2025 Staff Reflections
Over the last few months of 2025, we really enjoyed sharing reflections on the summer from a handful of staff members on our Instagram. Their thoughtful words about the impact of Camp on themselves and their campers was inspiring and heartwarming for us to read, and made us feel so grateful for the care and dedication that all our seasonal staff demonstrate each summer. We truly couldn’t do it without them.
Now that we’ve headed into a new year and towards another busy summer at Camp, we wanted to publish these reflections in full and give them a more permanent home here — because sometimes an Instagram caption just can’t capture everything.
Enjoy!
Camila Reinoso
Counselor, 2025
“The world of camp is a powerfully simple one. Being a counselor taught me that kids don’t just need guidance; they need adults who will play, listen, and wonder alongside them. The work was real — long days, lots of responsibility — but it was also joyful. I learned that leadership often looks like sitting quietly while a camper finds their courage and creativity, or laughing at myself so others feel free to do the same. Camp’s rhythms slowed me down and gave me a sense of togetherness that’s rare in the world beyond these mountains. I found a deep appreciation for my campers, and leaned into being silly with them, often laughing so hard my stomach ached. When I was a camper, my first Alps trip opened up a whole world of possibility that eventually led me to hike the Appalachian Trail. To be able to share my own love of backpacking with campers and walk them through life on the trail was extremely rewarding. When after a trip, a camper told me they were dreaming of doing a thru-hike, I almost cried. What I’ll carry forward most is the reminder that growth happens in connection: connection to the land, to each other, and to the most playful and loving versions of ourselves. Camp offered all of that in abundance.”
Aspyn Vickery
Counselor, 2025
“I came to camp on an internet-searched whim led by the desire of leaving my hometown and a dream of experiencing the world. When first arriving I knew nothing about camp and what it meant to be a part of its community - which was thrilling and terrifying all at once - and I was quickly and welcomingly introduced to everything camp is. I fell in love with everything about it. The place, traditions, creativity, singing, dancing, the people! One of my favorite things about camp is that there is always room for you to fully be you - the silliest, funniest, loudest versions of myself always seem to venture out when I am here and it is received with more loudness and love! Everything about camp pulls you into such a tight embrace that you hope it will never let you go.”
Jackson Schonfelder
Counselor, 2025
“Working at the Bar 717 Ranch has been such a privilege this summer. I think for many kids, the most valuable thing they can have in their lives is an adult who they can trust – someone who isn’t a guardian or family member, and someone who will play alongside you, guide you, listen to you, and laugh with you. I saw so much growth in so many campers working at the ranch; building skills in campers and leading them to new horizons has been the most rewarding experience of my life. I’ve learned that children require a fair deal of strength to surpass their own expectations, yet once they’re able to overcome this, they only need the patience and direction to grow, much like archery, into the most creative, loving versions of themselves. Through nature and community, I’ve seen the ranch foster its ideals of generosity, openness, and adaptability in campers and in myself as well.”
Cam Cox
Counselor, 2025
“I first stepped foot at Bar 717 when I was eight years old. I fell in love with the ranch, and it quickly became my home away from home as well as the place where I saw my closest friends. At camp, my curiosity and love for the natural world expanded as I met other kids and adults that I could look up to who felt the same way.
Despite my clear appreciation and love for Bar 717, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to return as a counselor until the fall of my freshman year of college. It wasn’t until I was meeting new people and thinking about the factors that shape all of us into the people we become that I realized how influential the counselors and my friends at camp were to my development. I learned practical skills like how to build a fire and pack an overnight bag. I became more independent and learned to appreciate a slower way of living. I learned a lot about myself and who I wanted to be as I grew up surrounded by incredibly kind, genuine people.
As I thought about applying to work at Bar 717, I reflected on all the wonderful memories I had on the ranch, and how I wanted to give back to the community that gave me so much throughout my childhood.
When I arrived at camp in June, I hadn’t been back in three years. It was sort of surreal– so much looked the exact same as when I had left, but there were also differences (like the new bathrooms at the top of the Avenue). I met some of the coolest people ever– my coworkers– and we spent a week getting to know each other, hiking, swimming, and learning. When the first group of campers arrived, I reminded myself of why I was there: To help create an environment where they feel comfortable and safe. Away from the pressures of school, technology, and the ‘real’ world, where they have space to grow into the best version of themselves. It was incredibly rewarding watching my campers– in just two weeks– become more confident in themselves, try new things, and realize they are far more capable than they once believed. From axe throwing to riding a horse for the first time, my campers consistently surprised me with the joy they found in activities they were originally apprehensive about– even if they weren’t initially ‘good’ at them.
