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 !

A Glimpse at our SPRING FAMILY WEEKEND

Happy SUMMER Weather, Camp Family!

To celebrate the return of wonderful, summer heat (Bealer says it's already too hot...she's very wrong...) and to wish everyone a happy and relaxing Memorial Day Weekend, we want to share some snapshots of last weeks SPRING FAMILY WEEKEND. (Very Special thanks to Don Smith for ALL of the pictures included in this post.)

We advertise this weekend as "Summer Camp For the Whole Family", and we think it ended up being exactly that.

We started with an opening campfire complete with...

Summer Staff !

Singing Campers!

Singing Summer Staff, nonetheless!

Yes, a real live campfire!

The Camp rules! Talkin' respect! Talkin' kindness!

Then talkin' more campers singing some more, no matter how tired they were...

And then we got up first thing the next morning to start singing all over again.

Enjoyed a morning flag-raising...

And followed it up with a hearty breakfast.

Provided by our summer kitchen crew, plus Heather! (Honorary Kitchen Crew.)

Then it was a day full of spring-time summer-time activities.

Activities like Shooting Sports! Fun for campers...

And parents alike.

Hosted by our good friend Keith.

And activities like fishing!

Hosted by our good friend Shaun.

Which was a lot of fun too.

Even though we didn't catch a single fish.

Kidding!

Just kidding, Shaun!

We caught lots...

And lots of fish!

And after we caught them, we even released them. (Mostly so we can then catch them again.)

We also had some snacks,

And enjoyed plenty of quality time cruising...

And floating...

On serene Lake Shawanni.

Most of all, it was a fantastic couple days in the woods introducing new friends (and welcoming old ones back) to what it's like to spend some time here at 4-H Camp.

And you know for sure the Camp Dog had a great time too, getting acquainted with all the new members of our Camp Family.






We hope everyone has a lovely holiday weekend, we hope you'll join us for future Family Weekends at Camp as well. 

 We'll be holding our Spring Weekend again next May, but you don't even need to wait that long! 

We'll be having a "1/2 Family Weekend" on September 17th and 18th to do some more fishing and a whole bunch of hiking, to celebrate the Centennial of the Nation Park Service with NJ 4-H. More details soon!

Meet the Staff of '16 - Volume XI - Wojtek Interviews Carl

Wojtek: Hello Carl, I'm Wojtek, please do not mistake me for Wojciech(also known as Patrick - I'm looking at you Sue!) you met last year. We're separate people and it's just a coincidence that we
share last name. Definitely! Separate people...
Let's get back to the point! Where are you from Carl and how long have you been working at the
Camp?

Carl: I am originally a Sussex County local living under the beautiful high point mountain. I went to
University in Providence, Rhode Island where my camp career started way back in the summer of
1999. In 2004 I handed over the kitchen to Joan and moved to Sunshine factory of Tucson, Arizona.After about a six year hiatus I asked if it was possible to return. I was welcomed back with open arms and drive the 2500 miles every year with to make apple crisp and to cut a rug at the epic Friday night dance.

W: I have to say that your apple crisp is delicious.
(Side note: Did I just expose that this won't be my first time at Camp? Well, I guess I didn't fool
anyone. :) 2500 miles? That’s a long journey! There is nothing that tells how amazing LG Cook is more than stories like yours. You must really enjoy Camp to drive all the way from Tucson. Except for Camp Dance, what else makes you come back every year? What are you looking forward to most about this summer?

C: A lot makes me come back. The biggest is that when I leave in June it's already 110 degrees! You
can cook a egg in your car in that heat! My favorite is the staff. I always like seeing how the grow and work together as the summer
progresses, becoming a close knit family. It's great working with international staff. I am thrilled the
camp has hired more and more since I first started. I love learning and sharing each others cultures.
The campers! Especially the special diet campers. I like trying to match everything the regular campers get. Nothing better then seeing the excitement of someone that never had something before because they are allergic or a disorder. Nothing worse then not able to eat a dessert but to watch everyone else enjoy it. It's a labor of love!
The last would be the beautiful surroundings. I grew up in these woods and town. It's good to see
family and friends I would not get to see again living so far away. Some times you will see me at night weekend day just being outside and listening to the wind blow through the trees. That is what I enjoy and can't wait to get back to! Not to mention the cabin 4 or 5 talent show skits! They are amazing!


