We pride ourselves on our diversity. This is a community of different races, religions, and nationalities. Campers and staff come from all over, and it’s normal for a dozen countries to be represented. Our staff is made up of both men and women with a multitude of talents. We have male artists and musicians and female trip leaders and carpenters. They represent a range of ages, backgrounds, and experience. They are role models well-worth emulating.

The impact of this experience is strong and long-lasting. Many older campers say that this is the one place where they can really be themselves, and that their camp friends are their best friends. Here are some of their own words, taken from applications for the counselor-in-training program.

"Every day at Sangamon has been an important experience to me. That’s because every day I learn something new. Campers become more independent, they learn how to live outdoors and how to work on many activities".

"Camp is a way of getting away from your regular life, it is like a family you see every summer. Everyone is so close and if you need help, someone is there to help you."

"Kids gain experience in dealing with people because they must live and interact with people 24-7. Once you have been to camp, it becomes easier to deal with other kids because of the Sangamon experience."