I Think We’ll Be Friends for a Really Long Time
Friday, July 31st, 2026
KITCHEN circa 11:57pm—The hum of the walk-in refrigerator harmonizes with the choir of crickets. Counselors snack and commiserate while coloring in Camp certificates, designed by Wavy and Jahanara’s son Jordan Romney precisely 30 years ago in 1996. They are burning the midnight oil in order to be ready for tomorrow morning’s award ceremony, in which each camper will receive a hand-decorated award with details of their special achievements written into the provided spaces. It’s a practice that affirms every child who attends Winnarainbow with a customized piece of memorabilia.
The oasis of the artificial kitchen lights against the boundless darkness of the forest creates a strange, timeless quality, as if we’re living in some sort of terrarium. Camp can feel like an exhibit where things are routinely replaced, but never quite change. It’s amazing to think that these late-session midnight art sessions have been taking place right here for over 40 years. Looking around the kitchen, I don’t see a single counselor who wasn’t here as a child.
For staff members who are former campers, it’s easy to assume they had good experiences of Camp, or at least their nostalgia has convinced them as much. The more accurate and honest demographic is that of current campers. Earlier tonight I took a small sample of 5-star reviews from the toothbrushing crowd. As usual, these reviews are not censored or cherry-picked.
“5/5—As many stars as you can give,” said Ryan, 12. “It’s everything; it’s everyone. It’s the stilts, it’s the unicycles—even though that’s the one that injured me. I’m most definitely coming back next year.”
“4/5—My first year was the best, but this one is second best,” said August, 13. “I learned a bunch of new diablo tricks and I performed in the Cabernado for the first time. Most magical place ever.”
“4/5—I think my favorite thing was going to the lake when it was really hot,” said Zo, 10. “Also unicycles. The food’s really good and I like all the painted decorations and all the nature.”
“4.5/5—The first two days were hard adjusting to the heat and the chaos,” said Teen Staff Alexa. “Once I got acclimated I was like, ‘This is the best thing I’ve ever done ever.’ I definitely wanna come back. Would recommend.”
“5/5—Because, like, it’s so fun to live in a tipi, unicycle, be a clown, and everything else,” said Elliot, 7. “My favorite thing was hot cocoa. Camp is awesome and exciting.”
“4.75/5—My favorite thing was the hot cocoa line for sure,” said Mo, 8. “You get to talk to people and play games. Drama was fun too. It’s the longest I’ve been away from my brother except for before he was born. Do I miss him? Maybe. The best thing that happened this session was fire juggling.”
“4.7/5—The counselors are really supportive,” said Elénore, 12. “The make sure Camp is good for you. Whenever you’re feeling down they help you out. And something about being in tipis as opposed to cabins, you’re literally closer to the ground, but you also feel more connected to the earth, like you’re immersed in the world of Camp as a whole. Getting unified [see: qualified on unicycle] was super fun. Joaquin cheered me on the entire time. I met a lot of people in my tipi that I really like, and I think we’ll be friends for a really long time.”
Average rating: 4.6 stars
Stay hydrated,
—J. Payseno, Editor