This page has camper testimonials. Parent testimonials are here.
What Campers Say About NBTSC
"Camp has in so many ways been the biggest influence on my life. It has truly helped me to be who I am. And I feel that because of the people I have met and the experiences I've had at camp I have become a much better person. Emotionally, Mentally, and open-mindedly.
The two things that remain topmost in my mind from camp this year are 1) The feeling of truly belonging. Becoming more of a part of the community because people looked up to me this year. I was, I feel, in some ways a role model and perhaps mentor of sorts for some of the younger and newer campers. I felt a great connection to the staff and even dug up the courage to tell them how much I admired them. and 2) I remember hearing music just drifting out of the trees and I followed it. I walked beneath the trees and across the creek. The sun was shining down through the leaves turning the light a gentle green. Stevie, a cook, was playing his saxophone and wandering the paths in the woods. It was so very peaceful and beautiful. Spontaneous emotional ecstasy.
Third session of camp was a wonderful thing. It was such a cool experience to be part of a group so new to each other and to the whole camp experience. Being one of only a few returning campers in a group of 66 people was very different than camp has been for me before. The first couple days seemed almost strained to me, but then Eira and a couple other people started a "hug button tattoo group," drawing hug buttons on people's hands. Within hours the camp atmosphere was so much more open. People were in large groups, hugging, talking, and being so much more open with each other. The power of a non-judgmental hug is amazing to me.
--Ruth Stewart writing in 2002, 18, Ridgeway, Colorado (Session 2 98,99,00,01, all 3 sessions 02, Sessions 1 and 2 2003, then Junior staff person Session 3 2003)
(photo by Laura Hathaway, 2002 NBTSC)
Camp rocked. The highlights for me were probably the power shuffle (for the first time crying felt good!), and Grace's bellydance performance. I had had an interest in bellydancing before I came, and had taken a couple workshops, but had never seen a real performance. So Grace's was the first I'd ever seen, and it really inspired me to continue dancing. Aside from that, after camp I really felt that my life had changed. I feel like I have more confidence in myself, and that I can change the world with a wave of my hand and a few magic words. When I think back on nbtsc I have so many different emotions. I cry sometimes, and I laugh, and occasionally I just wanna say screw you (but that only lasts for like 3 seconds), and I love everyone and I wanna give you all a nice, big, huge virtual hug.
--Diana, 13, New Haven, Connecticut (Session 3, 2002)
On the bus to camp they tell you that you'll have to leave and you'll instantly miss everyone, and I didn't believe it at first but it's so true! I've never met such a huge group of people and known all of their names so quickly. The atmosphere is so amazing, it's beyond words. Everyone is supportive and caring, and if you're having a bad day, there is never a shortage of people ready and willing to give you a hug or listen or lend a shoulder to cry on. I was expecting having my birthday so far away from home to be terrible, but I think it was the best birthday I've ever had. I came home from camp and knew how to knit, how to whirl, how to make dream catchers, how to do stage makeup, how to make balloon animals, how to do charcoal drawings, had a rudimentary knowledge of fencing, and I left with so many new friends. And I had participated in a poetry slam. It was the first time I had ever read any of my work to anyone and it was such a self-esteem boost that people liked it! No other summer camp could possibly offer such a wide range of activities, because the activities are dictated by what the campers want to do, so the campers are always doing something they enjoy. It was definitely one of the best experiences of my whole life, and I hope I can return again this year.
--Emily Scheer, Strongsville, Ohio (Session 3, 2002)
The closest I have ever come to feeling like a complete person and like the world is perfect was September 5, 2000 at about 2:30 pacific time. I had just turned 14 and had started to feel that being an unschooler in very rural Wisconsin must be about the loneliest thing in the world. But, I got on a train to Eugene OR. And this is what I saw when I stepped off the Amtrak bus: two yellow school busses, and a whole heap of people running around and screaming and hugging. They had multicolored hair and fairy wings and they were all smiling. That was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. That was the moment I became addicted to camp and the incredible community building it does.
