Louie teaching shop
Have we got a treat for you! We recently interviewed Louie Eptsein as a follow up to an interview we conducted with him back in 2017. In 2017 Louie was 14, a camper, and had just won the anchor award during the last session of camp. He was asked by AD Jordan at the time about his camp experience and if he hopes to be a counselor someday. In 2021, Louie is now a freshman in college and has a full summer as a Foley Counselor under his belt! I called Louie this week and asked him if any of the answers may have changed…
Hi Louie!! I wanted to ask you the same questions we asked you in 2017, starting with… Now that you’re away from camp, what is the one spot at camp you miss most? What do you like most about this spot?
The paintball shed
I have to say the Paintball shed. I just miss teaching paintball and seeing the kids gain confidence when playing. I loved being a paintball specialist and was stoked to be at the shed.
I’m changing this one up a bit, the original question was If you were helping a new camper pack for camp, what is the one item you can’t live without? But I want to change it slightly and ask what is one item you can’t live without as a counselor?
Really any miscellaneous items, really funny stuff. Its great to have the the goofy camp swag, like crocs and bucket hats and wolf shirts, because the point of camp is that you’re not trying to be the best dressed.
The original question was Why do you prefer to come for 4 weeks over 2 weeks? But since we have 3 week sessions and you were a counselor anyway, that doesn’t really apply, so instead I want to know… What would you tell aging out campers who are unsure if they should be a counselor?
It was a great experience, and if they want to still be at camp after aging out they should definitely do it. I would also tell them to be ready to make a commitment. You will have lots of responsibilities, and it’ll be the first time you’re not answering not to your parents but to a boss and co workers. I loved it, but it is a lot of work. I think people really should go for it.
Ok Louie I LOVE this next question because it really predicted your future as a counselor I think. The original question was “You have probably heard rumors about what is in the Wheelhouse (staff lounge), but what do you hope they have in there by the time you are a counselor?”. Now that you have a summer on staff under your belt, I have to ask… Was the wheelhouse everything you hoped it would be?
Haha I mean yes? The best part is the movie theatre in the basement, that and the Hot Tub really lived up to all my expectations.
What do you want the world to know about Camp Foley?
You can express yourself any way you want. Camp has changed and grown with the times and I always feel like I can be my true self while I am there. Everyone should get to experience that feeling.
The cabin in question!
The last question we asked in 2017 was about a camp accomplishment you were most proud of. I am curious to know what your proudest moment as a counselor was this summer… What camp counselor accomplishment are you most proud of, and what does this mean to you?
I loved being a counselor, forging relationships, developing bonds with the kids. I’m most proud I think of how well my 1st session cabin in Kadigomeg bonded and how close we all were by the end of the session.
Thank you Louie! It was so good to talk to you and hopefully we will see you back at camp in 2022!
Little Louie!
Read the Original 2017 Interview below:
Now that you’re away from camp, what is the one spot at camp you miss most? What do you like most about this spot?
Louis: I miss the loft where LIT meetings were held. I made some amazing friends that I keep in touch with every day now. Shout out to Avery O.!
If you were helping a new camper pack for camp, what is the one (or two or three) item(s) you can’t live without?
L: Fancy clothes for CDO (Cute Dinner Outfit), which is a wolf tradition. Follow the packing list so you are well prepared. A specific pair of shoes & clothes that you can get dirty!
L: I go for 4 weeks because I get to meet so many more people, enjoy life at camp, and overall get a lot closer with the staff.
L: I really hope that there is an elevator that goes to a secret bowling alley under camp with an arcade. Louis has goals to someday be a counselor and truly find out the wonders the Wheelhouse holds.
Future Co-Counselors Nick and Louie!
What do you want the world to know about Camp Foley?
What camp accomplishment are you most proud of, and what does this mean to you?
L: I am so proud of winning the anchor and it means the world to me. I keep it with me every day.
Outside of camp, you can find Louis playing football and lacrosse. As you can infer from our chat, his favorite thing to do is hang out with friends and he loves meeting new people. Thanks for taking the time to chat, Louis!