Day 3

Today was yet another chilly one for all of us here at Camp Asto Wamah!! We started off the morning with everyone enjoying tasty bagels with cereal! Many of our campers and staff enjoyed hot chocolate with breakfast to try and help warm them up! 

Our first three periods went smoothly. Each swimming class got out just a little early so they could change and beat the cold. Sports class was filled with soccer and basketball as they seemed to definitely be popular amongst the campers today! Our archers and tennis stars continued to show their hidden talents all throughout the day.

At our noon time meal, we devoured ham and buttered noodles with carrots for a tasty vegetable.  Prior to announcements, we had the pleasure of enjoying butterscotch pudding. Many campers seemed to find a new favorite dessert!

As activity period programs were announced, some very lucky campers found out they would be able to go sailing on our big sail boat, The Hunter during activity period! Campers finished their camp duties quickly as they realized that it was again, time for store! As everyone grabbed some candy, the bell rang beginning rest hour and all enjoyed a nice nap. 

Following rest hour, Catherine, our water front director, decided it was just a little too chilly for our campers to really enjoy themselves during general swim. So instead, we all went up to the A-field for a spirited game of Non-Stop Cricket!! The campers really had a fun time trying to catch the balls that their counselors would hit! 

Finishing up Non-Stop Cricket, everyone hustled off to their forth period class so they would be able to get to activity period even sooner! The Hunter went out, along with the paddle boards and a few brave campers took on the chilly water to jump off the tower! Some decided to stay a little warmer and play games on the A-field!

Dinner tonight is just a little different than our usual meals. Tonight, our kitchen staff had the night off so instead of eating in the dining room, each cabin went with their counselors out to a designated area throughout camp. Some were on the A-field while others ate on picnic tables or on Main dock! Campers really love this because it gives them a nice change of scenery. We had either turkey or ham sandwiches and peanut butter and jelly for anyone who requested that as well!

Tonight for evening program our campers will partake in an old camp favorite, Spies and Smugglers! This game consists of two teams, a Spy team and a Smuggler team. Each team receives the opportunity to play each role. As a smuggler, their objective is to "smuggle" a piece of paper with a point value written on it from the flagpole to the A-field. They can hide the paper anywhere in their clothing. If they are tagged by the spies, they must stop running and allow the spy three chance to guess where the paper is located. If incorrectly guessed, the smuggler can continue on their journey up to the field. If guessed correctly, the paper is turned over to the opposing team. At the end of the game, when both teams have had the opportunity of playing each role, the points are tallied up, and a winner is announced! This definitely is a tradition to play here at camp as all of our staff members even played it as campers!! 

This will definitely help the kids to get our any of that extra energy that they may still have bottled up and hopefully help them sleep well!

Until tomorrow,

~Allissa and Amanda 

Day 2 of Camp

Dear friends and family!

We had a very exciting second day of camp. Our very enthusiastic boys and girls hit the ground running on a very chilly morning with corn bread and cereal for breakfast which was gobbled up pretty quickly! 

We finished our camp duties and headed right into first period. Some hopped right into the water as it started warming up while others enjoyed an intense game of basketball on the A-field. We had some fantastic archers practicing their new found skills at our archery range and some promising tennis players enjoying the sunshine on the tennis court!

Second and third periods flew by as campers and staff alike became hungry looking forward to meatballs with gravy and mashed potatoes! Everyone ate their fill and realized they were very much looking forward to store and rest hour! Following some great naps, everyone changed and headed back into the water for a lovely general swim as it turned into a beautiful 75 degree day!

Fourth period went by quickly with the anticipation of a brand new activity period program! YOGA! Boys and girls alike joined our new yoga instructor up on the A-field for a little relaxation before dinner time!

As our counselors and campers began setting their tables, everyone went around the flagpole to start getting ready for flag lowering. Cabin 6 for our girls, cabin 4 and cabin 8 for our boys all won cleanest cabin awards for the day. The flag was lowered and everyone hustled up to their tables to eat chicken patties with apple sauce and carrots for dinner. A surprise to all was the vanilla cake and chocolate frosting for dessert! 

