A Little Rain Couldn’t Stop Opening Day

Summer 2026 is officially underway at Camp Manitowa—and our first day back gave us just about everything.

Campers arrived in Benton on Sunday to gorgeous weather, big energy, and a full day designed to help everyone settle back into the rhythm of camp life.

Throughout the afternoon, campers rotated around camp, took their swim tests, brushed up on camp dance moves that may have gotten a little rusty during the offseason, played Gaga, and spent time with members of our administrative and nursing teams.

Drop-off went off without a hitch, and from the moment campers began arriving, camp felt like home again.

“The energy today was overwhelmingly positive and joyful,” said Program Director Dylan Brown. “Every year I feel lucky, but we truly have the most incredible, enthusiastic, and all-around awesome group of campers and families. It made me so excited for the weeks ahead.”

As evening arrived, campers gathered for our opening campfire. With a musically talented group of staff leading the way, the plan was simple: sing loud, welcome everyone to Manitowa, and officially kick off the summer together.

Then, the weather had other plans.

Halfway through campfire, weather sirens sounded and campers and staff moved into designated storm shelters until the warning was lifted. Campers followed camp’s storm procedures, counselors kept spirits high with music and fun, and before long, the all-clear was given.

Everyone at Camp Manitowa remained safe throughout the weather event.

It may not have been exactly how we drew up our first campfire of Summer 2026—but flexibility, community, and keeping the vibes high are pretty Manitowa ways to handle a change in plans.

After dinner, campers were already filling out their activity sheets and looking ahead to their first full day of area activities.

This summer, families can also expect one large photo drop each evening around 9:00 PM, making it easier to enjoy the moments captured by our camp photographers throughout the day. Program Director Dylan Brown will continue checking in with camp families every few days with updates and stories from Benton.

Day one is in the books.

The campers are home. The music is playing. Summer 2026 has begun. ✌🏼🏕️💛