Camp Kingfisher’s Impact through Generations
Jennifer Shipp, Camp Parent
Each summer, Camp Kingfisher opens its doors to hundreds of children each week. Those children arrive eager to make new friends, see old ones, and maybe make a memory or two. And with every hike, canoe trip, animal encounter, and late-night bonfire, Camp Kingfisher leaves behind something more than just memories. It leaves a lasting impression that sticks with campers and their families long after the summer heat has left.
Over the past few years Camp Kingfisher has seen a handful of 2nd generation camp kids. Kids of former staff members. Melissa Perry, who was the pilot Camp Counselor for the Owlet Program back in 2014, has sent her son John Charles to camp for the past 2 summers. Franky and Elyse Hunter, who met as camp staff in 2010, now send their two kids Beatrix and James to camp each summer. And for the first time, Camp Kingfisher had a 3rd generation camper at camp this summer.
Braxton Shipp followed in the footsteps of his mother and grandfather becoming the first known 3rd generation to be touched by the camp magic that lives on the property of CNC. Braxton’s grandfather, Peter Shipp, attended Camp Chattahoochee in the summer of 1963. His older sister was one of the riding instructors during the summers of 1962 and 1963. One summer at Camp Chattahoochee left Peter with an impact that led him to send his two daughters to Camp Chattahoochee in the late 80’s as well as a lifelong fear of snapping turtles. When asked what kind of life-lasting impact did Camp Chattahoochee make on him, Peter said, “A lifelong fear of snapping turtles having been swimming in the lake! Just kidding, though I do remember them in the lake with us. Really, it is the love of the outdoors. I love it, my kids love it and now Braxton has a budding appreciation. I fully expect my other grandson, Theo Shipp, to attend with Braxton next year”
The Shipp family legacy continued in the late 1980’s into the early 1990’s when Peter’s two daughters, Kristen (pictured) and Jennifer, attended Camp Chattahoochee for multiple summers. Jennifer fondly remembers canoeing, drinking bug juice, and archery. As well as a “haunted” house on the grounds. While Camp Chattahoochee and the Chattahoochee Nature Cener were separate at the time, Jennifer also fondly remembers visiting the old Discovery Center with the Screech Owls being one of her favorite memories. When asked how coming to camp helped shaped her into the person she is today, Jennifer said “Camp Chattahoochee really was a starting point for my love of animals. I have always loved nature and striving to make the world a better place. Growing up during the birth of cell phones and screen culture, it was always so nice to go back to the slower pace of the woods.” She continued on to say, “I think Camp Chattahoochee is the reason why I worked at the Nature Center Store during high school. My memories there are core memories.”
When Jennifer became a mother herself, having a formidable camp experience is something that she desired for her boys. And as soon as her sons were old enough to attend camp, she knew they were going to get a similar experience as she did. Her goal: “that they love nature and animals. And that they want to protect that. I had dreams of them camping, hiking, and roasting marshmallows. I so wanted that for them. I’ve been waiting on the day that they were old enough to take part in the same camp that I once loved!” Jennifer recalls dropping Braxton off on his first day of camp this summer as “surreal. It was so different and yet not at all different. It made me miss the carefree days spent among the grounds.”
Braxton Shipp is a 5 yr old of few words but he shared with his mom that “everything” was his favorite this summer. He enjoyed playing sharks and minnows in the pool, enjoyed the encounters with the snakes and screech owls and loved his camp counselors Emily and Grove. Like most kids, getting Braxton to open up after a long day of school, camp, or any other activity can be challenging. Jennifer shares that “Camp Kingfisher was the first time that Braxton has ever gotten into the car after a day at school/camp and recounted his day. He talked about the animals and the pool with such joy. Just listening to him made my heart so happy. It is harder for some kids to connect and experience things. What you do matters and you made a huge difference in Braxton’s life. He can’t wait to go back next year!”
Camp Kingfisher isn’t just a summer camp—it’s an experience that builds confidence, inspires care for the natural world, and most importantly, helps kids feel like they truly belong. A home away from home. We can’t wait to see both Braxton and his little brother Tho at Camp Kingfisher in 2026!