Last Full Day of Coed session #1 07/02/21

Good evening to everyone reading, sorry for a late update today as it’s been filled with a ton of events and activities. For breakfast we had french toast with syrup and butter and the option of cereal. We also had orange juice and hot cocoa on this chilly morning. Following breakfast we had a normal camp schedule as it was very important for campers to have the opportunity to pass out of their boating and swimming classes. Following our morning classes we had lunch which was a camp favorite of baked ziti and garden salad. For dessert we had butterscotch pudding topped with whipped cream.

After lunch, we had store and rest hour, however, we did not have our general swim. We had fourth period and activity period. During activity period swimmers who passed into level 4 had the chance to jump off the tower!! For supper we had CHICKEN MELTS, with applesauce, and chips. For dessert, we had delicious chocolate cake with vanilla frosting!!! After supper we had the kids return to their cabins to start cleaning up and packing for tomorrow’s pick up. We are staggering arrival and pick-up times. If you are able, please adhere to the following schedule:

o   Last name A-I: 8:00 am pick-up on Saturday, 7/03

o   Last name J-Q: 8:45 am pick-up on Saturday, 7/03

o   Last name R-Z: 9:30 am pick-up on Saturday, 7/03

Following this we had a twist to our end of camp tradition of camp fire: we did a talent show first which allowed the campers to be creative and participate in songs and skits with their cabins and friends. The campers also got to eat s’mores. After all of the fun we moved into year awards, which represent the number of years campers have come to camp. We finished our jam packed day with goodnight songs and memories to last forever. This has been a wonderful session - we can’t wait to see you all again soon!

Until next time, Amanda and Carmela

Rainy Day? Campers Still Play-Coed Session 07/01/21

Hello Wamah Readers!!! We are back again with our second update for the day! Today we had some cornbread with butter and jelly, as well as the option for an assortment of cold and hot cereal. We had a normal schedule up until third period, so the campers had the opportunity to perfect their skills in their classes as we near the end of the session.

For dinner, we ate Texas hash and garden salad. For dessert, black and white pudding (vanilla and chocolate). This afternoon we did something a little different! We played a camp favorite…SPIES AND SMUGGLERS. For those who have never played, the objective is to smuggle more points than the opposite team and there are two rounds so each team gets the opportunity to play both roles. After the game, the campers had the opportunity for a quick dip to cool off followed by a much needed rest hour.

After rest hour, we played a rainy day game of Reverse Scavenger Hunt. We split up the campers by cabins, having them bring items from their cabins to act out skits created by staff. Following the skits, we headed straight to supper, which was grilled cheese and tomato soup with apple sauce and chips :) For dessert, we had apple crisp, which happens to be the favorite of many staff members and campers! For evening program, we set up the cabins in their respective cohorts to play rainy day games of playdoh sculpting, telephone pictionary, and a game of dice. Even though a lot of rain and darkness in the sky was seen throughout Asto Wamah today, our campers’ smiles and laughter brightened up our day and made it ten times better!

Until tomorrow,

Amanda and Carmela :)

Warm in The Sun-Coed session 07/01/21

Good morning to our Asto Wamah readers, Sorry for no post last night we were out having so much fun so, today look forward to two posts from us. Yesterday we kicked off the morning doing our traditional morning stretches CHICKEN FAT! !! Everyone was super motivated to participate and eager to get to breakfast. Which consisted of English Muffins with your choice of jelly, butter, or both :) We also had Oatmeal, yogurt, orange juice, and yummy hot cocoa!

This session had been blessed to have such beautiful weather, so we have been taking the opportunities to get the kids in the water as much as possible. The kids were able to jump off the tower, and rafts with life jackets! It was a beautiful day to practice on our row boating skills, and archery skills. We followed our normal schedules which consisted of swimming, boating, arts and crafts, and sports. After our morning classes we enjoyed a delicious lunch of ravioli,salad, and lots of water!

Yesterday camp was visited by a blue herring which we named Henrietta. The beautiful creature made its way around all the docks on camp. All of the campers and staff were excited to see this new friend.

