Thanksgiving continues to be one of our favorite American holidays on the calendar. To us, it’s a beautiful time where families get to spend quality time with loved ones, share positive messages and create wonderful memories.
Everywhere we look there is a feeling of love and happiness shared by families and strangers alike. Although it’s the IHC off-season and we’re spread all over the world, it’s days like today that we feel how strong the connection is with all of you.
Some of the IHC Leadership team wanted to share some of the things about camp and the IHC community that we are most thankful for.
“Camp is all about relationships and the sense of belonging. I’m thankful that camp has been my home for over a decade. I literally owe it all to IHC. IHC gave me my husband, and subsequently my 4 beautiful children. I am beyond thankful that my own children will grow up experiencing camp in its purest form; as campers! Thank you IHC for continuing to make my life sparkle!”
— Lauren Rutkowski
“I am thankful for all of the people that have spent a summer at IHC creating special memories that travel with us always, for those that will create this life changing experience in the future and for providing me with the most cherished relationships in my life! One Camp One community One Family…Forever IHC.”
— Joel Rutkowski
“I’m thankful for the family it gave me”
— Shelley Tager
“I’m thankful for the incredible number of amazing people I’ve had the privilege of knowing through camp.”
— Dave Tager
“I am forever THANKFUL for everything camp has done for me both personally and professionally. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the power of camp and all the people who are a part of this amazing IHC community. I am thankful for the incredible parents for their belief in all us, the campers for their immeasurable courage and the staff for their commitment 24/7. Thank you all for helping keep the traditions alive and making lifelong memories every summer. Without you there wouldn’t be camp! I am thankful for the best full time team in camping who inspire me everyday and have become best friends! I am THANKFUL for this opportunity and promise never to take it for granted!”
— Matty Layman
“Four years ago my dream came true when I was offered a position to work full time for my favorite place in the world. For that, I will be forever grateful as I get to spend everyday doing what I love most. I am immensely thankful for the impact that this place has had on my life both as a camper and a staff member. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most inspiring people at a place that will forever be my happy place. Not sure there are words to really express how thankful I am for Camp IHC.”
— Dani Cohen
“Where do you start? Family, Friends, Relationships, Experiences, Opportunities, Challenges and Joy. I’m thankful for an opportunity to learn, to teach and to grow. I’m thankful to have a place that allows staff and campers to interact with each other. Like really talk, speak, feel awkward, feel great. I’m thankful for a safe place to be funny, be creative, to mentor and be the best version of me, even when I’m not. I’m thankful that we are able to do so much outside, in the woods, in the rain, in the sun, in the water on the fields, rain or shine, I’m thankful for the opportunity to be at IHC.”
— Mark Tjaden
“I am thankful for camp for being my home away from home. For being my family away from family. For allowing me to be my true self and giving me the opportunity to learn and grow but stay young at heart. I am thankful for camp for bringing people together from all over the world. Allowing each and everyone, camper and staff to create meaningful relationships and memories that will last a lifetime.”
— Suzi Tjaden
“This is actually the first time i’ve been in America for Thanksgiving so it’s a new experience for me altogether. I’m thankful to everyone who has played such an important part during my time here in the US, especially at IHC. I was immediately welcomed with warmth and I love working with a team who are always willing to go the extra distance to help each other. It’s inspiring! I’m thankful for getting to experience the summer at IHC and look forward to the ones ahead. It’s been an adventure, thank you IHC.”
— Liam Macleod
“I am so thankful that I am part of the Camp IHC family. Not only am I grateful to work for a company that gives me flexibility to spend time with my family, I also have the opportunity to send my children to a magical summer camp.
When I came to work here 10 years ago I had no idea what an impact it would have on my life. Camp IHC has given me so many wonderful opportunities and introduced me to many of my closet friends. I am proud to be Camp IHC.”
— Katie Waldrep
“I am so thankful for the incredible relationships built between campers and staff!! For the funny memories made at general swim and along the bunkline, thankful for girlside waterfights! Also thankful for Spagoli and grilled cheese sambos!”
— Leanne Kirk
“I am thankful for the support and guidance I have received over the years from my IHC family to grow and become better.
I am thankful for all my camp friendships, I am lucky to say I have friends all over the world now.
I am thankful for the teachings of camp, you are never too old or young to learn and enjoy camp and I call this my second home.
… I am also thankful for Butchie Cookies”
— Colleen McHugh
“I’m thankful for 3 things:
- Camps settings- not the facility because anyone could build them anywhere. I’m thankful for the setting. Swimming in the lake, getting lost in the woods, sunsets over the lake. Also the weather, I see camp in snow, rain and glorious sunshine.
2. Our Culture — I’m thankful that I work for a company and with people that have the same values as me. We are looking to do the right thing ever time. We work hard and go above and beyond in everything we do.
3. The Operations Director — I’ve met the most amazing inspiring people at camp, but one of those people I get to hang out with every day and I’m super thankful I meet her at camp. If that sounds corny, I can change it to Terry Brock because I love his double cheeseburgers nearly as much.”
— John Gray
“I am thankful for the family. Camp has truly been a big part of my life for over a decade. They have helped me grow, supported me through tough times and brought countless memories full of laughter.”
— Joey Baez
From the entire Leadership team, thank you for being a part of the IHC community. Have a beautiful day and make memories that will last forever.
