Happy Monday!

Today was a hot one! We began the day with a delicious breakfast of cereal, melon, and cinnamon bread. We returned to our regular morning schedule today, with boating, swimming, arts and crafts, and sports classes. Everyone drank lots of water to stay hydrated, and boating classes stayed cool by taking a dip in the lake before heading out to row. Canoeing and sailing classes practiced capsizing, something everyone loves to practice on a hot day! Dinner was a camp favorite- lasagna, baguettes, and salad, with strawberry jello for dessert. Yum!

The afternoon was spent in the water as much as possible. After a refreshing general swim, sports classes stayed in the lake to play water games instead of going up to the A-field. For activity period, many campers jumped off the tower or played aquarium games, while others braved the dry A-field for games of nuke 'em and ultimate frisbee.

Everyone met at the flagpole before supper to hear today's cabin inspection winners- cabins 1, old 6, and 8! Supper was chicken fajitas- tortillas filled with chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and peppers and onions. Dessert was apple crisp- one of the best!

Now, campers are getting ready for an evening program of general swim. After cooling off before bed, everyone will sleep well tonight!

'Til tomorrow,

-the Birch Blogger

Track Meet Sunday!

Hello, blog followers! Apologies for not posting yesterday- the bloggers had a day off! Today was an exciting day at Camp Asto Wamah. It was our traditional mid-session track meet. After an energizing breakfast of cereal, blueberry bread, and fresh watermelon, the campers went to the A-field for a morning of running, jumping, and throwing, instead of regular morning classes. The camp was split into two teams--white and green. In groups of hilltop, lakeside, and seniors, they rotated between the running long jump, the standing long jump, the softball throw, and the 50-yard dash. First, second, and third place were awarded for each event, and each place earned a point for the camper's team, green or white. While everyone got into the spirit of team competitiveness, they remembered their sportsmanship and cheered on all their fellow campers. To cool off, we had a quick general swim before a delicious dinner of ham, noodles, corn, squash, and bread, with apple turnovers for dessert. Everyone recharged during rest hour, getting ready for an active afternoon. Following rest hour, campers had the option of running the "marathon," a race starting at the A-field and going down part of the camp road, finishing in front of cabin 5 for a total of about at half mile. Lots of fast runners showed up for the challenge--it was an exciting race! After the marathon, we had swim races. As with the marathon, campers could choose whether or not they wanted to participate. Most people did, and everyone showed great effort!

Following these races, we had some regular afternoon activities, with a general swim and activity period.

Supper was hamburgers, chips, and applesauce, with green and white cake for dessert. Campers had a little time to digest before evening program, and then we began to set up the Indian War Relay, a relay that starts at the top of the camp road and continues into the lake with boaters and swimmers. Most campers were chosen to be runners-- they relayed the baton down the camp road to the lake, where the rest of the campers--boaters, canoers, and swimmers-- brought it home to main dock. Green team won with a big lead, but white team made a valiant effort!

After the excitement of the race, campers cooled off in another general swim, before going off to bed. Everyone will sleep well tonight!

Until tomorrow,

-the Birch Blogger

Fantastic Friday!

Today was a wonderful day at Camp Asto Wamah! The campers loved the breakfast of oatmeal,cereal, and English muffins. Cabins finished eating and went to get their cabin photos taken in front of the lodge. They all looked fresh and campy! Photos can be purchased on the last day of camp. The campers enjoyed their regular morning classes, despite the chillier weather! They continue to show progress and some boaters are already ready to pass into the next (more advanced) level.

Dinner was Italiano- ziti, baguettes, and salad, followed by peaches for dessert. During rest hour for the campers, LT's practiced their lifeguarding. They worked on water escapes and rescue boarding. The whole camp went in for a general swim, as the wind picked up! Fourth Period was ideal weather for our sailors, while our poor beginning boaters suffered a tad bit. For activity period, the same favorite activities were offered with the addition of boating on the Hunter. Ten lucky campers who had signed up got to ride around the lake on our biggest sailboat with counselors Michael and Greg.

