Meet the Staff of '16 - Volume VI - Hannah Interviews Julia

JULIA: Hi Hannah! My name is Julia Senkowsky. I'm glad Ben emailed us to interview each other! I was a camp counselor last summer and have been going to camp as a camper since I was young. Camp is so much fun and is a great place to escape! I can’t wait for you to get to experience it!


HANNAH: Hi! Yeah that sounds perfect. My first question is how many years have you been doing your role at camp and what about it inspires you to keep coming back?


JULIA: My first year as a camp counselor was last summer, but I have been attending camp for ten years now...maybe eleven. I can't keep track anymore. Camp has always been a special place for me. It has been a chance to get away from the pressure of the rest of the world and just be yourself and be crazy! As a counselor, I see that with campers coming in. Typically, if they are new to camp they are usually shy and curious as to why everyone acts so crazy at camp. But by the end of the week, they have joined right in with the fun! It’s really an amazing transformation. I love seeing these campers experience the joy of summer camp and helping them achieve what I have experienced myself!

HANNAH: That's great! If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?


JULIA: There are so many places I would like to visit! I've always been interested in traveling, but right now I've been wanting to go to New Zealand because I am studying abroad there next year! I can't wait and it's all I think about!! What about you? You obviously want to travel if you are joining camp America. What would you like to travel to the most? Also, where in the US do you want to travel?

HANNAH: That sounds awesome!That's a difficult question! I'm lucky enough to be going to Indonesia for the second time next year to work as a research assistant. I'd most like to visit Alaska as the hiking looks fantastic. I lived in Oregon until I was 8 so I've seen a fair bit of the West Coast - I'd love to travel around the East Coast, which is why I chose this camp 😊. Time for a less serious question - if you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

JULIA: Wow! you've been all over! I would probably choose to be a dog since dogs have the best life. I swear my dog has a better life than me. Sometimes my dad will cook eggs for the dog and not me hahah! What about you?

HANNAH: Ahaha! I'd probably choose to be a narwhal so I could explore the arctic, also mainly because I'd feel like a unicorn haha. Ok! What's your most memorable camp moment?

JULIA: Oh gosh! There are so many! I’m going to change this question to be specific to last summer only. Otherwise I probably wouldn't be able to give an answer. Last summer my most memorable camp memory was probably when I accidentally opened my mouth when the lake gunk was getting poured on my head  when I went through the CHAOS machine. (You will learn about that once you get to camp, it’s very indescribable). But if you do have the "pleasure" of going through the CHAOS machine here's some advice... DONT OPEN YOUR MOUTH! (*Editors Note: Julia accidentally getting all the lake gunk in her mouth was one of the grossest/most incredible things I've ever seen. Mostly because it was not just a little lake gunk. It was A LOT of lake gunk. And she acted  like it wasn't even a big deal. She's super tough.)


HANNAH: I'll bear that in mind haha!


JULIA: Now, a few questions about you. Why did you decide to join camp America?

HANNAH: I thought it would be a brilliant experience - I love working with kids and the chance to teach them outdoor education seemed perfect to me! I'm also hugely into travelling and Camp America makes it possible fairly cheaply.

JULIA: Camp sounds like the perfect place to you! I am so excited for you! One final question: From what you have learned about camp, what are you most looking forward to?


HANNAH: Yep, I'm so excited! I think getting the chance to work with kids who are a bit shy/nervous to be at camp and helping them to come out of their shell a bit will be amazing and really rewarding - I was quite shy when I was younger and I know I would've appreciated a bit of extra encouragement. Other than that, just generally getting stuck in all the activities! 😊


JULIA: That is definitely something incredible to experience! Well Hannah, it was very nice chatting with you! I cannot wait to meet you in less than two months!!!!

