Editors' Picks: Narratively's 6 Best Stories of Camping Out
Schooool's out for summer! Dive into summer camp sagas, secret swimming holes, and full-frontal family vacations with these thrilling Narratively tales about getting up close and (very) personal with nature.
1. How I Lost My Faith at a Boot Camp for Christian Kids
By Leanna Moxley
Illustration by Chris Carfolite
At twelve years old I was sent away for one long hot summer of obediently serving the Lord. But instead of finding God, I discovered my rebellious streak.
"Leanna did a great job here of putting us in the mind of an adolescent believer, and then showing how that faith was challenged, and damaged. This piece is both irreverent and compassionate." - Lilly O'Donnell, Deputy Editor & Community Manager
2. The Roaming Beach Kids of Byron Bay By Anna James
Photo by Rudiger Wasser
Meet a close-knit community of homeless teens who sleep in tents, get high, scavenge for food and become family—all on the fringes of Australia’s ritziest resorts.
"This is a story about youngsters in Australia who aren't quite camping as much as they are squatting. It has a couple of my favorite portrait photos we've ever done, and the writing made me feel like I not only knew the subjects, but thought they were super-cool people I'd be friends with if I'd actually met them." - Michael Stahl, Features Editor
3. Forces to Reckon With By Rachel Stone
Illustration by Sarah Lammer
First kisses and stormy nights. Tales of love and near death experiences at summer camp.
"My parents never sent me to summer camp, so I'm always jealous of other people's tales of fleeting summer love, cagey counselors, and frenemies-for-life.” - Brendan Spiegel, Editorial Director
4. A Modern Family Goes On Vacation and Leaves Their Clothes Behind By Kimberly Dark
Illustration by George Mager
I had the tricky task of planning a New Year’s trip with my lesbian partner, my nine-year-old son, and his father. Who would have guessed a nudist retreat was the perfect fit?
"This story about taking a kid to a nudist camp was so funny and I think George Mager's beautiful colors and goofy characters really made for a nice accompaniment to the text." - Vinnie Neuberg, Illustrations Editor
5. Breaking Into the Holy Grail of Texas Swimming Holes
By Mark Wheeler
Photo courtesy Greg Holly
In unbearably hot Central Texas, a unique underground ecosystem creates ice-cold springs that seem sent from the gods — including one otherworldly oasis protected by active security on a remote private ranch. I just had to get in.
"As Mark writes in this ode to summer, ‘Sanity requires a swimming hole’ — especially in the crippling Texas heat. His descriptions and the zeal with which he and his pals try, and often fail, to find the perfect spots to cool off, make me wanna strip down and jump in some water right now — even NYC's East River if I have to." - Noah Rosenberg, CEO & Editor-in-Chief
6. Mile 8,000: Where America's Last Road Leads to Frozen Oblivion By Reese Wells | Video by Brady Lawrence
Photo by Meredith Meeks
After 8,000 miles of cycling, the only thing left in our way was one long frozen road…with a few final thunderstorms, some raging wildfires, a couple of testy truck drivers and one seriously pissed-off grizzly bear.
"Thinking of planning a cycling road trip this summer? These four cyclists traversed some of the most perilous highways and byways in the northern hemisphere en route to the northernmost point reachable by road in the United States, all while capturing the beauty and splendor of the Alaskan wild. It all leads to an epic, 414-mile stretch of 'road' full of every hazard imaginable, also known as the James W. Dalton Highway." - Ifanyi Bell, Video Editor