June Update

At long last, June is finally here! May was a busy month at Asto Wamah with LT trainings in CPR and First Aid, Open Camp Day with many visitors, and the usual painting, cleaning and preparations for the new season. It is wonderful to have the warm, sunny days that June brings. Camp is very green and looking more beautiful everyday. This is an exciting time of year!

One of the projects that was completed during May was the installation of ceiling fans in every cabin. There is a noticeable difference in temperature once the fan gets going. The expectation is that sleeping on hot nights will be much more comfortable. Please remember that because of these new fans, individual ones will not be needed so leave them home.

So far, 70+ Fast Passes have been sent to people whose medical forms have been found to be complete AND are bringing no medications to camp. June 14^th is the cut off day for per-camp form reviews. Any forms that come in after the 14^th will be held for your arrival but will not be able to be reviewed. Thank you to all of you who were able to get your forms sent in advance. This allows us to run more efficiently on check-in day.

This June Blog will be the last of the monthly entries. Once camp begins we will attempt to write everyday to give you an update on what we are doing, eating, playing and experiencing. Beginning on June 29^th, check out the latest and stay informed.

We are looking forward, with great anticipation, to 7 weeks filled with challenges, successes, growth, friendships and fun. Hope you will be a part of it!

Always,

Nancy

May Update

Dear Friends of Asto Wamah,

Now that the weather has improved there is a lot of activity at camp preparing for the first arrival of campers on June 29^th. Last Saturday, on a beautiful day, 40+ men, women and children pitched in - raking leaves, cleaning cabins, the bathroom and the infirmary. After a long and cold winter’s sleep, Asto Wamah is finally awake and looking wonderful.

One improvement you will notice is the new partitions in the bathroom. They look amazing: clean and flawless. This is clearly an upgrade I am sure everyone will appreciate.

Within the next 2 weeks, fans will be installed in each cabin to make sleeping on those hot nights more comfortable. Now everyone in the cabin will enjoy a breeze and there will be no need for extension cords :).  If 2014 is anything like 2013, these fans will be put to good use.

I reported last month that session 3 was full. Now session 2 is also full. Both have waiting lists. At this moment session 4 is just about full with 1 opening left. Coed does still have room. This had been a very good enrollment year at CAW and thanks go to all of you who have spread the word and encouraged friends and relatives to give us a try. Thank you!

Open Camp Day is on May 24^th from 3 to 5 pm and will offer new and returning campers a chance to visit camp. Tours will be given by staff and even ‘old’ campers so that new campers will have a better idea of where they will be living for a week or two. Seeing camp before your arrival is very important and we hope that all who can will take advantage of this opportunity on the 24^th.

It is a pleasure to be writing about spring weather at last! I have included some pictures of camp that prove that spring is here. I cannot send you pictures yet of trees in leaf, or the undergrowth full and green, but for now the two most evident signs of the long awaited season are the skunk cabbage by the Icky Water Bridge and in front of Cabin 6 as well as Columbia Lake full! It is really quite early for the lake to be so deep, but the spring rains and the melting snow have allowed that to happen.

All is good in Columbia and we hope all is well with you!

Take care,

Nancy

April Update

Dear Asto Wamah Campers of All Ages, Hope this 1st of April Blog finds you well and delighted that winter is behind us (I hope) and spring is just around the corner. That means that summer and time at Asto Wamah cannot be that far off. It has been a very long and cold winter in Columbia. There is still a trace of snow on the ground and ice on the lake, but for the most part the ground is visible and there are faint signs of spring green poking up in the woods. This is an exciting time of year at camp. Each day brings recognizable changes to the landscape and before you know it the place is looking more and more hospitable. As you may remember, Columbia Lake is drained down about 6 feet each winter to give the lake a chance to “turn over” and this also keeps the ice away from docks and walls that can be easily damaged by moving ice. Well this year, without closing the dam, the lake has risen considerably already. Snowmelt, rains and the lack of evaporation because of ice cover have contributed to what should be a full lake come summer. That is good news for all of us who depend on the lake for our summer recreation. One of our big projects this winter has been to make the floating dock stationery to improve its stability. Well that job was completed just ahead of the lake coming up. I think you will like the new look and the fact that it can’t sink or rock the way the old one did. It looks as though we will have a full camp during all 4 sessions this summer. Already the 2-week boys’ and the July girls’ sessions are full. Waiting lists are growing. There are still openings in the coed week and the August girls’ sessions. It is exciting for me to see how many old campers are returning and equally exciting to register new campers to CAW. A very talented group of people will make up the staff. They are looking forward to the opportunity of providing you with an awesome camping experience at Asto Wamah this summer. Remember, there are still openings so continue to spread the good word. I will send pictures so you can see for yourself the change from bleak to green.