Meet the Staff of '16! - Volume V - Tim Interviews Langone

(*Editors Note: Previously unbeknownst to me, it turns out that it is nearly impossible to find photos of Tim in the Camp Archives, despite the huge amount of summers he's been here. What makes him such an undocumented man of mystery? Stay tuned this summer to find out! Especially during Spy Week.)

(*Editor's Note: It also turns out it is very, very easy to find photos like this of Julia Langone in the Camp Archives. There are literally thousands of them.)


Tim: What week are you looking forward to most at camp this summer?

Julia: As the Resource Coordinator, my job involves diving into each week’s theme and creating whacky all camp games (and sometimes funny story lines) to tie the identity of a week to! So as the theme queen, it’s hard for me to choose. However I am super excited for Color Wars this year (going to be NUTS) and Out of this World week because I’m a developing space nerd.
Tim, you’ve been coming to camp quite a bit over the years. Which is your favorite: Cabin Choice, Talent Shows or the Camp Dance?

Tim: The Talent show is without a doubt my favorite thing! I love the talent show because you get to see all the different campers talents. The free ice cream is also a plus!
If you could have Carl cook you one meal of your choice, what would it be?

Julia: Carl can cook anything. The man is a wizard. So I would actually just challenge him and just give him ingredients I would want included. Carl, can you make something delicious involving grilled cheese, Nutella, and those vegetarian breakfast sausages?
Delicious camp food aside, what course area are you apart of this summer and what are you most excited about for it?

Tim: This summer i will be hanging out at the waterfront soakin' up the sun and making sure everyone is staying safe and having fun out on lake shawani. The part I'm looking forward to the most is being able to spend a good part of my time in the water during the hot summer days!
How much different is it working at the waterfront compared to all the other areas? 

Julia: You go through more changes of clothes (or not) and usually smell of wonderful Lake Shawanni water, (does wonders for the skin)! But in all seriousness, you form a tight knit team with your fellow guards since there is an added weight of responsibility. Before I became the Resource Coordinator, I worked at the waterfront for 2 years. Although I am fully involved in Cabin Choice and Talent Shows and Land Rec and whatnot, a piece of my heart is still at the waterfront!

Tim: What is the most challenging part of working at the waterfront? Any advice?

Julia: Endurance. You're in the sun quite a bit, you are always "on" when guarding and there's quite a lot of canoe lifting! You'll do in service drills too, but I found them to be the best time to be with your team in a crazy camp day! As for advice… Own it! You guys carry the weight so all of camp can swim and play in our little lake! Many campers have never been in a boat or a lake and it's awesome to see them fall in love!
Did you do anything for the FIRST time at camp as a camper growing up? Hop in a canoe? Swim in a lake? Put up a tent?

Tim: The one that I hold close to my heart is the first time I indulged in Freakout.

What is it about camp that keeps you coming back year after year?

Julia: The staff. The campers. Being outside every day. And laughing. I honestly laugh my hardest when I'm at camp. The campers are goofy and so is our staff. What's not to love about being in the sunshine and making fun for kids? (and us adults!) You counselors create an identity for the summer along with the kids and its super cool to witness and help create. Nothing like it!

Relax around the lake at our SPRING FAMILY WEEKEND!

Beautiful spring weather has finally hit Camp, so just imagine how nice it will be in another month at our SPRING FAMILY WEEKEND!

Yes, you too could spend a couple days serenely staring out at Lake Shawanni with the Camp Dog.  

OR you can enjoy many of our most popular Summer Camp classes, OR tell tales and eat s'mores around the campfire OR take an afternoon hike through Stokes Forest. 

AND of course you can stay in our cabins, AND enjoy some great Camp cooked meals, AND spend some good quality time soaking up all our 108-acre-65-year-old-classic Camp facility has to offer.

But no matter what you'll DEFINITELY experience a lovely weekend (rain or shine) of Summer Camp fun for the whole family.  

See you in the merry month of May!

Spring Family Weekend

May 20th-22nd, 2016

Friday Evening @ 6pm –
Sunday Morning @ 11:30 am

$80 a person
(children under 5 attend free.)

