Day 2

Today the campers enjoyed yet another beautiful day on Columbia Lake. It was perfect weather for swimming, boating, and sports. We had French toast for breakfast, and chicken fingers for dinner, with vanilla pudding and sprinkles for dessert.  After a nice Rest Hour, everyone enjoyed the general swim. For Activity Period, some of the choices were soccer,  jumping off the tower, and fishing off the raft. I was with 3 campers who caught 4 big fish (in total). Having never been fishing before, I was impressed by the campers' ability to catch and then send each fish back to safety. It was an exciting afternoon. As I write, cookees are setting their cabins' tables for supper, and a delicious meal of meatball grinders is being prepared. Apple crisp- one of the camp favorites- is for dessert!

As foretold last night, the campers and staff enjoyed an exciting game of Capture the Flag, followed by a satisfying quick dip in the lake.

Check back tomorrow to find out which game is played tonight. Whatever it is will be a lot of fun!

 

-the Birth Barker

The Fun Continues

Today we woke up bright and early to a beautiful Monday morning on the shore of Columbia Lake. As promised, we all enjoyed a delicious breakfast of cornbread and cereal. Believe it or not, campers and counselors alike then cleaned the cabins and helped out with various camp duties, such as sweeping the lodge and bailing boats. Campers were eager to begin swimming, boating, sports, and arts and craft. For our big meal of the day, we scarfed down as many helpings as we could of ravioli (garnished with parmesan cheese), French baguettes, and cucumber slices, with Italian Ice for dessert. After an exciting morning, campers looked forward  to Rest Hour to nap, write letters, read books, or partake in any other silent activity. Feeling refreshed, everyone made their way down to the lake for a general swim. The water was beautiful and warm.

Various activities were offered during the campers' free period, known as Activity Period. Water polo, soccer, and jumping off the tower were a few of the popular options. Hungry from all the activities, we enjoyed chicken fajitas and vanilla cake with chocolate frosting for dessert. Before I sign off, I will share with you something the campers do not yet know: Evening Program tonight will be an intense game of Capture the Flag.

Check back tomorrow, same time, same place, for more updates!

-the Birth Blogger

Boys Camp First Night 2012

Today we welcomed 87 excited and enthusiastic boys to Camp Asto Wamah! After they moved in their belongings, staff played ice-breakers and gave tours of camp on this beautiful day. Next, new campers were classified into their various levels and we all went in for a general swim to cool off. Then we prepared the first meal of camp- hotdogs, tater-tots, and baked beans with brownies for dessert, as per tradition. As I am writing, the boys have gathered on the Athletic field for a campwide game of Medical Wars which is a dodgeball game. They will then enjoy a quick dip,a snack, a story read by their counselors, and a long deep sleep. Tomorrow's lineup is sure to bring even greater amounts of smiling and laughter. They will participate in 4 periods of classes (boating, swimming, arts and crafts, and sports). Check back here tomorrow for more CAW updates. This is the Birch Blogger signing off!

-The Birch Blogger

P.S. Cornbread for Breakfast!!! YUM :)

 

Coed Last Day

Last night for dinner the campers enjoyed grilled cheese and tomato soup with a camp favorite dessert of chocolate pudding pie.  Our evening game was the popular Pirates where the campers chased each other throughout camp trying to win more points than the other team while also looking for their teams treasure.  Before bed last night the campers enjoyed some songs, watermelon, and a quick dip. Today is our final full day of the first session.  The campers had normal morning classes where they showed their teachers how they have improved throughout the session in swimming and boating.  The sports classes had fun at the ropes course and the arts and crafts classes finished up their projects.  Some of the projects the campers did this session were baskets, bracelets, origami, pillows, and bean bags.  For lunch we enjoyed texas hash with salad and bread.  The weather was exceptional today for general swim.  This afternoon the campers will have their last chance to participate  in some activities offered by the counselors such as basketball, jumping off the tower, archery, and paddle boards.  We look forward to camp fire tonight where we will sing songs, eat s'mores, give out boating and swimming awards, receive cleaning awards, and enjoy fun skits put on by the counselors.

Tomorrow morning the pick up time is between 8:30 and 10:30 A.M.  We will certainly miss this exceptional group of campers.  See you tomorrow!