Cleaning up went smoothly as everyone prepared for our evening program game of capture the flag! Campers are split into two teams and for this game, enjoy the thrill of running through a portion of the woods to capture the other teams' flag!! This is definitely a camp favorite!!

This game usually tires most campers out, so we are anticipating campers falling asleep quickly!  It seems like it might be another chilly night so that should help them sleep as well!

Until tomorrow,

~Allissa and Amanda 

Coed Has Begun!

Yesterday afternoon, we welcomed 87 campers to Asto Wamah! The weather held out as campers moved into their cabins, we reviewed camp rules and introduced staff, and completed swim classification tests. 

We had hot dogs, tater tots, and brownies for dessert last night! We enjoyed a rain storm throughout dinner, and luckily, the rain stopped just in time for evening program. Unfortunately, the A-Field was too wet for our game, so campers and staff played various Minute-to-Win-It games in the lodge. The rain picked up again just in time for everyone to go to bed.

This morning, we started our typical daily routine with flag raising and Chicken Fat! Breakfast included French toast, cereal options, and fruit. After campers filled up, we completed daily tasks, such as cleaning our cabins and camp to keep it looking great!

Campers then enjoyed swimming lessons, boating and canoeing lessons, arts and crafts, and sports! It was a busy morning! At noon, campers were able to participate in activities of their choice. Several campers decided to fish, either on docks or in boats! One camper caught 15 fish!

After counselors' swim at noon, everyone enjoyed a delicious meal of chicken tenders and rice. Rest hour was next and many campers took the opportunity to get some rest in order to gear up for the rest of the day. After rest hour, campers had the option of swimming or fishing and then they moved on to the last class of the day.

We just finished up dinner - everyone is nice and full! We are getting ready for our first outdoor evening program. We are playing medical war, which is a dodgeball game and one of our campers' favorites! 

We look forward to updating you on our day tomorrow!

 

June Update

Dear Asto Wamah Followers,           

I cannot believe it is June already.  June is a month that always feels far away! There are now just over 3 weeks until the start of Coed!

On Saturday, May 26th, we welcomed about 50 first-year campers and their families to Asto Wamah.  There was a lot of excitement and activity.  A number of counselors led tours, giving new campers a chance to check out a cabin, both bathrooms, the A-Field, and of course the Lodge.  Drew even set out a display of some of the choices offered in Arts and Crafts.  Open Camp Day is a wonderful opportunity to reduce anxiety in new campers.  The 26th was a great success!  Thank you to all who ventured out to be a part of it.

In a few weeks, counselors will begin to arrive for staff training. Staff members are excited to return to camp this summer and we look forward to providing all of our campers a fun-filled, memorable experience!

The next blog entry will be posted on the first night of Coed – stay tuned!

Think camp!
Nancy Maclean, Camp Administrator

May Update

Greetings to all Asto Wamah Fans,

Although the temperature has not yet been too spring-like, the woods are bursting with new green growth so I have to assume that warm days will be here soon.  If you doubted the arrival of spring, you should see the area beyond the Icky-Water Bridge. The stream is flowing high through a plush green carpet of skunk cabbage and the bright yellow flowers of marsh marigolds.  It is an undeniable sign of spring on Columbia Lake.

Last Saturday, Asto Wamah was fortunate to have about 40 hard working volunteers (including 5 staff member!) rake mountains of leaves, clean the winter debris from each cabin and building, wash all the dishes and pots and pans - all in an effort to make sure camp is ready and welcoming for this new season.  

On Saturday, May 26th from 3:00 to 5:00 we will be holding our annual Open Camp Day where new Asto Wamah families come to visit camp. Present and former staff and LTs take groups on tours and explain our program and answer questions as they walk.  There are refreshments in the Lodge where people gather to learn more about CAW.  Everyone is invited!  Hope you can be a part of this enthusiastic group.

For the next 7 weeks we will be holding several trainings for our staff to make sure everyone is prepared and qualified for the amazing and challenging job ahead.  Additionally, delivery trucks arrive daily with equipment/supplies we will use in programming and throughout each camp day.  Plans are being made for some new and engaging activities.  Nature will be front and center - fun along with instructive.