Register HERE AND NOW!

Meet the Staff of '16! - Volume IV - Kain Interviews Amber

Kain: Alright you ready? Your answer to this first question will determine the path you take for this whole interview! Do you prefer Pink or Blue cotton candy?

Amber: Neither, I don’t eat cotton candy, hopefully you prepared a neither path!

Kain: Aw no! It’s so good though! But I’ll work with it. Who do you think would win in a dance battle: A robot dinosaur or Michael Jackson?

Amber: That’s a tough one, I think I’d have to go with a robot dinosaur because you can’t go wrong with a dancing robot dinosaur, we should consider arranging one to come to camp for one of the dances! (Editor's Note: I'm on it, Amber. I. Am. On it.)

Kain: I totally agree! Maybe for Chaos week it can make a super funky fresh appearance! But moving on! Let’s talk camp dessert, Would you rather have Ice cream sandwiches or brownie?

Amber: Hands down ice cream sandwiches, although freak out should have been an option, you can never go wrong with freak out!

Kain: Well of course Freak Out is the number one but I figured I’d spice it up in the camp dessert conversation since there are other very good options too! So anyways, What made you decide you wanted to be a counselor? What keeps you coming back?

Amber: Day one as a camper I told myself I would become a Counselor, so I did, camp is such a great place and it allows people to be who they actually are.

Kain: Sometimes you just know, like there’s a feeling you get like ‘yeah this is the place to be’ that’s so awesome! So let’s talk personal records, what is the longest you’ve ever worn a friendship bracelet for? And double whammy, what week are you most anticipating!

Amber: The record of my longest friendship bracelet was 6 months give or take a few days, I was absolutely heartbroken when it broke, that’s a fairly new record it happened this year! and CHAOS WEEK, IM SO STOKED, I CANT WAIT! I think I hear the chaos machine calling my name already.

Kain: That’s a crazy long time! I’m sure it gets emotional when they fall off, and the chaos machine sounds so sweet! I’d love to give it a try! Buuut, POP QUIZ: what is the square root of 90,862 divided by 11 squared, times 3?

Amber: I’m gonna take a stab at it and guess 81, I may or may not have the slight help of siri.

Kain: Close!!! It was actually about 7.47 but good try. So Amber, do you rock your watch on your left or right wrist?

Amber: I rock my watch on my left wrist, typically by the end of the summer i’m rocking a watch tan line too!

Kain: I don’t doubt it! Okay it’s the final stretch! BFI OR BFL, Kayaking or Canoeing, and do you prefer the opening or closing camp ceremony?

Amber: BFI BFI BFI! Kayaking and that’s a tough one, I enjoy seeing the course areas skits at the opening ceremony but I do love hearing every color group highlights of the week so I’d have to say it’s a tie!

Kain: Fair enough! Alright, these are the last two questions I have for you, first, would you rather smell like tuna and doritis for 29 years, OR have to wait in crazy long lines listening to loud disco everywhere you went for 37 years? And then finally what are three tips you’d give a camper to help them have the best week at camp ever?!

Amber: I think I’d have to choose tuna and doritos for 29 years, because I’ve assumed if I smell like it I’d probably eat it and I enjoy eating tuna and Doritis, not exactly at the same time but it’s worth a try!

Kain: That seems relatable.

Amber: Three tips for the best week at camp?

1. Get involved, even if you think it’s crazy and weird you’ll have a better time participating then if you were watching

2. Try new things, it’ll make your week so much more memorable, and you’ll find out if you enjoy fishing or don’t like spinach.

3. Make friends, your camp friends will last a lifetime, there is no other bond like a camp bond.

Kain: That’s some really good advice! Thank you so much for letting me interview you! Its going
to be a great summer!

Amber: Of course, thank you! & yes it’s going to be another fantastic summer.

