I recently shared my Camp Galatians manuscript with a beta reader. After reading the first couple chapters, she called with a suggestion. Kids at camp usually address the counselors by their camp names–names like Moose and Buckeye. Some camps allow you to choose your own name while others make you earn it. This was an important detail I had overlooked while writing, and I agreed the change would make the story more authentic.
After a quick online search, I came across this list of 500 camp names. I had fun scrolling down the page, selecting names for the characters. When I saw the name Rocky, I immediately pictured a counselor I encountered as a Brownie at a Girl Scout overnight camp. Her bright blue eye shadow and spiky hair intimidated me, and I wanted to go home. Yeah, I was that kid.
My mom worked as a camp counselor for years, and her kids called her Chopper. My fifth grade reading teacher gave each student in class a nickname. She called me Pixie. If given a choice, I might pick the name Sunshine. But we all know you can’t choose your own nickname–except when you’re at camp. For all the Seinfeld fans, remember the episode when George wanted to be called T-Bone?
Do you have a camp name? If not, what would you choose? Please share. I’d love to hear from you.