I have been to camp three times now and every time it has touched me in a way that is indescribable. The acceptance I have found there is phenomenal. The closeness of a group of people and the willingness of everyone to help and participate and talk and listen amazes me. It's like going home with a new family every year.
It seems like there is nothing that people won't talk about and nothing that the staff does not do their best to help facilitate (and if it's something that they disagree with this gets explained thoroughly and clearly). Throughout the year this group of people has an incredible way of keeping a community feeling. Like even if you couldn't just pull someone aside on the path to your cabin to talk you can write them a letter or an e-mail. Anyone.
I can't fathom where I would be now without camp and I'm not sure I want to know. Chances are good that I would not have the self-esteem, huge dreams, and amazing friends that I feel so blessed to have.
I do know that the first sight of the Oregon pine trees after a year of being away will continue to take my breath away and fill me with a feeling of peace. I've spent the last two and a half years trying to write about camp and what it means to me. Somehow I just can't. It is more than words could ever be. And coming from a word addict, that is saying a lot.
Thank you thank you thank you.
Franny Bannen, age 16
Wisconsin
As a 16 year old unschooler who has been out of school for 6 years and going to NBTSC for 3, I think it's safe to say that camp has been the best thing that's happened to me. The first year I went, I left home feeling very isolated and shut off from other kids my age, and the ones I did know were so different from me that we didn't have anything to talk about and hanging out with them was a very awkward experience. My mom had convinced me to continue unschooling long enough to go to camp and if I came home still feeling lonely, I could go back to school. Well, I got to camp and was immediately surrounded by loving, caring people with whom I really
felt a connection. After being there for two or three hours, I really felt like I belonged. It was very homelike and I felt accepted for who I was. All the people I have come in to contact with through camp have amazed me with their ideas and accomplishments and they have really inspired me to get moving and take control of where my life is going. When I got home, I was completely refreshed and pumped up to start making things happen in my life and another thought wasn't given to going back to school. I truly believe that camp has made me a better person and has played a big part in shaping who I am.
-Fiona Robinson, 16, St. Paul, Minnesota
I first went to Not Back To School Camp in 1999, traveling across the country by train from the East Coast. The first friends I made were campers who were also traveling on the train, from Chicago, and they made the trip a lot of fun. My parents were reassured that I was with a group of other campers and therefore much safer than I would be on my own. At camp itself, I felt like I found my best friends, for everyone was super-friendly and willing to help each other out. In all aspects, the positive energy far outweighs the negative. We worked hard and played hard and learned a lot in that week, which seemed all too short! I've gone back to camp two times since '99, and have always found this great sense of friendship and community, which I have never been able to find elsewhere. The great thing about the camp community is growing up with them. I'm nineteen years old now and living in Portland, Oregon, now, where many campers have settled in to live and work together. So, in that sense it's more than just a summer camp, it's a true community that's branching out in many directions. Through NBTSC, people have formed life friendships, gotten married and started families, formed music bands, and supported each other through both good times and hard times. The times at camp, as well as being in the camp community outside of camp, have been amazing and life changing for me.
--Eireann Young, 19, Portland, Oregon
In September of 2002 I packed up my guitar and headed to Oregon for Session 2 of NBTSC. I had registered in March after reading the Teenage Liberation Handbook (which, despite being free of school since I was six, I loved to the max and have since passed it around to everyone I know) and was so excited to go. It was a big trial of my independence because I am very family-oriented and it would be the longest time I'd spent away from them on my own; Not to mention I didn't know ANYONE going to camp, so I was definitely throwing myself
into unknown territory.
