“When we took [our son] to camp for the start of his third year at Deerhorn, he wanted to walk back to the stables to see the horses.  As we walked through the woods, he stopped and said, ‘Shhhh.  Do you hear that?’ What? We asked.  ‘Don’t you hear the wind in the Northwoods?  I’ve been waiting all year to hear that.’  [Our son] has come home to us a changed man, as in previous years.  He positively glows recounting his adventures at Deerhorn.  I don’t know what exactly you do up there, but whatever it is it really works wonders on our [son].  He comes home so positive and upbeat. He told his dad that next year they would have to do the father/son outing because it is so cool…Thank you so very much for this wonderful boyhood adventure.”
                                       —parent, St. Charles, IL

“You’ve achieved the impossible! [My son] wound up loving camp!  He’s been in Deerhorn t-shirts since he came home and has talked non-stop about [his counselor] and koogee 16.  How did you do it?  After the roughest of all possible starts, your team managed to turn a potential disaster into a rewarding experience…I will be forever grateful that you all managed to give him the chance to be independent and to succeed away from home.  This self-knowledge will help him tremendously in the coming year…my heartfelt thanks for giving [him] such a priceless gift.”
                                       —parent, Louisville, KY

“It is always interesting listening to teenagers, especially boys, when they are describing something to others.  I remember [him] telling someone that he likes Camp Deerhorn  because no one is ever rude.  Of all the things he could say, that is not the first which would come to mind.  You attract the best campers and staff and you maintain the nicest atmosphere of any camp I know.  For the past five summers, my daughters have gone to a girls’ camp… They still do not have the intricate knowledge of their campers and staff that you have after only four weeks with [him].  Year after year, I am pleasantly surprised by your personal knowledge communicated to us after camp.  Thank you.”
                                    —parent, Glencoe, IL

“Thanks also for providing such a wonderful experience for him at Deerhorn.  I drove [my son and his friends] home, and they all agreed that this past camp experience was far and away the best they have ever had.  You should be proud of the difference you and your family have made in the lives of these boys.”
                                       —parent, Cincinnati, OH

“I want to compliment you on your outstanding staff.  I don’t know how you do it year after year.  However, one good indicator is the fact that many of your staff members were former campers.  They have had the privilege of spending their summers being brought up in an environment that permeates all that the Deerhorn Creed stands for.  If you ever question if camp has an impact on the campers’ lives, take a look around you at your staff, and there should be no further question.”
                                       —parent, Northbrook, IL

      “We were very impressed with [his] counselors this year.  When we received [the counselor’s] letter it was very clear that he had really taken the time to get to know [our son].  Both [counselors] were very supportive of [him] and he had a terrific summer.  [He] was very positive about the koogee experience.”
                                       —parent,  New Brighton, MN

      “I think [he liked] the chance to be away and develop skills to be successful on his own.  He loved the Navajos, the competitions, and his favorite, the mountain bikes.  He also liked the horses- which he would NEVER try here!”
                                       —parent, Highland Park, IL

      “Our boys’ past Deerhorn experiences have been so wonderful and rewarding.  The boys will savor their terrific Deerhorn memories, including Father/Son/Uncle Camp. You have taken excellent care of our three treasures.  You have positively impacted their growth.  Deerhorn will always be in our hearts.”
                                       —parent, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI

“[My son] had yet another wonderful summer at Deerhorn. Seven weeks is an awfully long time to have him away from home, as he is a joy to wake up to each morning.  As I picked him up in Northbrook he seemed a bit melancholy and was able to articulate due to academic demands, he did not know if summer could ever be that great again.  It gave me a lump in my throat.  I am so proud of the man [he] is becoming and I do believe you and the Deerhorn Family have played a role in that.  Thank you for making Deerhorn such a special memory for him. I do hope he is able to join all of you again next summer!”
                                       —parent-Kenilworth, IL

      “Thanks so much for the great time. [at Father/son camp] It was an incredible experience.  This morning’s breakfast epitomized the experience and how much passion your family and the staff have.  You are to be commended for having so much impact on a lot of people.  I was proud to be a part of the experience.  [We] are still laughing about some of the things that occurred…This really does rate as one of my best experiences in my life and it was for [my son] too.”
                                       —parent, Fishers, IN

