Meet Liz Stevens of Camp Walden

Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Stevens.

Hi Liz, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a second-generation children’s summer-camp director. My father started Walden in 1959, and my parents ran camp through 2008. Scott and I came on board in 2006 to help out during the summers. And 20 years later…

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been plenty of challenges, some existential, e.g. the covid pandemic. It took us until early June in 2020 to decide that we would not open for that summer–the months leading up to our announcement wrung every emotion out of me! It was scary, but camp is thriving. The baseline mental health of campers and staff has taken a real hit–we have had to meet their needs with additional professionals on staff and alter our expectations somewhat when it comes to skills that we used to take for granted–like how to make friends and how to get along in a group. The society-wide addiction to technology makes it really hard for some children and young adults to disconnect from screens (Walden is screen-free) and that makes going to camp for several weeks less enticing–but all the more important!

We’ve been impressed with Camp Walden, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Walden’s strength lies in its longevity (67 years!), its loyal following, and its willingness to adapt programming and traditions for today’s kids and young counselors. We have an administrative staff who have been at camp in some capacity since I was a kid and that consistency and institutional knowledge in our activity areas has allowed the directors to focus more intently on the wellness of campers and staff–Are children acclimating and making friends? Are they participating in activities that stretch them as well as those they know they already enjoy? Did they arrive at camp struggling with anxiety or with a diagnosis of ADHD or other neurodivergence and if so, what extra supports are we providing? I’m most proud of our reputation for really knowing our families and seeking to provide that “unreasonable hospitality” that makes each camper and parent/guardian feel like they are a special part of our Walden neighborhood.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Do what feels right, even if it means angering or disappointing people–and taking a financial hit. Camp went through a difficult transition after my parents retired, but we committed to making the changes that we felt were necessary, when we could have buckled to external pressures. Did we lose families because of it? Yes, for a bit, but we built back a much stronger business and culture. Walden is what it is because we held tight to our vision and expectations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.campwaldenmi.com
• Instagram: camp_walden_mi
• Facebook: campwaldenmi
• Youtube: @campwalden49721