Hope you will be a part of this, our 109th season!

With great anticipation,
Nancy

April Update

Greetings All Asto Wamah Fans,

Hope the start of spring finds you all well and excited to welcome in the new season.  It surely means that Asto Wamah is getting nearer which is a wonderful thing!

March was a difficult month at camp.  The wind took down a good number of large branches and many small twigs.  Cleaning up the woods has taken a lot of time and effort but we are not complaining because there was no damage to buildings, docks etc.   Now with the arrival of warmer temperatures and with most of the snow melted we are gearing up to turn on the water and get the facility up and running.

April is the month when lots of cleaning and sprucing up takes place.  On Saturday, April 28th from 9 to noon we have our annual Work Day where leaves are raked and removed, cabins are cleaned, the bathrooms are readied for use and the infirmary and Hungerford are opened and organized.  We usually have lots of help and by noon the place looks awesome. It you would like to come and help we would be delighted.  There are all kinds of tasks that need willing workers. Everything is completed by 12:00 at which time lunch is served.  Call or email me to let me know that you are coming so we have plenty of food.

As I indicated in March, 2018’s registration has been like none from the past.   Each session filled in record-breaking time and all the waiting lists are LONG.  I attribute this success to all of you (and your mothers) who have been spreading the word about the value of an Asto Wamah experience.  We are very appreciative of the excitement your ‘word of mouth’ has generated. Thank you!

Last month I reminded you about Open Camp Day that will be held on May 26th from 3 to 5.  This is a wonderful time for first year campers to see the campsite and learn about our program and activities.  Staff and old campers will be present to give tours and meet new camp families.  If you know a first year campers that might be interested in visiting on the 26th please let them know.  Everyone is welcomed.

During April we continue to make programming decisions.  We’d like to focus on healthful choices for maintaining wellness.  Our plan is to have a yoga instructor and a marshal arts instructor offer opportunities to campers and staff.  We hope to have our Basketball/Newcomb Ball court replaced by the time of your arrival.  It will be nice to have one without cracks!

Wishing you a great month ahead as we get closer to the 2018 camping season.

Think camp!

Catherine, Chris, Jen and Nancy

March Update

March 2018

Dear Friends of Asto Wamah,

Thank you for tuning in to get the monthly update!

February has always been a hectic month at camp with the opening of registration for the new season.  This year however broke all records.  For the first time ever we went to an online registration.  Within 4 days, 160 campers had registered!  By the end of the month all sessions were close to being full and some have a waiting list.  I have to admit that I could never have predicted how quickly the registration would go.

If you are on a waiting list and would like to know where you stand, please email me and I will attempt to give you an idea of your chances.  Every summer we are able to move campers from the waiting list to fully registered.  It just takes time and you need to be patient.

Staff contracts are soon being sent to 81 individuals who have expressed interest in working at camp this summer.  One hundred percent of the staff are returning from last year’s staff or from the 2017 LT program.  They will bring with them the enthusiasm and dedication that the CAW staff is famous for.  This summer is going to include some new programming ideas specially designed to engage and inform the entire camp community.  More on that in future months.

This winter’s ice is now totally off Columbia Lake.  The water is beginning to rise and lap at the supports at the end of the main dock.  These are the signs of the approach of spring.  And then there is summer:)

I am hopeful that you are healthy, happy and thinking about Asto Wamah and summer fun!

Take care,
Nancy Maclean

P.S. Save the date: May 26, 2018 Open Camp Day!  Details to come.

February Update

Dear Asto Wamah Followers,

We are now entering an exciting time of the year for Asto Wamah.  February is when registration begins and we look forward to the return of ‘old’ campers and the anticipation of new campers.  Program supplies and equipment are being ordered and new adventures in programming are being planned.  2018 will be an awesome summer!

This season’s registration will be done online for the first time in the camp’s history.  When you go to the camp’s website (www.campastowamah.org) you will find a link to the 2018 Registration.  Hopefully this process will be easy to navigate and less cumbersome than the old paper and pen method.

