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From Camp to Classroomđ: Confidence That Sticks
One of the things I love most about camp is watching kids step into something new.
Sometimes itâs a silly camp song, sometimes itâs trying an activity for the first time, and sometimes itâs just walking up to another camper and saying, âWant to be friends?â
It might seem small, but these little moments of courage add up.
In the short two weeks your child spends with us, they get the chance to practice bravery in a safe, encouraging environment. And the best part? Those same skills follow them home.
When school starts, theyâre more ready to raise their hand in class, try out for a new sport, or make a new friend at lunch because theyâve already done it here at camp.
One parent shared it so well:
âMy child is a military child. It can be hard to find summer activities with friends when we move around so much. This camp is perfect for making friends quickly and having a blast! My daughter was excited every morning to go to camp. She looked forward to seeing her counselors and instant friends she made!â
That kind of story is exactly why we do what we do. At ECDC, weâve built our program around helping kids grow in confidence, courage, and connection.
Itâs not just about filling their days with fun, itâs about giving them tools theyâll carry into every new season of life.
Thanks for letting us be a part of your familyâs story. Weâre cheering your child on this school year as they take what they learned at camp and shine in new places.
Lessons from the Field: Learning to Lose with Grace â˝ď¸
At ECDC, we celebrate growth in confidence, teamwork, and character, more than the outcome of winning or losing.
One afternoon this summer, a young camper became really upset after losing a soccer game. His counselor sat beside him, giving space for those big feelings and helping him see that even in loss, thereâs something to celebrate. Together, they talked about effort, teamwork, and how we can look at a hard moment not as failure, but as an opportunity to grow.
Moments like these happen every day at camp.
Theyâre why we intentionally design activities that let campers practice both winning and losing; learning to respond with respect, humility, and grace.
Our counselors model this through their words and actions, coaching campers through how to:
– Celebrate othersâ success with genuine joy đ
– Respond to disappointment without discouragement
– Move forward with kindness and resilience
Most importantly, we remind campers that Jesus calls us to love others, even when we lose.
Each game, each challenge, and each teachable moment is a chance to reflect His love through our actions.
As your child steps into a new sports season this fall, we hope they carry these lessons with them; playing hard, caring deeply, and showing Godâs love on and off the field.
Earlier this month, we hosted our Zoom Up to YSSC webinar introducing Emerald Cove families to our overnight program â Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp (YSSC). If you missed it, donât worry! A link to the recording will be emailed to you soon.
Hereâs a quick overview of what we shared:
đ˛ Our History & Mission
YSSC was founded over 50 years ago by Jim and Manya Slevcove to help kids grow in character, skills, relationships, and faith through a Christ-centered camp experience. They believed two weeks away from home was key to creating lasting growth.
đď¸ A Place Built for Growth
Located on the north shore of Bass Lake near Yosemite, YSSC is surrounded by waterfalls, meadows, and star-filled skies. Campers enjoy activities like ropes courses, archery, marksmanship, and even a Narnia-inspired frisbee golf course.
đ¤ Staff That Make the Difference
What truly sets YSSC apart is our incredible staff. From the very first summer to today, weâve focused on finding and training young adults who walk alongside campers and help them grow â a philosophy that continues at ECDC.
âď¸ ECDC & YSSC: Different Settings, Same Heart
While ECDC is a day camp by the ocean and YSSC is a sleep-away camp in the mountains, our mission remains the same. Both programs focus on growth through Christ-centered community and exceptional staff.
đŁ Hear From a Parent
Check out the recording from our webinar featuring ECDC parent Megan Rymer, who recently sent her kids to YSSC for the first time.
