camp are the ones I turn to. And in my best
moments, they’re the first ones celebrating with me.
Camp Erdman has been really special to me since the day I first
went. My brother had gone as a kid and that made me wanna go too and I’m so glad I did. This place
helped me gain confidence and make new friends and also taught me teamwork and made me realize that
going to camp is one of the best things a kid could do. I’ve made so many great friendships and
memories here. One of my favorite activities is for sure Battle Challenge. I also LOVEEEE camp
songs, my favorite is Rock the Boat, and Linger. I think my favorite staff member has for sure
always been Anna Wood; she was my counselor the first time I went and it was so fun watching her
become a camp celebrity and watching a fan club/cult about her being made pretty weird but really
fun honestly. I really love this place and I’m super excited to be turning 14 soon and I’ll get to
be an LIT in summer 2026! Oh, and sorry to any of my past counselors for finding your socials and
giving them to my camp friends lol
I would love for my kids to have the experience that I had. Camp Erdman was the best camp I’ve ever been to. From being by the bonfire to shooting arrows; especially at night with my friends in the bunk rooms. I loved my time there. I don’t know if the school I went to still goes but if anything they should keep the traditions going with the 6th and 8th graders going. – Karlein H.
I spent about 5 months working as a volunteer staffer during a year I
took off of college. I loved everything about it and think back about it often. If there was a way
for me to take 6 months or a year off of work, I’d do it again!
I worked at Camp Erdman for 11 months, Aug 2007 to September 2008, as
an instructor teaching rock climbing, archery with children, and Teen Camp. Through Camp Erdman I
got my PADI scuba qualification and got to dive with sharks. I got to work with other staff from
around the world including Brazil, Japan, India. I have gained lifelong friends and inspired
children to fulfill their full potential.
“I have been coming to camp since I was 7, I am now 14 years old. Everytime
I come to camp the counselors are so welcoming and I can’t wait to come back in a week. I would
really like to say that the staff is amazing.
Some of my favorite memories of Camp Erdman: Battle Challenge relays, sunset
soccer sessions, campfires, smores, sports, and songs.
Everyone has a Camp Erdman moment—whether it was a challenge you conquered, a counselor who believed in you, or a memory that still makes you smile. As we celebrate 100 years, we’d love to hear yours.
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