All the best,

Nancy

March Update

FYI:  Asto Wamah's email accounts cont.....@campastowamah.org and inf.....@campastowamah.org were interrupted by technical issues during the past few weeks.  If you had sent a message and have not received an answer, please email us again or call 860-649-8614.    We are anxious to reply and apologize for any inconvenience.

Dear Asto Wamah Folks,

Hope this new month finds you well and excited about the fact that camp is getting nearer and nearer.  I know this weather is not conducive to visualizing grass, trees in leaf and the warm sun on Columbia Lake but surely these things cannot be far off now.

Because of the unusually hostile weather any outside projects that were planned for Feb. have been put on hold until we can see the ground and get around easily.  The deep and icy snow has made travel along paths and through the woods nearly impossible.  The cold has been a big deterrent to progress as well.

Luckily, the US Postal Service still delivers mail despite the weather and we have been pleased with the number of applications that have been received.  Within less than a week the third session was full.  Right now the waiting list for that July 20 to Aug. 2 session is quite long.  The good news is that there is still room in the coed week (June 29 to July 5) as well as the all boys session (July 6 to 19) and the all girls session from Aug. 3 to Aug. 16^th.   Please continue to spread the word about Asto Wamah to friends, relatives and classmates that may be interested in attending this summer.  Thank you!

I have not including any pictures this month because the only thing that has changed since the start of February is the depth of the snow (which is terribly deeper) and the thickness of the ice.  As March progresses I will send some pictures your way.

Hope wherever you are, you are enjoying life and anticipating the summer of 2014 and some time at Asto Wamah.

All best,

Nancy

February Update

February is a very important month on the Asto Wamah calendar.  The first is the traditional day on which the new brochure is mailed.  The days following mark the start of registration and the beginning signs of what the new season will look like.  On Sat. 2/1 over 400 brochures are mailed.  Thanks go to all of you who helped spread the word of Asto Wamah by sending in names and addresses of prospective campers.  It is never too late; so don’t hesitate to keep the new contacts coming.

January weather brought everything from muddy paths to ice thick enough to lure hearty fishermen onto the wind swept surface of Columbia Lake. Because of the weather, much of our work at camp was confined to projects by the fire in the lower Lodge.  Camp saw a fair amount of snowfall, luckily in a number of small amounts rather than in one deep accumulation.

All of you who remember the heat of last July will be happy to hear that this summer each cabin will be outfitted with a ceiling fan.  It will take the place of the numerous individual fans that have been scattered around the cabins in the past to move the hot air at night.  The ceiling fan will provide relief to all in the cabin and eliminate the small fans and extension cords running throughout the bunkhouse.  As the new ones are installed, I will post pictures and the latest news on the project.

Improvements and upgrades are in the works all around camp.  As the months between now and June 29^th progress, I will be sure to give you updates and pictures.

I hope that many of you who are reading this will be coming to camp this summer.  Remember to get your application in as soon as possible.  Sessions can fill quickly and although the waiting list can be successful at times, there is nothing like knowing that you have made it in.

Wishing you a safe and happy February,

Nancy

January Update

Happy New Year to all Asto Wamah Blog Readers! I hope your holiday season was filled with family, friends, good food and fun.  Now that the new year has arrived, it is back to school and the usual routines.  Hope you are ready for the transition.

