Camp Traditions
Discover the magic of Camp Twin Creeks through our rich traditions that bring campers together and create unforgettable memories. Scroll down to see how these special moments make the Camp Twin Creeks experience one-of-a-kind!
Campfires
Campfires at Camp Twin Creeks are absolutely one of a kind. Each time we gather at our iconic campfire site, we join together as a community to celebrate, tell stories, sing, and enjoy a night out under the stars. Our first campfire is our Opening Campfire, on the first night of each session. Counselors come down to the stage by department to sing a song and introduce themselves – we can’t think of a better way to start each session!
Each cabin will have their own version of a campfire: Littles have the Littles Campfire, while Middles and Seniors enjoy fires on their overnights. Our Olympic Campfire serves as the final opportunity for teams to score points, and allows the camp to join together as one after a day of competing on opposing teams. Our final campfire is our Closing Campfire, where the camp gathers one last time to celebrate the two weeks spent together before heading home the next day. Each campfire is closed out with our rendition of “Country Roads”, which we think might be better than the original!
Olympics
The second Thursday of each session is our Camp Twin Creeks Olympics. The entire camp is split into two teams, Green and White, for a day full of friendly competition. The morning consists of three athletic periods, followed by track and swim meets after lunch, and Tug of War after dinner. Each team works on a short cheer, a long cheer, and a flag, which are all presented at the Olympic Campfire. Olympics is a day that many campers look forward to all session, if not all year! Teams are assigned at camp, and campers stay on that team for life.
Polar Bear
Polar Bear is another beloved tradition, where participation is optional but encouraged! Campers wake up a bit earlier and head straight to the pool first thing in the morning – after jumping in, they receive hot chocolate and head back to the cabins for the start of their day. Campers who do Polar Bear 8 times during their 2 weeks at Camp Twin Creeks receive a special Polar Bear Prize, and their names are included on a Polar Bear Plaque that is hung in the dining hall.
Creek Walks
At the core of our identity and our programming are the creeks that encircle our camp. The Knapps and Douthat Creeks provide us with unique opportunities to explore our surroundings, and allow us to facilitate our beloved creek walks! Each age group will embark on a creek walk together, learning about the history of Camp Twin Creeks and Camp Minnehaha, and engaging with the environment by dam-building and rock painting.
Banquet Dinner
The last night of camp is full of sentimental reflection and celebration. We mark the campers’ achievements from their session with a special Banquet Meal. Campers and staff wear their designated Banquet shirts, and head to the dining hall for one last meal together. To honor our history, we serve Chicken and Waffles, which was served at the hotel that was located on the property in the late 1800’s. Learn more about Our History.
Fuzzies
Fuzzies are awarded at evening flagpole at the end of each day to campers who demonstrate kind and respectful behavior, are good friends to their cabinmates, or otherwise contribute a positive element to the summer camp experience.
Campers in our Littles division learn about STARFISH, which is a select set of traits we look for in all campers at Camp Twin Creeks. STARFISH stands for:
Sportsmanship
Tolerance
Acceptance
Respect
Friendship
Integrity
Sensitivity
Helpfulness
Campers who show STARFISH qualities are nominated by fellow campers or by their counselor, and rewarded with a fuzzy!