Have you ever been in an environment where laughter bounces off the walls as students gather for activities, conversations spark, and new friendships form?
This is how iCamp feels for the campers. Every conversation is filled with fun and creative energy. Every iCamper feels like they’ve known each other for years. During instructional time, dining hall meals, or relatable late-night conversations during game time or in their dorms, friendships have formed everywhere.
However, it wasn’t like this in the beginning.
Participating in iCamp seems very exciting in the very beginning, but most iCampers tend to be nervous due to the fact that they may not know anyone. When surrounded by new faces they’ve never met before, it can feel uncomfortable at first. But one of the biggest trends at iCamp is how students are pushing themselves outside of their comfort zone by creating new friendships and experiences.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Generation Z has had many interactions happen through phone and computer screens. iCamp creates a new fun experience that encourages students to have face-to-face interactions with other campers from different areas, schools, neighborhoods, and backgrounds.
It shows them how to build bonds through communication and collaboration. Simple warm welcomes turn into meaningful connections. Many campers have bonded in their tracks as well, such as gaming, digital journalism, podcasting, film, and other subjects. One camper discussed how she has made connections by making her podcast about her childhood friends, which has encouraged others to be vulnerable.
First-year iCamper Nihanna Lewis has spoken about her experience in meeting her closest friends thus far.
Many campers feel nervous but the feeling disappears over time. Through friendly interactions, warm smiles, nice roommates, and encouragement between each other, these experiences allow campers to learn and discover shared interests.
The most unique part about iCamp is having a roommate. For some students, it’s their first time sharing a living space with someone they are unfamiliar with. While that may seem awkward in the beginning, many campers say their roommates have become some of their closest friends during the program.
“She was someone easy to talk to, she didn’t make things awkward or uncomfortable. It felt like talking to someone I already knew,” Lewis said.
The friendships formed at iCamp don’t just happen during planned activities. They begin during lunch, waiting sessions, small groups, or random conversations in the dorms. A simple statement like, “Can I sit here” leads to hours of conversation and friendships that can last beyond your iCamp experience.
Isabella Fuentes said her experience in smaller groups has made it easier to forge friendships. “Being in smaller groups helped me because I don’t feel as judged as I would in a larger group,” Fuentes said.
iCamp is more than a media and technology program. It’s about learning to discover other people’s personalities. Learning to know someone for who they truly are and accepting that. The connections formed here have potential to last beyond iCamp. Sometimes all it takes is one conversation with a stranger to turn camp into a place that feels like home.