When it comes to health forms, we are hoping that you will be able to successfully download the forms and then return them digitally or you can always send then via Fax (860-327-5618) or mail to Camp Asto Wamah 42 Rt. 87, Columbia, CT 06237.  The Exam Record will need to be signed by the pediatrician and cannot be over 2 years old.  The Authorization for the Administration of Medication is only required if you are bringing medication(s) to camp with you. The signatures of the prescribing physician and the parent are needed.  A new form is needed for each medication brought.  The software program will be able to collect these forms digitally and you will be able to check to verify that your forms are all in.

We strive to facilitate a smooth check-in process.  On arrival day there will be 2 lines – those without medications and those with medications.  It is helpful when forms arrive early so issues/problems can be addressed before check-in.

For all of you who have told friends and school mates etc. about Asto Wamah THANK YOU!  You are our best form of advertisement!

Thinking about you and dreaming about warm days and friends at CAW:)

All best,
Nancy Maclean, Camp Administrator

P.S.  It was a great disappointment to the staff and many campers that the Camp Reunion planned for January 6th had to be cancelled.  We have no control over Mother Nature.  Hopefully next January’s event will be a go!

January Update

Happy New Year from Camp Asto Wamah!

Wishing you and yours a New Year filled with good friends and family, health and happiness, and time to appreciate it all!

This is an exciting time as the camp year is about to officially begin.  Within a week, everyone on our mailing list will be receiving our newly formatted ‘brochure’.  The brochure looks more like a big postcard and contains only the essential details of the upcoming season.  Its purpose is to direct those interested in attending camp to the online registration process (please note: registration does not open until February 1st). We are hoping you will find this modern method easier and less cumbersome than the previous method used for the last 107 years. This process is new and there may be snags. Please be patient and email or call if you have a problem.

Plans and preparations for the summer of 2018 are well underway.  The old-time favorites will be back along with some exciting additions to the program that we know you will like.  Remember: if you haven’t “spread the word”, there is still time.  We count on you!

Right now, Asto Wamah is in the middle of a deep freeze. I have included two pictures that may surprise you.  One is taken from the flagpole and the other gives you a view of what the lake looks like at its winter level.  The White Raft rides out the winter in the sailing area so it isn’t broken apart by the moving ice.  More pictures will accompany the February Blog.

It is just about a week until the Camp Reunion.  The date is Saturday, January 6th from 1:00 to 3:00 at Center Church House, 60 Gold Street in Hartford.  The Church House is located one block west of the Wadsworth Atheneum and at the edge of Bushnell Park (near the ice skating area).  Staff from camp will be on the sidewalk of Gold Street to welcome you.  Parking in the area barely exists so we will be vigilant taking you from your parent’s car and returning you back at 3:00.           

Hope you can come!  We will be playing games, eating ice cream, and reconnecting with summer friends.  It is always fun!  (If you have not made a reservation come anyway!)

Stay warm and well.  Summer is on its way!

Nancy

December Update

Welcome to the December Asto Wamah Update!

Quite a bit has changed at camp during the past month.  Most noticeably, the lake has been drained to its winter level, which means there is a lot of lakebed that is presently dry.  Draining the lake protects docks from ice damage during the winter.  This practice also results in a cleaner and clearer lake, making Columbia Lake one of the best in CT!

We are continuously working on the D.C., repairing and replacing those parts that are no longer functioning as intended.  Tree thinning and clean up is never-ending in this environment and the unusually good weather has been helpful.  Outdoor work is a priority as we try to beat the snow that can restrict our ability to complete certain projects.

We have also been focused on working with UltraCamp, a software company that will help us manage registration in 2018.  Those individuals on our mailing list will be receiving the newly designed 2018 brochure/postcard in early January; information on the registration process will be included.  As always, registration will follow our first come, first served policy.  We hope that parents will find this online method much easier.  Do not hesitate to contact us at 860-649-8614 if you have any questions.

