Our Leader series continues with Devlin Shultz. Devlin is returning to Deerhorn for his 7th summer as a camper to lead the 2026 Deerhorn Wolves. Let’s hear what Devlin’s parents have to say about his past 6 years at Deerhorn!

 

Devlin was kind enough to include his dad in his first weekend at Camp Deerhorn in 2019! By the end of the Father-Son weekend, it was clear to us that Deerhorn was special.  As I drove away that Sunday, I knew he was in great hands. Each year since, the role of Deerhorn has continued to grow and show itself in wonderful ways. The many benefits of friendships that span age groups, geographies, and perspectives. The love of fierce competition done in a positive way. The joy of being outdoors and living healthy. The value of kindness and leadership – both giving and receiving.  As a parent it has been amazing to see how much a few weeks each summer contributes to Devlin as a person.

During our first Father-Son weekend, we met multiple fathers who had attended Deerhorn when they were young. As we listened to their stories around the campfire, it was clear how special the Deerhorn experience and traditions would become to us as well.

Every year when Devlin arrives home, he and his mom go out to dinner at a favorite restaurant so she can hear all about his adventures at Deerhorn. The stories often involve tales of water fun, sports (agonizing losses and glorious victories), striving to win cleanest koogee or earn patches, nightly milk line, and spending his quarters at the vending machine to buy Gatorade for his friends. What sticks out is how Devlin has gained something special each summer. He is somehow older and wiser in a way that transcends the time that has passed, and we see the growth in his confidence, empathy, and leadership skills.  Last year he had the opportunity to join the Voyager Leadership Program and came home exhibiting a whole new level of resilience and maturity!

This year Devlin is honored to serve as the leader of the Deerhorn Wolves – he was proud to get the call as he realizes it’s a big commitment and responsibility to be a role model for the younger generation of Deerhorn campers. We wish Devlin and his fellow leaders a wonderful summer continuing the great legacy of Deerhorn!