Celebrating Another Successful Camp Massasoit Season

By: Damon Markiewicz

The Springfield College campus community celebrated 90 years of Camp Massasoit at East Campus this past summer. The leadership at East Campus remains as strong as ever as Executive Director of the East Campus Outdoor Learning Center Ben Taylor '99, G'16, and Director of Operations Angela Veatch, G'07, are proud to carry on the tradition of providing strong guidance that keeps East Campus and Camp Massasoit flourishing.

Four eight summer weeks, Taylor and Veatch once again witnessed continued learning and growth that takes place for both the campers and camp counselors leading the kids.

“We understand how fortunate we are to be able to witness the growth in our campers and camp counselors, even when they may not always realize the growth is happening,” explained Veatch. “There is nothing easy about running a successful summer camp, and the energy everyone needs to bring on a daily basis is what leads to a successful camp. The connected learning that takes place between the campers and the college students working the camp is what helps make the camp special. The college students can really apply what they have learned during their academic journey.”

As Camp Massasoit continues its long-standing tradition of providing first-class educational experiences for everyone involved, honoring all of the previous camp leaders who have helped impact Camp Massasoit and East Campus has always remained important to Taylor and Veatch. As part of Camp Massasoit this year, paying homage to the former camp directors was a priority, as was making sure there were activities during the camp sessions that recognized the camp’s strong history. 

“We always want to make sure we are honoring and staying true to the traditions,” explained Taylor. “Establishing those relationships with the previous camp leaders is always important. Staying true to the foundation and core values of Camp Massasoit and East Campus is always important. We feel the core values of Camp Massasoit are as true today as they were 90 years ago.” 

Camp Massasoit at Springfield College East Campus continues to be a staple program for summer outdoor learning for youth. The evolution of Camp Massasoit has only added to the development of skillsets and fun-filled activities with educational themes for all attendees.

“You always want to meet the needs of the current generation, and I think that’s a common thread with all of the former camp leaders,” explained Veatch. “Technology has evolved during our time leading camp, but we always want to stress the value of being where your feet are and embracing the environment.” 

Taylor and Veatch have been leading Camp Massasoit and East Campus together for almost 20 years. There was a moment in time 15 years ago that especially helped Veatch learn and understand the traditions that help make Camp Massasoit and East Campus special.

“When we hit our 75th anniversary for Camp Massasoit, that was a big milestone in the sense that we really started to find out even more about the Camp’s past,” explained Veatch. “Having come to Springfield College from the Midwest, I wanted to learn about the history of the College because the past does play such an important part in the successes of Camp Massasoit today.” 

Taylor went on to add, “The history of the leadership at East Campus and Camp Massasoit has shown that everyone has been involved for the same reasons. The goal is always to assist the campers and counselors with their growth, and show them how much they are capable of. We try and build up an awareness to show them that they can all can do challenging things and flourish in that environment. Veatch and I both know and appreciate that the success of camp is in direct correlation with the positive impact that the campers and counselors have on the camp.”

And moving forward, Taylor and Veatch are always making sure they are delivering the best camp experience possible, and they are always striving to find ways they can make the moments even better.

“We are always asking ourselves what worked well and what can we improve,” explained Veatch. “Ben and I are always willing to fill in the gaps wherever those are during camp. It can be being a lifeguard or working with a camper. There is a belief that we will never ask anyone to do something we aren’t willing to do ourselves. I think there is a deep respect for what each of us brings to the table and how that helps make a successful camp.”

Veatch went on to add, “We have high expectations, but we fully believe that our student-leaders can rise up to meet the expectations. Ben and I are going to provide a high level of support and feedback while empowering them to take that leadership role. We are always helping the student-leaders to grow from their mistakes because when the students are better, the camp is better.”

And when placing the bow on yet another successful Camp Massasoit season, there is always the frequently asked question by all, and that is, “What makes a successful camp?”

“A successful camp experience can be very subjective,” concluded Veatch. “Success is defined by the individual, and that’s the beauty of camp. For Ben and I, we feel that if campers and staff walk out of here with personal growth, that’s a success. Having a camper do something they think they couldn’t do. That’s a successful camp. Overall, being able to see an overall joy at camp, that is always a special feeling.”