Decode the Lingo: Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Camp Slang
Camp Bubble 🫧
The environment of camp where outside world news and events seem distant; the feeling that camp is its own little world.
CIT 🧑
Counsellor-In-Training; typically, older campers learn leadership skills to become counsellors.
LIT 🎓
Leader-In-Training; similar to CIT, often the next step above CIT in leadership development.
Co 👯
Short for co-counsellor; your partner counsellor who shares responsibility for a cabin or group of campers.
Camp Goggles 🤓
The phenomenon where people seem more attractive at camp than they would in the real world.
Colour War 🎨
A major camp event where campers are divided into teams (often by colour). These teams then clash in a series of challenges, from thrilling relay races and competitive swims to fun, camp-style games. The team that displays the most hustle and teamwork throughout the challenges would be crowned the Colour War Champions.
Olympics/World Games 🏅
Similar to Colour War, a competition where cabins or units compete as different countries in a series of challenges.
GaGa Ball ⚽️
A variant of dodgeball, GaGa ball is played in an octagonal pit where players hit the ball with their hands to eliminate opponents.
Rest Hour 😴
Daily scheduled quiet time after lunch when campers and counsellors can relax in their cabins.
Tuck 🍬
A camp store where campers and counsellors can buy snacks and treats.
ETB 🌙
"Early To Bed" Designated nights when campers and occasionally staff must return to their cabins earlier than the regular schedule.
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Campfire 🔥
One of the best parts about camp, gathering around the fire for sing alongs, stories, and of course, s'mores.
Clean up 🧹
Daily cabin cleaning time when campers and counsellors tidy their bunk/cabin.
Free play 🤸
Unstructured time when campers can choose their own activities.
Evening program 💫
Organised evening activities like campfires, talent shows, or themed events.
Curfew 🤫
The time when campers must be back in their cabins for the night.
Bunk 🛏️
A 'bunk' bed or sometimes used to refer to the entire cabin.
Cabin 🏠
Living quarters for a group of campers and their counsellors. Cabins are the most common but it can depend on which camp type you go to. Other camps may have tents, yurts or tipis instead.
Staff Rec ☕
Recreation time for staff only, after campers are in bed.
Unit 🏘️
Group of cabins, usually organised by age group or program.
Flag pole 🚩
Central meeting spot for announcements, often where the camp gathers for morning and evening flag ceremonies.
Changeover 🔄
The period between sessions when one group of campers leaves and another arrives; often a busy cleaning and preparation time for staff.
Session ℹ️
The period of time campers stay at camp, typically ranging from one to eight weeks; camps may offer multiple sessions throughout the summer with different programming themes.
O.D (On Duty) 🚨
The staff member who serves as the primary responsible person during evening hours when campers are settling down and going to sleep.
And there you have it! Remember that every camp has its own unique traditions and lingo. If you hear something and you don't know what it means, ask the other counsellors—they'll be more than happy to fill you in. Most importantly, embrace the camp experience with an open mind. The lingo will become second nature before you know it!
