Camp Weddings: A Primer
Sara and Jon Deren’s S’mores Wedding Favors
I’m just about the only Jew I know who never attended summer camp, but for those of my friends who did go away to camp, they look back on the experience with great fondness. Thoughts of color war, bond fires, afternoon cookies and milk, and songs like Im Tirtzu bring back of flood of memories for them. It’s no wonder that so many former campers and couples who met at camp choose to hold their weddings at a location that holds such dear memories for them. It’s the nostalgia associated with the summer camp experience that I attribute the growing popularity of camp weddings.
If you are considering a camp wedding, here’s what you should know:
Camp weddings vs. other destination weddings: “A wedding at a camp offers a unique set of benefits that traditional venues don’t normally afford,” explains Deb Williams of Retreat Central. Camps tend to be casual and less expensive than hotel destination weddings. They also hold memories for couples, especially those who actually met at the camp. Specifically for the Jewish wedding, most Jewish camps have outdoor sanctuaries, are spiritual places, and may already be kosher. Most of all, camps are a great way to bring people together. What makes us appealing to those seeking a comfortable wedding experience, may also be what detracts those couples who are looking for a more formal setting though. Camp accommodations and service amenities are generally less than typically expected at a hotel, but as long as you manage expectations you can create lasting memories in this special setting.”
Amy Abrams and Ronen Glimer met as youngsters at Camp Ramah and were married at Isabella Friedman Jewish Retreat Center 15 years later
Consider the weather: Just like any outdoor wedding, you’ll want to have a back up plan just in case it rains, whether it be a tent, or an alternative indoor location. One of the biggest attractions of having a camp wedding is that guests can partake in all the outdoor activities. If it rains, it can really put a damper on the experience. Lauren Young was married at Camp Kweebec in Schwenksville, Pa. When she told her rabbi she was getting married at camp, he said: “What? You better pray it doesn’t rain.” Her response: “Rabbi, that’s your job, so start praying!” (Lucky for Lauren–it didn’t rain!)
Dress for the occasion: Keep in mind that camps can be grassy, muddy, and sandy. Be sure to instruct your guests to pack appropriately and leave the stilettos at home. Lauren got creative with her own wedding attire and wore comfy camp friendly Jack Purcell sneakers along with her wedding dress.
Lauren Young and Jon Gordon’s basketball court horah
Take advantage of camp activities: The great thing about camps are all of the activities offered–from campfires, to swimming, to canoeing, and sing alongs. “During the actual ceremony, we sang “You’ve Got a Friend,” which is the ultimate camp song, and everyone sang along,” Lauren remembered fondly. Camps by nature are kid friendly, so if you’re inviting lots of kids they should have a blast. Jon Deren is not only owner of Camp Manitou in Maine, but he and his wife were married there too. His advice is to “focus on the uniqueness of a camp wedding. Guests will remember the s’mores and sunsets, not the formal flower arrangements. Be prepared for the unexpected and embrace it as part of the experience. ”
Provide alternative accommodations: While the kids and younger folk might be thrilled at the idea of sleeping in bunk beds, it might not be as practical or appealing for older guests or those who are higher maintenance. If there are hotel accommodations nearby, you might consider booking a few rooms to accommodate these other guests. Amy Abrams, who got married at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center says “The only thing I would have done differently would have been to encourage some of the guests to stay at a B & B nearby instead of the camp since they were not thrilled with the accommodations (shared showers!)” Lauren did exactly that. “I had buses bring guests back and forth to camp from the hotel, but my camp friends spent the night at camp,” she said.
Sara and Jon’s Lakeside Ceremony
Hold your wedding at a camp that is equipped for weddings: While the thought of getting married at the camp you attended as a child might sound appealing, not all camps are equipped for weddings. There are a lot of logistics involved in a camp wedding so it’s therefore best to hold your wedding at a camp that has the facilities and know how to host a big event. Jessica Coleman of Coleman Family Camps recommends asking the following questions: Are there places where the water may be turned off seasonally? Is the camp’s kitchen still open, or will a caterer need to bring in a mobile kitchen? What will the weather be like during the event — does this area get hurricanes, tornadoes, heavy rains, early (or late) blizzards, etc? Can the camp’s electric system support additional heaters? If the electricity goes out, will generators be required for lights/cooking, etc? Does the camp have access to them?
Know the logistics or hire someone who does: This goes back to the previous point. If the camp does not provide a point person for logistics, you might consider hiring one for the occasion. Just about every bride I spoke with recommended hiring a professional to help you. “I wish I used a wedding planner because it was hard to keep track of all the little details on the day of the actual event,” Lauren explains, “The day unfolded in different locations, so that made it more difficult for me to manage: the ketubah signing was in the owner’s cabin, the ceremony was in the camp gazebo, the cocktail hour was on the Mansion House porch, the meal ended up being eaten inside the dining halls because it was a chilly day, and then we had dancing on the basketball court.”
Lauren and Jon’s wedding guests enjoy a meal in the canteen
One of the biggest benefits of holding a camp wedding is the amount of quality time you get to spend with guests. “Brides and grooms who have gone to camp especially love the connection!” exclaims Marla Coleman, of Coleman Family Camps. “And so do guests! Even those who haven’t been to camp get a very instant appreciation. There is an indescribable atmosphere at camp, unlike any other event space. Being at camp just recalls feelings of being connected.”
Resources:
Foundation for Jewish Camp
American Camp Association
3 comments
Thanks for posting this article. The Summer Camp idea is really great for those who can reconnect their childhood years. Who can imagine one can return to your favorite camp for another important chapter of one’s life? Great information!
Thank you so much for posting this! I’m just getting started helping my sister plan her spring 2010 camp wedding–this is such a wonderful resource!
Thanks so much! My fiance and I met at camp and are planning our summer 2011 wedding at our summer camp! Its great to know that I’m not that nuts for having it at camp!
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