Last nights carnival was a success! The theme of the carnival was movies. One of the booths was a haunted house which was Twilight themed. Some of the counselors dressed up as werewolves and vampires and the campers really enjoyed walking through the "somewhat" scary haunted house. A lot of the campers and counselors said it was one of the best carnivals yet! This morning the campers had cinammon bread and cereal for breakfast. We had the normal morning classes this morning. All of the canoeing classes had fun practicing capsizing canoes during boating class. For lunch today we had texas hash, green beans, and bread with peaches for dessert! The campers are going back to their cabins now to enjoy a rest hour before the afternoon swim. Tonight we will have the traditional talent show where cabin groups or individuals will put together skits or dances to show to the entire camp. Most of the campers will be practicing their act during activity period for tonight's show! :) - Emma Tuthill (LT Director)
Girls Session 2, Day 8
Yesterday we did experience storms in the morning so we had most classes inside. We played games such as scattergories and some participated in yoga! Before our afternoon meal yesterday the storm was right over camp so we gathered in the lodge early to sing a few songs before lunch. For lunch we had ravioli, salad, and italian rolls with pudding topped with vanilla wafers and chocolate syrup for desert. After rest hour the weather cleared so the campers were able to enjoy a general swim and 4th period where the hilltopers went to the ropes course, the lakesiders went boating and the seniors went to arts and crafts. Last night for super we had hamburgers and apple crisp for desert! A camp favorite known as Pirates was played for evening program. The campers really enjoy playing this game because they go around camp looking for the other teams treasure and engaging in fake "gun" battle to earn points for their team. It was a close game last night because both teams found the treasure. The final score was White 54 and Green 55. Today we thought we were going to experience some showers but the weather was clear with a few clouds throughout the morning and afternoon. We had corn bread and cereal for breakfast. The campers continued with their normal morning classes. Those campers who are in level 6 swimming or above could choose to swim to "Frog Island" this morning during first period. Frog island is all the way across the lake from camp where the water is shallow and the campers can bring back a rock that she found while there. The counselors row boats in front of the campers while they make the traditional swim to "Frog Island." This swim takes place every session every year and then each camper signs the frog island book where they will see many of their counselors names from when their counselor swam to frog island as a camper! Today's lunch was swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, and carrots. For desert the campers enjoyed butterscotch pudding. After rest hour today the campers went in for general swim and then continued with 4th period classes. Tonight the LT's (stands for the 15 year old girls who were chosen to take part in leadership training this year) will put on a carnival for all the campers! Some of the different stations will be musical chairs, face painting, water balloon toss, and an obstacle course. It will be an exciting night for the campers!
- Emma Tuthill (LT Director)
Girls Session 2, Day 7
On Sunday we had a fun-filled busy day. The campers had chocolate chip break and cereal for breakfast. After breakfast those campers who wanted to switch for a bottom or top bunch had the chance to do so. The second Sunday of the two week session is our traditional Wamah track meet day. The camp is split into teams: green and white. It was a very exciting day where the campers were able to compete in games in the morning such as the softball throw, running long jump, standing long jump and 50 yard dash. After the morning games the campers went in for a general swim. We had a beautiful day for track meet but it was was still very hot so it was important that the campers spent time in the lake! There were also swimming races and a marathon run for those campers who chose to compete. This year a lot of campers came out to run the marathon (not 26 miles-- but about a half mile run)... After lunch of ham and noodles the campers enjoyed a much needed rest hour. After rest hour we had our Indian War Relay where both teams race around camp on foot, in canoes, in boats and swimming to determine the winner. The green team won this session! After the relay the campers enjoyed another general swim to cool down from the race. For dinner last night we had pizza and green and white cake for desert. For evening program last night we finished the track meet games with different relays such as an obstacle course. This morning looks like we might have some storms passing through. We had french toast for breakfast and classes are resuming as usual unless we experience storms which will result in moving the classes inside.
-Emma Tuthill (LT Director)
Girls Session 2, Day 6
Hey everyone On Friday we had pork chops with mashed potatoes, and green beans. Barbecue sauce on the side for dipping also made a great addition to our mid day meal. I was seated at overflow, and got to know a few more campers.
The rest of the afternoon went on as usual. After rest hour pretty much everyone seemed eager to get in the lake for general swim. My lifeguarding position is on main dock watching over the intermediate swimming level. A bunch of girls in cabin 2 used general swim to practice their stride jumps. By the end of general swim they weren't even getting their hair wet!
