That’s a Wrap on Camp Loyaltown’s 2025 Summer Season
Camp Loyaltown’s 2025 camp season came to a close on September 7th, as the last campers waved goodbye and international counselors headed to airports – ending another amazing summer. From pool days to talent shows, sidewalk chalk, alpacas (and their friends!), late night campfires, and so much more, this season was full of memories and connections that will last a lifetime.
“This is my first summer here at Camp Loyaltown and I love doing the activities here and I’m really enjoying this summer here,” said Sarah Cosner, as she made a Minnie Mouse craft at the Arts & Crafts station with her friend Eric Natsil during Session 6A. “Arts and crafts is my favorite activity.”
Campers felt empowered to pursue new activities, while enjoying established interests they can look forward to every year. To get fresh ideas, campers volunteered in workshops to share what they’d like to see at camp. The outcome was tangible results, such as a new camp baseball team.
What also stuck out to Yesika Richards, Program Coordinator at Camp Loyaltown, was just how well the team worked with each other, as well as the bonds they created with campers.
“My favorite memory is seeing campers perform on stage during talent show nights,” Yesika said, adding that creative activities, including fashion shows where campers and counselors made their own costumes, resulted in many opportunities for everyone to collaborate and share their creativity.
Few things capture the spirit of Camp Loyaltown like the reunion between returning campers and returning counselors. One of those bonds is between camper Tommy Spitaleri and Unit Head Dirang Stephens Mataboge, a friendship that continues all year long.
“When I see Tommy, he just melts my heart,” said Dirang. “I named my son after Tommy. I get goosebumps to see him.”
Francine Spitaleri said that tears of joy rolled down her face when Dirang shared that he was going to name his son Tommy. Francine and Tommy’s father, Steve Spitaleri, expressed gratitude for Dirang and the patience and compassion he provides to Tommy at camp and all year long.
“Dirang and Tommy FaceTime when camp isn’t in session and it’s beautiful to hear their conversations,” Francine said. “He has raised the standard for what it means to support adults like Tommy, and I will forever be grateful for the love and light he’s brought into our world.”
Tommy and Dirang’s bond are just one of many connections formed at camp that keeps campers and staff coming back.
Soon, when registration starts, families will have the opportunity to prepare for Camp Loyaltown Summer 2026, which will be here before we know it! For now, we hope everyone had a great summer and enjoys the upcoming fall season as the leaves change colors, the air becomes cooler, and the summer sun sets at Camp Loyaltown.