My favorite parts of the summer, though, were the small everyday moments that feel like they’ve been happening as long as camp has been around: picking blackberries after morning barn chores, smelling the giant pine tree on the walk to Vespers, sweaty naps during rest hour and the grogginess that instantly disappears when you jump into the river, watching campers work together to pack their sleeping bags instead of immediately asking for help, the quiet giggles that come from campers after all the lights are out, watching for shooting stars on overnight trips, the laughter that follows a spilled cup of water at the dinner table, flipping the perfect pancake on Sunday mornings, dressing up in silly outfits for the dances, and so much more. Life at camp feels different from anywhere else. It’s an incredibly special place where you can return to an uncomplicated way of life, and just be yourself.
Much of this summer felt familiar, but I lived it from a different viewpoint– with an appreciation for how much I related to the campers I had. As a kid at Bar 717, I felt like I could truly be my most genuine self. I could laugh, dance, and sing with my friends while truly living in the moment. This past summer as a counselor, I saw the other side of this feeling– my campers coming out of their shells, wearing their wildest outfits to the dances, singing the songs they’ve memorized at campfires, and laughing until they’re crying. All the same things I experienced as a camper that I look back on so fondly. In this fast-paced– sometimes crazy– world it’s so nice to see kids enjoying themselves in the same ways kids fifty years ago might have. It’s a special phenomenon that the heart and soul of Bar 717 has stayed mostly the same despite the world changing so much since its founding in 1930.
Working at Bar 717 this summer reminded me of how meaningful it can be to step away from screens and return to fundamental human experiences. Watching my campers disconnect from technology and reconnect with themselves and nature reinforced my belief in the importance of slowing down and being present. As I move ahead, I carry a renewed understanding of how important it is to cultivate spaces where genuine self-expression and growth can thrive. Thank you to everyone who made this such a wonderful summer– I love you all.”
Nate Dailey
Counselor, 2025
“Hi, my name is Nate and I’ve had the joy of working at Bar 717 as a counselor for two summers! At camp you might have seen me in the Curiosity Shop or running the yo-yo program under the apple trees. This past summer at the ranch, we introduced the “10 Trick Challenge” in the yo-yo program, and the absolute highlight for me was watching campers’ dedication pay off as they completed it.
Working at Bar 717 hardly feels like a job—it’s that much fun. The camp is such a special place where kids can step out of their shells and fully be themselves. There’s always a positive, playful energy in the air—people are open, curious, and ready to try something new. To me, it feels like the closest thing to a little village community, the kind of environment humans are meant to thrive in.”
Norah Aguirre
Counselor, 2025
“Working at Bar 717 has been the opportunity of a lifetime. Each day is packed with fun activities that us counselors facilitate; there is never a wasted second of time. The lifestyle during camp season on the ranch is one that promotes living presently, and camp creates a fun and wholesome environment for children to thrive. It’s been an honor being able to facilitate those memories and watch them grow. These experiences provide opportunities for growth for both campers and staff. I love watching my campers step out of their comfort zones to try new programs and activities which they were once hesitant to try; those can be both big and small opportunities, from crossing the suspension bridge for the first time, to hiking up Gates Mountain, or jumping off a big jumping rock. Witnessing the joy that fills their faces, and their sense of accomplishment in trying something new, in turn empowers and inspires me to push myself out of my own comfort zone.
My time at the ranch has also taught me many skills applicable to life beyond the ranch. Things like how to fix a toilet properly, proper firebuilding skills, behavior management with kids, navigating around the outdoors, and so much more! Ask any one of my friends or family from home - I am constantly applying skills learned at camp to real life. Not only this, working at Bar 717 has allowed me (and others I’m sure) to gain more of a sense of environmental stewardship. The lifestyle we live at camp is one that acknowledges the impact we have on the earth, and attempts to use resources as conscientiously as possible – and shows how easy it really is to live simply and with gratitude for the land we inhabit.
Spending ten intensive weeks with other staff has allowed for the development of profound friendships and bonds that I know will last a lifetime. The people I have met through working at Bar 717 have changed my life for the better, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity that connected us.”
Interested in working at Camp Trinity?
Join our Ranch family to live, work, and play in the mountains, all while creating unforgettable memories for campers—and yourself!