The Camp Reunion on the 26^th happened despite the black ice that mysteriously appeared on the highways as people made their way to Hartford.  Fortunately, we had a good group of campers and staff who came to enjoy the storytelling of Andre Keitt, an ice-cream treat, and games that reconnected us with the people and places from our time at camp last summer.  It was wonderful to see so many and feel the community spirit that is Asto Wamah. We missed all who were unable to attend.

You will be interested to know that a new project is underway right now at camp.  The old bathroom partitions are being replaced with new ones.  This will be a huge improvement!  Another upgrade concerns the floating dock between the intermediate area and pollywog.  That dock will no longer float, but will be on piers, like all the other docks in camp.  The aim is to make it more stable and secure.  As these projects develop, I will take pictures and post them.

On January 23^rd , between 6 and 8pm, I will be at a Camp Fair at Horace Porter School in Columbia.  If any of you should be in the area at that time, I would love to have help telling prospective families about Asto Wamah and why their child would enjoy coming.  Old campers are the best salespeople!

Which reminds me, if you know of a relative, neighbor, fellow student, anyone who might like to attend Asto Wamah, please send me their name and home address so I can send them the 2014 brochure on Feb. 1^st.  Thank youJ

Hope 2014 brings peace and plenty to the world and finds you content and grateful.

Always,

Nancy

December Update

Greetings to Asto Wamah Friends, Well December has arrived with the predicted cold weather and expected short days.  Hope this new month finds you well and happily awaiting the exciting events December traditionally brings.

Asto Wamah is looking rather stark with bare trees and the ground covered in a deep layer of crunchy leaves.  The pictures posted this month focus on Columbia Lake.  Some of you may not realize that the level of the lake is lowered each winter.  One reason for doing this is to keep docks (and rafts) safe from ice.  It also provided landowners the opportunity to repair and rebuild their docks.  It additionally allows for a turnover of water that keeps the lake clean and healthy.  I think you will agree that the waterfront area is barely recognizable.

December is the month when we have a Camp Reunion where campers and staff from the previous summer have a chance to get together to reconnect and have fun.  You will soon be receiving an invitation.  It takes place on Dec. 26^th from 2 to 4 at Center Church House, 60 Gold Street in Hartford.  Hope the Camp Reunion will fit into your schedule.  The more the merrier!  RSVP online at www.campastowamah.org/rsvp.

This is also the time of year when we ask you to let us know of friends, neighbors, siblings or other relatives who might enjoy a session at Asto Wamah in 2014.  Spreading the word about Asto Wamah helps camp to remain strong and successful.  Thank you for your assistance.

Hope December is a great month for you.  See you on the 26^th.

Wishing each camp family the joy of this magical season and a New Year of peace.

Nancy

November Update

Dear Wamahites, November has arrived and I hope you are well and happily anticipating the approaching season of holidays.

The landscape throughout CT is changing by the day.  I took the attached picture of the Camp Road on Oct. 20^th because it looked so beautiful, covered in colorful leaves and lined with brilliant fall foliage.  I also knew that in a matter of days, the scene would be less lovely as the trees would become more bare and stark.  It happened just as I knew it would.  Hope you enjoy this fall view down the Camp Road.

Today, November 1^st is the day that the dam is opened on Columbia Lake (sorry, I mistakenly reported earlier that the opening of the dam would be Oct. 15^th). Soon the water will recede to its winter level.  The rafts have been fastened to the Pollywog Dock and Little Dipper since Labor Day, bobbing and rolling.  Once they are sitting on the floor of the lake it will be possible to work on the docks and shoreline without getting wet.

Many maintenance projects have been keeping us busy during the exceptionally fine month of October.  Hilltop cabins are painted, as are their floors.  The Store also has been spiffed up with a new coat of stain.  The water has just been drained from all buildings and pipes to hopefully avoid free-ups and broken pipes during the winter.