We are hoping to see many of you on Saturday, January 6th at the Camp Reunion!  It is a great time to reconnect with summer friends, play games, have dessert, and enjoy time together.  The Reunion will be held at Center Church House, 60 Gold Street, Hartford, CT from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.  The Church House is a block from Main Street and is located between Bushnell Park and the Wadsworth Atheneum.  A familiar face will greet you at the curb (so parents don’t have to find a parking space) and see you into the building.  Gold Street underwent major changes in the past year and there are now only about 7 parking spots.  On-street parking in the surrounding area is free for those wanting to stay until 3:00.  Most parents do not attend the Reunion but you may join if you would like.  At the end of the reunion, we will make sure your child connects with you outside. Watch for an invitation via email within the next few days.  Don’t forget to RSVP!

The mailing list for 2018 is growing. This is the best time to send addresses for friends, relatives, schoolmates, and anyone else who may be interested in attending camp this summer.  Remember: we count on you to spread the word!!

We wish you and your family a HOLIDAY SEASON FILLED WITH PEACE, JOY, AND REMEMBERING THE OTHER FELLOW,

Jen, Catherine, Chris, and Nancy

November Update

Greetings Asto Wamah Blog Followers,

Hope October was a terrific month for you!

I trust you have found the photos from this past summer that are now posted on the website in the Photo Gallery.  Hope they remind you of the fun you had and the friends you made!

November has arrived quickly in Columbia.  Leaves are covering the paths and filling the Gaga Pit.   They are not as colorful as they have been in the past, but they do make a lovely ground cover.  On Nov. 1st, the dam on Columbia Lake will be opened starting the 2-week process of draining the lake down 6-8 feet. Once it is at its winter low, the aquarium will be dry and you will almost be able to walk around the front of the main dock.  I will send pictures with the December Blog.

The dates and fees for 2018 have been finalized.  A postcard with this information will be sent soon to each family on the mailing list. Here are the details:        

  1. June 24 to June 30 coed, ages 8 to 12
  2. July 1 to July 14 all boys, ages 8 to 14
  3. July 15 to July 28 all girls, ages 8 to 14
  4. July 29 to August 11 all girls, ages 8 to 14

The 2018 registration fee of $50 is due at the time of registration and it is not refundable or deductible from the camp fee of $495 per week.  We are hoping that a session at CAW will fit into your summer schedule.  The 2018 Brochure will be mailed on January 1, 2018 and registration will be opened on February 1.

Last year’s Camp Reunion had to be cancelled because of snow.  We will try again this year on January 6th from 1:00 to 3:00 at Center Church House (60 Gold Street) in Hartford. Hope you can attend!  An invitation will be sent to each camp household in Dec. via email.  Please save the date!!

Remember, as you ‘spread the word” about Asto Wamah to friends, relatives, siblings, etc, make sure you send me their home and email addresses so they can get the necessary updates and info.

Hard to believe it is already time to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. 

With Gratitude for each of you,

Nancy

October Update

Welcome to October and an update on Asto Wamah!

Our weather in Columbia as of late certainly makes it hard to believe that fall has arrived.  It has been feeling much more like summer.  If you walked through camp today, you would notice very few differences (other than the buildings closed up and the rafts moored at shore) compared to when you last walked the paths.  There are some leaves on the ground, but thinking back to the gypsy moth damage during the early weeks of summer, those fallen leaves do not seem to be out of place.

Due to this warm and dry weather, we have had the opportunity to get some outside maintenance projects started and some even completed.  The Hut closest to the cold water showers has a new roof and a good deal of repaired trim work.  The poles on the Lodge’s lower porch have been sanded and painted.  We are working our way across the front of the Lodge, painting, rescreening, and repairing the 5 doors.  That work will eventually lead to a more attractive front façade.  Our major project focuses on the D.C., the oldest camp building constructed in 1944.  The lake-side wall has suffered from dampness, sun damage, and age and is now in the process of being replaced.  Fall is our best time of year to do outside work and we are keeping busy.

By the time you receive the next Blog, the dates for the 2018 season will be set. Early in November, all camp families will receive a postcard with the schedule and fees for the new season.  If you know of someone who might not be on our mailing list and would be interested in that information, please send us his or her mailing information.

