Camp Shine: Helping Kids Grow Through Nature, Creativity, and Connection

Interview by Heather Anderson

When did you first realize the power of the work you're doing today?

I think it really started from my own experience with anxiety, especially after my son was born. My journey into social-emotional learning wasn’t intentional at first—it was about healing myself. I just wanted to be a better mom and to be happy and healthy. Along the way, I discovered tools like yoga, EFT (tapping), and eventually earned my master’s degree in spiritual psychology. I never imagined I’d have a career in this, but as I learned more, I started sharing what helped me, and it resonated with others.

“Our approach is a balance between structured learning and organic creativity. We don’t just teach kids something and move on—we create space for them to engage, ask questions, and share what they know.”
— Stephanie Telfer

Tell me about the transition from working with adults to creating Camp Shine.

Before Camp Shine, I was teaching yoga and offering emotional coaching, mostly working with adults. But I started to see how much preteen girls could benefit from social-emotional learning too. My niece was struggling in junior high, and I realized there weren’t many programs designed to support kids in navigating emotions and self-confidence. I started an after-school program that combined yoga, art, and tapping. It was short-lived but impactful, and then COVID hit.

During the pandemic, I took the program online and called it Shine Online. But I quickly realized kids didn’t need more screen time—they needed real-world experiences. My mom had been encouraging me for years to do something on our family farm, and that’s when the idea for Camp Shine was born. In the summer of 2020, we launched a small in-person program on the farm, and it just took off from there.

What makes Camp Shine different from other summer camps?

Camp Shine is not a typical camp. Everything we do is intentional—we mix nature, creativity, and personal growth into every activity. Our goal is to help kids connect with themselves, each other, and the natural world in a way that builds confidence and resilience.

We bring in guest teachers who are experts in different fields. One week a naturopathic doctor might teach about healthy eating, another week an herbalist will show kids how to identify and use medicinal plants. We have artists, woodworkers, and even a 10-year-old guest teacher who runs a mobile reptile exhibit.

There’s a mix of structure and freedom. We have a daily schedule, but we also leave room for kids to explore their own ideas, build things, and learn from each other. One camper might create a whole game with their peers, another might spend the afternoon constructing an addition to our tree fort. The idea is to create a space where kids feel seen and valued for who they are.

What kind of activities do the kids do at Camp Shine?

Each day at Camp Shine is filled with opportunities for adventure and learning. Our activities include:

  • Farm animal interactions – We have ponies, pigs, chickens, bunnies, and soon, goats! Kids learn how to care for the animals, which teaches responsibility and empathy.

  • Horseback riding – Offered twice a week, with kids learning basic riding and horse care.

  • Ziplining and tree fort building – Our tree fort is an ongoing project where kids collaborate to expand it.

  • Swimming – We have a pool with lifeguards on staff, and kids who don’t swim wear life jackets.

  • Guest teacher workshops – Weekly lessons on topics like pottery, herbal medicine, and environmental science.

  • Social-emotional learning – Every morning starts with a circle where we introduce mindfulness, tapping, or thought-provoking conversation cards.

What’s the philosophy behind how kids are encouraged to participate?

At Camp Shine, no one is forced to do anything they’re uncomfortable with. If a child is hesitant about horseback riding, they can brush the horse instead. If they’re nervous about the zipline, they can just watch or help another camper. We gently encourage, but we also respect where they are.

Our approach is a balance between structured learning and organic creativity. We don’t just teach kids something and move on—we create space for them to engage, ask questions, and share what they know. One camper might lead a lesson on knitting, while another might demonstrate how to build a shelter from branches. We believe kids are already valuable and have unique gifts to offer, and Camp Shine is a place where those gifts can be celebrated.

How do kids transition from campers to leaders at Camp Shine?

We have a Junior Camp Counselor Program for kids in 6th through 8th grade. They train for six to eight weeks leading up to summer, learning leadership skills, emotional regulation techniques, and how to help run camp activities. They get hands-on experience and then volunteer for a week in the summer to put their skills into action. Eventually, some of our junior camp counselors become paid counselors when they enter high school.

What happens at Camp Shine outside of summer?

During the school year, we run:

  • A homeschool program – Two sessions per week where kids continue outdoor learning and farm activities.

  • Farmstand program – Kids learn entrepreneurship by making and selling products like homemade soap, essential oil perfumes, and leather wallets. They run a real booth at local markets and decide which charities to donate their profits to.

  • After-school middle school program (coming soon!) – A blend of social-emotional learning and hands-on business skills for preteens.

What’s next for Camp Shine?

Right now, I take it one step at a time. I’d love to expand to different locations or create a training program for others who want to start their own versions of Camp Shine. But I don’t force it—I just wait for the next right step to reveal itself.

Want to give your child an unforgettable camp experience?

You can also find Stephanie Telfer on [The M List], The Mamahood’s searchable database of mom-recommended resources, or connect and collaborate with her inside The Club membership for women Founders.

Heather Anderson