Meet The Staff of '16 - Vol. III - Grace Interviews T-Nivi

Grace: Hello Tyler, its very cold and rainy here, how is it where you are? I am so excited for this summer can’t wait for it to begin. I guess I’ll start with what is you job on camp?

Tyler: It's pretty much the same here. At least for now, it's supposed to warm up soon. Anyway, my job at camp is the Logistics Coordinator. Basically, I do a lot or the behind the scenes stuff at camp. Computer work, scheduling, paperwork. You know all of the fun stuff.

Grace: How long have you been coming to camp?

Tyler: I've been coming to camp since I was 12 years old as a camper. That's way back in 1992. So yes, I've been coming to camp since before the majority of the staff was born. That makes me sad, but I digress.

Grace: And whats you’re favourite thing about camp?

Tyler: There are a lot of favorite things that I have about camp, but one in particular is the staff and how they interact with the campers and each other. Staff Training week is might be my favorite week at camp. And now a question for you: you will be in the kitchen this summer, but that doesn't mean that you have to miss out on the fun activities we have. So, what kinds of camp stuff are you most looking forward to this summer?

Grace: Yes I will be in the kitchen quite allot to make sure the campers and the staff are well fed, but I absolutely love anything to do with water I've been swimming since I was 3 years old so I absolutely love it. I also love a good song and dance and love walking and exploring. I'm really looking forward to learning new things as well so I'm very open to trying new things. Because I love water so much how cold is the lake on camp? Do you like swimming?

Tyler: Swimming, dancing, exploring! All of those things are staples of camp, so you will no doubt have yourself a great time! The lake isn't too cold. It can take a little getting used to especially early in the summer, but once you're in, it's quite comfortable. I do enjoy swimming and take the occasional dip in the lake throughout the summer.

Grace: And out of all the activities what your favourite?

Tyler: My favorite activity at camp is going to bed, the days can be quite long. But besides that, I love Tuesday nights. That's when we have our Cabin Choice night in which the cabins do activities with their cabinmates throughout camp. They come up with some pretty creative and fun activities. I love walking around and checking out what they've come up with and joining in on some of the fun too. So, I used to be the shooting sports coordinator at camp several years ago, so I wonder if you had any interest in Archery, Air Rifles or Shotgun which is what we teach in shooting sports at camp.

Grace: I used to do archery when I was younger I'm not that bad. I've never done any form of shooting so that could be a new experience for me. What's the most challenging thing about camp?

Tyler: I feel like the most challenging thing about camp is keeping up with the pace and energy. Those kids go nonstop all day and it is often times quite exhausting.

Grace: Since I'm a chef what your favourite food when you're at camp?

Tyler: I enjoy all food at camp, but one of my favorites is the lobster and filet mignon. Kidding, but we do have an excellent menu and I love the apple crisp. You will love it as everyone else does, I'm certain. Did you ever go to a summer camp as a child?

Grace: No I've never been to camp before, I lived in Spain most of my childhood so most of my summer was spent swimming in the sea and ridding my bike. Even when I return to England I spent my summers at my home in Spain. What happens at staff training week?

Tyler: Staff Training week is the week that we train all of the staff so that they are well-prepared for the campers to arrive. We cover everything from life in the cabin to activities and games to meal times to bedtime. Everything from A to Z. It's quite extensive, but also a lot of fun.

Grace: What do staff get up to on the weekends?

Tyler:The weekends at camp are a chance for the staff to recharge. I highly recommend relaxing, sleeping and just taking it easy. However, I also recommend getting out and doing some fun things. There is a shopping mall about 45 minutes away, a zoo/museum not too far away, many many trails for you to go exploring that leads to scenic views and waterfalls. The last two weekends of the summer is when the fair is in town. It's quite a large event which I love going to every year. What kind of things do you hope to do/accomplish this summer at our camp?