Emma Tuthill, Cabin Old 6

Coed Day 3 and 4 2012

Tuesday night we had a fun-filled evening.  For evening program the campers enjoyed a camp favorite capture the flag on the athletic field.  They then went down to the upper lodge to enjoy a music program given by Dennis Waring who kept everyone mesmerized with his performance.  Nature classes are using some of his ideas to make their own musical instruments. The campers had a fantastic Fourth of July.  We had regular morning classes with swimming, boating, sports and arts and crafts.  For the mid-day meal the campers enjoyed ham and noodles.  At night time the campers packed picnic baskets with their cabin and found a site around camp to eat.  The campers all came back to the lodge to make an icecream sundae for dessert.  For evening program we had a Fourth of July themed carnival with card games, musical chairs and limbo.  We were also able to sit and watch the fireworks display across the lake.

This morning we enjoyed chocolate chip bread and cereal for breakfast.  We had a normal schedule this morning with boating, swimming sports and arts and crafts.  We had ziti, french bread and salad for our mid-day meal.  This afternoon the campers will have fun participating in activities that counselor's have offered such as jumping off the tower, aquarium games, basketball, learning how to hair wrap, and sailing on our sailboat, "The Hunter." We are lucky to be experiencing great weather today!

Until next time.

Emma Tuthill, Cabin Old 6

 

Coed Day 2 2012

Yesterday the weather held out for us to have our first swim as an entire camp.  Last night for supper we had chicken patty sandwiches, chips, apple sauce with chocolate cake for desert.  Later that night we experienced storms so we were not able to play a game on the athletic field.  Instead we played the popular game called murder by night.  This game resembles the game clue where the campers travel around camp interviewing suspects about a crime to see who was the culprit.  The cool weather last night allowed the campers to sleep well. Following our morning exercises, we had cereal and english muffins for breakfast.  We are experiencing fantastic weather here today with sun and a light breeze.  Morning classes ran smoothly with swimming in the lake, spud on the athletic field, pillow making in arts and crafts, and boating classes out on the lake.  Many campers went out fishing today on boats during counselor's swim.  For our mid-day meal the campers loved the chicken tenders, rice, and green beans with peaches for desert.  We were able to enjoy a camp-wide swim following rest hour today without any weather interruptions.  The campers are enjoying 4th period now with hilltopers at sports, seniors at arts and crafts and the girls by the lake at boating.

Wonderful week here at wamah so far.  Until next time!

Emma Tuthill, Cabin Old 6

Coed Day 1 2012

All the campers settled into their cabins yesterday without a problem.  We went over general camp rules and played games to get to know each other as cabin groups.  Unfortunately the weather did not hold out in order to classify every camper so we played some games in the lodge until we were able to go outside again and continue with classification while other campers played knock hockey, ping pong and teatherball.  Our evening meal was hot dogs, tater tots, carrots, and pickles with delectable brownies for desert.  With the weather still holding out we headed up to the athletic field for a camp wide game of medical war.  All of the campers really enjoyed the night game as a whole camp.  Following the game we sang some songs and went in for a quick dip before bed time.  Taps blew while all campers were in bed.  Following taps the cabin counselors read a book that was chosen by the campers.  The cool breeze last night helped all of the campers to sleep peacefully. The first bell rang at 7:30 A.M. (although many campers were up and ready to begin the day much earlier).  We had cereal and french toast for breakfast with some orange juice and hot chocolate.  We began our day by cleaning up the camp by fulfilling cabin duties such as cleaning the cabins, bailing the boats, and sweeping the lodge.  The morning ran smoothly with morning classes following classification such as swimming, a fun game of nuccum on the athletic field, and origami and baskets during arts and crafts.  For our mid-day meal we had meatballs, mashed potatoes, and carrots followed by chocolate pudding with whipped cream.  Following dinner the campers had a chance to go over to the store and buy candy or anything else they might need such as toothpaste, a flashlight, or stamps.  All the campers spent a relaxing hour on their bunks after store reading books, writing letters home, or engaging in any other silent activities.  We heard a little bit of thunder after rest hour today so we will put off the swim until after fourth period today.