The nurse chose cabins 1, 5, and 7 as today's inspection winners before supper this evening. It was a cozy night for grilled cheese, tomato soup, applesauce, and chips. Dessert was chocolate cake with vanilla icing and caramel drizzle! YUM! Tonight's evening program will be a dodgeball game called, King Dodge! The campers, once out, form a line behind the opposing team and are able to return to the game if they hit an opposing team member from behind.

Tonight the campers will be ready for a good nights sleep!

Til tomorrow!

-The Birch Blogger

Thrilling Thursday!

Today, we awoke to a bit of rain and thunder, which made for a cozy morning. Campers came right to the lodge (no chicken fat!) for a breakfast of cornbread and cereal. Cabin cleanup and camp duties were done in the continuing storm, but by 10, the weather had cleared, so boating and swimming classes got to go in the lake! Dinner was Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, and corn, with frozen juice cherry popsicles for dessert.

The afternoon became hot and sunny, so campers really enjoyed their general swim. 4th period was held as usual, followed by Activity Period. Activities included jumping off the tower, nuke 'em, soccer, and badminton.

Supper tonight was pizza, applesauce, and chips, with chocolate pudding pie, a camp favorite, for dessert! Yum!

As I write, campers are hearing rules for an evening program of Pirates, many campers' favorite game! Campers will be divided into two teams, and each team will walk around camp trying to find the other team's treasure, hit the other team with "guns" (rags filled with flour), and collect litter for points. It is sure to be a swashbuckling good game!

Talk to you tomorrow!

-the Birch Blogger

Day Three!!!

Good Evening Blog Followers! Today camp began with bagels and cereal, followed by a normal morning schedule.  Dinner was chicken fingers, rice, carrots, green beans, and pears for dessert. The afternoon got pretty exciting starting at general swim, when a clap of thunder prevented everyone from going in the lake.  As a light rain began, campers and staff gathered in the upper lodge for a game of counselor trivia. Cabins competed to find the answers to staff trivia questions. We all learned a lot about each other! Following the game, we were able to let the boats out on the lake, but sports classes played team building games in the upper lodge. Activity period was a mix of playing board games and making sandwiches for supper. Today was the kitchen's evening off, so it was our traditional "eat- out" night, where campers take a picnic basket to various locations around camp.  Unfortunately, the looming storm prevented campers from traveling to their spots outside, so cabins ate at their normal tables in the lodge. The LT's led us in some songs, following a delicious meal! Saturday and next Wednesday will be other opportunities to eat with a great scenery! Tonight's evening program was a reverse scavenger hunt. The campers had to bring 10 items to the lodge to use as props for various skits. Hilltop, Lakeside, and Seniors competed separately but all performed spectacularly! Funniest skits included counselor impersonations, American Idol, zombie apocalypse, and safari adventure. They got to go in for a quick dip before bed since the weather has cleared for the time being.

See you tomorrow!

-The Birch Blogger

Happy Tuesday!

Today campers awoke feeling refreshed from a cooler night's sleep. The day began with a breakfast of blueberry bread and cereal. A normal morning schedule followed. Beginning boaters had their first chance to row today! Dinner was meatloaf, mashed potatoes, bread, and string beans and summer squash from a farm across the lake! Dessert was cherry jello with whipped topping.

After a restful hour, campers enjoyed their general swim in the lake. Fourth period followed as usual, and Activity Period brought some exciting outdoor activities. Nuke 'em, badminton, aquarium games, and jumping off the tower were the highlights.

Supper was tacos, applesauce, and chips. Dessert was a delicious orange cake topped with vanilla frosting and chocolate drizzle.

Now, campers are preparing for a game of Spies and Smugglers! Half the campers, the smugglers, will be given paper with a certain number of points to smuggle from the lodge to the A-field. Popular smuggling strategies include hiding the paper in secret pockets, and/or running as fast as possible to avoid being tagged by the spies. The spies will try to catch the smugglers and guess where their paper is hidden. Spies have three guesses, and if they do not find the paper, the smugglers continue on their way. It is sure to be an exciting game!