Grace: I hope to see and experience as much as possible, I'm looking forward to see how different the American culture is to my own, as well as having as much experiences as possible not just the typical touristy ones. I've been wanting to do camp America for a few years now purely because i think it is an amazing learning experience and i believe it will help me grow as a person. I also believe it will help move towards my dream career in education. What would you recommend i do when coming to America and why?

Tyler: Those are some tough questions. In my experience with past Camp America staff, one of the first things they do is go to Wal-Mart or Target to get all of the supplies they didn't bring or forgot to bring. As for other things to do leisurely in America, that depends on your tastes. There are many things to do over here, and our camp is located not too far from New York City and the shore so there is a great range of different things

Grace: And as this is my first time doing Camp America what piece of advice would you give me?

Tyler: My advice would be to bring some of your most outrageous and crazy outfits and costumes, props, etc. We have many theme meals and activities where those kinds of things are put to good use. This was fun, and I hope I helped.

Grace: Thank you, very much. See you in the summer!

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Thank YOU very much, Grace! (And I guess thank you too, T-Nivi.) And thank you in advance to everyone joining us for Spring Opening Day this Saturday! We're looking forward to seeing you here.

Spring Cleaning/Spring Renovations

We hope you're considering taking a trip to Camp this Saturday morning (April 9th) to join us for our SPRING OPENING DAY. We'll be opening up the Dining Hall, setting up the Waterfront, doing some work on our Disc Golf course, and a handful of other projects as well. 

We'll also be running a Camp Tour at 1pm, so if you have any potential Lantern Family referrals, feel free to send them toward our tour.

To encourage you to swing on by, here's a sneak peak at our big renovation for Spring of '16:

Cabin #11, home of our oldest female campers for the summer, is our very first cabin to get a full renovation.

We're modeling it after our new cabins (#2 and #3)... 

Which we rebuilt three years ago after a generous donation from a kind lady named Hurricane Sandy.

Cabin #11 is also the result of a generous donation, this one from a long-time Camp Family member, Mr. Kevin McCormick. 

Far more generous than Hurricane Sandy's, in fact.

Because Kevin didn't insist on destroying Cabin #11 first.

Our cabins have remained virtually un-changed since they were built in 1951.

So, in theory, these renovation should be able to remain untouched and hold up until around... 

...2081. Give or take a month.

Our goal is to begin renovating ALL the cabins on Camp.

So if you would like to be like Kevin (or Hurricane Sandy) and generously donate, please get in touch! 

Or, if you'd just like to come move in some bunk beds, attend our Spring Opening Day.

Yes, those helping us out for Spring Opening Day will be among the first to check out the new look on old cabin, so we'll look forward to seeing you then! 

Meet the Staff of 2016! - Vol II - Chelsea Interviews Kuba

Chelsea:  What are you most excited about camp?

Kuba: I’m excited for just getting to experience camp all over again. I can’t wait to be teaching E.E again, going on all the hikes and fishing trips. Also all the activities we do every week, and the awesome summer camp afternoons, where the sun is setting and everyone’s having fun, it’s just beautiful.

Chelsea:  What are your three favorite things to do in your spare time?

Kuba: With the little time I have I really love hiking. Love trying to find those awesome views, or just walking in the woods for no purpose. Other than that, I’ve always enjoyed going to car shows with my friends, and bike riding.

Chelsea:  Why did you choose to work as a camp counselor at 4-H?

Kuba: Well, I’ve been going to 4-H camp ever since I was a kid, and since my first years at camp, I always wanted to be a counselor. So when the chance came for me to become a counselor last summer, I obviously took it. I had an amazing time last summer, and because of that I want to come back again and help make the campers experience the same feeling I had when I first went to camp.

Chelsea:  What course area are you working in?

Kuba:  Like I did last year, I’m working for Environmental Education (E.E). I love teaching campers about fishing, hiking, how to make fires, and just nature in general. Camp is a great place for campers to learn to appreciate nature and actually see how amazing it is.Working in E.E allows me to help kids see that too.

