Staff Training Triatholon

Summer Camp starts early!

When the bell rings not ONLY do the counselors have to wake up, but they've also got to jump right into our world-famous morning activities!

How in the world could we train a staff to be prepared for such things!

Our First-Ever-A.M.-Morning-Time-Very-Early-Camp-Activities-Triathlon is how.

Yes, we woke up, bright and early as bright and early gets.

We were all assigned our triathlon numbers. 

Yes. All of us. 

Stretched before the big event. 

C'mon, everyone now.

Loosen up.

For our First Event!

The Rooster Run!

Well, Rooster Run.

Or Rooster jog.

Or even more popularly, Rooster walk.

And on to Event #2!

Golden!

Eagle!

Yoga!

It seemed the second event was mostly just a return to stretching.

Downward Dog.

Warrior!

Or something!

I was trying too hard to touch my toes to catch any of the names. 

But it certainly was a serene moment...

Before we moved on...

To the THIRD EVENT!

POLAR! 

BEAR!

SWIM!

NO 

PHOTOS

AVAILABLE 

OF 

THIS EVENT

SORRY

(Why?!?)

Cause we were all so excited to jump in Lake Shawanni we forgot to take any pictures. And besides, since we were all in the lake no one had a camera.

But it happened.

I promise.

How can you tell?

Because we were all soaking wet at the finish line.

So worry not!

Each...

And every...

One of us...

Completed...

Our...

A.M. Triatholon...

And we're all ready,

Set,

And prepared...

To run...

YOUR...

MORNING...

ACTIVITIES!!!!

Now we just have to move on and start working on the other 18 hours of the Camp day...

Ready for the Counselors to arrive...

Yes, Senior Staff training is complete!

Now we're just waiting for one of the true signs that the summer season has started, when our Counselors show up, move-in, and make Camp their home for the next two months.  

Yes, they're all about to arrive!

The E.E. Staff!

The Lifeguards!

Our Shooting Sports Counselors!

Our Crafty Creative Arts-ers!

The kitchen crew!

Our Facility and Office Gurus!

And the Senior Staff.

It's not till they all get here and join together that the Summer Staff of 2016 truly forms.

So naturally... we can't wait!

Which is good. 

Because we don't have to wait long now...

Summer for Certain

Senior Staff Hike!

Yes, as we spend all week planning out the Summer Season...

We took an evening to engage in the age-old...

Time tried...

Classic Camp Tradition...

Of the Senior Staff dinner hike.

  Or it will be such a tradition. This is the very first time we ever tried it.

Happy smiling faces! (Wait. What's the matter, Molly? You're our E.E. Coordinator. You like hiking!)

We even managed to figure out how to balance the camera on a series of rocks and set the self timer.

With only one minor mishap. 

Meet the Staff of '16 - Volume XV - Alexis Interviews Jeff

Jeff - Why did you want to join the LG Cook family?

Alexis - While I was attending Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina, I became very close friends with a girl that was also from New Jersey. Her name is Robyn and she used to be a camper and worked as a counselor at LG Cook! She told me all about it and we found out that it was right near my house. I knew immediately that working there would feel like homeWhat animal represents your work ethic and why?


Jeff - The energizer bunny! Cause I go and go and go.
What animal best describes your personality and why?

Alexis - I think that a dog best describes my personality. It would not just a dog that naps all day (although that would be lovely), but it would be a dog that loves to run, play frisbee, chase the mailman, and help others find joy in laughing at my goofiness! I love adventures, helping people, and making others happy!)What kind of animals have you encountered at camp? Do you have any funny stories about them?

Jeff - Bears and Rattlesnakes. (***Editor's Note: But always in a fun and not at all scary way. Because we're quite cafeful around wildlife. All right. I think that covers it.)

Alexis - If you were on a deserted island, what is one animal that you would not like to be the main inhabitant?

Jeff - A chihuahua.  