As a staff we are happy to have all of the campers here at Camp Asto Wamah for the first session of summer 2012.  They are all enthusiastic and respectable young boys and girls and we are looking forward to a successful session!

Emma Tuthill, Cabin Old 6

May Camp News

Welcome to May! Hope these longer and warmer spring days are reminding you of summer and fun days at Asto Wamah.  When you look at the updated photos I am including this month you will see a stark difference from April 1st pics.  The world at camp is exploding in green.  It is a beautiful sight and always an anticipated one after the bare CT winter.  I am hopeful that many of you will be able to come to camp on May 5th for Open Camp Day.   I always am looking for tour guides to take first year campers and their families around between 3 and 5.  You are all invited!

Progress is moving ahead with our new “green” bathroom.  I am confident that all the remaining steps will be completed by mid June and we will have a new facility up and running when you arrive.

Just a reminder, we still have a few openings remaining in the one-week coed session for both boys and girls and the Aug. 5-18th all girls session.  Spread the word!  Thank you.

At this point, the staff is hired and it includes many returning members.  The 2011 LT group is well represented on this summer’s staff so those will be familiar faces to many of you.   Sam will be back from his teaching in China, Catherine and Chris will be married, Kyle and Gillian will have graduated from college and we will all be back a year wiser.  We look forward to seeing ‘old’ campers and new, learning and growing together as we engage in the activities of play, work and living in community.

I will be back in touch in early June.  In the meantime stay well and safe,

Nancy

April Camp News

Dear Friends of Asto Wamah, April is here!  What a strange end to a winter that hardly started.

The trees are just beginning to bud in the woods and there are signs of new and young life everywhere at camp.  I have included two photos that show some of those signs of spring.  One was taken from the porch of the infirmary, looking toward cabin 7.  If you look closely you can see small green buds on the trees.  The other is from Icky Water Bridge.  Looking up the stream, the skunk cabbage is clearly evident.  Next month’s pictures will show a much more dramatic change in the forest.

This unusually mild weather has given us a good jump on projects that would typically not be able to get done for another month or so.  There is daily progress as Asto Wamah is readied for another summer of fun.

The most exciting project of the year is finally taking shape.  Our new bathroom building has electricity and the plumbing is nearing completion.   Soon the inner walls will go up, then the floor, the fixtures (4 sinks, 6 toilets and 3 urinals) and finally the partitions.  The prospect of increasing our bathroom capacity without negatively impacting the environment represents a giant (and green) step into the future.

The lack of snowfall and rain has resulted in Columbia Lake stagnating at its wintertime depth.   This is not a totally unprecedented issue.  There are three months remaining before the 2012 season will begin and that will hopefully allow time for the lake to fill.

Registration has gone quite well.  Both the second (all boys, July 8-21) and third sessions (all girls, July 22 to Aug. 4) are full with waiting lists.  There are a few openings in coed for both boys and girls and in the fourth session (all girls, Aug 5 to 18) as well.  If you know anyone who might be interested in either the 1st or the 4th sessions, I would be please if they would contact me for more information.

Because the next blog will not appear until early May, I thought this would be a good time to remind you of Open Camp Day.  This year Open Camp Day will be held on May 5th from 3PM to 5PM.  Please come by for a tour, lemonade and cookies.  Old and new campers are welcomed.  Invite a friend who had never seen Asto Wamah.  The staff and I look forward to meeting new campers and their families.  We always like to see returning campers!

Enjoy the longer days and warmer temperature as we move closer to summer and camp.

Always,

Nancy

 

March Camp News

Greetings to All Asto Wamah Folk, Hope you are well and happy and have not been too bored with the non-winter weather we have had this year.

During the past month I have been pleased to receive so many camp applications from new and returning people.  Even though the July 22 to August 4 (all girls session) is full, there are still openings in coed, boys camp and the Aug. 5 to Aug. 18th  girls sessions.  Please talk camp up with your friends and neighbors and let them know that there are still places left.  The application is on the website and if someone wants a brochure just call me (860-649-8614) and I will mail them one.

Many staff from last summer will be back and the 2011 LTs will be joining them.  It is going to be a terrific group.  Plans are well underway for the summer program.   We truly hope that you will be with us.

