Jessica Garard wasn’t worried about whether she’d like the food at Camp Colton. She didn’t feel anxious about spending time in the wilderness or crawling on her hands and knees through the lava tubes. At age 12, she wasn’t afraid of much of anything – except what it would be like to spend four days and three nights bunking with girls she didn’t know.
“It was nerve-wracking to stay with new kids,” said the Flagstaff native, who attended camp in the mid-90s. “As a sixth grader, I was afraid and anxious and excited about that. It’s funny because I really wasn’t worried about anything else going to camp even though so many of the experiences were brand new.”
Jess’ worries resolved right away – she settled in quickly and made many new friends. In fact, her favorite memories of Camp Colton revolve around those friendships.
“It was so fun to sleep in the bunks with girls from another school,” said Jess. “Being away from home and having a little bit of freedom was such a novelty.”
Hers truly was a storybook perfect camp experience.
“I still remember the songs we sang every night,” she said. “I loved eating in the big mess hall and being with everyone for s’mores night. There wasn’t anything I didn’t love!”
Beyond the social experiences, Jess gained a new appreciation for the outdoors.
“It’s been decades, but I have vivid memories of our astronomy experience. It was also so cool to put on a headlamp and crawl in the dark, cold underground through the lava tubes,” she said.
Her family wasn’t “outdoorsy” growing up, but Camp Colton marked the start of a lifelong love of nature.
“I couldn’t believe I had all of these opportunities right outside my door,” said Jess. “I had lived in Flagstaff my whole life, but Camp Colton helped me discover it all for the first time.”
Today, Jess owns a real estate brokerage in Flagstaff and spends her free time running trails in the San Francisco Peaks. She makes sure her second-grade son, Ari, gets plenty of time outdoors, too. She looks forward to the day he goes to Camp Colton.
Her advice for Ari and other future campers?
“Keep an open mind. Don’t be afraid to try to new things or talk to someone new. Most of all, you’re going to have the time of your life!”
What’s your favorite Camp Colton memory? We want to hear your stories and see your photos!