We have partnered with a software company (Ultra Camp) that will be managing much of our “office work”.   Registration, the sending in of health forms, collection of fees, etc. will be a bit different.  It will be our task to help everyone understand the changes and navigate the program.  We believe you will find this format easier than it has been in the past.  More to come on that topic!

Being well informed of the weather issues beyond Columbia, we are grateful for the tranquility we have been so fortunate to have had, and are thinking of all of you who may not have been so lucky. 

Know that all of you are very special to us and we are hoping for your safety,

Jen, Catherine, Chris and Nancy

September Asto Wamah Update

Greetings to all Faithful Asto Wamah Followers,

Now that the summer camping season is behind us and the daily blogs written by Shannon and Sloane (and others) are in the past, you can expect to hear from us at the beginning of each month until June when the daily news returns.  We are sorry we missed September 1st by a day or two. We will try to be more punctual going forward.

Since the last session finished on August 12th and Family Camp on the 26th, there have been some noticeable changes at Asto Wamah.  To begin with it is VERY quiet.  No laughing or shouting even at Gaga!  No hum from the walk-ins. The cabins are all closed up, the clotheslines are down, and boats, canoes, sailboats, and stand-up paddleboards have all been put in a safe place.

If you were to walk into camp today, the first thing you would probably notice is the empty waterfront. Here are two pictures that give you a view from the flagpole and from Little Dipper.  This is our way of protecting the rafts during the possibly stormy and definitely cold months ahead. Columbia Lake will soon be drained down a few feet. We will give you updates on that in future months.

Because the hustle and bustle are gone doesn’t mean things are not happening. Cabin 6 just received (a long overdue) coat of paint on Thursday.  It is a great improvement.  As the weather holds, there will be endless projects to maintain and improve camp.

Hope the end of your summer included spending time with friends and family and enjoying lots of time outside.  Hope you also remembered to share those awesome skills you learned at CAW, including being respectful and Remembering the Other Fellow.  We are thinking of each of you as you return to your back-to-school routine. We trust your new confidence and independence will put you in a good place as you reenter the role of being a student.

Look for the next blog near October 1st!

With still vivid memories of the summer of 2017 at Asto Wamah,

Catherine, Jen, Chris and Nancy

Final Day of Camp 2017

Today marks the end of not only another session here at Camp Asto Wamah, but a whole successful season here on the lake! To start this day we had waffles with peanut butter, then headed back to cabins for cleaning and starting to pack our belongings. For arts and crafts we hosted a game of GaGa Ball, and boating classes were all very helpful in cleaning some boats and putting things away for the winter! Sports classes enjoyed a nature walk around the perimeter of camp property.

After a lunch of Texas Casserole and french bread, we had our normal rest hour and general swim, which was the last opportunity this summer for campers to enjoy the water, some swimming in new areas after passing their level! Instead of having normal class fourth period, we played a game called "Murder by Night." The counselors all have alibis with each other, and the campers go around in groups led by LTs to figure out who is responsible for a (fake) camp murder! Following the game we had a quick activity period, where campers were able to do the Trust Fall on the ropes course, Cornhole, GaGa ball, and many more games!

For supper we had meatball grinders with cheesecake for dessert. Tonight we are having our traditional last night Campfire, which includes singing songs, boating & swimming awards, and eating s'mores! It is a memorable way to end the session.

Pick-up is from 8:30-9:30 tomorrow morning. Your campers are looking forward to seeing you after having a great two weeks here at camp! We've had a great summer and hope to see everyone again next year!!

-Shannon and Sloane

Banquet

To start this busy day, we had bagels and cereal for breakfast and went right into cabin cleanup. Since tomorrow we have to take the boats out of the water for storage, today was the last day for campers to prove to their teachers their abilities in boating, canoeing, and sailing classes! An overwhelming amount passed into the next level successfully.

For lunch we had a variety of sandwich options, including egg salad, tuna, and classic PB and J. After a restful rest hour, we had a general swim where some campers were able to swim in new areas because they passed their swim level earlier in the morning! For fourth period, sports class was able to take advantage of a few of the ropes course elements this morning, including the Whale Watch and the Nitro Swing!

