Camp Warren Isn’t Just a Place We Go; It’s Who We Are

1985: The first-ever female campers

As remembered by Emilie Hitch

Camp Warren offers one session of girls' camp for the first time. “Not a lot of people were sending their precious girls to the woods. Those of us who took to it made the best of friends at camp. Those dads still had friends from when they were at camp and wanted that for us; it was a really incredible gift.”

1991: Where the song began

As told by Gayle “Buffy” Gradillas

It started with a simple invitation, “Would you be willing to lead Women’s Long Border?” A friend asked me, and I said yes. I didn’t know then that saying yes would lead to decades of friendships, cherished memories, and a family legacy that would stretch three generations.

That first trip wasn’t easy. The girls didn’t know me, and I wasn’t about to lead anyone into the wilderness without knowing they were ready. So, I tested them. I needed to see their strength and resilience, because the Long Border is no small feat. It was from that very trip, from those very girls, that the Women’s Long Border song was born. It’s been sung on every Long Border since.

As I worked to revamp the OCC (Out of Camp Camping) program, my own children were growing up at Warren. I became inventive with food donations; trail meals with Captain Crunch and Mrs. Richardson’s syrup were regular fare. I also instituted OCC Night to help all campers become familiar with the basics of trail camping. Camp became home. My daughter Devin eventually became a leader in her own right, culminating in her own journey as Women’s Long Border leader, co-director, and a keeper of camp’s spirit.

But nothing prepared me for the feeling that overcame me in 2023 when my granddaughter, Piper, paddled across Half Moon Lake for her own Long Border salute. A third-generation Long Border Warrior singing our song. It was as if all those memories had come full circle. This summer, her younger sister Abby will follow, singing that same song across the same lake, as we salute from the dock.

Time passes, traditions remain, and camp—beautiful, unforgettable Camp Warren—continues to be the thread that binds us all.

1994: The First Group of Women Senior Campers

As recalled by Emilie Hitch

“We were aware that this was a moment in history. In the first year of camp, we didn’t even use all of the cabins. Every year, the girls' camp grew, and we learned more of the traditions. These women set the tone that girls’ camp was just as rad, and we were just as accomplished as the boys were.”

2000: The first female executive director, serving until 2005

As shared by Cheri Keepers

“I felt really honored being a woman in that role. I had a lot of support, particularly from the men who had fought so hard to get their daughters to camp. Everyone was navigating change, but I felt warmly received, and when I matched their energy with competence and confidence, they were receptive.”

2005-14: One of first female campers, Meghan Cosgrove, becomes camp’s executive director

As described by Cheri Keepers

“Meghan has a fortitude about her that is so real. Meghan is almost perfectly cut out for being a camp director. Meghan was an insider, and Meghan has the core skills of excellence in leadership. It suited her, and everyone was excited when she was hired.” Meghan, whose grandfather Henry Albrecht attended Camp Warren in its opening summer in 1927, was a family camper as far back as 1982. Meghan became a girl camper in just the third girls’ session ever in 1987, continuing until ’95 (with her Long Border in 1994). Meghan served as summer staff 1996-2001, and later as executive director from 2005-14.”

2009: Coming home again

As told by Devin Knowles Hanson (camper 1991-92, staff 1997-2009)

“My Camp Warren story begins in 1991—not with me, but with my mother.

She was invited to lead a Long Border trip, and I was just along for the ride as a camper in Senior 6. I had no idea that summer would change everything. I still remember watching her paddle across Half Moon Lake with her group, singing a song they'd written about their journey. The pride in her voice, the connection between those women. It was unforgettable.

When her trip ended, we left, and I thought my time at camp was over. However, she received a call to return—this time as the OCC Director. That meant I could return, too. I’ll never forget walking into the dining hall, only to be greeted by the entire Senior section singing my name. In that moment, I knew: this was home.

Then in1997, I joined the staff, making $20 a day washing dishes and lifeguarding, and I loved every second. Camp taught me responsibility, leadership, and the power of service. I went on to earn my degree in recreation management and eventually became the program director, working side by side with one of my closest friends, Meghan Cosgrove. Together, we helped make camp better.