We are clearly beginning to see signs of spring.  Although the road and paths, usually deep in mud, are dry, many trees appear close to blooming.  The lake has not yet returned to its summer level, but that will come soon. Spring is on its way and that means camp is not far behind!

Always,

Nancy

February Camp News

Dear Friends of Asto Wamah, Camp is really coming alive now as the days grow longer.  On Sunday, Catherine, Chris and I were at a camp fair at REI in Blue Back Square.  We enjoyed meeting new families interested in sending their child (or children) to camp this summer and seeing so many familiar faces of campers, parents and staff who stopped by to visit.   It was a great afternoon.  It made us feel as if the new season is not far off.

The 2012 brochure/application will go in the mail first thing tomorrow morning.  That is always an exciting event.  You can expect to receive your copy by Friday.  I very much hope that Asto Wamah will fit into your summer schedule.  If you know of someone who would like to have a brochure you can contact me through the contact@campastowamah page on our website.  Thank you for being our word-of-mouth salesmen/saleswomen!

This month’s picture is of our new building.  It is a composting bathroom facility that will be divided into a boys’ side and a girls’ side and will increase our toilet capacity in an environmentally sensitive way.  Bathrooms are typically not exciting, but ours is  “green” with a waste management system that is eco- friendly. Each flush will use only a fraction of the amount of water normally used.  Over the next few months the plumber and electrician will be completing the project.  This facility will fill a need that we have had for many years.

Hope you are enjoying this milder than usual winter and looking forward to a warm and fun summer at Asto Wamah.

Always,

Nancy

January Camp News

Dear Asto Wamahites,The Camp Reunion was a great success.  The crowd was a bit smaller than usual, but there was no lack of enthusiasm and excitement.  We were all amazed by the magic of Jonathan Jacques.  He is terrific.  As always, it was wonderful to reconnect with so many people from the summer and in a variety of ways reminisce about our time at Asto Wamah.  Thanks to all who were able to attend. All is peaceful on Columbia Lake at this time.  Because there has been no snow yet, we have not had to abandon outside jobs so progress is still being made with our latest projects.   Additionally there is always wood to be cut and brush to be cleared.  The Nature Trail was hit hard by Alfred at the end of October.  Work to move fallen trees and open the path will go on for a very long time. I have included some pictures to give you an idea of the mayhem. The new bathroom is looking great and I hope to have some pictures in the February blog.  I know we will all be proud of our commitment to supporting the environment by reducing our use of natural resources in this facility. The holiday season is now behind us and life is returning to its usual routines.  I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable break from school and are ready to tackle the second half of the academic year. The 2012 brochure is presently at the printers.  It will be mailed on Feb. 1st and should be at your house on Feb. 2nd or 3rd.  We are hoping that a session (or 2) at Asto Wamah will fits into your summer schedule.   Please send me the names and addresses of any friends or relatives who may enjoy a one or two-week stay at camp this summer.  Don’t hesitate to email me through the web site if you have questions. Wishing you a happy, safe and healthy New Year, Nancy

December Camp News

Welcome to the December CAW Blog, Now that December has arrived you can expect to soon receive your invitation to the Camp Reunion.  As always, it will be held on the day after Christmas (Dec. 26th) at Center Church House (60 Gold St, Hartford) from 2 to 4.  Adults from camp will be out on the sidewalk from 1:45 to 2:15 and from 4:00 until 4:15 to facilitate your getting into the building and then back into the right car.

This year, for our entertainment, we will have a fantastic magician, Jonathan Jacques, who will astound us with his amazing feats of magic.  There will also be games and dessert and most importantly a chance to reconnect with camp friends.  Hope you can come and be a part of the gathering.  Check out the link on the website to RSVP.  Please remember to send me the names and addresses of friends/relatives who may be interested in attending Asto Wamah in 2012 so they can be on the mailing list to receive the 2012 brochure in February.

Thought you might be interested in seeing the status of the lake in winter so I have included a few photos.  It is drained down 8 feet in the fall so that docks (like ours) don’t get destroyed by the ice as it moves and shifts.  It has also been proven to be an effective way to make sure that Columbia Lake maintains its clean and clear qualities.  We are definitely in favor of that!