During activity period counselors offered frisbee golf, jumping off the tower, aquarium games, and yoga among others. The wind was also quite strong and ideal for sailors to hone their skills.
For dinner we had fajitas, one of my favorite meals at camp. For dessert we had brownies with chocolate chips in them. For evening program we played a staff favorite, Cops and Robbers. The campers were able to find more pairs and triples than any other session, giving them a score of 125 points. However, the counselors were able capture 171 tickets giving them 171 points. The game was shortened to allow time for a general swim. Campers were able to cool off one last time before a short thunderstorm entered the area and brought some much needed rain.
-Kyle Macsuga, Small Craft Director
Girls Session 2, Day 5
We did not see much sun yesterday but we continued with normal activities. For lunch the campers enjoyed chicken parm with spaghetti and vanilla pudding for desert. After rest hour we continued with our normal day of general swim then 4th period class of boating, arts and crafts and sports. For activity period many campers jumped off the tower, played aquarium games or played volleyball on the A-field. Last nights dinner was grilled cheese with tomato soup and apple sauce. For desert we had peach crisp. For evening program the campers played an exhilarating game of King Dodge Ball. After evening program last night we sang a few songs and those campers who were hot from the game enjoyed a quick dip in the lake before washing up for bed. This morning we finally enjoyed longer periods of sunshine. For breakfast this morning we had oatmeal, cereal, and english muffins. The campers had regular classes this morning. For sports classes some campers went to tennis and archery. The wind was great for sailing class today! For lunch the campers had pork chops, mashed potatoes, and green beans and for desert assorted fruit. After lunch today all the campers go to store to chose a candy and also get postcards, envelopes etc.. for writing letters home! In a few minutes rest hour will begin and the campers will spend time reading, writing letters, listening to music, or napping before general swim!
Emma Tuthill, LT Director
Girls Session 2, Day 4
Yesterday the rain held off and the campers engaged in normal morning activities such as boating, swimming, sports, and arts and crafts. The noon time meal was meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and carrots. The campers enjoyed italian ice for desert. After rest hour, the rain continued to hold off for general swim. The campers really enjoyed swimming in the lake because of the hot and humid weather. We only experienced a little bit of drizzling rain yesterday, so all activities were played according to plan. For activity period a lot of activities took place in the water such as jumping of the tower, paddle boarding, and going on the hunter (our sailboat). Prior to dinner yesterday evening each camper made their own sandwich with the help of the staff to prepare for their cabin picnics. Each cabin chose a spot on camp property to take their cabin out for eat out. The campers enjoyed sandwiches, chips, grapes, pickles, and cookies for dinner. This is the first year we have tried this way of eating out and the campers really enjoyed themselves. For evening program, a camp favorite, spys and smugglers was played where the campers attempted to bring pieces of paper with points on the paper from the flagpole to the A-field without being tagged or getting their paper stolen by the spys. Each camper was given a chance to be a spy and a smuggler. Last night were enjoyed a cooler night for sleeping! For breakfast this morning we had corn bread and cereal. This morning is cloudy but the forecast looks like we will have sun today! :)
-Emma, LT Director
Girl's Session 2, Day 3
ahoy there everyone, To recap on what happened yesterday: All classes throughout the day were pretty normal in the morning. It was pretty windy with the sun shining through the dark and ominous clouds every few minutes (this made for fantastic sailing weather). For lunch we ate some delicious chicken tenders with rice and green beans. For the more adventurous campers barbecue sauce was thrown into the mix to give the rice a bit of a twang. For dessert we had peaches.
We were fortunate enough to have the weather hold out for most of the afternoon. Rest hour and general swim went on as usual. However, by the time general swim ended, rain began to fall. Unfortunately this meant that all boating classes had to be moved into upper lodge, where we played boating bingo. Also, because of the rain, many of the activity periods which were offered had to be altered. So instead of jumping off the tower and and playing games on the field, instead we played card and board games, like apples to apples and catchphrase in the lodge. Yoga, which is turning out to be quite popular with many of the girls, was still held in the activity room.
For dinner we had meatball grinders, applesauce, carrots featuring zucchini. And for dessert we had cheesecake. YUM!
Since the A-field was wet, we played a game called Murder by Night. This fictional murder mystery game had campers going all over camp in groups led by LTs to interview all possible counselor suspects. Unfortunately (since it was my day off) I was the murder victim. My own sister killed me with an oarlock. =(
This morning drury clouds passed of the lake and rain began to fall. This will not stop of from doing our normal morning classes. I expect all boaters to have a fun time rowing around in the rain.
