A Massanetta Story: Somewhere Along The Way

Jennifer’s family has come to Massanetta Springs for generations. No matter the decade or the reason for coming, they’ve known Massanetta to be a safe and supportive place for growth.

That’s one of the reasons she was excited to sign up her son, E, for his first Netta Day Camp experience back in 2023.

Now, reflecting on four summers at NDC, Jennifer is grateful to have been able to “watch him transform. It’s been a place where he has gotten to know his whole self.” He became a better swimmer, nurtured a love for canoeing, and spent time exploring nature. Camp songs and group dances called “Energizers” carried over into life “off-campus.” But some of the most important ways E was growing were less tangible.

From the beginning, the NDC staff showed E the kind of hospitality that is at the heart of Massanetta. “Do you know how wonderful it is to drop your child off for a program and to hear the counselors shout out, ‘There’s E. We love E!’” Whether it was the enthusiastic welcome he received or the way counselors made celebrating his birthday at camp special, E knew he was seen, known, and loved.

And somewhere along the way, E began sharing that same gift with others. This summer, Jennifer noticed how intentionally he helped other campers feel welcome. The hospitality that had helped him find his own place at Massanetta he now offered to others.

Jennifer could see that same growth in E’s confidence. One example came through those Energizers. “When he first started coming to camp, he wasn’t so sure about them.” Over the years, she watched him become more comfortable and join in enthusiastically. Then, during his last camp closing this summer, E stood in front of the family members gathered to celebrate the week and led both an Energizer and a prayer.

At first glance, that might seem like something small. But to Jennifer, it was anything but. “That’s something it was hard to imagine him doing years ago.” The welcome and encouragement E experienced at NDC had helped him become more confident and comfortable in his own skin.

“If the essence of the gospel is love, that is really what comes through at Netta Day Camp. Love and hospitality are gifts that Massanetta both gives and teaches the campers to give others.”

For generations, Jennifer’s family has known Massanetta as a place where they are supported as they grow. Now the youngest generation claims it as his place, too. E came to Netta Day Camp and found a community ready to welcome, encourage, and love him as he grew in mind, body, and soul. Along the way, he learned how to offer that same welcome to others.