Register Today

Sydney Freeman is often the first person people meet when they arrive at Miniwanca and the first voice they hear on the phone. As Office Manager, Freeman knows her role is equal parts organization and ambassadorship as she helps families discover Miniwanca and reacquaints alumni with such a fundamental part of their childhoods.

Freeman herself grew up at Miniwanca, as a camper and seasonal and Community and School Programs staff member before returning in a full-time role. Here, she shares some of her favorite camp memories, the best parts of her job, and why she still scream-sings Selena Gomez in the Eating Lodge.

What was your first camp experience like?

“My first summer as a camper I was extremely homesick for the first week. One of my older cabinmates told me even though it’s hard to be away from home, I’d probably be campsick when I returned and wish I could go back to Miniwanca. She encouraged me enjoy camp while I was there. That really stuck with me and taught me to be present and try new things. I used that advice for other younger campers as I grew up, and again when I was a cabin leader and summer camp coordinator talking to my own homesick campers.”

How did joining the seasonal staff change your perspective of camp?

“My first week of staff training felt like reading a magic cookbook that held all the recipes for every flavor of secret sauce that goes into Miniwanca. I learned so many tips and tricks for youth empowerment, plus new ways to keep things running smoothly each year. I loved getting to pass on the positive community that helped me grow so much as a camper.”

How did working CSP continue that perspective shift?

“I got to see how the AYF mission can be shifted and molded to fit the needs of different groups during the CSP season. This way it can be accessible to anyone who need some empowerment and to be their own best self.”

Miniwanca has lots of big and small traditions. What are some of your favorite ones?

“End-of-meal dance parties in West Camp are up there for me. As a kid, I heard so many of my favorite songs for the first time because we danced to them in the Eating Lodge. My Voyageur group started the tradition of screaming “Who Says” by Selena Gomez, and I loved joining in 13 years later with the same amount of energy. I also love the tradition of flash mobs because they just bring another type of shared language and identity for each summer, and it’s always welcomed and encouraged to learn the ones you missed.”

Miniwanca is a large campus with lots of beautiful natural scenery. What is one of your favorite places at camp?

“There’s not much that can beat a view of Lake Michigan, especially from one of the outlooks or decks along the ridge behind 10, 20, and 30 Bay. Marie Shaver Music Center and Duneview are favorites for Something Sacred morning reflections. When working CSP, I also learned about the hike to Darer Dune from Upper D Bay. It’s a beautiful hike to an incredible view of the area surrounding Miniwanca, and it’s extra special in the fall.”

How did Miniwanca shape your perspective as an adult?

“The idea of best self really impacted me as a kid and helped me feel more open and able to be myself at camp and back home. It was always a place to reset and reconnect with who I am and want to be, and over the years I’ve gotten better at taking that out into the world with me. I also love the idea of positive community and have tried to take that to my communities outside of camp as well. Treating people with kindness, assuming good intentions, and being an attentive and flexible leader are skills I learned here that I’m constantly practicing as an adult.”

Why did you want to join the full-time team?

“When the opportunity to reenter the world of Miniwanca came up, I was excited to be able to rejoin this community of positivity and growth. The team of people I work with grows and shrinks throughout the seasons, and at every size, it’s full of positive and supportive people who are here to create amazing experiences for kids. I love having work that changes with the season. As much as I love the hustle and bustle of the summer, I’m really looking forward to my first winter staying cozy in the office with our small team, planning and getting excited about all the people who’ll join us gradually as the weather warms.”

What is one of your favorite parts of your job?

“I really love greeting people as they come through the Mills Office doors! Sometimes alumni visit, talk about their experiences at camp, and walk around to reminisce. First-time visitors just stopping in to hear about what we do are also fun. We even have regulars who come to walk the grounds every week or so in the off season.

“During the summer, I got to take several groups of both alumni and first-time visitors on tours around camp. It was so great getting to get outside and enjoy the summer weather and hear stories about Miniwanca through the years.”

A lot of people don’t realize how much work goes into Miniwanca behind the scenes. What element of your job might surprise people?

“We are extremely diligent when it comes to staff hiring. Assistant Camp Director Brianna Moynihan and I run two to three separate background checks for each staff member, including volunteers. We also spend a lot of time making sure all paperwork is signed and sent to the right people, so all 100-plus summer staff members get paid!”

You speak to lots of camp families throughout the year. What are some of your favorite interactions?

“I love answering questions about what a typical day is like at camp and help people know what to expect and learn about our amazing programs. I also love helping solve problems complete the puzzle that gets each camper and staff member to the dunes each summer.”

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“One of my previous coworkers and supervisors at Miniwanca was known for saying, ‘Don’t get comfortable!’ She didn’t mean we shouldn’t feel comfortable and content in our work – we knew we were valued and supported. The message was about being flexible and open to change and new ideas. It was quick and silly version of a favorite camp quote from one of the founders: ‘It is a mark of leadership to adjust.’

“Since working with her, I’ve valued being flexible and adaptable to what is needed in the moment, whether it’s adjusting my facilitation plan to meet the needs of the group or being open to new ways of doing things.”