I went to camp because there are not a lot of homeschoolers in my area, and even fewer unschoolers, like myself. I was really hoping to meet some people with like-minds, to put me at ease and show me that I'm not the only one. NBTSC went FAR beyond my expectations, from walking off the bus to an army of purple shirts and welcoming hugs, down to closing circle on the last night. In seven days my life totally changed in so many positive ways! I LOVED all the music, I was so inspired and excited to meet so many other young musicians; to be able to sit on the porch of Dogwood or in the field or the lodge and just play guitar and talk and be free was so wonderful. The food was awesome (I've since become a vegan), the talent shows were hilarious and inspiring and jaw-dropping, the workshops were really interesting. I loved Biko's workshop about community living, and Andrea's "Awakening the Snake" and of course the acoustic music jam. Sleeping outside was incredible, I don't know that I'll ever see another sky so beautiful. I have truckloads of love and respect for everyone who ran or was involved with camp. The atmosphere and the vibes and the overall wonder of camp is unforgettable. Never once did I feel pressured or insecure or unwanted or any other form of negativity. All it took was me, putting myself out there, and then basking in the very cool and exciting results. Everything about camp is so alternative which is exactly what I was looking for: That positive, laid back, inspiring path of unschooling. Learning from life, and the people along the way. And everyone I met at camp had something to offer, something to share.
Since September I've traveled around on my own quite a bit with no hesitations or setbacks. I love visiting campers or having them at my home, it brings back some of my most treasured memories, and I can't wait to go back this year!
For all of this I owe a heap of thanks to the totally awesome staff, and all of the marvelous people of NBTSC who taught me so many valuable things and accepted me and my guitar and my nose ring and my messy hair into their family.
--Lauren Levine, Monterey, California
Not Back To School Camp has made me open my eyes, ears and yes my mouth! I don't know what kind of a person I would be if I hadn't gone. Camp was a big part of my life, in my teens--it was my way of getting out there & meeting other unschooled teens. My first time, when I was 15, helped me think for myself & see who I am and why I am the way I am. I thought everyone else was so outgoing & outspoken, and I soon found how to come out of my own comfort zone.
When I think of NBTSC what stands out the most is the wonderful people this camp draws together. The amazingly healthy food we get to help make & eat. Dancing on the evening of open music jamming. People taking risks to find their limits. The inspiring workshops. Swing dancing, mud wrestling. Evan's marine biology workshop out on the ocean field trip--we had so much fun walking around in the reefs, looking at all the marine life and touching most of it. We found a huge star fish, the size of a basketball. Way cool!
My friendships have deepened and blossomed since coming to camp. A big thank you to Grace for creating this magical experience we have all been blessed with!
Selena Dittberner, 20, Parkers Prairie, Minnesota (1998 & 1999 Session 2, 2000 & 2001 both sessions, 2002 junior staff sessions 1&2)
"I feel like a different and better person! I haven't even fought with my sister who also went to camp. Or my other siblings for that matter."
"I signed up for camp hoping it would change my life. It didn't. But it gave me the tools and resources, and most importantly, the inspiration, to go out and change my own life, and stop expecting other people to drop epiphanies in my lap, or change my life for me."
"Camp is one of the most wonderful experiences I've ever had. I feel it is a safe environment where people are accepted as themselves."
"There are almost no words to describe how wonderful camp is!”
"Camp is not for any particular person or people, it is for everyone because it is whatever you want to make it. It is entirely moldable and can benefit anyone willing to put their whole, full, respectful selves into it.”
"Coming here was the most enlightening experience since leaving school.”
"The staff were just so awesome and supportive."
"This year's NBTSC has made me much more confident and unafraid. Without all the wonderful support of campers and staff I would never have been this strong."
"I think that NBTSC is a wonderful place, for all kinds of people too. Whenever you need to learn something new, make some friends or just need some fun and goofiness, come to NBTSC."
"I have gone to East coast session four times and each time it has been an amazing and different experience. No other place has ever let me grow as much.”
"I was thrilled by everything: the idea, the staff, the campers, the openness, the inspiration that lasts all year. Thank you."
"I loved the people, the diversity, the mutual trust between staff and campers.”
"I just wanted to give a huge thank you to Grace and all the staff--you are all so unique, inspiring, amazing, cool, and committed to making sure we campers had the time of our lives.”