Alexis - Are you a cat person or a dog person? Why?

Jeff - Dogs/Sheep dogs. (***Editor's Note: Obviously not chihuahuas though.) They're friendly, loyal, happy and like to have their backs scratched. What is your dream car or truck?

Alexis - I always wanted A Lexus because then I would be Alexis in a Lexus and that just sounds cool! Haha!
Would you rather stand out like a Peacock or blend in like a Chameleon.

Jeff - Both! Why just do one thing when you can do everything?
What occurs once in a minute, twice in a moment, and never in one thousand years?

Alexis - Oh boy this one is tough let me go ask my dad...(Editor's note: I'm pretty sure it's the letter "m". But I'm not positive. Let me know what your Dad says, Alexis. Or we can just check back with Jeff.)

First Campfire of the Summer Season

Senior Staff Training has begun.

Meet the Staff of '16- Volume XIV - John Interviews Molly!

JOHN: Hello Molly! Here are a few questions that I came up with for our interview. What is your favorite type of music?

Molly: I love a lot of different music but I really do love cheesy pop, fun happy songs that are good for a sing and a dance.
What music do you like?

JOHN: Pop music, eh? I have to say that while I have spent years resisting a lot of that, I’ve recently been developing more of an appreciation for it. I like a lot of stuff, I play music so it’s a pretty big part of my life. I am into alternative rock and electronic stuff, classic rock, some classic hip hop, even a little bit of cheesy pop.
As EE Coordinator, what is the craziest animal you have ever seen in the woods at camp?

Molly: Ha, probably the very rare creature that can only been found at camp know as a camper! I’m not sure, I see a lot of cool stuff at camp but I was especially excited when I saw my first humming bird!
What's the coolest place you have been to and what is craziest animal you have ever seen?

JOHN: My mom has hummingbird feeders at home so fortunately for me, I get to see them pretty often-- they’re pretty interesting little ones. As for the coolest place that I have been to, I lived in California for a bit when I was a kid and my family went to Yosemite National Park a few times. That is one of my favorite places, it’s pretty magnificent. I am not sure about the craziest animal I’ve seen but I’ve seen a few wild bears which I guess is a sort of animal spotting milestone for some people-- bears are pretty awesome.
Being from England, what are some American stereotypes that you have found to be true/untrue?

Molly: That's a hard one, probably the most American thing I ever been to was when I went to a baseball game I can't really describe it, it was just American. Watching sport is very different in England you just go and watch, it normally rains, but that is pretty much it.

JOHN: Interesting… I’ve heard that European soccer matches and Rugby is very different from the things we have in the U.S. I would love to go to one of those games.
When you went to Hogwarts, did you choose an owl, a cat, or a toad?

Molly: Although I think owls are really cool I would probably have a cat (I would want a really clever cat like Crookshanks) I really like cats I used to have a cat when I was little her name was Nelly and she used to sleep on my head.
If you were at Hogwarts which house do you think you would be in? (I'm a Huffelpuff!)

JOHN: Love this question. Hufflepuffs are so well rounded and grounded-- they have very sound values, that’s definitely a good house to be a part of. I think that human nature leads us all to want to say that we would be in Gryffindor, though I am not totally sure what I would classify myself as… I think that I have a mix of Gryffindor/Slytherin values, but I don’t know… maybe since I’m sort of a mix, Hufflepuff could be a good fit. Plus, badgers are pretty sweet and that is the Hufflepuff crest.

(*Editor's Note: It's been quite sometime since I've had any idea what they're talking about.)

If there was going to be a movie made about camp, who would play you?

Molly: I think that Emma Stone would play me because she is a bit goofy and likes to have a laugh and I think we are both a little bit bonkers
Who would play you in a movie?

JOHN: I think that Paul Rudd would be a good choice. Though I don’t really set it at all, I hear sometimes that I look like him. He seems like a nice guy, tries to do the right thing, has fun. He can be a goof and so am I.