Following the meal we had a much needed rest hour, and a much more needed general swim. After our big swim we went to fourth period and finished out our campers classes. Due to high temperatures a lot of water activities were offered during activity period for a way for the kids to cool down. Normally, we would prepare for supper but, our lovely kitchen staff had the night off. So we took part in the tradition of eat out. This is the opportunity for cabins to eat somewhere else in camp that isn’t the lodge such as, main dock, the a-field, council ring, and many more locations!!! Our evening program was scattergories! We played this super fun game inside due to weather conditions. The campers really enjoyed playing this game.

That’s all for now, we’ll be back later tonight to update you about today’s adventures, Amanda, and Carmela :)

Another hot day at camp!

We had a bit of a warm start to our morning, but that did not stop the campers from devouring the delicious cinnamon bread and cold cereal that was served for breakfast! After fueling up for the day, campers were off to their cabins to clean, do camp duties, and change for morning classes.

Campers had a great time swimming in the lake for lessons this morning. A few of our Aquarium swimmers even got to jump off the raft in Deep Water with lifejackets on! Smallcraft classes ran the entire period since campers listened to safety rules yesterday and did not have as much time on the lake. To keep cool, campers either dunked their lifejackets in the water or jumped into the lake before going in boats.

For dinner, we had marvelous Swedish meatballs in gravy, with potatoes and corn on the side! For dessert, we had sweet, juicy peaches. Campers spent Rest Hour trying to stay cool - counselors had the option of going to a shadier location rather than staying in their cabins in order to relax!

Everyone went in for a nice refreshing General Swim after Rest Hour, and then campers went to 4th period for Arts & Crafts, Smallcraft, or Sports class. During Activity Period, lots of campers took advantage of jumping off the tower or playing Aquarium games to stay cool! Campers who played Gaga were able to take a Quick Dip to wash off the sand and cool down!

We just finished supper, which was chicken patties with orange sherbet for dessert! We’ll be heading up to the A-Field for a short evening program, and then we’ll head down to the waterfront for a Quick Dip to cool down before heading back to our cabins for the night.

Until tomorrow-

Sami and Carmela!

Busy having fun...

We are so sorry for the delay, we are just busy adjusting back to camp life and all that it entails! Campers are doing well, and I think anyone you ask would tell you how grateful they are to have Columbia Lake here for us to use. Yesterday we were in three times! In the morning for lessons, in the afternoon for General Swim, and again for a Quick Dip before bed. You always sleep better after a quick dip!

Camp food is delicious and kid friendly as always. Monday’s supper was tacos, breakfast was coffee cake- a fan favorite- and dinner (what we call lunch around here!) is meatballs and gravy- MY personal favorite, in case you wanted to know :) We are drinking plenty of water and doing everything we can to stay cool. Really, what better place is there to be during a heat wave?!

All of the activities are full swing- archery, tennis, sports, nature, arts and crafts, swimming, boating- and all in all, it is like we never left. The campers are excited when they don’t have to wear masks, and wear them without complaint when they need to. Honestly, I think we all- staff included- are just thrilled to be back!

So, our sincere apologies for the delay in restarting the Birch Blog. We will be back to posting each evening starting tonight. In the meantime, feel free to follow us on Instagram where you will see pictures, participate in quizzes- maybe even a trivia question here or there. @campastowamah

We hope you are all staying cool in the “real world” and we won’t waste a minute of our opportunities here.

CAW's January 2021 Update

Dear CAW Family,

We have now arrived at January and are beginning a new year!  I am excited about the possibilities of 2021.  Hopefully, the vaccine we have all been waiting for will allow camp to happen this summer!  That is at the TOP of my wish list!

January is a very important month each year in preparation for the coming summer.  This is the time when we ask you to reach out to your friends, relatives, and anyone you know who may be interested in the program Asto Wamah offers each summer.  We hope they know why you love to come back each year!  All households will receive an email notification with updates regarding the online registration process. Registration opens on February 1st at 7:00 am! If you haven’t done so already, we strongly encourage you to register for an Ultracamp account on the camp website so you don’t miss updates!