Until tomorrow,

-the Birch Blogger

First Full Day of Boys Camp!

Welcome back blog followers! Today was the first full day of the session. Campers awoke at 7:30 to the wake up bell, and cabin cookees left at 7:45 to set their tables.  At 8 am all campers gathered at the flagpole for the pledge and Wamah chicken fat (our morning stretches).  Today breakfast was waffles with the option of peanut butter, butter, or syrup, although the wamah tradition is to top them with the peanut butter! YUM! They also had cantaloupe,  orange slices, orange juice, and hot chocolate.  They had plenty of energy to get them through the busy morning. The next part of the morning routine was cabin cleanup and camp duties. The campers helped to straighten their  bunks, sweep under bunks, and make the clothesline neat and tidy. The camp duties included: sweeping the lodge, collecting trash, and helping to clean the bathrooms. The class periods started promptly at 10am and went until noon.  In arts and crafts, campers got to choose between multiple exciting projects, including, friendship bracelets, pillows, gimp, basket making with Carol, and beaded bracelets with Drew.  One of our counselors is going on a trip to Africa next week so the bracelets made during their arts and crafts period will be brought to the children she meets abroad. We hope to give her many to take with her!

The sports classes played nuke 'em, a dodgeball game, and swimmers worked on their strokes as their teachers observed their skill level. Boaters went over the safety rules and parts of the boat.

At dinner, our big noontime meal, the campers feasted on ravioli, salad, and baguettes. They followed the meal with chocolate pudding and whipped cream.   Following lunch, campers bought candy from the store and then enjoyed an hour of quiet relaxation in their bunks. Once the hour was up, campers were more than happy to jump in the lake for general swim. Fourth period came next, and campers went to whichever class they didn't have in the morning.  The next period of the day was activity period, a free period during which various activities are offered by the counselors. Today's activities included soccer, badminton, jumping off the tower, and aquarium games.

Before supper, the inspection winners, the neatest cabins, were announced. Today's winners included cabin 3, cabin old 6, and cabin 6. The campers enjoyed a supper of chicken patties and chips, with cheesecake for dessert.  Tonight the evening program, a camp-wide game, will most likely be capture the flag. It is sure to be a riveting experience.

Until tomorrow! -The Birch Blogger

Welcome to Boys Camp 2013!

Today marked the beginning of Session 2! In the afternoon heat and humidity, the boys moved their trunks into their cabins and met their counselors and cabin-mates. Cabin groups played introductory games and got settled as we waited for the last campers to arrive. Once everyone was here, campers and staff gathered in the council ring to listen to camp rules, staff introductions, and general swim safety measures. Before we could have our general swim, new campers had to be evaluated and placed into swim levels. Then, everyone was able to cool off and enjoy the refreshing lake water for the first time! After our swim, it was time for supper. We had hot dogs, tater tots, baked beans, and pickles, with brownies for dessert. Yum! Campers were introduced to Wamah table etiquette. Everyone helped to pass food around the table, bring food to and from the kitchen (with pleases and thank yous), and clean plates for the dishwasher.

Now, campers are enjoying our traditional first night evening program- Medical War, a dodgeball game. Hopefully there will be time for a quick dip in the lake before bed! Counselors will help their cabins get ready to sleep by reading a book aloud. After so much activity, Wamah will be quiet tonight.

Until tomorrow,

-the Birch Blogger

The Final Day of Session 1!

Today, campers made the most of their last day of the session. Everyone was surprised at how quickly the session flew by. We began the day with bagels and cereal, then went about our regular morning routine. Swimming and boating classes were happy to be in the lake as the day grew hotter. Campers perfected skills and found out whether or not they had passed into the next level. While campers are sometimes sad if they don't pass, we always remind them that the level they are in is not nearly as important as how hard they worked and how much they improved, and everyone certainly improved a lot!! Dinner today was Shepard's Pie--a dish of meat, potatoes, and corn- a camp favorite! Dessert was chocolate/vanilla-twist pudding with whipped cream!

