Behind the Name Tag - An Interview with Mel, Lantern Light Staff Member
When we think about what makes Lantern Light Camps special, it’s not just the lake or the activities or the songs…it’s the people. Our team members are equal parts mentor, program mastermind, and chaos-wrangler-in-chief. Few people embody the spirit of camp quite like Mel. Recently I sat down to talk with long-time staff member Mel about camp and what it means for campers and staff alike.
What followed was less an interview and more a walk back through the summer as we revisited the funniest moments, the quiet breakthroughs, and the lessons that tend to stick long after camp ends, as well as a glimpse into what we want future families and team members to understand about Lantern Light Camps.
Let’s start with something fun: what’s a moment from last summer that still makes you laugh?
Oh, hands down the water balloon wager. We had a camper who was nervous about trying archery.. I told her, “If you shoot one arrow, you get to drop water balloons on my head.” She took the deal, and proceeded to score a 9 out of 10 on her first shot. The staff went wild. It was funny, but also kind of amazing to see how a little encouragement and a silly bet gave her the confidence to try..
That’s such a perfect camp moment. Do those small breakthroughs happen a lot?
All the time. You just have to look for them. Sometimes it’s a kid passing the swim test on the 1st or 5th try, sometimes it’s a camper who’s had a rough week coming up at the final campfire and saying, “Thank you. It felt like you were the older sibling I don’t have.” That actually happened. I still think about it.
That’s incredible. It sounds like the emotional side of the job is just as important as the program side.
Definitely. Camp is joyful, but it’s also where kids are growing emotionally and socially. Some are learning to be away from home for the first time. Others are figuring out how to handle conflict or frustration. The staff play a huge role in helping campers navigate all that.
What do you think makes your counselors especially good at that?
We care. That’s the simple version. But it’s also intentional. We talk about really noticing when a camper needs a little extra attention, or knowing how to show up with consistency. And staff is constantly finding ways to step up. Whether it’s reading stories to a homesick camper or lending peers a hand when they’re drained—it’s all done with this unspoken, “We’ve got each other” vibe.
Speaking of being drained—what’s the hardest part of the job?
Honestly? The hours. There are days where you’re up at 7 a.m. and still going strong at 10 p.m. Energy drinks help, but what really saves you are the teammates who tell you, “Go lie down, I’ve got this for 10 minutes.” That kind of support is everything.
And you’ve worn a lot of hats, right?
So many. Archery instructor, evening program lead, campfire emcee, and I even jumped in as program director one day. It took time to learn how to switch gears fast, but once I got the rhythm, I loved it. Being a leader at camp isn’t about giving orders, it’s about knowing when to lead, when to follow, and how to stay in sync with the rest of the team.
Let’s talk about culture. If you had to describe the Lantern Light staff vibe in one word, what would it be?
Accepting. 100 percent. We welcome everyone: campers, staff, alumni, families. We try to meet people where they are, not where we expect them to be.That makes a huge difference for campers too.
Oh, absolutely. Kids feel that. And when they feel safe, they try new things. That’s where growth happens whether it’s swimming, making friends, or just being comfortable being themselves. That’s not an accident. Our staff design programs with intention, thinking about social-emotional growth, outdoor exploration, confidence-building. It’s all built in.
What would you want parents to know about what happens here?
That their kids are known. I want campers to feel seen, safe, and supported. All our staff do. And we don’t take that responsibility lightly. We know it’s a big deal to send your child away for a week or a summer.
If someone’s on the fence about applying to work at camp, what would you tell them?
“Just take the leap.” Like Spider-Man said: that’s all it is—a leap of faith. Yes, it’s hard work. Yes, you’ll sweat through every T-shirt you own. But you’ll also laugh until your ribs hurt, make lifelong friends, and do work that actually means something. Camp isn’t just a summer job. It’s a place where people grow, kids and staff alike.
Last question: are you coming back next summer?
No question about it. I already have a countdown app on my phone.
Thinking about applying to join staff or sending your child to camp?
Mel is one of many reasons this place feels like home to so many. At Lantern Light Camps, we don’t just run a program, we strive to build a community where everyone has a place and small moments don’t go unnoticed.
Applications for campers and staff are open now. Come join the magic on Northwood Lake for Summer 2026.