“At 77 years of age…today I can still recall my three years at [summer camp]…frankly some of the best times ever.  My grandson recently returned from your great camp and his stories and the excitement in the way they were told, told me he had the same experience I had.  I just wanted to thank you for his great time with you.”
                                       —grandparent, Boulder Junction, WI

      “This was my fifth year at father-son.  The first year was great and exciting to return to camp since I had not been back since the mid 60’s.  However, each year has been special, and as the boys get older, I realize how few years I have left to spend with them before other interests in their lives take over.  The time I get to spend with them one on one while we are at Deerhorn is so precious, I cannot tell you.  I am so glad you have made this opportunity available to fathers such as myself.”
                                       —parent, Northbrook, IL

      “I wanted to thank you…and your staff for an outstanding experience during the Father/Son camp…Your professionalism and expertise made the experience one neither my son, nor myself will ever forget.  Camp Deerhorn is truly a boyhood adventure!  We enjoyed many of the activities, especially the golfing, and are already planning a return trip…I wanted to thank you once again for a wonderful camp experience.  I hope to see you and all of the friends we made again next year!”
                                     —parent, Denver, CO

      “The closeness of your family is an inspiration to fathers and sons…Observing the dynamics of the father/son relationships were highlights of my experience at camp.  I was inspired to spend more time with [my son] at camp and after he returns home.  I can now see more clearly why [he] is so proud of Deerhorn. Now I can share in that sentiment.”
                                     —parent, Winnetka, IL

      “Your family has added so much to the development of both [of my sons].  Your whole family over the years has nurtured the character of both my boys, giving them opportunities for deep, ongoing relationships, for leadership, good clean fun,…and wonderful role models for manhood.”
                                       —parent, Glencoe, IL

“We know you’ll take good care of him. [He] certainly had his challenges  with this last session and he was still smiling when we saw him!  I was a little worried …that perhaps he wasn’t keen on returning.  But I knew that if he could get through all that at this young age, he would be stronger for it.  And he didn’t disappoint us.  He loves it @ camp and did not want to come home despite the setbacks.
           I’m always thankful that our paths crossed and he gets this opportunity to grow within the camp culture and the team environment.   It’s so important that they spend some time away from home to discover themselves – although it’s hard for [his dad]  and I to give him up for very long! 
           Do you know that [he] is very serious about playing guitar?  He wants to be able to one day play at the bonfire at camp!  He even bought a CD while at Deerhorn.   So, you see, the influence of Deerhorn is more far-reaching than you probably think.”
                                       —parent- Rockford, Illinois

“Thanks you so much for a wonderful time this past week.  On the way home, [my son], after sleeping and being very quiet for much of the ride all of a sudden said "Dad, you know I want to go back there again next year, right?"  So if there was any doubt as to [his] enjoyment this past week - I think that has been answered.  Your family continues to provide a fun, educational, personally challenging, rewarding experience for these kids.  I was happy to see that the spirit of the camp had not changed in the 20 years that had passed since my last stay.  Hats off to all of you!  Thanks again.”
                                       —parent, Troy, Michigan

“My boys couldn't imagine being anywhere else!!!!!!!  Every year, they count the days. Sending [my son] off to college, in California no less, was somewhat easy because of his camp experiences.  After going away to camp for so many years, we knew that he would be confident and successful doing what ever he may choose.” 
                                       —parent, Wilmette, Illinois

“[My son] just finished his 5th summer in "Deerhorn's halls."  I know how much he loved being with you all and the campers and counselors, because that boy had himself packed by the end of May!  It has been part of a wonderful family ritual each summer to put him on the plane all haircutted and pale, and pick him up all tousled and tan and full of happy healthy LIFE.
           I know the summers he has shared with you have given him the best possible base to go out into that big world.  The fun, the comradeship, the understanding of kids who aren't just like him, the confidence in his own body and the appreciation of nature - those were all things he brought home with him as well as the moldy bathing suits, the unused disposable cameras (too busy for photos?) and his treasured "best" targets from riflery.
           My only regret was that we were never able to travel to Rhinelander ourselves to see him at camp...I have the faintest memories of it from my own days at Bryn Afon, but I'm betting all the best things haven't changed, and that there are wonderful additions as well (the "Rave"???).
           Please know how much the camp has meant to us and to our extended family (my father, uncle, and brothers were Deerhorn campers too).  You have given all of us some of the best memories of our lives.
                                With gratitude, and affection.”
                                       —parent-Bath, Maine

