For a hundred summers, the lake at Junior has been teaching young girls who they are — one counselor, one cabin, one tiny act of courage at a time. As we celebrate 100 Years of Junior Camp in 2026, we’re inviting every camper and counselor who ever called Junior home to add her voice to the story.
This summer, Nakanawa is celebrating the 100th birthday of Junior Camp, with alumni events during Reunion Weekend, July 17–19. The first edition of the JUNIOR BIRTHDAY BOOK is going to press now so it can be in camp this summer, dedicated with love to three longtime Heads of Junior: Katie Moise, Casey Fisher, and Louise Boteler. Inside are 65 pages of Junior history, Mitch and Ann Perron’s memories of Junior, songs and poems, and a range of stories from 100 years of Junior campers and counselors — and we’re already planning a second edition after camp, with even more voices included.
Stories we’re already carrying
Our new centennial video, “100 Summers at Junior Camp,” gathers a few of the stories that show what Junior Camp really is. You’ll meet:
A small, determined swimmer named Katie, whose counselor Maria Kane stayed with her in the Pen, stroke by stroke, until she could pass the swim test — a memory she still calls a “core” part of her life because she felt so deeply loved.
Karen, who flew in from Dallas in 1976, only to have her trunk fall apart on the baggage carousel — and Casey quietly gathered her things, found another trunk, and had it waiting in her cabin before she ever had to worry.
Alumnae, Flossie Sonneland and Nancy McDonald, remember their fellow camper, Debbie, born with a heart defect, whose parents were brave enough to send her to Junior for eight weeks; she swam in the lake until she turned blue, let her counselors care for her, and kept coming back year after year.
These are only a few of a hundred stories, and they all circle the same truth: at Junior Camp, a counselor’s steady presence can be the difference between a scared girl and a brave one. Now we want your story to stand alongside theirs.
Share your Junior Camp story
We are creating the Second Edition of the JUNIOR BIRTHDAY BOOK, and that means we are actively collecting new stories right now. Here’s how to add yours:
Who can submit: Any current or past Junior camper or counselor.
What we’re looking for: Stories that describe an important person or tradition, or that remind us of a special time in Junior Camp — life‑changing or light‑hearted, both are welcome.
Length: Up to 500 words (space is limited), but every story will be saved whether or not it appears in the book.
Next deadline: July 30, 2026.
Please email your story to one of our editors:
Sue Moise Vaughn – vaughn.sue@gmail.com
Laura Anthony Waller – laurawaller3@gmail.com
Margaret “Mop” Moffat Queen – mq.mamabird@gmail.com
Questions about the book itself can go to Margaret Matens at margaretmatens@gmail.com.
Watch the video and then add your voice
One hundred summers deserve far more than one book and one film — they deserve a chorus. Help us fill the next edition of the JUNIOR BIRTHDAY BOOK with the people, traditions, and moments that made you who you are.