By Aaron Selkow, Owner/Director

As I write this, I’m thinking about the kids at home who are starting to feel a little nervous about camp. I’m also thinking about their parents—some of whom may be even more nervous. It’s totally understandable. Whether it’s your child’s first time away or your fifth summer as a camp parent, there are always questions and emotions that come with the countdown to Opening Day.

Some of it comes from the unknown. If you haven’t experienced camp yet—either as a camper or through your child—it’s hard to imagine what it will feel like. And even if you’re a “veteran,” returning to camp each year brings its newness: new bunkmates, new staff, new transitions. Honestly? I feel some of that nervousness myself.

Not because I doubt what’s ahead—I couldn’t be more confident in our team or more excited for the summer we’ve planned. But the other night, as I tossed and turned, my mind wasn’t on campers or counselors. It was on Pearl.

You may be wondering, who’s Pearl?

In November 2023, our family said goodbye to our beloved dog, Apollo. He was adopted in 2016, and over time, he became an unforgettable presence—not just at home, but at camp. Apollo had this remarkable ability to connect with campers and staff, especially those missing their pets or in need of a little comfort. He was part of our family, and part of the Chestnut Lake family, too. Losing him was hard. For a long time, we didn’t think we’d ever get another dog.

But this February, we met Pearl.

Pearl is a Great Dane, around nine years old, rescued from a difficult situation in South Carolina. She’s gentle, soulful, and was looking for a second chance. After just a short time with us, we knew she belonged. We slowly introduced her to camp—short visits here and there, then longer stretches. She started to find her rhythm. And last weekend, she faced her biggest challenge yet: meeting over 300 people at our annual Spring Fling for first-time campers and their families.

Ann and I didn’t sleep well the night before. Would she get overwhelmed? Would the noise, the excitement, the crowd be too much?

Turns out, we didn’t need to worry. Pearl was a star.

She was cautious at first—she took it all in, stayed close, and watched carefully. But as the day went on, she opened up. She approached people. She let herself be loved. She made friends. She figured it out. And in doing so, she reminded us of the very heart of what camp is all about.

Camp is a place where we all arrive a little uncertain. A little nervous. A little unsure of what to expect. But it’s also a place where—when we’re surrounded by patience, encouragement, kindness, and love—we adapt. We connect. We grow.

Pearl’s day at Spring Fling wasn’t just her debut as our new camp dog—it was a reminder that our campers (and their parents) are going to be okay. More than okay. They’re going to rise to the moment. They’re going to surprise themselves. They’re going to thrive.

Because that’s what happens at camp.

We find our footing. We make friends. We let ourselves be known and loved. And we discover, sometimes in the most unexpected ways, just how strong and capable we really are.

This summer, your child will become braver. They’ll grow more independent. They’ll find joy, even in moments of challenge. And they’ll have a team of people (and yes, one very big dog) here to walk beside them every step of the way.

Here’s to Pearl, and the beautiful journey ahead for all of us this summer.