Many campers spend multiple sessions with us each summer. Special days, themes, contests, and our rich traditions keep things fun and exciting for everyone!
Monday Opening Day
We kick things off with bracelets (kids LOVE collecting them), including a “new camper” green so everyone gets extra love right away. Campers get their T-shirt, take group photos, and jump into name games while waiting their turn. Then it’s Opening Ceremonies—where they meet our Nurse, Camp Mom, and leadership team. During lunch our Director hosts a sweet “Poppapalooza” Otter Pop welcome just for new campers.
Tuesday Founders Day
Tradition is important to us and that starts with how Uncle Max and Aunt Marion started Kennolyn back in 19146. Their granddaughter Pam Caldwell brings the story of Kennolyn’s to life and celebrates our 5+ year campers with a small gift. It’s a simple, meaningful moment that reminds kids they’re part of something bigger.
Wacky Wednesday
This is where things get delightfully ridiculous – we wear silly socks, wild hats, PJs, twin with a friend, mismatch our outfits—anything wacky goes. We start with a quick morning “Wacky Pageant,” and at lunchtime run fun Minute-to-Win-It games.
Friday Funday
We wrap the week with big energy. Expect skits, songs, and surprise moments tied to the weekly theme. Campers grades 2+ get “Free Choice” in the morning where they choose their own activities. Our staff have some extra fun planned for the younger campers. The afternoon is full of a big themed event finale to send everyone home happy (and tired).
Session 1 – Wizards & Magic
Session 2 – Wild West
Session 3 – Color Carnival
Session 4 – America!
Session 5 – Tropical Vacation
Session 6 – Olympics
Session 7 – Superheroes week 1 + Kennolyn’s Got Talent week 2
Session 8 – Under the Sea
Opening & Closing Circle
Each Day we gather together to start and finish the day in a beautiful grove of redwoods. Songs, skits, announcements recognizing a special kindness or amazing achievement build the sense of community and belonging. Campers learn a wide range of camp songs which they will share with you at home. Another great tradition of these gatherings are the Bus Cheers. All of our bus counselors will work with the campers on their bus to come up with a daily cheer. This is a highlight for many campers as they try to cheer louder and funnier than the other buses. We also love to sing on while on a hike or while hanging out in crafts. Singing creates community, helps us all relax, boosts confidence, improves mental alertness, and helps everyone just feel great!
Birthdays
Camp is a great place to celebrate a birthday! We celebrate campers on stage and give them a fun “Kennochaun” birthday button. Then their group is treated to icy cold otter pops at the end of lunch.
Kennolyn Lore & Magic Trees
Since 1946 many stories and traditions have grown. Campers love to visit the Wishing Tree or Big Tree along the miles of trails here. Perhaps they’ll spy a Kennochaun (our version of Lepruchauns) along a hike…or at least find one of their hats they often leave on the ground. Sometimes the zany cry of the Wishy Waher Washerwoman can be heard echoing among the redwoods. Old stories remain and new ones are waiting to be told.