Molly: Justin Timberlake or Justin Bieber (JT v JB)?

JOHN:  Justin Timberlake all the way … He was the king of my generation, I grew up with JT. I get annoyed //with Justin Beiber a lot (but some of his new songs are super catchy).

Molly, what kind of bear is best?
(Part 2: Do you watch the TV show The Office?)

Molly: I'm going to say spectacled bears are best because they look like they are wearing glasses.
I have seen a little bit of the British office but not a lot and none of the US series.

JOHN: Hmm, okay good stuff. Good bear, I saw one at the zoo recently. I’m into the Grizzly/Brown family of bears. They sort of stand for a lot of cool values and everything that is the wild and from nature here in North America, I can dig that.
What is your favorite spot at camp and why?

Molly: There are a few spots I love I don’t think I could pick a favourite! There is a spot on the hike around the lake where you can cross over the stream that I love because there is lots to look about for and you can always find cool things there like frogs, insects and animal prints in the mud. I also like being around the dining hall because there are always things going on there and I like being in the thick of all the camp activity (also the view of the lake is beautiful... but I don’t think there is really any part of camp that isn’t stunning)!
What are you most looking forward to this summer?

JOHN: I’m new to camp so I can’t fully decide on what I am looking forward to the most about it yet, but… I would say that I am looking forward to those moments that sort of make you think “this is what camp is all about.” Based on what I have heard about camp there are a TON of things that make this place special, especially the people at camp and the time that we get to spend with each other just making friends and having a great time at summer camp… I’m really looking forward to it all!
And I'm looking forward to meeting you!


Molly: I’m looking forward to meeting you too!

Meet the Staff of '16 - Volume XIII - Ariana Interviews Brendan

(***Editors Note: That's right! It's NEW staff interviewing NEW staff! Things get CRAZY this closer to summer starting...)

BRENDAN: What's your favorite summer tradition?

ARIANA: Summer break is one of my favorite traditions in itself! I love that its a time for trying new things and enjoying yourself. My favorite tradition of summer is the summer barbecues - there’s no better feeling than being all worn out from swimming and running around with friends, and sitting down for some great food. And of course going to camp! Why did you decide to be a camp counselor this summer? 

B: I decided to be a camp counselor this summer because I teach, so I'm always looking for fun things to do during the summer I have off! After recently graduating college, I wanted to come home to get re-intouch with my roots. I had been a Lindley G Cook 4-H camper not too long ago, and let's say I've been a camp counselor one or two or four summers by now. So when I heard Lindley G Cook needed a counselor, it seemed like a perfect fit. What kind of music do you enjoy?

A: I really do enjoy all music! I love music inspired by the South where I’ve lived all my life - the blues, southern rock, and bluegrass are some of my favorite genres.  I’ve also played guitar and piano since I was little! If you could be any animal or plant what would you be and why?

B: I always like this question because you learn a lot about a person by their answer. While I think all plants are valuable and wonderful, it'd be tough for me NOT to pick an animal. I've actually had a lot of camping, hiking closeup encounters with deer so I'd have to go with one of them. Stoic, calm, quick, lanky are all traits that them and I share in common. And as a lover of the woods, being a deer would be placing me in a place I already feel at home! If you could pick any superpower, which one would you pick?

A: Do you remember the show Avatar the Last Airbender? I would definitely want to be “the Avatar” and be able to control all the elements.  Think how great that would be to have at camp… campfires would never be the same!! What is the camp activity you’re most excited to try this summer?

B: Well I am very excited to be back at camp, and a lot of the camp activities of my youth are still here! For instance, what was once Outdoor Cooking, my favorite class, is now Trail Guide, where you get to learn all the different trails around camp and even do some cooking! Or Ranger, where you get to learn and even hike up to the Appalachian Trail. What're your top 3 most essential camp items?