At the end of November, the 2 composters were delivered for our new bathroom.  There are so many people who are helping to make this “green” bathroom a reality.  I am most grateful for Maggie and Jack Whitney’s dad who has been of immense help throughout this project.  I trust there will be a lot more to report at the beginning of January. Progress is pretty much up to Mother Nature at this point.

December is always a busy month, with so much to do.  I hope this month will be filled with all good things for you and your family.  What a perfect time of year to Remember the Other Fellow.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a Holiday Season of Peace and Good Cheer,

Nancy

November Camp News

Dear Asto Wamah Friends, Well, I have clearly missed the first of the month deadline for this blog.  It seems as though this entire first week of November was lost to the winter snowstorm that has wreaked havoc on the entire region.  We were only without power for 3 days, but somehow that disruption of routine derailed my motivation and focus.  At this writing 200,000 are still without power.   I know West Hartford, our largest camp town, was severely impacted and I am hopeful that all of you are by now back on the electrical grid and returning to a normal life.  This past week has clearly demonstrated how much we depend on electricity and how critical it is to communication.

Amazingly enough, camp never lost power.  There was a great loss of tree branches, but the lights stayed on.   Clean up there has been an entire week’s work so far and is still not done.   It seems that we hardly finished with the Irene damage, and now this.  Thank goodness for the good weather to follow the bad.

Despite all of this, we have been able to continue with some big projects that are underway at camp.  The new bathroom is now ready for the delivery of the composters that will be lowered into the basement.  Within a few weeks the building will be constructed and the task of installation will be ready to begin.  I am very excited about this new “green” facility.  It is a step toward conserving precious natural resources.

The other camp improvement is a new roof on the Lodge.   The old membrane roof had functioned way past its guaranteed life.  There were many signs that indicated that it was failing fast.  Bob Dunn, the father of Hillary, Laura and Christine, is undertaking this big job.  Within a week we will have in place a roof that will be dependable and a major improvement.

The water has been drained and the lake is rapidly receding.  The nights are cold and the trees are mostly bare.  But there is still lots going on at Asto Wamah.    Our 2012 schedule has now been determined and you should have received a postcard a few weeks ago outlining the new dates and fees.  We look forward to your return to Asto Wamah in the summer of 2012.

Check for an updated blog in early December.

Until then, be safe and take care,

Nancy

Asto Wamah News

Dear Campers, Staff and Other Asto Wamah Fans, It is hard to believe that October is here. I don’t understand how the 8 weeks since the end of camp could have passed so quickly.

By now I imagine that most of you are well engaged in the routines of school. I hope the transition from the carefree days of summer back to the rigors of school has gone smoothly and you are finding ways to display your best Asto Wamah behaviors and attitude in that setting.

You may be surprised to know that a lot has been going on at camp since the middle of August and the end of the camping season. Family Camp ended just as Irene hit. In addition to having no electricity for most to the week following the storm, there were a number of very large trees that became victims of the storm. Luckily, no building was damaged, however the road was impassable for a number of days. Since Irene, there has been an abundance of rain. I guess it is the rain that we seemed to avoid all summer during camp.

During the past month we have begun to make visible progress with the construction of our new bathroom facility. Having more toilet capacity has been a goal for decades. Some of you are aware that the new building will be located between the old bathroom and the Activity Room. It will house 6 toilets, 2 urinals and 4 sinks which will be a welcome addition to what we already have. The most exciting thing about this bathroom is that it will be green. That means each flush will take a fraction of the water used in a conventional toilet or urinal. This green technology’s impact on the environment will in everyway be friendly. The foundation is close to being poured. I will give you an update on the progress in November. Stay tuned.

Decisions are being made about the camp schedule for the summer of 2012. A postcard will soon be mailing outlining the dates. Hope that will help assure that a session at Asto Wamah is in your schedule for next summer.

