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20 Vintage Photos of Summer Camp Shenanigans (1930s-1980s)

About Author 2-3 minutes 5/29/2025

Last Updated on May 29, 2025 by Matt Staff

Before smartphones, social media, and air-conditioned cabins, summer camp was a place where muddy knees, mosquito bites, and marshmallow roasts ruled the day. From the 1930s through the 1980s, kids across the country packed their duffel bags and headed into the woods for weeks of carefree adventure, awkward talent shows, and mischief under the stars.

Whether it was canoe races gone wrong, questionable campfire cooking, or the eternal quest to win the shaving cream war, these snapshots offer a charming glimpse into a wilder, freer childhood. Here are 20 vintage photos of summer camp shenanigans.

1. Riding the water skis at camp, early 1970s

A person wearing a yellow life vest and shorts is water skiing, airborne above a lake, holding onto a rope. Trees and a dock with people and boats are visible in the background under a blue sky.
slow-moving-sloth

2. Summer camp in South Dakota, 1930s

A black-and-white photo shows a woman in a swimsuit and swim cap standing next to a man wearing a feathered headdress and traditional attire. They are on rocky terrain by a small waterfall, surrounded by trees.
elevencharles

3. Playing some tetherball at camp, 1970s

Teen girls play tetherball outside on a sunny day, with trees and a wooden shelter in the background. One girl hits the ball while others watch and wait their turn. The scene has a vintage, summery feel.
slow-moving-sloth

4. Counselors at summer camp, 1981

A group of smiling teens sit together outdoors, with a girl in a ponytail standing nearby taking a photo. Trees and a building with Coca-Cola signs are visible in the background.
stbmrs

5. Heading off to summer camp with a Walkman, 1982

Two children are outdoors on a sunny day; one stands with hands on hips, wearing a Yankees shirt and headphones, while the other, in a striped shirt, sits on a small toy car, smiling. People and a car are in the background.
userdeleted

6. Young pioneers at summer camp, early 1970s

Three boys in matching uniforms and blue hats are kneeling on a rocky ground, assembling or inspecting a small wheeled robot with a metallic exterior and antennae, outdoors on a sunny day.
comradekiev

7. “One of my in-laws at summer camp with Chris Farley, 1974”

A group of nine boys and one adult man pose outdoors in matching white and red shirts and blue jeans, kneeling and standing in two rows, with trees visible in the background.
determino

8. Boy Scout summer camp, 1987

Two boys wearing scout uniforms stand under a tent opening. One boy stands with hands on hips and a serious expression, while the other boy smiles, holding a tent pole. The photo is black and white.
hallron

9. Meeting Wilt Chamberlain at All Sports Summer Camp, 1965

A tall, shirtless man stands between two boys wearing matching "National All Sports Camp Monticello, N.Y." shirts. The group poses and smiles in front of a building.
milkymozz

10. YMCA Camp Oakes, 1983

A large group of children and adults pose outdoors for a group photo at winter camp, holding a sign that reads "Winter Camp 1983." They wear colorful winter clothing and stand in front of a pond and trees.
userdeleted

11. Reading at summer camp, 1967

Two boys sit back-to-back in front of a tent, reading comic books. They are on grass, focused on their books, surrounded by camping gear. The scene has a relaxed and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.
l)st_in_the_stars

12. Summer camp at Camp Mountain Lake, North Carolina, 1977

Two boys in a wood-paneled room with four messy bunk beds; one boy sits on the top bunk, smiling, while the other stands below, looking up at him. Clothes and personal items are scattered around.
slow-moving-sloth

13. Dungeons and Dragons summer camp, 1985

A large group of boys and a few adult men pose outdoors, standing on grass in front of a brown building. Most wear casual summer clothes, shorts, and T-shirts, with several wearing glasses and some with arms crossed.
onepersononeidea

14. Harassing the camp counselor, 1970s

Six boys in striped tube socks pose in a camp bunk bed room; two are on the top bunk and four are seated below, all smiling and relaxed, with 1970s-style clothes and decor visible.
slow-moving-sloth

15. Archery class at Mountain Lake Camp, 1970s

A young person stands outdoors on grass, aiming a red bow and arrow. They wear a gray "Mountain Lake Camp" sweatshirt, pink shorts, and sneakers, with green trees in the background.
slow-moving-sloth

16. SoCal summer camp, 1981

A large group of children and adults sit on outdoor bleachers, organized by colored camp T-shirts—yellow, orange, and blue—smiling for a group photo surrounded by greenery.
reubal

17. Celebrating the end of Andy Sweet’s Summer Camp, 1977

Four young men pose outdoors by a wooden structure displaying model rockets. Two are crouching in front, one shirtless, the other in a t-shirt, while two stand behind, one on crutches. Trees and grass are visible in the background.
mwmani

18. Camp counselors at Camp Kon-O-Kwee, 1972

A large group of kids and teens pose playfully on bleachers outdoors, some standing, some sitting, and many making silly faces or gestures; trees and foliage are in the background. The image is black and white.
cobracommandrew

19. Holding a pet skunk at summer camp, 1963

A young girl wearing glasses and a light-colored sweater holds a skunk in her arms while standing outdoors, with trees and foliage in the background.
mydoggoldi

20. The aftermath of a shaving cream fight at summer camp in Texas

A large group of children and teens, mostly covered in shaving cream, pose outdoors on a grassy field during a playful summer camp activity. Orange cones and scattered pie tins are visible in the background.
wishingwellington

Want to see more vintage content from the 20th century?

Check out 20 Colorized Photos Of Steelworkers and Miners in the Early 1900s, or take a look at 20 Vintage Photos of Safari Trips in the late 1900s. Finally, if you want to see what the life of a strongman or strongwoman looked like in the 1900s, check out 19 Vintage Photos of Strongmen and Strongwomen from the 1900s.