Chelsea:  Where are you from? 

Kuba: I live in New Jersey and go to Rutgers University, but I moved to the US from Poland back when I was much younger.

Chelsea: If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Kuba: Teleportation. It’s a dream for me to travel and see the world, and being about to teleport I could all over the world to the most beautiful places in the world. I definitely would want to be able to teleport other people too, because I wouldn’t want to go to all these places alone. Is this your first time working for the camp?

Chelsea: This is my first time working for the camp! I am super excited and cannot wait to take on this new adventure.

Kuba: What are you most excited about camp?

Chelsea: I am most excited about meeting new people, working in the arts and crafts department and having my first sleep away camp experience. Ever since I established being in love with the outdoors and nature, I’ve always wanted to go to a sleep away camp, but never got a chance to. I heard from past campers and counselors that this specific camp is an amazing one to be a part of.

Kuba: What are your three favorite things to do in your spare time?

Chelsea: My three favorite things to do in my spare time are hiking, painting/drawing and watching cheesy romance movies. I really love to hike because I am able to explore amazing places on beautiful days. Painting and drawing are my two favorite art activities to do where I am able to get lost in the pieces I am working on. It helps me relieve any stress I have and keeps me entertained at all times. I do have the stereotypical girl side of me where I love watching Nicolas Sparks movies whenever I can and cry at every movie regardless of how many times I’ve seen it.

Kuba: Why did you choose to work as a camp counselor at 4-H?

Chelsea:  I chose to work as a camp counselor at 4-H because ever since my freshman year of high school I have been working as a sales associate at a Gymboree Outlet in my hometown. During the summers while working at Gymboree, I felt very restricted being inside all day and it didn’t seem like it was having a major impact on me that will benefit me in the future. I currently attend Kutztown University majoring in art education and I always knew I wanted to work with kids. I believe this will be an incredible experience for me where I am able to have a really fun time and gain experience of working with children since I want to be a teacher in the future.

Kuba: What course area are you working for and why?

Chelsea: I am working for the arts and crafts department because I have always loved the idea of art where it was actually creating something or looking at other art pieces. I also want to be an art teacher one day and want to be able to teach children different art techniques.

Kuba: Where is your favorite place to go?

Chelsea: My favorite place to go are art museums because I find them very relaxing and they expose me to new perspectives of certain art techniques that I can open myself to do with pieces I work on in the future.

Kuba: If you could have dinner anyone in the world (doesn’t matter dead or alive), who would it be?

Chelsea: If I could have dinner with anyone in the world it would be Vincent van Gogh because he has been my favorite artist since I was in elementary school. I loved seeing his style of paintings and learning about his life story and how that influenced his artwork.

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Thanks Chelsea and Kuba! We're thrilled to have both of you on staff this summer, and can't wait to see what happens when you bring your individual passions to your course area classes and the rest of Camp.

A quick reminder: if you're free NEXT SATURDAY MORNING (4/9) and would like to join us for Spring Opening Day, our community service and camp-work day, we'd love to have you join us and help prepare Camp for the summer season! We'll be starting at 9:30 am and going until right after lunch.

Meet the Staff of 2016! - Vol. I - Bridget Interviews Jaclyn

It's that time of year again!

Time to start our countdown to Summer Camp by getting introduced to the thing that is going to make the Summer of 2016 completely unique to itself and different from all the summers that have come before it. And what amazing, rare, magical thing is that?

Why, the STAFF of course! A summer at Camp is always defined by the people who are here, and we couldn't be happier for you to meet the exciting batch of folks who are going to be creating Camp for the 2016 season.

So let's kick it off as...

Bridget: First question - how long have you been coming to camp? And in what roles?

 

Jaclyn: This will be my 6th summer! I was an EE/Cabin 11 counselor my first summer, the Counselor in Training (CIT) coordinator for 3 summers, and this summer will my second as the Assistant Program Director. 