When my daughter Piper was born, she spent her first summer (2009) at Warren as a baby, traveling everywhere in her backpack. I finished my time as a staff member after that summer. Later, both Piper and my other daughter Abby became campers, and I watched, heart full, as they fell in love with camp just as I had.

This summer (2025) is Piper’s last as a camper, completing the CIT program and preparing to join the staff. Abby is on her own Long Border journey. As she crosses Half Moon Lake singing the same song her Nana’s group created in 1991, I will be on the dock with my mom and Piper—cheering, crying, bursting with pride.

Camp Warren isn’t just a place we go. It’s who we are.”

2021: Jeanna Nesbitt becomes executive director

As shared by Jeanna Nesbitt (camper 2003-10, staff 2011-16, executive director, 2021-present)

“While our girls share many commonalities in terms of life experiences and interests, I'm most amazed by how girls' camp showcases the full spectrum of girlhood. Yes, many girls love singing, dancing, and makeup...but every session, we also meet young archers, athletes, writers, jugglers, problem-solvers, connectors, creatives, and leaders. Putting girls in a box has never made sense here.

My girls’ camp friends taught me more than just how to apply mascara and nail polish with my left hand; they taught me the importance of unwavering friendship and the power of a team of women.

One of the best things about being a Warren woman is having met so many incredible role models! I remember my female counselors, trail guides, instructors, and directors fondly. I have the opportunity to meet many incredible alumni and volunteers on a regular basis. I know many inspiring, powerful women because of this place.

I hope that our young women continue to learn the importance of supporting and uplifting one another in difficult moments. Women can achieve amazing things, and even more amazing things working together!”

2023: A family’s third generation sets sail

As related by Piper Hanson

“This summer marks my 10th year at Camp Warren. Ten summers of sailing, singing, laughing, and learning. This summer, I will participate in the CIT program and prepare to become a counselor. 

In 2024, I had an amazing time on 50/50. We sailed through the Apostle Islands for five days, surrounded by Lake Superior’s beautiful waters. I learned more about sailing, nature, and enjoyed the beautiful waters of Lake Superior.

My mom and my Nana both went to Warren. They were Long Border warriors. They built the traditions that I get to live today. In 2023, I joined them, becoming the third generation in our family to cross Half Moon Lake on a Long Border trip. The smiles, tears, and cheers as I went through the tunnel of paddles made me incredibly proud and happy. 

That trip opened my eyes to the love, work, and tradition that goes into making camp what it is. I’ve seen it in the schedules my mom helped build, the OCC program my Nana created, and many songs we still sing today. 

Now, I’m preparing to welcome my little sister Abby across the lake, just like they did for me. They’ll sing the same song. I’ll stand on that same dock. And we’ll pass the tradition forward, just like my family has done for over 30 years.

I know that I am not the only one who has benefited from going to camp. So many young men and women share my love for the sense of community, belonging, and fun that can be found at camp. Personally, camp has given me an escape to enjoy nature and to slow down, appreciating all the people around me. 

I see many things at camp that my family has given to the camp, such as the Women’s Long Border song and the OCC program, as well as our daily schedule, which my mom helped put together. This always reminds me of the hard-working staff in Warren’s past who have changed, expanded, and morphed the program into something that benefits everyone. One of the most important expansions was the addition of a women’s half of the summer, which, without its addition, I would not have been able to attend camp. 

Camp Warren is a place of comfort, activity, tradition, history, excitement, and friendship, for my family, my friends, and myself.”

2025: Paying tribute to the path builders in our history

Peter Hitch, Alyssa Hitch, Elinor Johnson, Emilie Hitch stand on the Hitch deck at Camp Warren. The deck is named in honor of Peter’s brother, David Hitch, who was a camper and on staff. 

• Peter — camper 1956-63
• Alyssa — camper 1988-90
• Elinor — 4th generation camper in 2025
• Emilie Hitch — camper 1985-95, staff 1996-2004