“Just wanted to thank you again, and I know you have heard it from plenty of your camp families, for an incredible Deerhorn experience for my boy and myself this past week.  We could not have imagined a happier time or such sorrow upon leaving.  When does summer start next year!!
     I will pass on the rich Deerhorn story to all that have a place in their lives for such an awesome asset as yours and I hope to provide you with a slew of new families eager to enjoy the Northwoods.  I believe that each family that I introduced Deerhorn to will return for some portion of your next season.  I know we will, for sure.”
                                       —parent-Northbrook, Illinois

“I wanted to send a quick email to thank all of you so much for an awesome time at family camp!  The boys and I had a blast, it was truly one of the best experiences we have had.  The only improvement would have been having [my husband] there.
           The activities at Deerhorn and the camp property are awesome. But a person only has to spend a short time at Deerhorn before realizing what makes it so special.  Your family and the people you choose to work with are what make it exceptional.  It was fun getting to know you and the rest of the staff. I love the laid back attitude you all seem to have.  [Your staff] are engaging and entertaining- true leaders. [They] are inviting, helpful and kind. It was a pleasure to get to know them.
          It was a pleasure getting to know each and every person working or staying at camp Deerhorn.  Thanks again for a great time.  Looks like I won't be back next summer due to baseball conflicts, but [my son] will be and hopefully [my husband] and the boys will return for father/son camp.  Camp Deerhorn has won me over, something I didn't think possible a short time ago.”
                                       —parent-Northbrook, Illinois

“Words can not express my deep appreciation for everything that transpired last weekend.  I was stunned, thrilled, and highly emotional for all the kind words…There were so many awesome days this summer.  Thanks so much for everything you did to make this the summer to remember.  My life has been a dual life since my first summer at camp.  I can't imagine not spending a summer at camp.  Someone wished me 25 more summers; I can only hope for such luck.  Sure happy the Big D was hard up [for staff] so many years ago.  It was pure luck that landed me at Deerhorn.  I don't know why I was so blessed, but I will take it.  Thanks again, for all you have done for me over the years, and especially this summer.”
                                       —staff member, Denver, Colorado

“We would like to thank you for making our boys 1st camp experience unforgettable!  [My sons] both enjoyed their time at Deerhorn during the 1 week session.  We have been hearing about Deerhorn for years from their cousins.  It definitely lived up to their expectations.  They haven't been able to stop talking about their time there.  We just watched last year's informational video again this morning and they were able to recognize lots of the faces and all of the places at camp.  What a scene it was yesterday at Northbrook Court...boys of all ages being greeted by their parents and siblings...hugs, tears, laughs, high-fives all around.  Deerhorn sure is a special place to these boys.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
                                       —parent, Wilmette, Illinois

“Just so you know my feelings, I consider the tuition an investment in my boys’ development and future, and it is worth every penny.  [My sons] had an unbelievable time this year, beyond my expectations, and I am grateful for the caring and attention that was shown to them, and also for the kind sentiments that so many people conveyed to me when I came to pick them up in July.  [My oldest son] also had a tremendous time at Father/Son and really re-bonded with Camp, which was great to see.” 
                                       —parent, Denver, Colorado

“Dear Deerhorn Family-
I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate all your hard work up there.  I had such a great time with the boys last week-I especially loved wiping out on the water weenie and drinking 1/2 the lake!  When you say make yourself at home-I really believe you because it feels like home to me and I'm not even a camper!  Although, one of the young  campers thought I was a counselor and I thanked him!  [My son's] counselors at his sports camp made it a point to tell me today how grown up he acts and I know it's because of his time spent there.  That's the best for a guy like him.” 
                                       —parent, Highland Park, Illinois

