Summer camp in the 70s was pure magic—a mix of adventure, awkward moments, and endless memories under the sun. Back then, it was all about unplugging (mostly because there was nothing to plug into) and diving headfirst into nature, crafts, and pranks. These camps weren’t just a getaway; they were an entire culture with their own trends, rituals, and quirks. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to revisit 13 forgotten summer camp trends from the 70s and compare them to today’s tech-infused, safety-obsessed world.
1. Macramé Masterpieces
Every camper in the 70s came home with at least one macramé project, whether it was a plant hanger, a bracelet, or something that vaguely resembled a wall hanging. The knots might’ve been tricky, but the results were worth it—or at least your mom pretended they were.
2. Tie-Dye Everything
Tie-dye wasn’t just an art project; it was a lifestyle. From shirts to socks to pillowcases, the camp tie-dye station was always packed. Kids would show off their technicolor creations like they were straight out of a Woodstock catalog. Today, it’s pre-packaged kits instead of tubs of dye and a hopeful prayer that the colors won’t bleed.
3. Snipe Hunts
Every summer camp had its own version of this prank, where younger campers were sent out at night to catch an imaginary creature called a snipe. With flashlights in hand, they’d scour the woods while older kids and counselors stifled laughter. Today, this might be considered mean, but back then, it was a rite of passage.
4. Friendship Bracelets That Took Hours to Make
Friendship bracelets were more than accessories; they were badges of honor. Made with painstakingly knotted embroidery floss, these bracelets were exchanged like sacred tokens of undying camp camaraderie. Now, they’ve been replaced by snap-on silicone bands or TikTok-inspired crafts.
5. Campfire Ghost Stories
Counselors would gather everyone around the campfire and tell terrifying tales like “The Hook” or “Bloody Mary.” They’d always claim it was based on a true story, leaving half the campers too scared to sleep. Today, parents might protest, but back then, fear was part of the fun.
6. Feathered Hair and Bandanas
The 70s feathered hair craze wasn’t just for the disco floor—it made its way to camp, too. Boys and girls alike rocked Farrah Fawcett-inspired waves, usually topped off with a colorful bandana to keep the summer sweat at bay. Now, it’s all about effortless messy buns and sleek ponytails.
7. “Buddy Checks” Every Hour
Remember having to yell “Buddy!” during swim time? Kids had to grab their partner’s hand and hold it high to make sure no one was missing. While it was a solid safety measure, it was also a chance to make goofy faces and annoy the lifeguards. These days, it’s all wristbands and electronic tracking.
8. Iron-On Patches on Everything
If your camp uniform didn’t have at least one iron-on patch, were you even trying? These patches were like badges of honor, representing bunk challenges, team victories, or just a love for peace signs and smiley faces. Today, patches have been replaced by branded camp merch.
9. The Epic Capture the Flag Games
No camp experience was complete without an all-out Capture the Flag battle. Kids would plot strategies, hide in bushes, and sprint across fields like their lives depended on it. Today, overly cautious adults might see this as too risky, but back then, scraped knees were just part of the fun.
10. Nature Journaling (aka Doodling About Bugs)
Kids in the 70s were handed notebooks and told to sketch and document their surroundings as part of “nature study.” For some, it was a chance to channel their inner artist; for others, it was a way to daydream about home while pretending to draw leaves.
11. Campfire Songs Everyone Knew
“Kumbaya,” “99 Bottles of Beer,” and “If You’re Happy and You Know It” echoed through the campgrounds every night. Kids sang with gusto, whether or not they could hold a tune. Today’s camps might swap these classics for sanitized pop hits, but nothing beats the original campfire playlist.
12. Friendship Candles
Crafting candles in tin cans was a camp staple. Layers of melted, colorful wax were poured into molds, creating multi-striped masterpieces. It wasn’t unusual to gift one to your favorite counselor or camp crush—if it didn’t break on the way home.
13. Homemade Boondoggle Keychains
Boondoggle (aka plastic lacing) was the ultimate time-filler. Campers spent hours making keychains, bracelets, or whatever else they could twist and weave from those neon strings. They weren’t always pretty, but they were pure 70s camp spirit.
Summer camps today might have Wi-Fi and air-conditioned cabins, but nothing can replace the free-spirited, slightly chaotic charm of the 70s. Which of these trends do you remember best? Let’s hear your stories!
