Embracing the Camp Experience: A Parent's Perspective

Melissa Fitzgerald, the owner and director of Camp Highlander, shares her unique perspective on raising her children in the camp environment. As a parent who has experienced the joys and challenges of being both a camp owner and a camper's parent, she offers valuable insights into navigating the delicate balance of providing a transformative camp experience for all.

Unlocking the Transformative Power of Sleepaway Camp

The Gift of the Camp Experience

Melissa Fitzgerald firmly believes in the transformative power of the sleepaway camp experience. Growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she was fortunate to attend an all-girls camp in North Carolina every summer, an experience that left a lasting impression. Recognizing the profound impact camp had on her own development, Fitzgerald always envisioned sending her children to a similar camp, never imagining that she would one day become the owner of the very camp her own kids would attend.

Continuing a Family Legacy

In 2019, Fitzgerald's parents, who had owned Camp Highlander, a co-ed sleepaway camp for 6 to 16-year-olds in Henderson County, Western North Carolina, for nearly two decades, decided to retire. Eager to preserve the camp's legacy, they sought a new generation to take over the reins. Fitzgerald, who had been working at the camp since her parents acquired it, and her husband, who had always dreamed of owning a sleepaway camp, seized the opportunity and purchased the camp, making it their permanent home.

Embracing the Camp Lifestyle

Fitzgerald's children have been immersed in the camp experience since they were babies, first as campers under her parents' ownership and now as campers under her and her husband's leadership. Her sons, now 20 and 17 years old, and her daughter, 7 years old, have all started attending Camp Highlander at the age of 5, along with their 16 cousins from Louisiana and Texas. The camp has become a cherished family tradition, one that Fitzgerald is committed to preserving for generations to come.

The Transformative Power of Camp

Fitzgerald is a firm believer in the life-changing benefits of the sleepaway camp experience. She emphasizes that camp teaches children invaluable skills such as cooperation, compromise, and conflict resolution, while also providing them with a much-needed break from the digital world and an opportunity to reconnect with nature and their peers. The camp's unique offering of flexible attendance options, ranging from one week to five weeks, sets it apart from the norm in the region, allowing families to tailor the experience to their needs.

Maintaining Boundaries and Fairness

As the camp owner and a parent, Fitzgerald is acutely aware of the delicate balance she must strike. She and her husband are intentional about treating their children like any other camper, upholding strict boundaries and ensuring that their kids do not receive special treatment. This includes not visiting their children's cabins, not sitting with them during mealtimes, and not providing them with "mom hugs" that the other campers may not have access to. Fitzgerald recognizes that the camp experience is most impactful when parents are not constantly present, and she is committed to preserving that dynamic for all the campers.

Navigating the Challenges

Fitzgerald acknowledges that her children have faced unique challenges as the camp owner's grandchildren or children. There have been instances where new staff members or other campers have held her children to a higher standard, expecting them to know better or perform flawlessly. Fitzgerald and her husband have made a conscious effort to address these issues with their children, providing them with the necessary support and grace to navigate the complexities of being the "camp owner's kids."

Expanding Horizons

This year, Fitzgerald is taking a unique approach with her youngest child, her 7-year-old daughter. While her older sons have always attended Camp Highlander, Fitzgerald has decided to send her daughter to a different camp in Alabama for a week, allowing her to experience what it's like not to be the owner's child. Fitzgerald believes this will provide her daughter with a fresh perspective and a deeper appreciation for the camp experience. The older children will also be taking on staff roles this summer, further enriching the family's understanding of the camp's inner workings.

Preserving the Legacy

As Fitzgerald and her husband look towards the future, they hope that one of their children will eventually take over the camp and continue the legacy that her parents started. The dream of keeping Camp Highlander in the family is a driving force, and Fitzgerald is committed to ensuring that the camp remains a transformative and inclusive space for generations to come.