In a few days, a postcard will be sent to each camper’s home with the dates and fees for the 2014 season.  If by the end of the week you have not received it, let me know so that I can get that information to you.  I know that many families are already planning ahead for summer, working to fit in vacation times as well as a session at Asto Wamah.

I am looking ahead to the Camp Reunion that will take place on Dec. 26^th from 2:00 to 4:00 at Center Church House in Hartford.  You will receive an invitation and more information in early Dec.  In the meantime, save the date if you can.

Wishing you a great month of November and a Thanksgiving filled with family, food and fun.

Always,

Nancy

2014 Schedule Posted

Dear Asto Wamah Parent(s), As this is the time of year many of you begin making summer plans, I am sending you the 2014 schedule hoping that a stay at Asto Wamah will fit into your child’s summer schedule.

The Camp Committee has met and here is the schedule:

June 29 to July 5 coed ages 8 – 12 (the ONLY one-week session)

July 6 to July 19 all boys ages 8 - 14

July 20 to Aug. 2 all girls ages 8 – 14

Aug. 3 to Aug. 16 all girls ages 8 – 14

The 2014 registration fee of $50 is due at the time of registration and is NOT refundable or deductible from the camp fee that will be $430 per week.

Brochures/applications will be mailed on Feb. 1, 2014.  Applications will not be accepted before that time.

If you would like to add a new family to the CAW mailing list please call me at 860-649-8614 or email me at ntmaclean@gmail.com.

Hope a session at Asto Wamah will be a part of your child’s 2014 summer.

Sincerely,

Nancy Maclean, Camp Director

October Update

Dear Friends of Asto Wamah, Fall has truly arrived at camp.  The woods are thinning out and the leaves that remain changing color more noticeably everyday.  Columbia Lake is still at its summer level, but the dam will be opened on the 15^th and it won’t be long after that before the lake falls to its winter depth.  I have included pictures so you can see where the rafts will stay until June.  Can you tell that the Gray Raft is in the aquarium and the White Raft is where the sunfish are usually moored? In addition to keeping them safe, now they are in a place where we can easily maintain them.

For the past 10 days we have been focused on the 3 Hilltop cabins.  All of them were in need of painting so we began by scraping off loose paint, then priming bare wood, and finally giving each a clean, new coat of paint.  For the first time ever they are all painted the same color – a woodsy green.  I think you’ll like the new look on the hill.  We hope to tackle the cabin floors next week.  I will update you in November.

Many thanks to all of you who completed and returned the evaluation questions.  Several great suggestions were made that will be implemented next summer.  It was because of an evaluation reply a number of years ago that we built a washstand at Cabin 6.   What a bright idea!  Remember, there is no time limit on the evaluations, so send it whenever you get a chance.  We would honestly love to hear your ideas and observations.  We are thrilled that so many are pleased with the Asto Wamah camping experience.

I wish you a Happy October, filled with fun fall activities and endless ways to share your Asto Wamah respectful attitude.

Always,

Nancy

September Update

Dear Campers, Staff and Friends of Asto Wamah, During the 7-week 2013 season, 321 campers and 68 staff members took part in the community we call Asto Wamah.  Through positive social interactions and the development of friendships, we engaged in game playing, productive work, the expression of creative talents, the introduction and mastery of a variety of skills, and the opportunity to increase our ability to live in harmony with the natural environment.  What a wonderful summer we had together.  We all learned a great deal and returned home better for the experience.   Thank you to all of you for your contributions to the success of the summer!

Now that Asto Wamah’s 104^th season is over, camp is quiet except for the scurrying of the chipmunks and the rustling of the leaves.  It is strangely peaceful after 7 weeks filled with talk, laughter and lots of activity.  Even the lake seems to be entering a time of rest.  The rafts have been brought into shallow water and safe harbor for the next 9 months.  All of the canoes have been packed into the activity room along with the sunfish. The rowboats are lined up in front of Old 6 awaiting the leaves that will soon cover them.  No more bells or whistles or shouting.  We have left and nature takes back its rightful place until June arrives and another season begins.

