Summer Chants: Fun, Community & Spirit
At Fresh Air Fund camps, chanting brings energy and excitement, helping shy campers step out of their shells. Campers gather together to learn songs, cheers, or rhythmic call-and-response chants, often paired with stomping, clapping and fun dance moves! These chants foster unity, strengthen connections and build spirit across all our as camps compete to see who can cheer the loudest.
Chanting For the First Time
Fresh Air summer camps are all about trying new things. For many new campers, learning chants and cheers to shout and sing enthusiastically is an exciting experience that allows them to express themselves. It’s also a great way to build comradery and community.
Until attending Camp ABC, Lily had never chanted before, but she was very excited to try something new. “When we first got here. We did a lot of chants and that’s something I’ve never done before! It’s fun.”
“One of my favorite memories as a counselor was during an overnight when we all chanted together under the stars,” said Craig, 22, a camp counselor at Camp Mariah. “I love being involved with the campers and what they are participating in to make it fun for them.”
Chanting Together to Build Friendships
Chanting also breaks down barriers to making new friendships. By encouraging campers to join in as a group, it helps them move beyond their comfort zones and connect with others in a fun, supportive way. Some campers start off shy and quiet, but by the end of the summer, they’re often the ones chanting the loudest!
“Chanting at Hidden Valley is fun! We team up with our villages, which are the Wicopees, Iroquios, Wakandas and Wappingers, and before every meal we chant to see which village can be the loudest,” said Jasper, 9.
“I like when we chant in the morning when setting up for breakfast,” said Amayah, 13 . “It’s really fun!”
“I’m not the type of person to make a lot of friends, but my whole cabin gets along well together. Coming to camp I was really excited about having new experiences and making new friends, and I’ve just had an amazing time.”
