The Graffiti Wall holds special meaning to most Satori campers, as it is a place they can fondly rely on each year. A place where they can record their thoughts, their art, and their inspiration.

Some campers, like Lewis Coates (3rd year), look at the Graffiti wall as somewhat of a novelty. The Graffiti Wall “is place where smart people can write stupid things,” he said. Others, like Christopher Borriello, enjoying his 3rd summer at Satori, take its meaning more seriously. “It’s a place to put your ideas without getting ridiculed.” Courtney Drake, a 4th year camper, said the wall is, “A form of expression, where one can express oneself.”

The wall has grown quickly this year. With over one hundred campers, its size had already doubled by midweek. Camper Ann Freeman said, “It began with a huge map, with the S.A.C. members writing on it, so it started out practically full.” Liz Jernegan suggests that the wall grew quickly because the map encouraged people to write more.

Although its purpose has been the same throughout its history, the content itself has evolved over the years. Matt Buchholtz, a counselor-in-training, attending Satori for his 5th year, said the wall has more inside jokes and humor than in previous years. He remembers his first year at Satori in 1998, “A bunch of California kids were here, and basically wrote things like ‘Sweet’ and filled the wall with Cali lingo.”

Satori Director Mike Cantlon, remembers brainstorming with S.A.C members for a new idea for something special for Satori’s 10th anniversary summer, and they came up with the Graffiti Wall. Many years on, the Wall remains a popular tradition.