Hope your new school year has gotten off to a glorious start and your memories of your time at Asto Wamah this summer are happy and fond.

Watch for the Blog around the first of every month so that you can keep up with Asto Wamah’s off-season.

Always,

Nancy

The Last Day!

After a chilly night, we awoke to a day of sunshine! Breakfast was cereal and Wamah Golden Bread, a plain sweet bread. This morning's classes were exciting, since campers learned whether or not they had passed swimming and boating classes! As we told campers in a Morning Thought today, there are much more important things about camp (making new friends, learning things about yourself, having fun) than passing a class, so no one should be sad about not moving up to the next level. Everyone certainly worked hard and showed great improvement this session! Sports classes took a nature walk, visiting various camp sites and learning about different spots of camp. Arts and Crafts classes were a little different today, because campers had already finished their projects. Instead of crafting, hilltoppers did Zumba, and lakesiders did a nature scavenger hunt. Canoeing and sailing classes, and anyone with free time this morning, helped to clean the boats and put them away for the winter. It is sad to see the lake empty of sailboats! Dinner was a camp favorite--lasagna! Bread and salad were served on the side, and lemon bars followed for dessert!

After a nice Rest Hour, campers gathered on the A-field for a game, to replace 4th period. We played a modified kickball game, Run Around Town. In this game, one team lines up between two cones for their offensive round. One of their team members kicks the ball and then must run around their lined-up team as many times as they can before the other team stops them. The defensive team plays in the field and must catch the ball, line up, and pass the ball between everyone's legs, at which point the play is over. It was fun! After the game, we had our usual General Swim to cool off. Then, we had Activity Period, with knock-hockey and tetherball tournaments, frisbee golf, and an '80's themed Zumba party.

After such an active afternoon, everyone was ready for a hearty supper of meatball grinders, applesauce, cucumbers, and chips, with apple crisp for dessert- yum!!

Now, campers are beginning to pack their belongings, taking everything off the clotheslines and cabin shelves in preparation for tomorrow. When they finish cleaning up, we will have our traditional end-of-session campfire! Campers will gather in the council ring for s'mores, singing, and boating, swimming, archery, and track meet awards.

While campers are sad to be leaving tomorrow, they are also very excited to see their families!! Please come between 8:30 and 10 to pick up your child.

Thanks for reading the Birch Blog!

-the Birch Blogger

Banquet Thursday!

Today was another beautiful day on the lake! Campers enjoyed bagels with cream cheese and cereal for breakfast this morning followed by a normal daily schedule.Campers who passed into an advanced level in boating took out boats by themselves during general swim. Campers who passed into a different swim area got a chance to swim in that area during general swim later on today. Tomorrow night they will receive their certificates at our final campfire of camp! If the campers didn’t pass yet they have one more day to show their teachers their stuff. The campers then enjoyed a lunch of egg salad, tuna salad, ham, turkey, pb and j, with pickles, chips, and pudding for dessert.  The staff then got ready for banquet! Counselors moved tables into the upper lodge, compiled the Birch Barker, and got the candles ready for the candlelight service. During rest hour, one camper was sent from each cabin to be the candlelight reader and receive their bible verse about the goodness of light. This person is chosen because of their hard work, effort, and enthusiasm for camp.

The campers went to general swim and fourth period class. Then some went jumping off the tower for the first time if they passed into level four. Other activities offered for activity period were, games on the A- field,  finishing up projects in arts and crafts, and aquarium games. Others got ready for banquet.

All cleaned up, campers went to the last Banquet of the summer! Banquet is our traditional last Thursday night meal and evening program. We started with a supper of turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, and stuffing.  We then had Shady Glen ice cream(mint chocolate chip and chocolate caramel crunch) to finish this WONDERFUL meal.

We then sang lots of songs, received year awards (based on how many years you’ve come to camp), watched a slide show of the session, and had our candlelight service. Today the weather was perfect for putting our candles in the lake.