Bridget: Lots of time in the woods! To tie into your Cabin 11 summer, who was your favorite camper?! ;)

 

Jaclyn : Considering a few of them are on staff this summer (including my interviewer), I think I have to plea the 5th on that one.

Bridget: Good answer! So next question, what is your favorite meal at camp?

 

Jaclyn: That's an even harder question! All of the food is so, so good. Since I'm gluten-free, the kitchen staff go to a lot of trouble to make sure that everyone with dietary restrictions eats really well. I especially love Carl's gluten-free buffalo chicken pizza -- I look forward to it every week. (I'm hungry just thinking about it!)

Bridget: Before meals at camp I hear there is something everyone does in front of the dining hall- singing camp songs! Do you have a favorite camp song??

Jaclyn: One of the best camp traditions! I'm definitely a fan of a new classic, "It's a 60s party from a 60s movie." One of our campers introduced us to that song a few years ago and it became an instant hit - I'm convinced it's due to the accompanying dance moves.

Bridget: Dance moves always do make songs better! If you had to perform an act at a talent show, what would you do?

Jaclyn : Hmmm. That's a tricky one. Since a number of our male staff members are secret fans of One Direction, I think I'd recruit them for a choreographed medley of 1D songs. BONUS: One staff member I have in mind even has an Irish accent - hello, we have our Niall. (Editor’s Note: I don’t have the slightest idea what that word means.)

Bridget: WOW! If this doesn't make people want to go to camp, I don't know what will! Speaking of international staff, what are your experiences with travelling internationally?

 Bealer: I've only done a little here and there: I spent a semester in Buenos Aires, Argentina when I was in college; lived and studied in Newcastle upon Tyne, England for 2 years; and am just about to wrap up a 2-year adventure in Quito, Ecuador. What about you? I hear you're quite the globe-trotter as well.

 

Bridget: That's more than just a little! You must have had some pretty great adventures :) I studied abroad in Eichstaett, Germany for a semester, travelled to India for 3 weeks, and to Norway, Rome, France, Nicaragua, and Switzerland for about a week each.

 

Jaclyn:  What a diverse list. We'll have to compare notes this summer.

Bridget:  Maybe we can chat during Rooster Run in the mornings. Well, I think those are all of the questions I have for you. Thanks, Jaclyn!

Jaclyn: Don't think that you're getting away that easily. I have a few questions, too! You actually have a long history with Lindley G. Cook. Can you tell us a little bit about the time you've spent at camp and in what roles?

Bridget: I started coming to camp as a camper in 2007! Then somehow I grew up and was too old to be a camper, so I came back as a volunteer the summers of 2011 and 2012, then an EE counselor in 2013 and 2014. Last summer I was studying in Germany until the end of July, but was able to come volunteer for a week. Now I will be the CIT coordinator! I just can't seem to escape this place ;

Jaclyn:  Trust me, I know the feeling! Camp turns you into a boomerang. Congratulations on the new role. What made you want to become the Counselor in Training Coordinator?

Bridget: I really love the giving-back aspect of camp. When you had great times as a camper, you want to ensure that happens for the other campers. The CIT program is all about giving back to camp and taking on leadership roles. Plus we have a lot of fun and great conversations! It is such a transformative program for camp's oldest campers, and I am so excited to be a part of it this summer!

Jaclyn: And we're so thrilled to have you back this summer! Since you have experience in so many different areas of camp, do you have any advice for new counselors joining us for their first summer?

Bridget: Get ready to laugh, learn, and love! Also, expect camp to bring out your crazy side (if you say you don't have one, you will certainly leave camp with one)!

Jaclyn: Words of wisdom right there. Thanks so much, Bridget. I look forward to working with you this summer!

Bridget: Same with you, Jaclyn! Camp is only a couple months away!!!