A: For camp in Georgia it was sunscreen, bug spray, and water all tied for 1st! Down here it stays in the upper 90s most days starting in May. Pretty sure those are similar essentials for camp in New Jersey,  but I’m excited to have some relief from the humidity. I hear there are cool nights and mornings which I can’t wait for! I’ve also heard about Lyme disease, something we don’t have down south - less excited for that.  Oh, and definitely a big smile!! (***Editor's Note: Don't worry too much, Arianna! Our own Nurse Tosti will give you all the expert advice you need on tick checks, and you'll be able to  pass that advice on our campers. But you're 100% correct that the big smile will pay dividends, and is on everyone's packing list...) Being from New Jersey, what are some Summer things special to NJ?

B: Hmm, some NJ summer things can include: trips to the NJ shore and boardwalk, daytrips to NYC to hike around Central Park, massive fireworks displays on July 4th, grabbing ice cream with friends, and getting to spend time with all your friends you see every summer at camp!

(***Editor's Note: Good answer, Brendan! And now that it's officially well into JUNE, we'll be spending time with all our Camp friends real soon...)

Meet the Staff of '16 - Volume XII - Aleksandra Interviews T-Nivi

A: Hello Tyler, so let the fun begin. My first question is... what's your coolest memory from the camp?

T: I have never been a fisherman, and anytime I did go fishing, I found that I was way too impatient for the activity. So, reasonably so, I had never caught a fish. It was a couple of summers ago, that I finally caught one here in Lake Shawanni. I was so proud of myself (probably a lot more that I should have been.)

A: What's your favorite snack?

T: At camp, I love a good banana!

A:  If you could speak any language which one it would be?

T: Probably Latin, but only because I'm a giant nerd like that.

A: What's an essential trait that every camper has to have?

T: That's a good one. I think campers at our camp need to be silly. Silliness is key to having a successful week as a camper. It is also an important trait for counselors as well!

A: Is there anything you'd like to change about camp and if yes what would it be ?

T: The only thing I would change would be to make the day longer. We just don't have enough time to do everything we want to do!

A: What did you gain by working on camp?

T: Working at camp gave me the leadership skills that I can use practically in my everyday life. It's not just a place for the campers to grow and mature but the staff as well.

A: What's the most surprising thing that took place at camp while you're working? ( some bear,skunk or racoon visit ? :D )

T: I've been at camp a long time now, and I've seen many many things. The most surprising though was in 2012 when lightning struck a tree just outside a cabin, and made its way inside. It gave the girls in there quite a fright, but thankfully no one was seriously injured.What are you most looking forward to here at camp?

A: Well to be honest, I'm excited about pretty everything ! I can't wait to feel the atmosphere of the camp. Meeting new people, living so close to nature for 8 weeks and of course having a chance to participate in activities with all the campers . So basically just to have a best summer time in my life !

T: How would you react if you saw a bear on camp?

A: Hahaha that's a good question, on our orientation meeting in Poznan the coordinators gave us instructions how to behave in cases like that. Firstly, I would not run or do any rapid moves. I would try to hold still, not look the animal in the eyes and then really gently try to step back. If the bear would still take an interest in me, I would gently lay down, cover my neck and head.

(***Editor's Notes: Sounds like you have a well thought out strategy, Aleksandra! Worry not though, we make enough noise here at Camp where the bears keep their distance...)

T: What age group do you think you would work best with?

A:  I'm keen to work with every age group !

T:  What would be your ideal camp meal?

A:  My ideal camp meal would be a homemade tortilla with chicken, mix of salads, tomato, cucumber, cheese and sauce.

T: We divide the camp into animal groups here at camp. What animal would you be best represented by?

A:  I see myself as kind of dog person. Cheerful, friendly and always excited about new things.

T: Our talent show is a staple of our Thursday nights. Do you have any hidden talents?

A:  Wow, that' so cool ! I was a member of school choirs, so I think singing, but I'm looking forward to this event and try different categories ;) Thank's and see you in June !