It was a great day at Asto Wamah. Check back here tomorrow to find out how campfire and the last day of camp went!

- The Birch Blogger

Wacky Wednesday!

Today was a clear, sunny day! Campers began the day with a yummy breakfast of blueberry bread, cereal, and fresh peaches. They then went to their morning classes enthusiastically, excited to be back outside after yesterday's rainy weather. It was a perfect windy day for sailors! Dinner was parmesan chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and bread, with lime Italian ice for dessert!

Everyone enjoyed their Rest Hour and General Swim, although campers were a bit chilly when they got out of the water and into the afternoon breeze. Fourth period Arts and Crafts warmed up by building a fire in the lower lodge! With the session nearing its end, campers are finishing up their pillows, baskets, and bracelets. Activity Period today included jumping off the tower, paddleboarding, board games, and sailing!

Supper was eat-out. Campers made cold-cut or peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches to eat outside with their cabins. It was a beautiful evening for a picnic!

Tonight's Evening Program was a "Carnival." Each cabin ran a booth with a game or activity, and campers could walk around to other cabin's booths to play. Favorites included limbo, musical chairs, face painting, and battleship. It was a fun time! After a snack of nectarines, everyone went to bed for a refreshing sleep!

Check in tomorrow evening for updates on Banquet Day!

-the Birch Blogger

Terrific Tuesday!

Today was anticipated to be a washout, but luckily we avoided any showers on Columbia Lake. The campers feasted on cereal and golden bread for breakfast, along with the usual orange juice and hot chocolate. After cleaning the cabin/camp, the campers prepared for a raining morning so classes were held inside. While it didn't rain much they avoided a cold swimming day. Dinner was meatloaf, mashed potatoes,  green beans, and layered cake for dessert. Rest hour brought a few rays of sunshine and the campers were able to go out for fourth period. After fourth period today, we had a special program. Ray from Bwana Iguana. He taught us all about snakes, turtles, a skink, and a baby alligator! Campers had the opportunity to hold a yellow Burmese python! It was a really cool program.

Supper was steak sandwiches with applesauce, carrot sticks, and chocolate cake for dessert. Tonight's evening program was a camper talent night! Campers sang, played instruments, performed comical skits, demonstrated karate, and there was LOTS of dancing :D

IT was a fabulous Tuesday!  Check back tomorrow!

- The Birch Blogger

Marvelous Monday!

Today was yet another beautiful day on Columbia Lake! We began the day with a sweet breakfast of French toast and honeydew melon, and then campers followed the usual morning schedule. After a day off from classes yesterday, swimmers and boaters were ready for a fresh attempt at their strokes and skills today. In Arts and Crafts, a new group of basket-makers began their projects. In sports, some campers played football while others went to the ropes course for team-building challenges. Dinner was Texas Casserole, a dish of hamburger, rice, and tomatoes--delicious! Salad and bread were served on the side, and dessert was a rich chocolate cake with whipped icing and sprinkles--tasty!

The sun shone all afternoon, so everyone enjoyed their General Swim. During Activity Period, swim races--the last event of the track meet--were held. Deep water swimmers raced to the raft and back with the front crawl,  intermediate swimmers raced with kick-boards,  and aquarium had noodle races. Like yesterday's marathon, these races were optional, but many campers showed up to earn points for their team! Campers who chose not to race did other activities as usual, including volleyball, water quidditch, jumping off the tower, and working on bracelets and baskets.

Supper tonight was chicken patties, chips, and applesauce, with vanilla cake for dessert! After this hearty meal, the campers will be ready for tonight's Evening Program--Cops and Robbers! In this game, campers are each given a piece of paper with a number on it. Each number is given out twice, so there are camper pairs with the same number. The goal of the game, for the campers, is to find their number buddy, at which time they earn a point for their team and are safe. They do this by running around camp shouting out their number, hoping their pair will hear it, or that they will hear their number being called out by their pair. Meanwhile, the counselors will run around trying to tag campers and guess the color of their number paper. If the counselor guesses the right color, the camper loses the paper and must get a new number. Without their old number, their pair will unknowingly have no buddy. It is a tough but exciting game! After all the running around, everyone will sleep well tonight!