Jaclyn: Whoop whoop! Counting down the days :) 

---
But wait!

Surprise! 

Bonus! 

It's time for...

A Nice Picture/Goofy Picture Swap!

(What's the cause for this special occasion?)

Why, it's only because both...

AND

..Just can't WAIT for Summer Camp to start...

Yes. 

Bridget too.

Even with that face.

Stay tuned to meet the rest of the staff over about 92 more volumes! We should be all done just in time for Staff Training.

A Spring FULL of Summer

To help rush the summer our way, we've filled our spring  with plenty of great weekend events to help you while away the time until Summer Camp begins! Well, plenty being three. Which we think is plenty.  We hope you'll think so too, and join us at Camp for some (or all) of them!

Pre-Summer Event #1- Spring Opening Day

Our big annual service day! We'll focus on taking the Dining Hall out of winter-moth-balls and preparing it for the 2016 season, as well as setting up the waterfront, doing some work on our new Disc Golf course, and other general spring cleaning and facility projects. We will also be hosting Camp Tours in the afternoon.

So come on out and join us, we can use all the hands we can get to help prepare Camp for summer (plus it's a nice excuse to spend a morning with us in Stokes State Forest).

Pre-Summer Event# 2 - Ignite Creative Camp

This is the first of a new series of weekends that we're quite excited about. 

This retreat is for all those adults who tell us "I wish I could go away to Camp!" 

Participants will live in the cabins, enjoy a weekend at our lovely facility, and enroll in one of three creative disciplines. For our first Ignite Weekend, we'll be offering workshops in Story-Telling, Meditation and Yoga, and Creative Writing. In addition, we'll take some breaks to relax around the lake, meet some new people, and enjoy some classic Camp activities like archery, hiking and canoeing. 

Go here to register, or for more details. We're offering a special discount for our tried and true camp folks attending the weekend. Just use the code CAMPFAMILY for a 25% discount.

In the future we'll be planning Ignite Weekends for more disciplines, and some for kids to attend as well. If interested, please join us and be here for the first time around!


Pre-Summer Event #3 - Spring Family Weekend

Our classic May weekend, and a Camp Family favorite. It's a wonderful opportunity for some quality family time around Lake Shawanni, enjoying a weekend away from it all. It includes a taste of the whole Summer Camp experience, from Dining Hall meals to evening camp fires, and a whole slew of Camp games and activities. Many of our families attend Spring Family weekend year after year. Join us and create a new May tradition for your family!

Sign up here and now!


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So, don't wait all the way 'till summer for Summer Camp! L.G. Cook 4-H Camp is beautiful in the spring, and you don't have to take our word for it. Come spend some time and see it for yourself!

March Madness (Last of the Early Birds)

Just one week remains in our Early-Bird Camp Registration, an opportunity get choice selection on sessions (which are filling up) and classes (which are filling up faster), as well as to get  a discounted rate on Summer Camp 2016.


To celebrate, it is tradition to bring a bit of Summer Camp to our wintry landscape.

Well. 

That's not that wintry. 

I mean, don't get me wrong. 

That March mountain lake is cold. But it's not wintry compared to...


LAST YEAR:

THIS YEAR:


Yes, LAST YEAR:

THIS YEAR:

In short. What a difference a year can make. In lake temperature, amongst other such things.



But wait...here's a wintry Camp!

But that's not our wintry camp. 

What wintry camp is that!?

It's Jim's wintry camp! He's saying hello from Camp Sacandaga in the Adirondacks.

And he has a message! 

What is it? 

What do you have to tell us Jim?

Oh. 

He says "SIGN UP FOR YOUR SUMMER AT L.G. COOK 4-H CAMP THIS WEEK DURING EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION!"

Good message! 

Funny. That's exactly what I was just saying.

'Cause at Camp...the more things change, the more they stay the same. 

Register here and now!

Yeah, okay. We're done. Get on out. This lake is cold.