Pine Cove Then vs. Now

Haven’t been around camp in a while? Camp trends have changed more than you might think. Slush Puppies are a thing of the past, and even Chacos have taken a back seat! Check out a few of the differences we’ve noticed—from back then to what’s trending now.

Fashion

Then: Thick knit polos were the name of the game of opening day attire in the late ’90s and early ’00s! And back in the ’70s, a male staffer sporting a mustache wouldn’t have turned any heads—unlike today…

Now: These days our guy staffers must be freshly shaved in time for opening day! And gone are those heavy navy blue polos—today’s staff are used to lightweight dri fit shirts, each a different color according to your camp.

Theme Nights

Then: Sometimes not decided on until the day of the event, early themes included toga night, western night, and 90’s night—the 1890’s, that is!

Now: Leadership staffers decide on theme nights a year in advance! Plus the themes are a bit more elaborate now, like Geriatric Jamboree or Nighty-Night at the Museum.

Activities

Then: Popular activities included parasailing, vaulting, a half pipe, mini bikes, tennis, and an especially unique one known as a hand trampoline!

Now: While we no longer feature those throwback activities, campers now enjoy paintball, hatchet-throwing, flowriding, and even puppies!

Snacks

Then: Once upon a time Slush Puppies were all the rage, and many camp snack shops featured staff specials on the menu! Campers could stop by and order a “Super Soaker” or a “Backfire” and get a custom flavor combo!

Now: These days campers know to keep an eye out for a visit from the Kona Ice truck! They love getting to mix and match their own flavor profiles—and be honest: who isn’t going to try adding one of everything?

Club Songs

Then: Club crowds sang popular songs like “Every Move I Make,” “Wade in the Water,” and “Flood,” a song known for a chorus where campers got tossed in the air! Another throwback feature: song lyrics written on an overhead projector!

Now: Top choices from this summer included “In Tenderness,” “Goodbye Yesterday,” and “I Thank God.” A perennial favorite from the past few summers has been “Deep Cries Out,” a song that signals to campers: it’s time to run back and forth across the gym!

Camp Names

Then: The name of the game (the Name Game, that is) was CHILL. Counselors sat in a circle on the floor and simply discussed what each of their names should be! “His name is ‘French’? His camp name should be ‘Pierre’!” Also of note: names were typically just one word long!

Now: These days the Name Game is nothing short of a production. The “namee” sits on stage with a microphone while answering questions and telling stories. Cries of “I’VE GOT A NAME!” and “SELL IT!” ring out afterwards, and soon a brand-new—usually multi-word, like ‘Bippidy Boppidy Beep Bop’—name is born!

Footwear
Then: One of the summer’s greatest accomplishments: the perfect Chaco tan. Safe to say this versatile sandal was the footwear of choice all summer long.

Now: Crocs rock! Since camp terrain calls for closed-toed shoes, Crocs have become a new favorite. Bright pink, classic white, camo, or even bedazzled—campers and staffers alike love personalizing theirs with Jibbitz. And at camp, Jibbitz trading is a very liquid market.

Media

Then: Is there a Pine Cove VHS tape collecting dust on your shelf? Back in the day, campers headed home with a tape loaded with 25 minutes of their favorite moments from the week.

Now: The Pine Cove CampLife App keeps parents connected to camp with photos, resources, and daily highlight videos—all at the tap of a button. Parents can follow along with the excitement of the week, and campers can relive their favorite moments the second they get home.