Letters are arriving daily from 15-year-olds who want to be included in our Leadership Training (LT) program this summer.  Staff are also completing their applications.  We are very excited!  We have missed you all and look forward to returning to Asto Wamah to spend time with friends and participate in activities we love.  

In addition to “Spreading the Word” about CAW, please stay strong: wear a mask, maintain social distancing, wash your hands, and avoid large gatherings.  Do your part to help ensure that we can all return to Columbia Lake this summer and enjoy the fun, friendships, and experiences we have treasured in the past!

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to email campastowamahct@gmail.com or call Nancy Maclean at 860-649-8614 (evenings are best).

Take care, stay well and Remember the Other Fellow,

Jen, Chris, Catherine, Nancy

CAW's December Update

Oh, how we have missed all of you!  We think of you and your families and hope you are staying well.  Even those of us who are not in school can realize how difficult virtual learning, limited contact with friends, and handling the anxieties that are ever present can be.  With each new day we are more and more anxious to get back to what used to be considered normal!

Traditionally, the beginning of December is the time for final preparations before the cold of winter descends.  The important tasks at Asto Wamah are now done.  Leaves have been removed from the tennis court and the A-Field, the water has been drained throughout camp, and the lower Lodge has been set up to serve as our winter workshop for indoor projects.  We consider ourselves ready for whatever Mother Nature sends our way.  

December also brings us to the time when we begin to prepare for the upcoming summer.  Staff applications will soon come in, and Leadership Training applications are arriving daily. The dates for the 2021 camp season have been announced.  UltraCamp is ready to process camper applications for the summer.  Now, it is everyone’s responsibility to follow the State of Connecticut guidelines to keep the Covid-19 virus from spreading.  It is imperative that the virus is under control if residential summer camp will be a reality this summer.  That is what we have wished and hoped for during these past 9 months.  Each person’s efforts are important.  Following the rules is a clear and valuable way to “Remember the Other Fellow”.

Remembering YOU,

Nancy, Catherine, Jen and Chris

 P.S. As many of you know, to protect docks from moving ice, the lake is drained down about 8 feet starting in October.  Thought you might find this  “winter view” of the swimming area interesting.  Great opportunity to build a Cairn!

 P.P.S. Don’t forget to SPREAD WORD OF ASTO WAMAH!  Tell friends, family and anyone else about CAW, an awesome experience away from home, in a warm and caring community where respect and inclusion are the way of life!

CAW's November Update

Greetings to all of you who have been a part of the Asto Wamah Community!!

It has been too long since we published a CAW Blog.  Hope you missed us as much as we have missed you.  Although we all yearn for the lake, the woods, and the buildings, the real and deepest loss comes from missing our friends and the many people who are an important part of the Asto Wamah experience.  We trust you have discovered ways to connect with those you miss most.

By now you all must be back to at least a somewhat normal routine.  It may be a school day in the building, online, or some of each. We hope that you are staying safe and well.

In the future, we will return to a new Blog early every month.  We need your help!  If you like to write, please consider submitting an entry about camp, somewhat like the Birch Barker.  Tell about a memory that has stayed with you or a person who became a true friend or a special event that you will never forget. Interview a parent or friend who attended years ago. The more articles the better!!!  All submissions will be gratefully received!!  Please email them to campastowamahct@gmail.com.  We are looking forward to receiving your Blog entries!! Thank you!

Who would have guessed we would see an early snow at Asto Wamah on October 30??? In addition to the snow, you can see what the lake looks like at its winter level.

We will continue to keep you updated on what is happening at camp as we prepare and make ready for the 2021 season with anticipation and optimism.  The dates for the new season will be announced soon.  Stay tuned!

Keep on Remembering the Other Fellow!!!

Always,
Jen, Catherine, Chris, and Nancy

Camp Kindness Day!

Welcome to all the loyal followers of Camp Asto Wamah!  Thank you for checking in with us! 

Ever since Asto Wamah’s seven weeks of programming was cancelled due to Covid-19, our focus has been to keep campers and staff connected. The American Camp Association is proposing an online effort during this time of social distancing, where ALL camp individuals–the young, active and involved, former staff and campers alike, those from decades ago, camp families, EVERYONE—with a connection to Asto Wamah can take part.

