When we dropped our son off for college this year, we were thrilled to learn that one of his new roommates had also gone to summer camp. As his mother and I shared similar stories about our children at camp, our conversation quickly turned to why we originally sent them. It didn’t take long for us to realize that, sure, camp gave them unforgettable memories, but it also gave them something else: the soft skills that have quietly shaped them into thoughtful, adaptable, and genuinely great college roommates.
Here’s what we saw:
- They already knew how to share a space
- They didn’t avoid conflict—they knew how to handle it.
- They were independent but still considerate
- They were comfortable living with someone different
- They knew how to be a teammate and a friend
Camp Twin Creeks gave our son many things—adventure, independence, confidence. But one of the most underrated gifts it gave him was the ability to live well with others.
Those soft skills, communication, respect, flexibility, and empathy, are often harder to teach than algebra or essay writing. But they’re exactly what make a good college roommate and more importantly, a good citizen of the world.
-Amy
