As summer comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to look back on everything that made Camp Twigs 2026 so special.
From June through August, nearly 300 children joined us across Camp Twigs Rau-Wood, Camp Twigs Sanders Ferry, Adventure Camp, and Mountain Bike Camp. Many campers came back for multiple weeks, turning summer camp into a regular part of their summer and giving them even more opportunities to explore, make friends, try new things, and build confidence.
And what a summer it was.
More Than Just a Week at Camp
Every week at Camp Twigs brings something a little different, but the goal is always the same: give kids a chance to step away from screens, spend time outside, try something new, and have an adventure with friends.
This summer was filled with creek days, campfires, paddling, hiking, biking, exploring, and plenty of moments that probably weren’t on anyone’s schedule.
That’s one of the things we love most about camp. You never quite know which moment will become a favorite memory.
Maybe it was making it across the creek. Maybe it was finally mastering a bike trail. Maybe it was sitting around the campfire with new friends. Or maybe it was simply laughing so hard that everyone forgot what they were supposed to be doing next.
Those are the moments that make summer camp special.
Nearly 300 Campers—and Plenty of Repeat Adventures
Nearly 300 children took part in Camp Twigs programs this summer, and many campers attended for several weeks.
For us, seeing familiar faces return week after week is one of the best parts of camp.
Coming back for another week means campers get to build on what they experienced before. They see friends again, become more comfortable with their surroundings, and often find themselves willing to try something they might not have attempted during their first week.
For some kids, that can mean going a little farther on a hike. Tackling a more challenging bike trail. Getting more comfortable on the water. Or simply becoming more confident in a new group.
The growth isn’t always obvious in the moment. But by the end of the summer, it’s fun to look back and see just how much can happen in a few weeks.
A Summer Full of Adventure
Our different Camp Twigs programs gave campers plenty of ways to get outside this summer.
At Camp Twigs Rau-Wood and Camp Twigs Sanders Ferry, campers spent their days exploring, playing, paddling, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors with their groups.
Adventure Camp took things a step further for campers looking for even more opportunities to explore and challenge themselves.
And at Mountain Bike Camp, campers spent their time developing their riding skills while experiencing the trails and learning what it means to take on a challenge one ride at a time.
While the activities may be different, they all share something important: campers are encouraged to participate, try, learn, and have fun.
The Camp Twigs 2026 Shirt Made Its Mark
We also have to give a special shout-out to this year’s Camp Twigs T-shirt.
The Camp Twigs 2026 edition shirt was clearly a hit. It showed up in photo after photo this summer, with campers proudly wearing their shirts during their adventures.
Looking back through the pictures, it’s hard not to notice just how many kids were wearing them.
That shirt has officially become part of the 2026 summer memories—and we’re pretty sure we’ll be seeing a few of those shirts around town long after camp is over.
Thank You to Our Camp Families
Of course, none of this happens without our camp families.
Thank you for trusting us with your children and allowing us to be part of your summer. We know choosing a summer camp is a big decision, and we don’t take that trust for granted.
Thank you for the early mornings, the packed bags, the water bottles, the sunscreen, the transportation, and all the other little things that make getting kids to camp possible.
And thank you for encouraging your kids to try something new.
And Thank You to Our Camp Staff
A summer like this also takes an incredible team.
To our counselors, instructors, leaders, and everyone who helped make Camp Twigs happen this summer: thank you.
You were the ones out there leading hikes, helping campers learn new skills, keeping everyone moving, answering a hundred questions a day, encouraging kids when something was challenging, and making sure there was always room for another adventure.
The memories campers take home are made possible by the people who show up every day ready to make camp a great experience.
Looking Back—and Looking Ahead
When we look back at Camp Twigs 2026, we don’t just see the numbers.
We see nearly 300 kids who spent part of their summer outside.
We see campers who came back for another week because they weren’t ready for the adventure to end.
We see muddy shoes, wet clothes, dusty bikes, tired campers, big smiles, new friendships, and plenty of stories to take home.
Most of all, we see a summer filled with experiences that can’t quite be captured in a schedule.
Thank you to every camper, family member, and staff member who helped make Camp Twigs 2026 one to remember.
Summer may be coming to an end, but the adventures don’t have to.
We’ll see you out there for the next one!
Carrie “Firefly” Howell
Leadership Academy TN, Owner
