Camp brings memories to last a lifetime

For many of us, the sights, sounds and smells still resonate in our childhood memory banks. The clunk of a paddle against a canoe. The flavor of charred marshmallows. The thundering of basketballs against the gymnasium floor when you’re still sleepy on a summer morning.

The fear, loneliness, and excitement of sleeping in a strange place away from your family for the first time.

Since the first summer camps started appearing in the U.S. in the 1800s, generations of kids have taken a week each summer to leave their parents behind and experience the great outdoors.

And for those looking for a traditional camp experience, there are still plenty of places in the Inland Northwest to sleep in a cabin, fall out of a canoe and learn first-hand the importance of insect repellant.

But “summer camp” means a lot of things to different people. For many kids, it’s an opportunity to hone their piano skills. Others might relish the chance to perfect their layup or spike. Or to learn more about their faith.

In this section, we have information on a wide variety of camps throughout the region. No matter what your interest or budget, there should be something for just about everyone. You can also search the listings online at spokesmanreview.com/sections/summercamp.

Happy trails!

- Ken Paulman, features editor