Rest Hour was relaxing but hot, and campers were happy to get into the water for General Swim. The water was beautiful and refreshing!

Activity Period today included aquarium games in the water, boating practice, archery, finishing art projects, and jumping off the tower. Many new level 4 swimmers got to jump for the first time!

Supper tonight was meatball grinders with veggie sticks and applesauce, and peach crisp for dessert!

Now, campers are gathering kindling for our campfire tonight. We will have singing, s'mores, and boating and swimming awards. After, we will go for a quick swim to cool off before bed.

The campers are excited to see you tomorrow! Please come between 8:30 and 10:00 to pick up your child. See you then!

- the Birch Blogger

Happy Fourth of July From Wamah!

Happy 4th Everyone! Today, campers came to the flagpole in their patriotic outfits. Cabin 1 even put a skit together for the camp, singing and dancing to Yankee Doodle. Breakfast today was chocolate chip bread, oranges, and cereal. YUM! The campers proceeded with the daily schedule. They are all working hard in their classes so they (hopefully) pass. Sports classes went to the ropes coarse today and did the nitro swing element. When it heated up later in the afternoon, the sports classes were held at the waterfront. Also many campers have gone to tennis and archery, if they signed up. Dinner was ziti and salad with ranch dressing, followed by pears for dessert. The afternoon schedule was normal, but campers were able to watch the Columbia Lake boat parade before activity period. Supper was a lovely meal of chicken patties, applesauce, cucumber slices, and chips. Dessert was lemon cake with vanilla icing.

For evening program,  counselors prepared a Fourth of July Carnival!  Activities included: Face-Painting, musical chairs, pin the 50th star on the American flag, bean bag toss, limbo, and so much more!!! The campers ate ice cream sundaes following the carnival and are currently watching fireworks over the lake.

It was a great day! 'Til tomorrow!

-The Birch Blogger

Day 3!!!

Today marked the middle of Session 1, and campers are really beginning to feel at home now. The day began with a breakfast of hot oatmeal and English muffins. Morning classes started a few minutes early with Morning Thought, a time for campers to reflect on a certain topic. Today, we had some skits (acted out by some of our own talented actors and actresses!) and discussion about how to respect nature. After, campers went about their normal morning routine. Dinner was ham, noodles, carrots, and bread, with Italian ice for dessert. Yummy!

The afternoon schedule today was different than usual, in order to make time for a special program. Instead of our normal Activity Period, we had "Joe the lobster man" come and teach us about lobsters and lobster catching. He showed us his "pots," the lobster traps, and two live lobsters that he had brought with him. Many campers got to touch a lobster! He was entertaining and funny, and everyone learned a lot!

The kitchen staff have an evening off tonight, so supper was "eat out," a meal during which everyone makes their own picnic sandwich, and each cabin goes to a different spot around camp to eat outside. The docks were the most popular locations!

Now, campers are up on the A-field, ending their day with an exciting game of Capture the Flag!

We are excited for the Fourth of July tomorrow! Check back in the evening for more updates!

-the Birch Blogger

Day 2!!

Today began with a brighter sky than yesterday! Everyone enjoyed a breakfast of cereal and French toast sticks and then went to camp/cabin duties. Morning classes all ran as planned and campers are adjusted to the daily routine! HOORAY! Today in sports classes, the campers played nuke 'em, a dodge ball game. In boating, campers got their first chances to row, canoe, or sail. The swimmers are perfecting strokes and are making great progress. In arts and crafts, campers began to make pillows, friendship bracelets, weavings, and  baskets.  Dinner was a scrumptious meal of Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Dessert was red jello and whipped cream. Rest hour was a nice break before a general swim, during which the sun made its first appearance. Activity period today included more nuke 'em, badminton, zumba, sailing, and paddle-boarding.  Supper was grilled cheese, tomato soup, and chips followed by apple crisp for dessert, a camp favorite!!!!