-Kyle, Smallcraft Director
Girls 2nd Session, Day 2
Yesterday the campers enjoyed a general swim after rest hour. Following general swim, the girls on hilltop enjoyed a game on the field, the girls on lakeside went boating, and the senior girls went to arts and crafts. Today the girls were able to sign up to go on our sailboat called the "hunter," to go on a sunfish or to go on our new stand up paddle boards during activity period. Many campers took the opportunity to sign up for these fun activities. During activity period the campers engaged in activities such as jumping of the tower, aquarium games, and volleyball. Last night's meal was tacos with chocolate cake for desert!! After dinner the campers enjoyed a fun-filled game of capture the flag on the A-field. Today, the campers woke up at 7:30 and enjoyed a blueberry bread and cereal breakfast at 8 am. The campers had a regular morning of cabin cleanup, swimming, boating, sports and arts and crafts. The wind picked up this morning so it was great for sailing! The sun is coming out from behind the clouds and it looks like it will be another successful day at Camp Asto Wamah!
-Emma (LT Director)
Girls Session 2, First Full Day
The campers arrived a bit after noon yesterday, and quickly settled into their bunks and began to meet their fellow campers. After camp tours and icebreakers to get to know each other better, campers, counselors, and staff met in the Council Ring, where Nancy Maclean, Camp Director, welcomed new and returning campers and introduced herself, the counselors and staff. Once new campers had been classified as either Aquarium, Intermediate, or Deep Water swimmers, the entire camp enjoyed a General Swim. Following the traditional first-night supper of hot dogs, tater tots, baked beans and brownies, campers trekked to the A-field to hear the rules of Medical War, an exciting game of dodgeball. Campers were eager to take a “Quick Dip” in the lake to cool down after the game, as it has been perfect swimming weather.
After a 7:30AM wake-up on Monday, campers began their first full day of camp. After a breakfast of french toast, campers and their counselors worked together to clean their cabins and camp before morning classes: Swimming, Smallcraft, Sports, and Arts and Crafts. With the warm weather, we expect the campers to be eager to get into the water again today. Around noon the campers will eat lunch, and have Store, and Rest Hour. We look forward to a first full successful day of camp.
-Emma (LT Director)
Girls Session, Final Full Day
Last night’s Banquet went very well. Campers not returning next session received year awards, and while it was too windy to place candles on the lake, the camp did stand around the flagpole for the candlelight service. On this final full day of camp, campers are finishing arts and crafts projects—with Seniors doing tie dye shirts—working to perfect strokes in swim classes, and soloing in sailing classes. Campers learn today whether they have passed into the next level in swimming and small craft classes, and at today’s General Swim many campers were excited to be able to swim in new areas. This evening is campfire, where campers will receive swimming, boating and track meet awards, as well as sing songs, eat s’mores and reflect on the past two weeks. While campers are looking forward to seeing friends and family from home tomorrow, they will certainly miss their friends at camp.
- Julia (Cabin 8 )
Girls Session, Day 11
Yesterday afternoon, instead of a regular activity period, camp had a special presentation by Bwana Iguana, who showed campers and staff snakes, turtles, tortoises, lizards and other reptiles. Some campers had the opportunity to come to the front and help present the animals to the rest of the group as well. With only one more day of classes, campers are working hard to make progress in swimming and boating classes, and to finish arts and crafts projects like baskets. Today for activity period, campers have the opportunity to take part in a diving competition, to play spoons, or to participate in a pirate battle on the lake offered by the small craft directors.
Tonight is the camp’s banquet, with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn for dinner. Campers will dress in the camp’s colors, green and white, sing songs, and watch a slideshow of the session’s events this evening. Following the meal and weather permitting, campers, counselors and staff will walk down to the lake for a candlelight service, releasing candles onto the lake cabin by cabin.
- Julia (Cabin 8 )
Girls Session, Day 10
Because of the heat yesterday, everyone at camp worked hard to stay cool and hydrated. Sports classes took place in the water, with campers and staff playing aquarium games like London Bridges, Sharks and Minnows, and Marco Polo. Campers enjoyed meatball grinders for lunch followed by a General Swim and more water sports during activity period. Last night was also the camp’s talent night. Many campers and cabins worked hard on skits, songs, and dances to perform for the rest of the camp. Because of the heat, everyone in camp took a quick dip before bed to cool off for the night.