W: I couldn't agree more with you. I'm particularly happy that you mentioned internationals because
that's what I want to ask another question about. International staff I'm a part of is hired through
Camp America which is an organization focused on cultural exchange. That means we have an
additional task during the summer - sharing our culture. I know you had an opportunity to work with many people from all over the world. What do you think is the main difference between domestic and international staff?

C: In my experience the international are a little timid or shy at first(except Peter I don't think he's
ever been shy a day in his life [Editor's Note: This is confirmed]) but after the culture shock are the most eager to participate. That's why I always stress to the international kitchen staff to participate as much as possible outside the kitchen. Enjoy the beauty and fun are camp offers. Other then that international staff are usually a little more laid back, a lot more thankful, and willing to try new things.

W: Let's leave camp for a while. You are going to a Halloween party. What are you dressed up as?

C: A teddy bear! It's my spirit animal!

W: Let's go back to the mountains. Camp is going to be different compared to last year. One session
more! New themes! I'm super excited about Colour Wars. It sounds like a week-long BFI! Isn't that amazing? What are you the most excited about for Camp 2016? BONUS question: What are you the most disappointed about and why is that not having me in the kitchen this year? :D

C: I am excited for the biggest yearly change, the staff. I love sharing one of the best and rewarding
jobs and places to work. This year we have many old campers completing the circle after being
campers for so long now take their role as councilors. We have have a great group this year. Can't wait to see their transition. I never am sad or disappointed in coming back. It will be different without Jim this summer but I know Ben will/does an amazing job making sure everyone has an amazing and safe summer. [Editor's Note: Thank you, Carl. It'll be a way easier job with your help!]


W: Staff is going to be amazing. No doubts. I have only one more question for you. Let's use it to play "what if?" What classes would you choose if you were able to spend a week at the camp as a camper? Which theme would you like to experience the most?

C: I definitely would be signed up for archery. I love and want to get better shooting a bow. I also
would be on or in the lake as much as possible swimming and fishing to of my favorite things. Theme-wise I love the spy week and am excited for color wars. We haven't run that theme in a while and a lot of special things have been kicked around for it. I also like the non-theme "best of camp" we usually run at the end of camp. I know I would just get to meet as many new friends and try as many new things I would never do outside of camp! Its safe and encouraged here not only to the kids but for the staff. I was a very shy and not very confident in myself. Going to camp and sports helped but becoming a staff member here broke me out of that shell. I hope to share that experience always.I have a few questions for you. What are you excited to see and eat since the last time you were here?

W: It's going to be amazing to see this beautiful lake again, chat with returning staff and meet new
people in the team. When it comes to food, viking dinner is something I'm super excited about. Spaghetti with meatballs followed by freakout.

C: Is there anything you didn't get to experience you are looking forward to?


W: I didn't have the pleasure to experience chaos machine, but I can't decide if I want to. Being
covered with lake mud doesn’t sound like fun but at the same time it does. :) Something I'm looking forward to the most is teaching my first class.

C: What made you switch from the kitchen staff to become a counselor? 

W: Last summer thanks to Ben and other staff members I was able to participate in many camp
activities in my free time. I quickly realized how rewarding working with kids is. That's why I did my best to come back as a counselor.


C: Summer is coming soon and I can't wait to see you, my friend! I know for sure you will do great in your new role.

W: I can't wait to see you too!

Carl + Wojtek

Together Again in Summer 2016

Meet the Staff of'16 - Volume X - Kristy Interviews Heather

Kristy: Hi! So how long have you been the camp secretary for?

Heather: This will be my eighth summer at camp, but my seventh year.

K: Were you ever a camper at camp?

H: No, unfortunately I wasn’t. I wish I was though; it looks like a lot of fun!! How long were you a camper before you applied to be a counselor?

K: Hm, this will be my seventh summer at camp! I was a camper, a CIT, then a junior counselor for two years. So what made you want to work at this particular camp?

H: Well when I interviewed, I interviewed in front of like seven people, the board of New Brunswick. I wanted to work in a place that was like family. I wanted to work somewhere where I could feel comfortable and like I was making a difference. 

K: Nice! I feel like camp is family, too. What’s your favorite thing about camp?

H: I don’t know if I have a favorite thing, but my favorite season for camp would be summer (for summer camp, obviously!) I like having the windows open, hearing campers singing songs, people running by… It makes things go a little faster, a little easier. So what made you go from volunteering to staff?

K: Hm, well I was a junior or volunteer counselor for two summers and I loved it. A week just wasn’t enough for me so I wanted to experience being a counselor for the entire summer! It was so much fun and I really wanted to be at camp for the entire summer!

H: Do you think you will have a hard time transitioning from a volunteer to an employee?

K: Well I think that it won’t be too hard. I’ve been a camper at camp, then was a counselor in training, and then a junior counselor for two summers as I said before. I didn’t think the transition was bad at all, in fact, I liked it a lot. I’m excited for this new position at camp and think I can handle the transition pretty well.

H: That’s good! It’s good to be confident in what you’ll be doing. What’s your favorite part about camp?

K: There’s so many but my absolute favorite thing is that camp is like family. When people say camp is like family, they’re not kidding! Everyone is so welcoming and inviting, no one judges you, and you can be yourself! I love that camp is like my second family.

H: Have you been to any other programs here at camp?

K: I went to leadership weekend for the first time this year! I really liked being there and glad I could make it. I got my mind back in camp mode and I got to meet some great people who will be around this summer.

H: Do you see yourself becoming a coordinator or just being a counselor and then moving on from there?

K: Well, I’m really excited to be a counselor this summer. I’m not sure if I’d want to be a coordinator though because you don’t get as close of that one on one experience with campers. I like being in the cabins and getting to know my campers! Hm, so let’s see. How about a random question… What’s your spirit animal and why?

H: I don’t know… I used to think it’s a wolf, or like a deer. I know it sounds weird, but yeah…

K: My school mascot is a stag!!

H: Yeah well they can take care of themselves but they also have that nurturing side where they can take care of others too. Deer are just running roads!!

K: Haha nice! What are you looking forward to most this summer?

H: Seeing a lot of returning staff. A lot of them keep coming back. The kitchen staff have come back year after year, even years before me! It’s nice to see everyone coming back, their families, and new faces who will be coming to camp and working here!

K: Uhmm so.. any other questions for me?

H: What’s your favorite theme for this year?

K: Well I’m most excited for chaos week because I’ve never been to a chaos themed week yet! (Can you believe it??) But out of the weeks I have been to, I’m looking forward to smorgasbord the most. My last year volunteering (two years ago) was this week and I really enjoyed it. It brought camp all together and was really fun to do “campy” activities. I’ve never done the wish boats before but it looks really pretty and I’m pumped.

H: What’s your favorite class?

K: Well, out of what I’ve taken so far, it would have to be outdoor cooking. I mean, you get to eat! What’s better than that?

H: Are you bummed that it’s not offered this year?

K: Wait, what??

H: Yeah, it’s not it’s own class this year, but don't worry! It’ll be incorporated elsewhere, like our brand-new "Trail Guide" Class.

K: Oh, cool. Well, I guess you learn something new everyday.

H: What’s your favorite class that you’ll be teaching?

K: I’m really excited to teach repurposed art. I think it’s so cool that you can turn junk or what others might throw away and turn it into something cool that you can show off.

H: Nice! Well, every year that you were here, I was in the background doing something. I’m the boring side of camp.

K: (side note) I don’t think she’s boring and we definitely need her! She’s, in fact, very important at camp!! (*Editor's Note: Thanks, Kristy! We all agree!)

Well I look forward to seeing you at camp this summer!

H: It’s only two-ish months away! Can’t wait to meet everyone too!