Heres What Summer Camp Looked Like Through the Years
Pack your duffel bag! It’s time for summer camp.
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Roasting marshmallows, paddling around the lake, and learning camp songs may be part of your favorite childhood memories, but summer camps have been around a lot longer than that. Ever since Henry David Thoreau wrote his 1854 memoir about living in a cabin in the woods, Americans have been drawn to the idea of living simply. As more people moved off farms and into cities by the end of the 19th century, educators began promoting the value of connecting with nature — and these vintage summer camp photos prove it!
Summer camp originally catered to boys, who no longer had to learn skills like chopping wood or building a fire. In fact, the very first summer camp was created by a Connecticut schoolmaster for his students in the 1860s. Before long, many charitable organizations, clubs and social groups sponsored summer camps and summer activities. By World War I, girls went to camp, too. Ever since, generation after generation has taken to the woods to return to the simple joys of campfires, swimming holes, and nature hikes. Unlike the rest of our changing world, many things about summer camp have remained nearly the same decade after decade.
Here’s how summer camps have looked through the years.
1914: Learning New Skills
Here, the American Boys Brigade had a loosely-based military structure and focused on discipline and camaraderie.
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1916: Enjoying the Fresh Air
By the first World War, both boys and girls attended camp programs sponsored by organizations such as the Salvation Army for an opportunity to get out of the city and enjoy more rural pastimes.
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1922: Organizations at Summer Camp
Organized groups such as the Boy Scouts had their own summer camps from their earliest days.
1927: Summer Crafts
Boys at this camp are making belts, bracelets, and a summer camp staple: Lanyards!
1929: Art Class Fun
Girls at this summer camp attend art class, which remains a mainstay of camps today.
1930: Going For a Dip
These girls cool off on a hot day with a dip in the lake.
1932: Sing-a-longs
Sing-a-longs have always been a favorite summer activity — especially with kids who share a bunk!
1935: Gathering Around the Campfire
The nightly ritual of gathering around the fire has been part of the camp experience for decades.
1940: Water Sports
Rowing and other water sports always have been a huge part of camp life. These girls dip their toes in the water to cool off!
1941: Raising the Flag
Young girls take part in a daily flag raising ceremony at Camp Fire Girls summer camp.
1941: Building a Campfire
Here, girls learn to build a fire at this Girl Scout program.
1942: Writing Home
Writing home to friends and family is part of the sleepaway experience. Today, many summer camps don't allow electronic devices, so old-fashioned snail mail still rules.
1945: Summer Camp During the War Years
During World War II, organizations hosted dances and other activities as alternatives for city kids who couldn't get to summer camp because trains were being used for the war effort.
1946: Learning to Set Up a Tent
After the war ended, camp was more popular than ever. The girls pictured here learn to pitch a tent.
1946: Sleeping Outdoors
What's that noise? A cricket? A bear? Sleeping in the Great Outdoors has always been part of the fun.
1948: Taking the Bus to Summer Camp
Taking the bus was the start of summer for many kids.
1948: Play Time
The importance of unstructured play for kids was just as valuable back then as it is today. These kids are playing on a rope pulley swing.
1950: Archery in a Field
Here, the boys are instructed in the ancient art of archery.
1950: Organized Sports
Campers of the '50s face off with a casual game of baseball.
1951: Medical Care
Camp nurses were always present, treating everything from scrapes and cuts to bug bites and poison ivy. Some things never change!
Arricca Elin SanSone is a writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in lifestyle and gardening. With a background in health reporting, she applies these same research skills when writing about the science of growing things. She trials new plants in her expansive garden, and her houseplant collection consists of 60+ varieties. Arricca has written thousands of articles for publications such as Country Living, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, VERANDA, Southern Living, and more. She’s happiest when digging in the dirt, baking, or spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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