Streamers hang from the gym rafters, music fills the air, and the excitement is contagious—it’s dance night!
Thursday Nights at Camp Friendship
Thursday nights at Camp Friendship mean one thing: the basketball gym turns into a full-on dance party. Decked out with decorations and camper-created artwork, the gym is completely transformed to that week’s theme.
From a sun-soaked beach one week to a Wild West rodeo the next, each theme immerses campers into a new world! Campers and counselors are encouraged to go all-in on the theme, dressing up however they like. The playlist also mixes familiar favorites with camp classics like the Cha-Cha Slide and Cupid Shuffle, inviting everyone to learn a new line dance, show off freestyle moves, or join a spontaneous conga line.
Bring the Theme to Life
Most campers dive headfirst into the theme with a costume! Here are some tips to help them make the most of this chance to dress up and party:
Use What You Have
Campers can bring pieces from home, but there’s no need to buy anything new. Some of the best outfits come from using items you already own and adding a little creativity! Little touches like a handmade accessory, fun hat, or arts-and-crafts addition can make a basic costume extra special.
Dress for Comfort
Outfits can be simple or elaborate, whatever makes your camper feel great and ready to have fun. Costumes should allow campers to dance, jump, and show off their best moves. Indeed, avoid anything restrictive or fussy.
Summer heat in Virginia isn’t ideal for heavy layers, flannel pajamas, or inflatable suits. Dressing for the weather will subsequently make campers feel more comfortable to move and dance. Costumes that require full face masks aren’t permitted; we still want to see your camper’s smiling face!
Get Creative!
Get a little silly and think outside the box with the theme. For example, don’t limit yourself to the 60s or 70s at the Decades Disco. Show off your best caveman look, futuristic outfit, or historical style from any era!
Dance costumes are an opportunity for campers to get expressive with their style. Many of the best dance costumes are improvised day-of with a little face paint, arts and crafts, and plenty of creativity with help from counselors and friends!
How Will I Know My Camper’s Dance Theme?
No two Thursdays are alike; each session, the dance has a different theme. Discover this summer’s dance themes below and get inspired!
You can find the full list of themes by session in your CampInTouch account under the Forms and Documents tab. The list gets posted to our Facebook and Instagram accounts each year as well.
Think Outside the Box!
Looking for inspiration? Here are some ideas based on past dance night themes to spark your imagination:
Jurassic Jam: Dress as your favorite dinosaur, a Jurassic Park tourist, or a paleontologist on the hunt for fossils. Dino tail costume, anyone?!
Beach Bash: Be a lifeguard, a beach beastie like a sand crab, or anything that brings the beach vibes to life.
Once Upon a Kingdom: Knights and princesses are classic, but the possibilities are endless. Magical characters, mythical creatures, and fairytale classics are all awesome options. Ogres just want to have fun, after all!
We encourage campers to mix, match, and improvise. Let your silly side shine! Whether it’s planning an awesome costume, learning a new line dance, or crafting the perfect accessory, the real joy of the camp dance is celebrating a great week with friends!
Some of Our Favorite Dance Night Memories
Don’t be surprised if your child’s standout camp memories are made at their Thursday night dance party. We treasure these exciting, hilarious, and creative moments of togetherness, too! Here are some truly legendary dances from over the years:
