Across the Pond to Crane Lake

How summers at camp shaped Lillie Freeman’s confidence, leadership, and sense of belonging.

Mar. 18, 2026

Dear Crane Lake Community,

To start, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Lillie Freeman, I’m 19 years old, and this summer will be my third year at Crane Lake. When I’m not working at camp, I am a student at the University of Salford in Manchester, studying Film Production.

My journey started all the way across the pond in England, at a camp hiring fair that more than 50 camps attended. I started working at camp in 2024 as a general counsellor when I had just turned 18 years old. I returned to camp in 2025 as a Ropes specialist and will be returning to do the same role in 2026!

When I arrived at camp, the instant welcome I received from the staff, and the effort they made to ensure everyone settled into camp life, created a pleasant and lovely introduction to the camp bubble. In that moment, I knew that Crane Lake was going to make this the best summer yet.

During staff training, the returning and domestic staff were eager to show the new staff their favourite places around camp, share camp traditions, and explain what makes camp so special to them. This gave me a great insight into what the summer at camp would be like. Seeing how much camp meant to them made me appreciate its impact and significance even more, and it inspired me to hopefully pass that same passion on to others and return next year to do the same.

The moment I knew I wanted to return to Crane Lake, was at the end of the first session when it was time to part ways with my campers. Seeing how each of my campers (shoutout Olim ’29!) have grown in confidence, from the very first day of camp to the last is incredibly rewarding. Watching them achieve goals they never thought possible, and to witness how proud they were of what they had accomplished, was something really special. That is what makes me want to return each year to a place that has truly become my home away from home.

Crane Lake has a community unlike any other place. Everyone is welcoming, inclusive, fun, and energetic. This sense of inclusivity makes the magic of camp an even greater experience. The traditions that camp offers, bring the entire community together, which feels special to be a part of.

One community moment that really stood out to me, was at the end of Colour War when the winners were announced. No matter which team won, everyone was cheering for each other, people were simply happy just to be there. Looking back, being part of the Crane Lake community, is an honour and a privilege that I will always cherish and be proud of.

Throughout my time at camp, I have grown as an individual and become more confident and outgoing than I was when I first arrived. Being at camp gives you so many skills that you can’t learn anywhere else. It has a way of pushing you out of your comfort zone, and encouraging you to try new things you never thought you would.

Camp also creates a safe space for everyone to be the best version of themselves, which it did for me. Experiencing this all summer long, completely changed and shaped who I am today. Camp has helped me become more independent, passionate, determined, and most importantly more confident in being myself.

With gratitude,
Lillie Freeman

Lillie will return to camp for her third summer on staff as part of our Ropes Team. We can’t wait to welcome her, and our entire community, back for another unforgettable summer!