Tonight evening program was medical war, another dodge ball game, since it got rained out the first night. Campers played an intense game and got nice and warm, so they all went in for a quick dip after. They enjoyed a refreshing snack of watermelon and went straight to bed.

-The Birch Blogger(Check back here tomorrow for the latest updates!)

First Full Day!

Today campers awoke to the smell of warm cornbread wafting from the lodge. Cookees got up at 7:45 to set their cabins' tables, and everyone met at the flag pole at 8 for flag raising and Chicken Fat- our morning stretches. They ate their hearty breakfast and then went off to do their cabin and camp duties. Everyone straightened their bunks and helped sweep the cabin first, before doing various jobs around camp, including sweeping the lodge, collecting trash, and helping to clean the bathrooms. After camp was tidied, it was time for morning classes. Campers rotated between swimming, boating, arts and crafts, and sports. In swimming, campers showed their teachers their skills and began to improve. In boating, campers learned about boat safety and parts of the boat. In arts and crafts, campers made journals/scrapbooks to use to record their time at camp. In sports, campers played a few games in the lodge to be active while avoiding the rain. We understand that parts of CT got hit very badly with storms, but we were lucky to have only a few downpours- no thunder or lightning!

Campers had some free time before dinner, our big mid-day meal. They played knock-hockey and tetherball, went fishing, and some even took a shower! Dinner was chicken fingers with green beans, rice, and bread, with mini apple pies for dessert.

After dinner, it was time for store and Rest Hour. Campers bought candy and any necessary items such as stamps and batteries from the store, and then spent an hour of quiet activity and rest in their bunks. Campers read, listened to music, wrote letters, or napped in order to feel refreshed for the afternoon activities.

After Rest Hour, we were lucky to be able to go in the lake for General Swim, a free-swim for the whole camp. Next, campers went to whatever class (swimming, boating, arts and crafts, or sports) they did not go to in the morning. Campers then enjoyed their first Activity Period, a time during which counselors offer various activities and campers can choose what they would like to do. Today, activities included various board games in the lodge and zumba!

Supper was pizza, salad, and applesauce, with cherry cake for dessert!

Now, campers are preparing for an evening program of spies and smugglers! After a rainy day, it will be good to run around outside and get out any extra energy  before bed.

Until tomorrow,

-the Birch Blogger

Session 1 Begins!

Today we welcomed a wonderful group of campers to Asto Wamah for our co-ed session! After moving their belongings into cabins and saying goodbye to their families, children began to get to know their cabin-mates and counselors. Each cabin played a game that helped everyone learn each others' names. Counselors also took their cabins on a tour of camp, showing and explaining where campers would be going for their activities and classes. After this, the whole camp met outside in the counsel ring to listen to some important camp rules and staff introductions. We are already impressed at what good listeners they are! Catherine, our waterfront director, explained all about swimming classes and how to behave in the water, and then all new campers got to show us their swimming skills in order to be correctly placed in a swimming level. While the air got a bit chilly, the water was nice and warm! For supper tonight, we had hot dogs, tater tots, and baked beans, with delicious brownies for dessert! For many new campers, Sue's excellent cooking is already becoming a favorite part of camp!

As I write, campers are getting ready for evening program, a game that all of camp plays together. Tonight, we are hoping for no rain so we can play our traditional first-night Medical War, a dodge-ball game! After the game, campers will get ready for bed, and counselors will read to their cabins to help everyone relax and get ready to sleep. We are all excited for our first full day of camp tomorrow!

-the Birch Blogger

Welcome Back!!

The counselors have just finished their staff training and are prepped and ready to go!! We are SO excited for your arrival! While the weather is looking a little wet, we are sure it won't rain on this parade!!  Please arrive at 1:00pm tomorrow. Bring any health forms and a smile! We cant wait to welcome you or welcome you back!! Items campers sometimes forget:

more than one bathing suit and towel(labeled), sunscreen, bug spray, hat, rain coat, tied shoes and flip flops,  flashlight, water bottle, deodorant, toiletries, an extra blanket, and goggles.