Don’t forget to Remember the Other Fellow,

Nancy

 




























      
    


    

    


  




  


    

    

      

        
          The Last Day of Camp Asto Wamah 2011
        
      

      

        
        
      

    


    

    

    

    
      




  
Today campers awoke excited not because it was the last day of camp but because today is the last day to show their stuff in swim class, swim in Columbia  Lake, dive off the tower, hang with their new friends, finish their art's and crafts projects, plus tonight is campfire. Campfire is always the last Friday night of camp. Campers receive their track and field day ribbons, swimming and boating awards (if they passed), and we sing lots of songs and eat s’mores of course!   Counselors will also be preparing a skit for the camp that should be pretty funny! Today's meals are camp favorites: waffles with peanut butter (after you put peanut butter and maple syrup on your waffles you'll never go back - just a heads up parents :D so you won’t be surprised when they ask for it with their waffles ),  Sheppard’s Pie ( mashed potatoes, corn, and ground beef layered together), and tonight is Hamburgers!  Today’s schedule is a little different because not only is it the last day of the session but it is also the last day of the Camp Asto Wamah 2011 Season. The last day of the season means that we take out all the boats, put away all the waterfront equipment, wash everything, and take down most of camp for the winter. While counselors are doing most of this while the day goes on, some older campers are helping out as well. It was a busy morning for sure!   Sports class divided into two groups: one collected kindling for tonight's campfire while the other did Zoomba around the flagpole ( a great start to the day in my opinion)   All boaters took out a rowboat while the sailboats and canoes where lifted out of the water and had rowboat races. Swimmers either tested or did fun things like jump off the tower.  While some staff finishes up the work around camp, the campers are playing two games that should last until suppertime. The first game they are playing is a Camper/Counselor Hunt (basically a hide and go seek game). The campers hide around camp first while the counselors try to find them. The campers are worth one point to a counselor who finds them but the counselor has to say the campers name to get the point.  Next the campers are the seekers and try to find counselors and the same rules apply but counselors are worth more points :D
After that game the campers will divide up into their cabin groups and play a Reverse Scavenger Hunt.  Campers go back to their cabins and choose 10 things they think they will be able to use to act out several scenarios. The boys session played this and some funny skits were thought up ( Justin Bieber ) :D  Common objects include: broom, blanket, flashlight, hats, and water bottles. I can’t wait to see what this group of girls will come up with !!


Finally, I’ll let you in on a little secret: tonight after the campfire and reading is done in each cabin and campers are beginning to fall asleep, the counselors are going to come around in a group and carol outside the cabin. This used to be a last night of camp tradition but over the years it hasn’t been done. Counselors are really excited to surprise them with songs like Angels, Ashgrove, Barges, Kumbya, and a few other sweet nighttime songs. These have been a great bunch of campers that the Asto Wamah staff will really miss.  I hope you all enjoy the end of your summers. Pick up tomorrow is 8:30am to 10am. Have a great night and we will too!


 


- The Birch Blogger



























      
    


    

    


  




  


    

    

      

        
          Rainy Field Day
        
      

      

        
        
      

    


    

    

    

    
      




  
For two-week sessions at camp, the second Sunday is always Field Day. The morning was a wash-out, so field events such as the long jump and 50 yard dash were postponed until the next day. Campers were still able to score points for their green or white team, though, while staying dry inside the lodge and activity room. The teams split up and went around to different Round Robin activities, trying to meet the objective of each one in the shortest time possible. At Basket Ball, they lined up at one side of the room and threw balls into baskets until the last ball made it in. At the Obstacle Course, the team had to hula-hoop 5 rotations, don a life jacket, balance a ping pong ball in a spoon while walking around a chair, then take off the life jacket and slap the hand of the next person. And at Number Line, the whole team climbed up on a long bench. Each person was given a number on their forehead, which everyone could see except themselves, and they had to rearrange themselves on the bench without talking. These activities required each team to work together, encourage teammates and listen to one another. In the afternoon we were able to hold the Indian War Relay Race, in which the entire Green Team is pitted against the White Team in an epic camp-wide race starting at the entrance of the Camp Road, stretching across Colombia lake with swimmers, boaters, and canoers, and ending with swimming the entire length from Pollywog to Main Dock. The Green Team canoers established a clear lead, which was maintained until they won the race. However, the White Team swimmer Madison still put up a good fight with her finishing leg, and even swam butterfly for almost the whole length. The points from the Round Robin, the Indian War Relay, and all of the jumping, running, and swimming events will be totaled up and the winning team will be announced at Campfire on Friday evening.
Tonight instead of Evening Program, we will hold the Talent Show. I'm excited to see the skits, songs and dances that campers have been working on.


