14-Year-Old Transforms Old Camper into a Dream “Glamper”

While most teens spend their summer break playing video games, hanging out with friends, or lounging by the pool, Ellie Yeater of Williamstown, West Virginia, had a different plan. Instead of taking it easy, the 14-year-old transformed a 1974 Wilderness camper into her very own “Glamper.”

So, what’s a Glamper, you ask? It’s a clever mix of “glamorous” and “camping,” and according to Ellie, it makes camping way more fun and a lot less work. This talented teen, who is about to start high school, managed to turn the old camper into something beautiful and functional, setting her up for some seriously stylish outdoor adventures.

Ellie’s mom, Lori, explained that her daughter saved about $500 over time, thanks to a combination of household chores, birthday money, and other activities. That cash was enough for Ellie to purchase the camper and start the renovation process.

Before Ellie could get started on her glamper makeover, the camper was listed for just $200 on a local bulletin board. It was in rough shape after years of use for both hunting and camping by its previous owners. “It took a lot of effort,” Ellie admitted, and her mom added, “The camper was a mess.”

The idea of creating a tiny camper wasn’t entirely Ellie’s own, though. Her older brother, Isaiah, had previously built a small cabin where he and his friends could hang out. Ellie wanted something “cuter,” closer to the house, and with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and electricity, so she got to work.

The first step? Completely gutting and cleaning the camper from top to bottom. Once it was spotless, Ellie painted the entire thing in a calming shade called “Mystic Sea” by Valspar.

Ellie didn’t go at it alone, though. Her grandfather, Lawrence, taught her some basic carpentry skills, like how to patch holes and brace the structure. She then carefully chose a fresh color palette, opting for a shade of aqua blue to brighten up the once-dull wood interior.

As the project progressed, Ellie’s grandmother, Mary, jumped in to help with the finishing touches. Together, they upholstered curtains and cushions, and Ellie installed new floor tiles. The camper started to come together as a cozy, stylish space.

Throughout the summer, Ellie continued to gather decorations for her glamper. She even picked up a mannequin from a local warehouse that was going out of business. Pinterest was her go-to source of inspiration for the design, providing endless ideas for her creative project.

Ellie’s finishing touches included a retro electric fan, an antique camera, and matching napkins made by her grandmother. When asked what she plans to do now that her glamper is nearly complete, Ellie said she might just spend some quiet time reading, playing her ukulele, or maybe even hosting a sleepover with her friends.

Ellie’s determination and hard work transformed the old camper into something truly special. Her mom says she never told Ellie she couldn’t do something, and that encouragement led Ellie to create something beautiful. This project is a reminder that with dedication, we can achieve whatever we set our minds to.