On the shores of St. Croix, where Easter camping has long been a cultural tradition, one family is bringing new life to an old pastime — with a modern twist rooted in connection, creativity, and community.
For Naydyeyah Acoy-Thomas and her family, camping was once a regular part of life on the island’s west end. But like many traditions across the Virgin Islands, it was disrupted by back-to-back challenges.
“Before the hurricanes, we used to camp on the west side a lot,” she said. “Then after the hurricanes and COVID, we went about seven years without camping.”
That changed two years ago when her family made a conscious decision to reconnect.
“We decided we needed to do more family-oriented things,” Thomas explained. “So we started bringing back traditions for major holidays, and camping was one of them.”
This year, their return evolved into something even more intentional — a fully planned experience they named Camp Irie.
The idea was simple: if they were going to camp, they were going to do it in a way that everyone would enjoy.
“We said when we do it, we’re going to make it fun,” she said. “My mom, Andrea, and my sister Sativa really spearheaded everything.”
Each day of the camping trip carried its own theme, turning the experience into a multiday event. Activities ranged from karaoke and talent shows to game nights and even an all-white private dinner set against the backdrop of the beach.
One of the most meaningful moments came on the first night.
“We had a bonding night where we picked questions from a bowl and just talked,” Thomas said. “It really helped bring everyone closer.”
Food was another central part of the experience, carefully planned and shared among family members.
“We had an itinerary for meals, and we never ate the same thing twice,” she said.
In keeping with local customs, Good Friday was observed with traditional meals.
“We didn’t eat meat that day — we had saltfish and herring,” she explained.
Other nights included home-cooked dishes and even a catered private dinner, offering a mix of tradition and convenience. The family pooled resources for groceries, keeping costs manageable while ensuring there was plenty to eat.
Beyond the activities and meals, what stood out most was the intentional effort to unplug.
“We had a no-phones rule,” Thomas said. “We put the phones away and just spent time talking, playing games, and being present. Those are moments you can’t get back.”
Despite initial concerns about discomfort, she found the experience surprisingly rewarding.
“I thought it would be sandy and uncomfortable but figuring everything out with my family made it fun,” she said. “It made me feel like I could really do this.”
Her favorite part of the entire experience wasn’t any single event, but the quiet moments in between.
“Hearing the ocean wake you up in the morning — that was my favorite,” she said. “We’d sit by the water, put our feet in, listen to music, and just talk. Those are moments I can’t replace.”
As Easter camping continues to be a defining cultural experience on St. Croix, efforts like Camp Irie show how tradition can evolve while still holding onto its core purpose — bringing people together.
For those considering trying it for the first time, Thomas offers simple advice:
“Be open-minded. You might be a little uncomfortable, but it’s worth it,” she said. “It’s priceless to spend that kind of time with family.”
And for her family, one thing is already certain — Camp Irie is here to stay.