Tomorrow, July 14th, is Camp Kindness Day! Please join in by posting your message on Facebook and/or Instagram and tagging people with #CampKindnessDay and #AstoWamahKindness. The hope is that one post will lead to others and more and more people will be included! 

In this unsettled time, our hope is to connect those who have shared an Asto Wamah experience (whether last summer or in 2001 or 1958) to bring joy and kindness to them as we “Remember the Other Fellow”!  That is what Asto Wamah has been doing for decades. What better time to expand our effort?

CAW's June Update

Dear Friends and Followers of Asto Wamah,

No one would deny that the previous 3 months have been unprecedented and challenging. Between a statewide shut down, online learning, and social distancing, life feels very different and unsettling. Now we have to add the cancellation of our time at camp to the already long list of new realities.  

ALL the camp staff wants you to know that we are just as upset and disappointed as you are. It is very hard to get our brains around all the ways the near future will look and be different. 

So many of you have faithfully attended Asto Wamah since you were eight or nine. Camp is where Catherine and her team of instructors taught you to swim. Of course there are the skills of rowing, paddling, and maybe even sailing that you improved every summer. You may have been looking forward to Arts and Crafts with Deb or making baskets with Carol.  After months of being at home you were likely ready to be on the A-field with Drew – free to run on the field, play Capture the Flag, explore the woods during Pirates, and participate on Ropes elements.  Maybe you wanted to learn how to shoot a bow and arrow, play tennis, or play a song on the ukulele with your friends and prepare a Talent Night act. There is always so much to do and so much fun to have whether it is setting tables, cleaning your cabin, jumping off the tower, or fishing from Fisherman’s dock or Cook’s dock. Life at camp is unique and special. You are part of a community where being respectful is expected and everyone is included and valued.  

As each week passes by this summer, we will be thinking of you and hoping that you are happy, healthy, and engaged with activities that you enjoy.  We invite you all to communicate with us via Asto Wamah’s website: www.campastowamah.org/contact.  We will write back. Ask us questions, give us advice, or let us know what you are doing.  We hope to stay connected with you online. Check our postings and please jump in.

We are thinking of you and are looking forward to when we will SEE you again.

Always,
Nancy

CAW's May Update

To our faithful campers, staff, families and friends,

This May Blog has a very different message than our usual monthly Blogs. Ever since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in mid-March, when schools were closed along with many businesses, we have been struggling to figure out what impact this virus will have on Asto Wamah in June, July and August.

We have all been practicing social distancing and serious hand washing and hoping for a miracle that will allow camp to continue to be the important part of our summer lives.  We listen to the medical professionals on the news and are staying informed by the Center for Disease Control, the State of CT Department of Public Health, and the Office of Early Childhood, hoping to hear something positive and hopeful. Although we are willing to be flexible in restructuring our camp schedule and program to meet social distancing guidelines, we do not want to create an environment that does not contain the most important elements that have made Asto Wamah special to our campers and staff for decades.

There is nothing we want more than to be with you this summer.  We trust that in the next week(s) we will be in a better situation to make a wise decision about the viability of proceeding with the 2020 Asto Wamah season.

Stay tuned, stay well and stay healthy!

Think of you and sending our best,
Catherine, Chris, Jen and Nancy

CAW's April Update

Dear Friends of Asto Wamah,

What a strange time. Quarantining and social distancing have become the rule of the day.  No friends, no eating out, and no school.  This change in routine gets tiresome quickly.

We trust that all of you are well and doing what is necessary to stay healthy.  COVID-19 has clearly turned our lives upside down.  There has never been a time when Remembering the Other Fellow was more important.  Being kind and helpful, responsible, and hopeful will go a long way in making sure we all get through this crisis soon.

Of course, the big question is “how long??” When can we get back to the life we had before?  When will we be able to do all the things we used to do?  

Asto Wamah currently has over 300 enthusiastic campers registered and families are uploading health forms each day.  Talented and devoted staff members have been hired and are anxious to welcome you to the 2020 season.  The buildings and grounds are being made ready for the start of coed on June 28th.  Supplies have been purchased.  We are optimistic and ready!

