Photo | Elizabeth LaDuke
Embedded Files
the century-camp connection
the century-camp connection
Students hone leadership skills at Triangle Y
FEATURE | October 2025
Just over an hour away from Bismarck in Garrison on the edge of Lake Sakakawea lies a summer camp that has been enjoyed by Century’s own students.
Photo | Mallory Gray
Triangle Y Camp (TYC) Director Mallory Gray, 33, started her time working at camp as a Leader-in-Training (LIT) back in 2007. She has been in her role as camp director since 2021 and oversees programs for staff and campers alike.
A day at camp “is filled with an abundance of activities for everyone to enjoy,’’ said Gray. Campers have the opportunities to swim in the lake, try the rope swing at the pond, kayak, practice archery, riflery, and even climb the 50 foot Alpine Climbing Tower. Evenings have entire camp activities, “which can include a game of capture the flag or counselor hunt,” said Gray. A Wednesday evening dance and Thursday night closing night ceremony finish off the week. There are also specialty camp experiences where campers can work with horses or focus on hunters' safety.
Tia Eslinger, Bayne Blanchard, Claudia Purdon, and several other Century students have worked at TYC as counselors. Their roles are vital because “they are the ones who are interacting with the campers on a daily basis and creating an environment where they can thrive and develop their own personal skills in a place where everyone belongs,” said Gray. She believes Century student workers “are resilient and adaptable to whatever situation is thrown their way during the week.”
Photo | Tia Eslinger
Senior Tia Eslinger
Senior Tia Eslinger applied for a job this summer because of her previous exper-ience at camp. “I first went to Triangle Y Camp when I was 10 years old, and I went until I was 15,” said Eslinger.
She missed camp after her last year as a camper in 2023. “I had a friend who was a counselor with me.”
Her time at Century helped prepare her to be a counselor as it “helped me work well with others and maintain responsibilities, which are very important aspects of camp since you are always with and responsible for people,” said Eslinger.
Outside of leadership, camp became a place of social growth as well. “It is a place that feels like home, so I don't feel the need to care what others think about me,” she said.
Reflecting on one of her favorite camp memories, Eslinger recalled a rainy summer day when she and a coworker let campers wrap them in toilet paper, turning them into makeshift models. “We got to watch them work together and be creative to make the best out of that rainy day,” Eslinger said.
She’s returning to camp as a staff member and is already “counting down the days until next summer.”
Senior Tia Eslinger (front middle) with fellow staff during a lifeguarding shift. ‘My favorite thing to do is share my love for camp and help make an impact on the campers’ experience,’ said Eslinger.” Photo | Triangle Y Camp Facebook
Photo | Bayne Blanchard
Alumni Bayne Blanchard
Bayne Blanchard, Class of 2025, followed in his parents’ foot-steps by working at camp. “Hearing from all their friends, I just had to work at camp. There was no other alternative,” said Blanchard, who is currently a freshman at North Dakota State University, majoring in vocal music education.
He believes that many of his high school leadership opportunities would not have been possible without camp. “Working here gives you the skills to be a leader,” said Blanchard. During his time at Century, he explored leadership roles in choir, theatre, and the fiber arts club. Blanchard recommends working at camp because he has gained “so many life skills and role models that I would have never gotten the opportunity to have.” Highlighting the connection aspect of camp, Blanchard said while he is a part of the kids' lives and creating experiences for them, he is also “creating experiences for myself.”
Alumni Claudia Purdon
Claudia Purdon, Class of 2022, is currently a senior at Vanderbilt University, studying history and political science.
Purdon always knew she wanted to work at camp, and ended up working her first summer when camp reopened after COVID-19.
Camp helped Purdon break out of her shell. “When I pulled up to the front gate for the first time as a counselor, I was lacking a lot of leadership and confidence,” she said. Camp changed this for her, and she has carried her skills into her opportunities post high school. “The balance I learned from my time at camp I have used throughout my internships over the years,” said Purdon.
She recommends working at camp to anyone, especially “rule followers” who need to break out of their shell.
Photo | Claudia Purdon
At university, Purdon is involved in her sorority, Chi Omega, and the Vanderbilt Historical Review. “Without camp, I would not be at Vanderbilt or a leader on campus,” said Purdon. She even wrote her main college essay about a night as a camp counselor.
Camp has followed her even as she has left North Dakota.
“My camp friends visited me when Vanderbilt beat Alabama last football season, so if you want friends who are there at the best moments of your life, go work at TYC,” said Purdon.
Want to work at camp?
Applications will open January 1 for the upcoming summer season on the Triangle Y Camp website.
Elizabeth LaDuke, who is known by her friends as "Lizzie," started her fourth and final year on the Century Star this August. She began as Editor-in-Chief her junior year and plans to continue that role in a different way. "I want to finish off my time on the Star strong with articles from all sections of the paper," said LaDuke. Finally, she notes her goal to "grow the staff as a whole and build issues they can be proud of". LaDuke enjoys a myriad of different activities, including...
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