This morning we had waffles with peanut butter, and for lunch Texas casserole (rice, beef, and veggies). Today is cooler, but everyone is still taking care to stay cool and hydrated. Sports classes again took place in aquarium, and we had an extra long General Swim before fourth period. Campers are now getting ready for a special presentation, a program about iguanas. Tonight is again Eat Out, and like last Wednesday, cabins will eat supper in places around camp like the rafts, docks, A-field, and campsites. Evening program will be General Swim.
- Julia (Cabin 8 )
Girls Session, Day 8
As yesterday was the middle Sunday of this session of camp, it was track and field day. On Saturday, each section selected team captains who in turn picked permanent green and white teams. In the morning, campers competed in the softball throw, running long jump, standing long jump and fifty-yard dash. A quick general swim to cool off was followed by the traditional track meet day mid-day meal of ham, egg noodles, corn on the cob and green and white cake. After rest hour, some campers elected to compete in the half-mile marathon, and the entire camp participated in the Indian War Relay, which begins with runners at the top of the camp road, who relay batons to swimmers, then to boats and canoes, back to runners on the far side of camp, and finally again to two Seniors swimmers who race back to main dock. In one of the closest races in recent memory, the White team won by only a few seconds. While it was too hot to walk to the town of Columbia’s official Fourth of July parade today, campers enjoyed the boat parade on the lake during Sunday afternoon’s General Swim and watched fireworks over the lake in the evening.
Today, campers are back to the regular schedule, decorating tote bags in arts and crafts, playing drip-drip splash and other water games in sports, and swamping canoes in small craft. Lunch today was ravioli and French bread, and supper will be grilled cheese. Tonight the LT’s will be putting on a themed carnival for evening program, and two of the older cabins will go stargazing afterwards.
-Julia (Cabin 8 )
A Gift for Nancy Maclean
Members of the Camp Asto Wamah 100th Anniversary committee presented Nancy Maclean with a gift to honor her dedication and leadership during the more than 40 years she has served as camp director.
Read moreGirls Session, Day 6
Last evening, after a supper of fajitas and cheesecake for dessert, campers and counselors faced off in a game of Cops and Robbers. Campers, the robbers, attempt to evade counselors, the cops, who capture their papers by tagging them and guessing the correct color of the paper. Campers gain points by finding their pair or triple, people whose number matches on the paper. The counselors topped the campers with a final score of 183 to 80 points. This morning, sports classes played games using a parachute because of the heat. Arts and crafts classes made pencil holders and vases for paper flowers out of cardboard boxes. Lunch was pork chops, mashed potatoes, applesauce, summer squash, and apple pie. Activities offered this afternoon are water polo, Frisbee golf, learning embroidery floss, and ropes course.
It was announced at lunch that next Tuesday will be the camp’s talent night, where campers and cabins will showcase skits, songs, and other talents. This evening campers will supper at campsites they have cleaned out with their cabins, eating hot dogs and making s’mores.
-Julia (Cabin 8 )
Girls Session, Day 5
On Thursday evening, campers played an intense game of King Dodge; a type of dodge ball game where those who get out go to a “jail” behind the opposing side. To free herself from jail, a player must get someone on the opposing side out, using balls thrown over by her teammates, and also sending that player over to her own team’s jail. A quick-paced and exciting game, multiple rounds were played, with the White team emerging as the overall winner. Today, sports classes played kickball and soccer, and Lakeside cabins went on tow low ropes course elements. For arts and crafts, campers began projects with gimp and hemp, and continued their geckos; a new group of girls began making baskets. A great day for sailing, Seniors’ sailing took out the Hunter, the camp’s medium-sized sailboat. Nearing the halfway point of the session, campers are making excellent progress in swimming classes.
Activities offered today include jumping off the tower, bocce (a ball game), and singing songs with the LT’s. Additionally, cabins have started clearing out campsites for tomorrow evening’s Eat Out. This time, all cabins will build a fire, eat hotdogs, and make s’mores for dinner. Campers and counselors are all looking forward to this new experience.
-Julia (Cabin 8 )
Girls Session, Day 3
Last night’s Evening Program, Spies and Smugglers, saw an overwhelming victory for the “White Team,” and gave new campers an introduction to woods’ games. Many campers once again took a quick dip, even thought the weather is beginning to cool. Campers today played kickball and handball in sports classes, made bead geckos in arts and crafts, and swam in the lake, which has remained fairly warm. Activities offered will be badminton, jumping off the tower, and volleyball. Additionally, staff will take out several campers in Sunfish, a smaller type of sailboat seating three, and a larger group in the camp’s medium-sized sailboat, the Hunter.