"The atmosphere surrounding a big group of unschoolers like this is the most life-giving energy I have ever experienced, and I've become addicted to it! Ever since camp, which I left with the determination to incorporate this energy into everything I do, I've been enjoying life much more. I've felt more free, more passionate, and happier with life!"
"NBTSC is such a wonderful and comfortable place to be able to really FEEL one's feelings. When I needed to be sad or cry, there always were people there to hug me and say 'it's okay to feel that way.' And when I was happy, there were always people there to laugh along with me. The PEOPLE make camp the special place that it is--the diversity and uniqueness of the campers and staff allow so many wonderful things to happen. I felt so good to be there--not like it was always easy or that I was always happy, but like whatever was happening was right."
"Wonderful people, and everyone following their bliss. Camp is an energizing bath of joyful energy that left me full of awe and inspiration for my own life."
"I have returned home with so many things to think about...my life has taken on [more] focus and sense of direction....Going to the workshops made me remember that there are so many neat things to try out there in the world.”
"NBTSC is the only place where I have met so many totally inspiring, giving, caring people in one week--let alone people my one age. As soon as I got off the bus, all these people came up and hugged me--that's completely the spirit of NBTSC. Another thing that deeply impressed and delighted me was the fact that I didn't hear a single negative remark or put-down about another person the entire week! Instead everyone was constantly building each other up and helping one another out. I'm just sad I didn't find out about camp sooner."
"I felt really supported by the campers and staff. There was always someone to talk to.”
"I feel genuine kinship and community here. I'm going back to my usual home with feelings of hope and inspiration and a clearer vision for my horizons."
"I loved the freedom and the trust...A truly remarkable and inspiring and amazing week.”
"1 just want to let you all know how much of a great time 1 had at camp. I really think the people at camp were the most open, loving, fun and supportive group of young adults. Thank you all for the things I learned at camp. I really, really, really want to be there next year!"
"I grew in so many ways. It was wonderful to be in such a loving and free environment.”
"I had never been in such a big group of people that were so open, nonjudgmental, loving, honest, and just wonderful to be around! The energy of it all was so incredibly awesome! It was the best experience I have ever had."
"I really liked the way the whole day was basically left for you to do whatever with it....I loved the way people were so accepting and non-judgmental. They were so open to new ideas, and wanted to learn from everyone. I think the way you did the rules was great because they kept people safe yet didn't crunch our freedom. I liked the responsibility I felt there; to be at meetings and workshops on time, to check in with advisors at 11 pm, and everything else we had to do for ourselves, stuff you trusted us to do. I've never been to a camp that trusted so much. It was excellent!”
"Camp was one of the most inspiring and purifying experiences I've ever had. It makes me hungry for life again."
"The staff was great, I loved being with them. Camp was the funnest time I ever had. It really made me psyched for life. I felt so peaceful and free.”
"I will definitely be coming back next year and for both sessions!!! I had the time of my life at NBTSC!"
"The kind of learning and unity we have here has enabled me to grow immensely each moment, and will inspire me to keep growing long after camp is over.”
"Overall, I think this was the best week of my life. The energy of vibrant, thinking, life-loving people is the most intensely powerful thing I can imagine."
"Camp gave me so much energy and inspiration! One of the best things was to see unschoolers teaching each other about things they care about.”
"Camp is good for me. It's good for my spirit. It totally rejuvenates me, and inspires me. This is partly who I am, camp affects everyone a little differently, of course. Don't send your kid here thinking they'll come home some kind of superkid. Camp isn't for the parent. It's for the kid. It's an experience they won't forget. But everyone processes differently, and every kid may NOT come home totally inspired. The majority will, I suppose...."
"I have a whole new outlook on the world now, and my life in it. After meeting all these crazy wonderful people I have all these ideas for new things I want to learn, and new adventures I want to take. After spending a week in the comfortable, supportive atmosphere of NBTSC, I feel uplifted, and ready to go forth into the new year filled with love and confidence.”
"This camp gives you the feeling that no matter who you are or wherever you're from, you will always be welcome!"
"Where to start? I'm blown away. I've learned so much that words can't describe it. I came back for healing and friendship and found both.”