Until tomorrow,

-the Birch Blogger

Track Meet Sunday!!

Good evening, blog followers! Today was an exciting day at Camp Asto Wamah--track meet! After a hearty breakfast of corn bread and cereal, campers spent the morning on the A-field instead of going to their regular  classes.  The morning's events included the standing long jump, running long jump, softball throw, and 50-yard dash. Campers, split into green and white teams, competed against other campers in their area of camp--hilltop, lakeside, or seniors. Winners of each event earned points for the green or white team. It was a fun morning, with everyone trying their best and cheering each other on. The weather was cool, but after all the running, jumping, and throwing, campers appreciated getting in the lake for a General Swim before Dinner. Dinner was our traditional track meet meal of ham and noodles, corn, and bread, with apple turnovers for dessert--yummy!

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 enthusiastic runners showed up for the challenge! After the run, we had the Indian War Relay, a whole-camp relay that starts at the top of the camp road and continues into the lake with boaters and swimmers. In this relay, most campers are chosen to be runners-- they relay the baton down the camp road to the lake, where the rest of the campers--boaters, canoers, and swimmers-- bring it home to main dock. Today's race was a close finish, but green team won!

After the relay, everyone checked in for another General Swim. The water was beautiful! Then, Activity Period was held as usual. Activities today included badminton, yoga, jumping off the tower, a knock-hockey tournament, and paddle-boarding!

Supper tonight was pizza and salad, with green-and white-frosted cake for dessert!

As I write, campers are gathering for a Round Robbin. They will rotate between activities, such as obstacle courses and the bucket brigade (a team relay to carry water). In the spirit of track meet, points will be given to the team to finish their relay first. It is sure to be a lot of fun!

Until tomorrow!

-the Birch Blogger

Sweet Saturday-

Today we awoke to the smell of bagels wafting throughout the camp, on this fine sunny morning. They also ate honeydew melon and cereal! Today was the half-way mark of the session, so campers had the opportunity to switch bunks, from bottom to top, or top to bottom. They then cleaned the cabins and camp as usual. The  schedule was pretty regular this morning, although there was SO much sunshine! Dinner was ravioli, baguettes, and salad with ranch. They also enjoyed pears for dessert. The campers went to rest hour and then enjoyed a general swim to cool off. The activities offered today were paddle boards, sailing on the Hunter, Zumba, and games in the upper lodge. Today was another kitchen's night out, so the campers had a cookout this evening for supper. They feasted on hot dogs, pasta salad, carrots, chips, and cookies for dessert. They enjoyed eating in a seat of their choice outside around the lodge. Tonight for evening program, campers will reveal their secret sister! Campers have enjoyed doing scavenger hunts and receiving thoughtful notes and gifts. They will also play a special game of Soccer called, Triad. It is basically a three team soccer match with the whole camp playing! It will be a ton of fun!

Tomorrow is our Sunday Track Meet. Campers will enjoy the friendly competition between the green and white team.  There will be a TON to report so be sure to check back here for the low down!

Til Tomorrow!

-The Birch Blogger

Friday - Day Six!!!!!!

Hello Birch Blog readers! Sorry for the lack of blog yesterday! Camp gets so busy! Last night before evening program, we announced the beginning of a three day long activity, new to this year. It is called secret sisters. Each camper and cabin counselor drew a name from a basket and now have three days to send their secret sister a positive message, a friendship bracelet,  or a simple, yet thoughtful, gift they crafted. The campers are really excited about this program and are doing well at keeping their sister a secret.  The evening program last night was King Dodge, another fun dodgeball game.  The campers also had a vespers on Hygiene. The campers listened to a rendition of the "Twelve days of Christmas", only the words were about the twelve days of camp! We have reminded all campers that they should have taken a shower or two by now :D

We had a very rainy Friday today but still filled with lots of fun! Camp slept in (an extra half hour) before breakfast.  For breakfast we enjoyed Sue's Cinnamon Bread, cereal, orange juice, and delicious hot chocolate. Morning classes had to be inside today because of all the rain. Swimmers got to play lots of rounds of Scategories. Boating classes went over the parts of the boat and other rules. Sports classes got to play team bonding games.

