As a large crowd of campers and counselors laughed and cheered outside the Upper School (US) wood shop, 15 kids performed a synchronized dance to Ava Max’s “Choose Your Fighter.” For “Fun Friday” programming, campers participated in a lip sync battle and choreographed a dance routine.
From June 16 to Aug. 8, 1,170 kids attended the school-run summer camp, Summer@BB&N. Campers aged 3 to 14 engaged in activities such as water sports, woodworking and archery. Older campers embarked on weekly off campus excursions.
“There’s something incredibly special about seeing the campus, which is usually so focused on academics during the school year, transform into a place of pure joy in the summer,” Director of Extended Year Services Emma O’Loughlin, who has worked at the summer camp for 10 years, said.
Ms. O’Loughlin said she values building relationships at the camp.
“It’s such a privilege to support that kind of growth and to see the impact that counselors have on the kids. You feel like you’re part of something meaningful, … helping build confidence, community and lifelong memories.”
The majority of counselors are US students or alumni.
“We look for counselors who are enthusiastic, responsible and genuinely enjoy working with kids,” she said. “It’s less about having a perfect résumé and more about having the right energy: someone who can jump into a game of kickball, lead a craft project or sit with a nervous camper and make them feel at home.”
The application process is a learning experience for counselors, Ms. O’Loughlin said.
“For most of the BB&N students, this is their first job, and they have to get an interview and submit an online application. We follow all the state requirements for hiring summer camp staff in terms of reference checks, background checks and the overall process.”
Idy Fall ’27 began working as a Summer@BB&N counselor this year.
“I love the community at BB&N, and I have a strong, loyal connection to the school because of everything the school has given me,” he said. “Because of this, I hoped as a counselor I could positively influence the kids and become a relatable figure for the campers, someone they can hopefully look up to in the BB&N community.”
The daily camp schedule was entertaining for both the campers and counselors, Idy said.
“Activities were my favorite part of the day because it’s when the campers were all smiling and having a good time. It even put a smile on my face.”
Idy has meaningful takeaways from his time at the camp.
“The kids remind me of when I was younger, reteaching me that life doesn’t always have to be so serious: You just have to live. And sometimes, when you get old, you forget that.”
Sydney Francis ’26 said she also developed key skills as a counselor.
“I have learned how to become observant and patient. Dealing with kids can be difficult, and you have to always be attentive and use your observation skills to ensure that the campers are safe.”
Camp fosters a social environment, Sydney said.
“My favorite part is meeting new people, people you would not have met otherwise, and becoming closer with counselors. This, overall, helps create a stronger community.”
Aidan Margolis, 12, has attended Summer@BB&N for eight years.
“Counselors were funny, cool and nice and they made my time more fun. My favorite part was the field trips because they were super fun and cool.”
