May 2026 Newsletter

Summer is almost here, and we are very excited about what’s ahead at Loon Lake.

Every June we set out to give a new group of young people one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. One of the great privileges of this work is watching campers grow — not just over weeks, but over years.

Setting a High Goal

When Stephen Summers first arrived as a wide-eyed 10-year-old just after the pandemic shutdowns lifted, the potential was there — but raw. Over the summers that followed, he did what Deer Crossing is designed for: he got comfortable being uncomfortable. He passed core canoe. He rolled kayaks and became a triangle windsurfer. He pushed through hard ascent trips. He learned to lead himself before trying to lead anyone else.

By the time he completed the LIT program last summer as one of our youngest graduates ever, the confidence, grit, social skills, and goal-setting clarity he’d built were unmistakable. We were not surprised when he pointed those qualities toward a major goal, and only somewhat surprised that the goal was K2.

Stephen is now a high school sophomore with a documented training plan to become the youngest person to summit K2 — the Savage Mountain, 28,251 feet, and by most accounts the most dangerous major peak on earth. His mission goes beyond the summit: he wants to show the next generation that adventure is for them, that the outdoors builds something no screen ever can. We think that message will resonate with anyone who’s spent a summer at Loon Lake. Follow his journey at stephensummits.co.

The Team this Summer

The staff who show up every summer are what make stories like Stephen’s possible. This year we’re proud to have a record number of experienced instructors returning — one of the strongest teams we’ve ever assembled.

Staff remember working long days with Jim or me — hearing that the work we do to build character matters — that it ripples forward in ways we can never imagine. Stephen’s expedition is just one example of the value of their sweat.

If you’re interested in joining us on staff for some or all of 2027, let’s talk.

Leadership Programs

I will be teaching our popular CIT program again this summer. Jim and I are looking forward to teaching another wait-listed LIT & WGIT program this summer. Those of us who went through LIT and have worked at camp find that each summer on staff extends and cements what we learned in the program. This year we’re welcoming LIT graduates Calvin, Logan, and Taylor to staff for the first time — joining returning LITs on staff Colleen, Anna, Simon, and me. It’s pretty great.

Summer 2026 — Space Still Available

Session 3 is full with a waiting list, but we have space in other sessions. If you know any young people who are ready for the kind of growth and adventure Deer Crossing offers, please send them our way — we’d love to meet them.

We also have a referral program if you’d like to make a formal introduction.

Alumni Network

We are committed to youth development beyond our summers in the mountains. Our staff and campers benefit from conversations with professionals in diverse fields. Our informal mentoring network grows in reach and importance each year — especially with rapid changes in the economy. If you would be willing to talk with one of our young people about your work or life experience, shoot me a quick email about your experience, and we’ll add you to the list.

It’s a privilege to do this work, and an even greater one to share it with this community. See you at the lake.