-the Birch Blogger



























      
    


    

    


  




  


    

    

      

        
          One Week Left
        
      

      

        
        
      

    


    

    

    

    
      




  
The first week of this girls session has been packed with fun. By now, most of the girls know everyone in their area (Hilltop, Lakeside or Seniors), and have established friendships. This morning we switched bunks so that campers who wanted to be on the top bunk would have a chance to try it out. So now the cabins are rearranged, and campers are getting used to their new bunkmates. Counselors had the final say in who goes where, sometimes to the disappointment of campers, because chatty bunkmates who couldn't resist the temptation to talk during rest hour or after bedtime were deliberately separated. But the switch also means that campers will hopefully make new friends during this last week.
A few highlights from the past week:


Yesterday instead of Activity Period, we had a visitor who brought snakes, iguanas, and other reptiles. She explained about each one and even let some people touch them!


On Thursday night we changed our bedtime routine. After brushing teeth and changing into pajamas, everyone headed to the A-field with their flashlight and a towel. Grouped by cabin, we spread out the towels, laid down, turned off our flashlights, and looked up at the sky. At first it was too light to see anything except for a few bats flying by, and bright-shining Venus. Then, one by one the stars appeared. There were a few clouds, so the sky didn't fill with as many stars as we'd hoped. But some lucky campers got to see a shooting star. I wonder if any wishes will come true.


We've played a number of great games for Evening Program, including King Dodge Ball, Capture the Flag, Spies and Smugglers, Pirate Gang, and Murder By Night, in which campers group up and have to talk to counselors and get clues to figure out which counselor was responsible for the murder of Kevin, and what was the murder weapon.


Today an announcement was made about Talent Night, which will be held on Tuesday. Some of the girls have already started planning skits and dances. With such an energetic and creative group of girls this session, we're all eager to see what talent emerges.


-the Birch Blogger



























      
    


    

    


  




  


    

    

      

        
          Off to a Good Start
        
      

      

        
        
      

    


    

    

    

    
      




  
Every afternoon after 4th period classes, counselors offer a variety of activities that campers can join in on. Today campers had the opportunity to participate in water zumba: a watery twist on the new dance workout; jumping off the 12 ft. tower for swimmers in level 4 and above, Nuke 'Em (a cross between dodge ball and volleyball); sailing slowly on the sunfish sailboats; Apples to Apples (a silly word game). The great thing about Activity Period is that this is one of the few times of the day when campers of all ages and cabins can participate in the games, so campers often make new friends.
Yesterday afternoon Nancy met with the 14 year old campers, who are in their last year of camp and are eligible for the Leaders in Training program next year.  The requirements for this program are enthusiasm for camp, participation in activities, genial character, and helping younger campers. We've seen several of these young women step up to the plate today and engage with younger campers throughout the day. Looks like we'll have lots of good candidates for next year's LT program.


It's almost supper time, and we'll be singing Happy Birthday to Libby in Cabin 7 during our chicken fajita meal, followed by one of the more popular games, Cops and Robbers.


-the Birch Blogger



























      
    


    

    


  




  


    

    

      

        
          Last Girls Session Begins
        
      

      

        
        
      

    


    

    

    

    
      




  
Cars and minivans lined the camp road yesterday, as parents and relatives drove to the parking lot to unload the sleeping bags, duffel bags and trunks. One by one the cabins filled up with new and returning girls. The first day is always tough for the campers because they have to listen to so many important announcements about how things are done at camp. But by now, they've been here for over 24 hours, so they've already played an Evening Program (camp-wide game after supper), ate supper, breakfast, and lunch, had rest hour, and went to their four classes: Swimming, Smallcraft (rowboat, canoe or sailboat), Sports (including Tennis and Archery) and Arts & Crafts. Last night was tough for many of the campers, especially first-time campers, because they're not used to being a cabin with the noise of the crickets and wind blowing though the leaves, let alone the noise of the other nine girls sleeping or getting up to use the bathroom. But we didn't see any grumpy faces this morning. In fact, everyone has been in a great mood: excited to be here and eager to try out all the activities. Looks like we've got a great session ahead of us, and great weather to match it.  Except for those rumbles of thunder I just heard... Let's hope they just pass by without developing into a storm!
Until soon,


-the Birch Blogger