Sincerely,

The Birch Blogger

June Update

Welcome to Asto Wamah in June,At last June has arrived, the month of final preparations and anticipation!  Columbia Lake is just inches from being full, a great improvement over 2012’s low water level.  The woods are green and lush.  Hot days have arrived and all that is missing is the campers and staff.  The countdown begins! Today, the LTs completed Red Cross trainings they will need in order to take Lifeguarding in July.  It is a great group of enthusiastic and dedicated individuals who will be making terrific contributions to Asto Wamah during their stay. This weekend, 3 staff members attended Ropes Training and others will take part in Archery Trainings in the weeks to come. During the last week of June, the staff will arrive for Staff Training.  This is an important time to review skills, discuss policies, recertify as Lifeguards and develop a strong team that will be able to confidently face the joys and the challenges the summer season brings.  We are excited to have this opportunity to make a positive and important difference in our campers’ lives. During these final weeks there will be more painting, cleaning and set up, every task focused on making camp ready for the coed campers who will arrive on June 30th and those who will follow throughout the summer.  We look forward to this 104th season at Asto Wamah. Parents, if you have any concerns about your child’s stay, please email or call so that resolution can be gained before arrival day.  We are looking forward to another wonderful summer at Asto Wamah.  An experience that will enrich all involved.

Always, Nancy Maclean 860-649-8614

P.S. Please spread the word that there are a few openings in the all-girls Aug. 4- Aug 17 session.  Thank you.

May Update

Dear Birch Blogger Reader, I am happy to report that spring has truly arrived at Asto

Wamah.  From the attached pictures you can see that all things green are sprouting abundantly.  The stream under the Icky Water Bridge is running steadily and the marsh marigolds are in full bloom as is the skunk cabbage.  Soon the buds on the trees will be full grown leaves.

The picture of the waterfront shows that the lake is on the rise.  The rock off Little Dipper (notice the duck lounging) needs to be covered with water in order for Columbia Lake to be considered full.  So you can see that wishing for rain is a good idea.

On April 27th, about 40 people took part in the spring clean up which involves lots of leaf raking, picking up fallen branches and stacking them, cleaning out the winter dirt from each cabin, window washing in the Lodge and getting camp ready for the 104th season.  We were lucky to have a gorgeous day and the hard work of so many paid off.  Camp looks amazing!

During the month of May our new Leadership Trainees will take part in CPR training, which accompanies Lifeguarding.  Trainings for the staff are being planned and supplies are being shipped.  We are getting ready for another fabulous summer.

On Saturday, May 25th from 3-5 we invite all families that are interesting in touring Asto Wamah and hearing about our program to come for Open Camp Day.  Staff and campers will be on hand to take groups around camp and answer questions.  It is a perfect way for new campers to get a first hand look at the camp and meet people who will be here this summer.

At this writing, the only session that still has a few openings is the Aug. 4 to Aug. 17 all girls 2-weeks.  Coed and boys’ have fairly short waiting lists so there is still hope there.  Spread the word.  Thank you!

May the arrival of spring give you many reasons to be outdoors, enjoying life.

Always,

Nancy

April Update

Greetings to all Asto Wamah Followers, I must say that leaving March behind is a happy thing.  Winter certainly didn’t want to let CT go.  Believe it or not, but the A-Field was 80% covered with snow on 3/28.  Many places where the snow has melted, mud remains.  I am nevertheless optimistic about the weather going forward and can see signs of spring throughout camp.  This is an exciting time of year in that everyday the woods change, moving away from bare branches to more and more green.  By the end of the month CAW will look almost as green and lush it does in the summer.

Probably the most noticeable change is in the level of the lake.  If you compare the pictures I sent in the previous months with these current ones, you will see how much Columbia Lake has risen.  Both rafts are now floating and the “beach” is shrinking every day.  I am confident and delighted that the water will be up to its normal level for the summer.