Activity period came around and thanks to a steady breeze, we were able to play Pirates on the water, which is an ongoing battle of our seven Sunfish versus our Hunter. When the boats get near enough to one another, they throw "cannonballs" at one another's sails! It's a fun game to play for all and allows campers the opportunity to get out on the water. 

For supper tonight since it is the second Thursday of the session, we had our last banquet of the summer. Our LTs served stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, turkey, gravy, and other Thanksgiving elements. Once all the tables were cleared, we sang songs and gave year awards to our perspective campers, and have different awards represent how many years they have been at camp for. After everyone had been recognized, we headed outside for our candlelight service. It was too windy to send out the candles on the lake this evening, but it was still just as effective standing in a large circle around the flagpole area. Because of how light is such a universal symbol, this is a beautiful sight and meaningful experience that brings everyone together.

After a last successful banquet of the season, we are all looking forward to one last full day tomorrow here at Camp Asto Wamah!

-Shannon and Sloane

Our Last Wednesday

Today starts the whirlwind that is the last few days of a session, and in this case, the last few days of the summer.  

Today started with corn bread for breakfast, which is a camp favorite.  Swimmers who are in advanced levels had the opportunity to swim to Frog Island- a half-mile round trip- and they couldn't have had a better day for it!  About 12 swimmers went, and although they were tired, they felt accomplished.  Lunch was meatballs and gravy with mashed potatoes, with a special dessert treat- cherry vanilla cake.  

Tonight was eat-out, so cabins ate their custom made sandwiches all over camp!  Eat out is always a fun chance to bond, sing, and just have a relaxed meal.  Evening Program was Step It Up, a game where campers have to play mini games to win "beans" which keep their teams "robot" moving from a starting location back to the A-Field.  It is a game of organized chaos, where everyone has something to contribute!  It's a newer addition to our array of games, but campers love it!  

This session continues to fly by- tomorrow is banquet already, Friday brings campfire, and before we know it Saturday morning will be here.  In the meantime we will keep making memories and having all the fun we can!

LT Carnival

After sleeping in a half an hour later than usual this morning, we had a breakfast of english muffins and cereal! Cabin clean-up went smoothly and we began our first classes of the morning. For some sports classes, we went up to the ropes course! This was an exciting opportunity to work together as a team to reach an end goal.

For lunch we had pork chops with churros for dessert, followed by rest hour and an optional general swim. Only a handful of brave souls went in the water on this windy day, while others enjoyed tetherball, ping pong, knock hockey, and gaga ball by the waterfront! Others were able to practice their rowing and sailing skills during this time as well.

Following activity period, we headed up to the A-field for a game of Run Around Town, which is a combination of kickball and nonstop cricket! Following the game, we had grilled cheese and tomato soup for supper with brownies for dessert.

Currently, everyone is enjoying our evening program for tonight: the LT Carnival! The theme for this year's carnival is "Under the Sea", featuring mini games with an aquatic twist. A favorite is Musical Clams, which is just like musical chairs except there is a "pearl" on each chair that the player has to pick up in order to be safe for the round when the music stops. Everyone is having a great time trying out all the stations!

-Shannon and Sloane

Talent Night!

Breakfast this morning was a camp specialty: waffles with peanut butter! We had to modify some of the first classes of the day due to the weather, but before it started to rain, the senior cabins were able to participate in a trio of elements on the ropes course! Later in the week, we will be doing the trust fall on the ropes course, and everyone is very excited to try it!

Today's lunch was another favorite- shepherd's pie! After everyone got their fill we had rest hour. Instead of a general swim, we hosted a camp-wide game of Nonstop Cricket! The camp was divided just as they were for track and field day: green versus white.

Suppertime came quickly and we all enjoyed chicken patties with applesauce. After supper, people finished perfecting their acts for tonight's evening program: Talent Show! We had many talented campers perform dances, songs, and skits that were all very entertaining! It was a very eventful day today at Camp Asto Wamah!

-Shannon and Sloane