For many kids, summer camp is a place of discovery, independence, and lifelong friendships, and for Liz Stevens, Camp Walden in Michigan is all that and more—it’s home. Founded by her father in 1959, Camp Walden has been a part of Liz’s life since childhood, shaping not only her summers but her family’s legacy. Now, alongside her husband Scott, Liz carries forward the camp’s unique philosophy of giving children the autonomy to shape their own experience. Walden provides a vibrant and supportive community where kids unplug, explore, and grow. This summer, the camp is adding an exciting new low-tech gaming program, offering an engaging, screen-free way for campers to tap into their creativity and teamwork skills – video gaming IRL! Read on as Liz shares the heart behind Camp Walden, what makes it special, and why it continues to be a second home for so many families!
Hi Liz! Please introduce yourself. Where are you from originally? What city do you live in now? What brought you here?
Hi there! I was born in Detroit (yes, in the CITY!) and was nine years old when my family moved to Farmington Hills. My husband, Scott, grew up in Amarillo, Texas. We met in Fort Worth, where we still live and where we had both relocated as young adults—I was a reporter for the Star-Telegram, and he was working on his masters in social work. Scott then went to work writing federal grant proposals and overseeing those funds for the county.
I lived in Chicago for three years, during and after grad school. And I grew up going to camp with LOTS of kids from Chicago, many of whom are still my dearest friends! Two of our camp social workers live in the Chicago area, Stacey Reeser and Alison Chroman. Jessie Hearn, a wonderful North Shore family photographer whose daughters were campers, comes to camp the first week of each season to capture the faces, feelings and fun of Walden!
We have a 23-year-old son who lives and works in Austin, Texas. He grew up at camp in the summers and thrived on the social environment. His job requires a lot of cold-calling and making people feel comfortable, skills I think he honed at camp.
Camp Walden Owners and Directors, Liz and Scott Stevens
What are one or random things to know about you and Scott?
Scott is a voracious reader/writer and University of Texas fan who has just recently become obsessed with Wordle and Spelling Bee. Liz birdwatches and gets very excited about yellow-rumped warblers these days. We were both hoping to see the Lions in the Superbowl this year. Sorry!
Please introduce Camp Walden! How long has this camp been around? What programming makes this camp stand out?
Camp Walden is situated in beautiful Cheboygan, MI. It is my spiritual home, and it’s been a family home for the past 20 years. My dad founded the camp with a partner in 1959. They were committed to, and we still are, a philosophy that allows campers to create their own activity schedule. It gives children ownership over their experience and also, importantly, places the responsibility for that autonomy in their hands.
How long have you and Scott owned the camp?
I grew up at Walden—my first 22 birthdays were celebrated at camp! That streak ended when I had to stay in Chicago for the summer during my first year of graduate school. I loved summers in Chicago, but the separation from camp was rough. After pursuing our own careers for more than 15 years, Scott and I joined my parents as Walden directors in 2006. In the fall of 2008, my mom had a devastating accident that left her quadriplegic. My dad never took another call about camp after that, so Scott and I assumed the reins. He was very proud that we made a go of it and said so often. He passed away in 2016 and my mom—who still enjoyed visits to camp after her accident—in 2021. Their legacy informs how we run this business every day.
What a beautiful tradition and tribute you’ve had the honor of bestowing! Describe something you’re most proud of as it relates to Walden and your roles as owners/directors.
We really want Walden to be a place where children feel seen, heard and supported as they explore who they are and what strengths they possess. It’s not easy to figure out who you are as a kid these days—kids are presented with way more options in the 2020s than in the past, especially online. Social media makes it even more confusing and overwhelming. Walden provides a respite from that barrage. It also acts as a kind of empty stage for children, where they can develop their own character and tell their own stories.
Where do your campers come from?
People are always surprised to know that most Walden campers do not live in Michigan! The largest group is from Michigan, about 47 percent, but campers from Chicago and its suburbs make up our second largest contingent.
What are the most popular activities at this camp?
We ran an online contest during Covid, and tubing narrowly beat out basketball! But we offer more than 50 different activities, many of which campers have never been exposed to and sometimes discover a real passion for: horseback riding, fencing, comedy improv, dark-room photography. We’re adding a Low-Tech Gaming program this summer, for campers who enjoy the camaraderie, excitement and autonomy they get from video games. Our version will be screen-free, of course, and offer a creative and (physically) action-packed outlet.
Campers tend to rate food highly when they go to overnight camp. What are the most popular meals at this camp?
Meals are such a special time at camp, filled with songs, chants, and games. Everyone eats together in our Mess Hall, family-style. The big favorites? Grilled cheese and tomato soup! Burgers and pop! Cinnamon toast! We always offer a vegetarian alternative and cater to a lot of food allergies. We’ve been a “nut-free” camp for more than 20 years. Our kitchen staff cook most everything from scratch: lasagna, meatballs, pizza, burgers, soups, sauces, baked goods, etc. Over the past decade Walden has moved completely away from heat-and-serve entrees.
When first time campers arrive at Walden what can they expect?
New campers are greeted warmly by staff who escort them back to their cabins and start making introductions immediately! It’s important for staff to connect first-timers to other campers, as well as presenting themselves as confident, kind and fun leaders! I try to get around to ALL the new campers that first day and greet them personally.
You touched on this before… Tell us more about your brand-new program based on the idea of low-tech gaming.
We’ve been seeing an increased hesitancy on the part of parents of boys, especially, to send their kids to camp. That resistance comes from the kids themselves, too. Home is sooo comfy and familiar! Our response was to think about ways to interest children (mostly boys but also girls) who would otherwise spend those summer days indulging in their love of gaming, most likely playing video games.
We know these kids and their parents desire outlets for children’s imaginations and that kids enjoy the community of gamers. So, we thought, let’s bring the tangible and positive aspects of video games to camp through “old-fashioned, analog” game play, storytelling, and hands-on creativity. To that end, we’ve hired a former counselor who is an elementary-school teacher in suburban Detroit to create and lead a new program. He’s the same person who dreamt up our first Waldemon trading cards a decade ago.
The program will combine aspects of Pokémon, Dungeons & Dragons and live-action role playing. We’re super excited to see campers gaming screen-free this summer!
How unique! Is there anything else about Camp Walden you’d like us to know?
People often email us confused that they cannot find the registration link on our Website. That’s because it’s not there! We want to have a conversation with a parent and/or meet the camper directly during a Zoom presentation to make sure that Walden is what they are looking for and that we can meet their expectations.
It’s vital for parents to understand the character and philosophy of the camp they choose—not just that it has the activities their child likes. I think most parents want to send their children to camps that reflect the moral and ethical standards that they embrace themselves, but you’ve got to dig a little deeper in your camp search to assure that’s the case.
In that sense, Walden is probably not the right camp for certain families. For instance, we accept transgender and non-binary campers and have tried to move away from language and symbols that make those folks feel excluded. We fully embrace the reasons for, and initiatives on behalf of, diversity, equity, and inclusion at camp.
How do our readers learn more about Camp Walden in Michigan?
Our Website is a good place to start. Watch our video and read our online magazine. In all honesty, we have a love-hate relationship with social media; our posting is somewhat irregular! Overall, I think, Instagram and Facebook give viewers a good idea of how Walden feels when you’re there.