With April here, it feels as though the camp season is right around the corner.  The improving conditions for outside work mean that painting and clean-up tasks can soon begin.  This will be a busy month with lots of projects to tackle to get camp ready for the campers and staff who will be arriving in 3 months.

Enrollment is still growing with just a few places left in the girl coed (June 30 – July 6) and a few more in boys (July7 to July 20) and second girls (Aug. 4 to Aug. 17).   If you have friends or relatives interested in Asto Wamah, please send them to the website: www.campastowamah.org or have them call me for information and a brochure (860-649-8614).  Thanks for your help!

As the days get longer and warmer, I cannot help but think of camp and the fun times that lay ahead.  Hope you too are excited about and looking forward to your stay at Asto Wamah in 2013.

Stay well,

Nancy

March Update

Greetings To All Asto Wamah Friends, As we look back at February, we see a cold, snowy and challenging month.  Blizzard Charlotte left 30+ inches of snow at Asto Wamah.  It took 2 full days to clear the road.  The half-mile length and the narrowness of the road posed considerable obstacles when it came to plowing.  That aside, the deep snow cover made for a beautiful scene throughout camp.  By now the snow is patchy with lots of ground showing.  Hope you were able to see the pictures (posted on the website soon after the storm) that showed the winter wonderland scenes at camp.

Columbia Lake was covered with an 11 inch layer of ice at the start of February.  Ice fishermen dotted the icy surface, sitting for hours awaiting a bite.  Unfortunately for the ice enthusiasts, Charlotte’s deep snow ruined the ice and since then the fishing has stopped as the ice has become thinner.  By the end of the month there were large areas of open water and the ice near shore was thin and breaking up.

February at camp is best known for the start of camper registration.  This year applications flooded in during the first weeks of February.  By the 12^th, there were no openings left in the July 21^st session.  Within a few days the waiting list had grown.  The good news is that the other 3 sessions (coed, boys and the Aug 4^th all girls) still have plenty of room.   If you or a friend has still not registered, it is not too late.  We would love to have you at camp this summer.   Application forms can be downloaded from the website.

The hiring of summer staff is another very important part of February.  Many of 2012’s staff will be returning as well as members of last summer’s LT groups.   We are very fortunate to have so many talented, capable and loyal young adults who are interested in working at Asto Wamah.  This summer’s staff will be outstanding, ready to assure each camper a successful and valuable experience.

Spring will be here in 3 weeks.  That means summer cannot be far off.  I hope your summer plans include a session (or two) at Asto Wamah!

Always,

Nancy Maclean

February Update

Dear Friends of Asto Wamah, It is hard to believe that January is over.  It was an interesting month in Columbia with its great fluctuation in temperature.  At one point, 11 inches of ice covered the lake and everywhere snow blanketed the ground.  For several days, ice fishermen dotted the ice, sitting and waiting to catch their dinners.  Then the fog and unusually warm temperatures arrived.  The ice broke up, the snow disappeared and the road and parking area became muddy.  Now the question is, what will February bring?

On Friday, February 1^st, the 2013 Asto Wamah brochures were mailed.  Within a few days the applications will start to arrive and the new season will be off and running.  If your brochure has not arrived by the 5^th please call (860-649-8614) or EMAIL me.  Things do get lost in the mail.  Some sessions are quick fillers so in order to get the session you want you may have t o work fast. Please let me know of friends, relatives or any child that might enjoy time at Asto Wamah this summer and I will get a brochure off to him/her.  You each are the best form of advertising Asto Wamah has.  Thank you for spreading the word!

Included with this Blog are now 4 winter pictures. The first 2 were taken at the every end of January from Fisherman's dock. One is to the left.  Can you see the bouys for the rowboats floating in the thin ice?  The other looks toward the Main Dock. The other 2 were taken on February 13th right after the Blizzard.  These photos show a very different lake than the one we enjoy in the summer.  Soon the gate at the dam will be shut and the lake will begin to rise.  In March I will take pictures to show the progress.

All of us at CAW hope to see each of you this summer,

Nancy