Tag: American summer camps

A Whole New World

At one of America’s Finest Summer Camps, a first year camper, upon stepping off the bus on arrival day for the first time, immediately exclaimed, “I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life!” The awe of that young camper at that moment was very reminiscent of the scene in The Little Mermaid in which… Read more »

Spirit Days and Tribals: Spirited Traditions

The guest blog this week comes from not one but two AFSC camps–Camp Laurel South and Camp Weequahic.  Both camps describe two timeless traditions unique to them: Spirit Days at Camp Laurel and Tribals at Camp Weequahic. Spirit Days 2013 Tuesday started like any other day at camp. Morning activities were going great. All over… Read more »

The “Special” Experience of Summer Camp

Actress Jami Gertz, a summer camp alumni, once said, “There is something very special about being away from your parents for the first time, sleeping under the stars, hiking and canoeing.”  Although on the outset this seems like just another quote about summer camp, the use of the word “special” makes it standout.  “Special” is… Read more »

Camp through the Eyes of an Athletic Director

Hi, I’m the camp Athletic Director! I love my role at camp because in the course of a day, I come into contact with virtually everyone at camp at some point.  I started out at camp as a sports head.  I loved keeping my individual area organized—working with the campers and my staff and maintaining… Read more »

A Former Camper and Counselor on the Value of Summer Camp

In our guest blog this week, former Camp Weequahic camper and counselor Steve S. reflects on how his camp experiences have added value to his life. I have been a part of the Camp Weequahic family for 13 years, as a camper from 1995 until 2002, and as a counselor from 2003 until 2007.  These… Read more »

And Now for a Holiday Olympic “Break”…

Happy 2013!  It’s a officially a new year and the summer of 2013 is creeping closer.  To get through a cold January, we’ve chosen a guest blog this week from Hayley at Camp Starlight about which she reflects on one of hottest events the Starlight summer: Olympics. 1, 3, 5, 6! WE WANT OLYMPICS! It… Read more »

Ask Me More about Camp

Raise your hand if this sounds familiar… Your child comes to you and says, for what seems like the billionth time, “Ask me more about camp.” It’s now December and you’ve heard some of the stories so many times that you can actually recite them along with her.  You wonder what odd but amusing little… Read more »

The Subtle Pleasures of Camp

Have you noticed subtle pleasant but odd changes since your children returned from summer camp?  Have you peeked into your son’s room and noticed that he made his bed?  Were you tempted to take your daughter’s temperature the other night because she volunteered to clean up her room?  Maybe they just seem calmer or are… Read more »

Summer at a Glance: First Year Counselor Thoughts

The guest blog this week is from Camp Laurel South and was originally posted to Laurel South’s bl0g on October 19, 2012. Orientation I had no idea what to expect! Old fashion Scout cabins? Canvass tents? Teepees? How rustic is this camp? The cabins are really cool though; they are definitely “campy”… but fun, clean… Read more »