Tonight’s supper will bring back an old camp tradition for the first time in many years. Instead of switching tables in the lodge for “Eat Out,” cabins will eat together outdoors. Campers are all making themselves a sandwich to take to a place chosen by their counselors. Everyone is looking forward to supper at campsites around camp, on docks, and even on rafts on the lake.
-Julia (Cabin 8 )
Girls Session, Day 2
With such hot and humid weather yesterday, many campers were eager to spend Activity Period outdoors, playing badminton, aquarium games like Stuck in the Mud and Marco Polo, and jumping off the camp’s tower on White Raft. For supper, campers and counselors enjoyed tacos and apple crisp, camp favorites. After supper, the entire camp participated in a game of Capture the Flag for Evening Program, which takes place not only on the A-field, but also extends into the woods. We were able to play multiple rounds and each team won at least once. Because the weather stayed so warm, all campers took a quick dip after the game and before bed to cool off for the night. Today is a bit cooler than yesterday, but is certainly still warm and perfect weather for swimming. Lakeside campers today played SPUD in sports class. In arts and crafts, campers made embroidery floss friendship bracelets or continued bead necklaces they started yesterday. Additionally, four to six campers from each section (Hilltop, Lakeside, or Seniors) are working on baskets.
We’ve just finished General Swim and campers are off to fourth period class, sports for Hilltop (cabins 1, 2 and 3), arts and crafts for Seniors (Old 6, 7 and 8 ), and rowing, canoeing and sailing for Lakeside (4, 5 and 6).
- Julia (Cabin 8 )
First Full Day
The campers arrived a bit after noon yesterday, and quickly settled into their bunks and began to meet their fellow campers. After camp tours and icebreakers to get to know each other better, campers, counselors, and staff met in the Council Ring, where Nancy Maclean, Camp Director, welcomed new and returning campers and introduced herself, the counselors and staff. Once new campers had been classified as either Aquarium, Intermediate, or Deep Water swimmers, the entire camp enjoyed a General Swim. Following the traditional first-night supper of hot dogs, tater tots, baked beans and brownies, campers trekked to the A-field to hear the rules of Medical War, an exciting game of dodgeball. Campers were eager to take a “Quick Dip” in the lake to cool down after the game, as it has been perfect swimming weather.
After a 7:30AM wake-up on Monday, campers began their first full day of camp. After a breakfast of Blueberry Bread and cereal, campers and their counselors worked together to clean their cabins and camp before morning classes: Swimming, Smallcraft, Sports, and Arts and Crafts. With the hot and humid weather, campers were once again eager to get in the lake. After Dinner (the noon meal), Store, and Rest Hour, campers once again had the opportunity to enjoy the lake during General Swim. As rainy weather is currently rolling in, fourth period classes will take place indoors. Next up: Activity Period, Supper, and Evening Program.
-Julia (Cabin 8 )
Camp Asto Wamah Update
We are very excited to be able to report that Camp has purchased 3 stand up paddleboards. SUPs are the rage among young people (and older people too). They will be a part of our small craft program and add a fun and challenging activity on the waterfront. The boards are similar to rescue boards but longer and wider. While balancing on the board, you (and maybe a partner) paddle with a long shafted paddle. Wind is not necessary but can add to the adventure. We feel sure that this new activity will quickly become a favorite. On Saturday, the 15th, the Leadership Training class of 2010 spent the day in the Lodge working through CPR for the Professional Rescuer. This course is a requirement of Lifeguarding which they will all take once they arrive for their two-week session. The day went extremely well. The fifteen year olds were focused and engaged. Ann, Jocelyn, Catherine, Chris and I were very impressed with their skills and understanding. All signs indicate that this group will be exceptional!
This Saturday, May 22, is Open Camp Day. From 3:00 to 5:00 we will be offering tours and the opportunity for you to meet some staff and ask questions. This is a great way to introduce new campers to Asto Wamah before arrival day. (We are always looking for more tour guides so if you are a present camper or staff member and you can help out, know that your assistance will be appreciated.) We look forward to a big turnout!
I will continue to keep you posted as we quickly approach the official start of our 101st season.
Nancy Maclean, camp director