"The only thing I don't like about camp is leaving at the end. I mean I know that we have to leave at some point, but I wish we didn't. I just love camp that much.”
"Wow…just…wow. Camp is just beyond words. Trying to explain how wonderful it is would be impossible!”
"Camp has been the best three weeks of the last three years of my life. Some of my very favorite people are the people I've met here in the last three years."
"This past week at camp has brought out the most self-confidence that I've ever felt in myself. Thank you!”
"This was the funnest camp I've ever been to and everyone was so nice!"
"I was given the respect and the choice to look out for myself, and I was also safe. Perfect balance."
"To be at NBTSC is a life changing experience. It sounds like a cliché but it's never been more genuine than in this case."
"I made and deepened friendships, and came home inspired to follow my interests more deeply than before."
"I'm writing to say again how thrilled l am with camp. You get together such a great group of wonderful, talented people. I'm really amazed at your ability to make it work so well.”
"NBTSC really gave me a better idea about what and who home/unschoolers are. There are so many different personalities here and they all bring something special to the camp."
"Every year it continues to amaze me how so many wonderful, accepting people there really are. I've made more lasting friends at camp than in the whole rest of my life put together."
"Most everyone seemed to accept everyone, put down their guard, and let themselves be free."
"Camp is the high point of my unschool year. Each time I make new friends, learn new things, and leave with a beautiful feeling."
"I loved the all-nighters, the freedom, the open acceptance…PERFECT!!!!"
"See, it's like this…you go to camp, your life changes. Drastically. It's that simple."
"I loved the dunes and all the camping out. I also loved the group circles and songs at every meeting. I loved the whole caring atmosphere. I felt so loved by people who barely knew me. When I was sick for 2 days people actually cared and brought me tissues and hugs."
"Not Back to School Camp has consistently and persistently demanded that I try new things and challenge the way I look at the world. I have come across so many amazing people with amazing talents, I think I have a new family of 120 people!"
"NBTSC was one of the most eye-opening, perspective-changing, intense, challenging, incredible weeks of my life. After coming home, I felt enriched and deepened, and inspired to make some more waves in my life. I run out of words to capture the essence properly. Anyway, thank you. It truly changed my life.”
"Like last year, I came home totally inspired. 1 feel like the days are not long enough for all the things I want to learn/study now. 1 feel like I can change the world. I know I can change the world. 120 campers and advisors felt the same way that week, I think, and many of them have carried that feeling home. It was worth every bit of money and time, I love camp. I highly recommend it, especially to those who are wondering if they're doing the right thing and to those who feel apathetic and unenthusiastic about learning, life, whatever. There is a joy in life at camp. A warning however: you can't get much out of camp if you don't put much in. The more you participate in things, try talking to new people, and explore, the better time you will have. And personally, I find that by the end of camp, what energy I put into being there has come back, multiplied, a hundredfold.”
"This camp totally changed my life. I feel confident and proud to walk the path I chose.”
"This camp was by far the best thing that ever happened to me."
"Before I came to camp everybody was telling me how wonderful and life changing NBTSC was. I thought, 'C'mon! How amazing can 'a camp' be?' But NBTSC is not just a camp. It is a home. A wonderful place to grow and learn.”
"Never before has a camp had such an effect on me as this one. I was so at peace with myself and others, it was incredible. I never wanted to leave."
"It was just what I needed: people to surround me--all with different experiences--who followed their hearts. It was one big affirmation. The first night at Camp Myrtlewood I cried out of bliss. It was the first talent show and I was so inspired….The last time I was so intensely happy was just after my younger sister was born (she's 6 now)!"
"Camp has to be the most positive, open, caring, and completely amazing environment anywhere. This has been the best week ever. Thank you!”
"Camp is amazing--it was the best week of my life.”
"I am very sad to be leaving, but now that I am inspired, I can go home and put to use some of the great ideas I got here. I can hardly wait till next year.”
"Camp is one of my best experiences ever. It's a highlight of my year and my education. It's splufty!”