“To the Camp Deerhorn Staff:
           First, I wanted to thank all of you again for the great two weeks [my son] and I had at Deerhorn.  For him, it was a great opportunity to do some growing, be introduced to some new things, and have some real, outdoor fun.  For me, as a former camper, counselor, recreation director, and director of a different camp I feel qualified to tell you all that your camp “gets it.”  It’s a great place for kids to have a truly memorable summer experience with a lot of fun.  And, I had a lot of fun as well, getting to return to camp, work hard, and play in the Northwoods again. 
           In closing, [my son] and I wish all of you all the best for the rest of the season.  May you have a great deal of sun and warmth, and I hope all of you get as much out of the camp as you are putting into it for the kids!  That’s what makes it memorable!”
                                        —parent, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

“A heartfelt thanks to all of you who made [my son’s] camp experience so terrific.  He was pretty nervous about going (new place, none of his close friends going) but the first words out of his mouth when he got home Wednesday were, "I want to go back next year for 5 weeks."   He described Deerhorn  as a beautiful place where everyone just wants to have fun and get along, nobody judges anyone.
Please pass along my thanks to his counselors whom he said were so nice and have a great remaining summer.”
                                       —parent-Northfield, Illinois

“[My wife] and I thank you for your care of our son  for two weeks during August.  This was the first sleep away camp for [him] (he's the eldest of our kids and therefore the first time for any of them!) and he had a great time.  He can't really appreciate this now, but it was more than just a fun couple of weeks for him.  It was formative.  He was away from home and had to deal with not having Mom and Dad around.  He admitted to being homesick toward the end of the second week (singing Sweet Home Chicago on the second Sunday night did him in).  He also came home with a hundred stories of horseback riding, building a robot out of toothpicks, kneeboarding, riflery, sailing and life in his koogee.  Thanks again.  You run a great camp!”
                                       —parent, Chicago, Illinois

“Thank you for a wonderful summer. I had the experience of a lifetime at camp. I met new people and did all new things, some of which I’d never dreamed of doing. I will see you all next year.”
                                      —camper, Glenview, Illinois

“You have done so much for my boys. I believe in what you are doing for the boys who attend your camp every summer.  I am happy to support your camp and strongly believe in what you are doing. This summer as I was driving [my son] up to Rhinelander, he said “Hurry up, just get me to my family.” Thank you!”
                                       —parent, Winnetka, Illinois

“I can’t tell you how excited I am to pick up [my son] every year from the bus stop in Northbrook.  Every year he “bubbles” over with enthusiasm, pride, and great stories of his adventure! This year was no different.  He couldn’t wait to introduce me to his junior counselor and all his new friends!  He definitely has ‘pep’ in his step after his three weeks at Deerhorn. I can’t thank you enough for providing such a positive experience where my son can meet great people, look up to counselors as role models, and just be silly! Thanks again-see you next year!”
                                       —parent-Wilmette, Illinois

“[My son] arrived home the happiest camper I have ever seen!  He speaks a new language…Deerhorn!  Every other word out of his mouth is Deerhorn this and Deerhorn that and when I go back next year!  He had the most incredible experience of a lifetime filled with fun and adventure.  Needless to say, he is not that thrilled to be home!  His counselors were fabulous and the stories we have heard have made us roar with laughter.  It is exactly what a camp experience should be for a boy.  He loved his koogee and all his koogee mates.  The pictures speak for themselves, but what a treasure to have for his scrapbook.  When we visited [him] at camp, we asked him what he did during baseball since he would not play since the accident.  This was a child who would not even let the word baseball be mentioned in our house.  He just said he read a book and it was fine.  Then we received his letter a week after our visit telling us he played baseball and hit the tying run and scored the winning run.  It brought tears to our eyes.  You have no idea what that meant to us as his parents to read that he got “back in the saddle again.”  That was better than winning the gold medal at the Olympics!  Thank you for taking such great care of my son, showing him the time of his life and all in a setting equal to paradise.  I am certain he will end up being a counselor one day and I’ll still be the mother with tears in her eyes, so anxious to see him on visiting day!  Thank you for such a grand experience for [my son]!”                                                                          —parent-Glenview, Illinois