Dinner today was Sweedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, and greenbeans! Campers awoke to more rain so instead of a general swim we played counselor trivia. The campers got to learn a lot of fun facts about their counselors and compete to find which fact belonged to which counselor. The campers then went to a shortened fourth period and activity period. They played many board/card games in the upper lodge. The campers had a supper of chicken melts, chicken- rice soup, chips, and pickles.  They feasted on vanilla cake with chocolate frosting for dessert! YUM!

Now the campers are inside again for evening program. They are playing a reverse scavenger hunt game. Reverse Scavenger Hunt, involves cabins collectively bringing 10 items from the cabin to use as props in skits. They are given a scenario, such as impersonating a counselor, acting out a pop concert, or doing some sort of camp activity, and then have a few minutes to prepare a skit and perform it for the other cabins in their area of camp. For each scenario, the cabin with the funniest skit gets a point.  Because the skits involve a lot of improvisation, everyone always laughs a lot during this game!Tomorrow the secret sisters will be revealed and we will get ready for Sunday's Track Meet!

I hope you check back tomorrow for more news from Wamah!

-The Birch Blogger

Wonderful Wednesday!!!

Hello Birch Bloggers! Camp really feels like it is in full swing, the campers all have a schedule and lots of new friends and are all confidently moving around the camp like they have been here for ages. Today was a fun camp day starting with Chicken Fat (our quick morning exercise and then some tasty waffles. Peanut butter was served with the waffles, a long standing camp tradition, and while new campers thought the idea of putting peanut butter on their waffles was a bit funny they agreed, after trying it, that it is delicious!

It was much easier for everyone to jump into the lake today with the warmer weather and their was a nice breeze on the lake all day; the sailors looked like they were having a great time sailing all around the lake. Arts and Crafts included lots of pillow making, bracelet beading, and lots of types of decorating. Campers have an opportunity to go on a nature activity during their Arts and Crafts class. Today the nature instructors lead a scavenger hunt, campers worked in two teams to find different things (twigs, moss, acorns, etc.) which fit different adjectives like fragile, hardest, smooth, and so on. The campers got to walk around camp with a different perspective to the nature around them.

Lunch today was a wonderful meal of Shepard's Pie with salad and whole wheat bread and some tasty pears for dessert. Campers had a nice rest during rest hour topped off with a candy bar and a letter from home, then they hopped right into the lake for general swim.

During activity period the card games Spoons was a favorite activity, there were also plenty of row boats, canoes, and sailboats on the water. Campers also jumped off the tower, got to go for a ride on the hunter, or play some volleyball on the A-Field.

Every Wednesday and Saturday our hardworking kitchen staff has dinner and the rest of the day off after lunch so we all get to participate in Eat-Out. Eat-Out includes making a sandwich or two right after activity period. Counselors choose a spot on camp to bring their campers, some cabins ate on the rafts, the A-Field, or in the Counsel Ring. The weather was perfect for eat out tonight! The campers are now putting on their dark clothing for evening program tonight. Tonight's game is PIRATES! The campers are split into two teams and are given a “pirate gun”. The gun is a cloth filled with flour. The teams roam throughout the camp/woods trying to tag each other with their pirate gun. The  campers are all dressed in dark clothing so they will be able to tell if they are hit by a gun. If they get hit by a member of the opposing team, then they have to give up their pirate gun, which are worth points. While the two teams ‘battle’ each other for guns they are also looking for their teams’ hidden treasure. Somewhere in camp, two jugs (treasures) are hidden and if they are found the teams get many extra points. It is going to be a great game.

Til tomorrow night!

- The Birch Blogger