12 Summer Camp Traditions That Faded Away
Summer camp used to be filled with quirky customs and age-old rituals that have slowly disappeared over the years.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Years ago, summer camp wasn’t just about nature hikes and s’mores. They used to thrive on culture and community. But many of those beloved customs have quietly faded away — here are 12 summer camp traditions that have nearly vanished.
1. Mail Call Madness
KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels
Getting letters from home was once the highlight of the day. Campers would wait anxiously for their name to be called during mail time. Some even got care packages stuffed with candy or comic books.
2. Campfire Ghost Stories
Danylo Suprun on Unsplash
Every camp had at least one counselor who could spin a spooky tale. Sitting in the dark, with only the firelight flickering, was the perfect setting.
3. Handcrafted Name Tags
Sobii on DeviantArt
Campers used to spend the first day making their own name tags out of wood slices or beads. It was a fun way to break the ice and show off some personality.
4. Color War Showdowns
Randy Crump on Wikimedia Commons
Two teams, head-to-head, in an all-out camp-wide battle of games and chants. Color War was epic — everyone got into it. It taught teamwork, friendly rivalry, and camp spirit.
5. Singing Before Meals
Wikimedia Commons
No one ate until the whole camp belted out a silly or heartfelt song. It brought everyone together and set a lighthearted tone. Whether it was “John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt” or a camp-original tune, it was a daily ritual.
6. Cabin Inspection and Clean-Up Scores
New York YMCA Camp on Flickr
Each cabin had to be tidied up every morning — beds made, clothes stowed, and the floor swept. A counselor would inspect, and points were awarded. Winning cabins got bragging rights or small rewards.
7. Friendship Bracelets Swapping
Wilson0204 on Wikimedia Commons
Tying knot after knot to make a bracelet for your best camp buddy was almost a rite of passage. Each color had meaning, and the bracelets were worn till they fell off.
8. Capture the Flag at Dusk
Camp Pinewood on Flickr
Nothing beat sprinting through the woods at sunset, trying to dodge opponents and snag the flag. It was thrilling, intense, and a little chaotic. Flashlights and sneaky tactics made it feel like a secret mission.
9. Campfire Skit Nights
Matt on Flickr
Every cabin had to put on a goofy skit — costumes, accents, and all. It brought out creativity and helped shy kids shine. Counselors would often join in, making it even funnier.
10. Talent Shows with Zero Judgment
COD on Flickr
From off-key singing to bad magic tricks, the camp talent show was a no-pressure, all-fun event. Cheering was mandatory, and booing was banned. Everyone got a moment in the spotlight.
11. Saying Goodbye with a Campfire Ceremony
Darja Manuilova on Pexels
The final night usually involved one last fire, a few speeches, and a tearful song or two. Campers reflected on memories, passed around hugs, and sometimes even cried.
12. Camp-Wide “Lost and Found” Fashion Shows
FASHION DLUX on Flickr
Leftover clothes from the lost and found were modeled in hilarious “fashion shows” at the end of camp. Campers strutted down makeshift runways in mismatched outfits, getting laughs from everyone.