We are doing everything possible to prepare for another wonderful summer at CAW.  You can help too by staying home and using social distancing rules to prevent the transmission of the virus.  Keep washing your hands (sing “Happy Birthday” twice!) and stay hopeful.

We hope to see you very soon,
Chris, Catherine, Jen, and Nancy

Asto Wamah's March Update

Welcome to Asto Wamah’s March Blog

Thank you for tuning in!  February was certainly a BIG month for CAW.   Registration opened in Feb. 1 and within a few days a great majority of the bunks were filled. Guess that is the magic of computers and the digital age.  We are delighted that so many former campers will be returning as well an enthusiastic group of first-years.  Thank you to all of you who have been so successful in telling friends, neighbors and relatives about Asto Wamah.  You are our most effective advertisement!

In addition to registering campers, we have also been busy with forming the 2020 staff.  A large number of applications have arrived and now we are in the process of assigning sessions.  We are excited about the new and returning adults who will work at Asto Wamah this summer.   

Maintenance projects continued in February.  The decking on the White Raft was removed and after some structural upgrades a lovely new top was added. Little Dipper also got some major repairs so that it should be good for another 25 years!  One picture shows the improvements to the dock and raft. The other picture, looking toward the Main Dock, starts with a close-up of the Gray Raft.  That is definitely a rarely seen view of Columbia Lake.  The water will remain at the ‘winter’ level until the rains and underground springs fill it again.   We don’t count on any melting snow to help this spring:( 

This is an early SAVE THE DATE announcement.  OPEN CAMP DAY will be held on Saturday May 23rd from 3:00 to 5:00.  Everyone is invited.  First year campers and their families will get to see the layout of our buildings and activity areas and go into a cabin to see what they are like. Any former camper who would like to come and give a tour and tell about our camp program is welcomed to come and join the staff that will also be on hand, introducing children and parents to Asto Wamah.

Spring is not far off!  We are counting down the days until CAW is bustling with happy campers and staff.  

Stay well! CAW is on its way!

Jen, Catherine, Chris and Nancy

Asto Wamah's February Update

Greetings to our Asto Wamah Friends,

Welcome to the February BLOG! 

Hope your January has provided you with some fun winter activities.   We certainly have not had the snow fall necessary for sledding or the cold required for ice skating.  This has been an unusual winter at Asto Wamah as well.  Usually by now the Camp Road has been plowed 4 or 5 times. So far this winter, there has only been plowable snow twice (and neither time was deep).  Several weeks ago it seemed as though ice was closing over the lake, but then we went into a warmish spell and now there is just a thin covering of ice and open spots in the middle.  We haven’t entered the mud season yet, but at this point, it seems more likely than ice-skating or sledding.

The work crew at camp has been successful in getting some big projects done thanks to the lack of snow and warmer temperatures.  The White Raft now has a lovely new surface.  Quite a bit of work has gone into upgrading the supports of the Main Dock so it will survive for at least another decade of pre-swim exercises.  Right now Little Dipper is being redecked.  Everyone will be pleased to learn that all the leaves that have found their way into the Intermediate and Aquarium areas have been raked out thus eliminating one of the least favorite jobs of staff orientation!

It is hard to believe that it is now time to register for the 2020 season, which will be Asto Wamah’s 111th year!  We are looking forward to 7 weeks of friends, old and new, and learning all those important life lessons that are best learned at camp.

Don’t forget registration is on a “first-come first-served” basis.  Right now there is room for all.  We hope to see you!  Don’t miss out!  

BTW if you have any interest in contributing to the March Blog we would love to have your thoughts and ideas.  How would you describe Asto Wamah to a stranger?  What makes camp special?  What is your favorite part of camp?  Send any thoughts or observations about CAW to our camp email: campastowamahct@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Only 5 months until camp!  Stay healthy, safe, and happy!

Our best to you always,

Catherine, Chris, Jen, and Nancy

Happy New Year from Camp Asto Wamah!!

Happy New Year to all FRIENDS and FOLLOWERS of Camp Asto Wamah!!

We trust that 2019 ended on a happy note and you are looking forward to a NEW YEAR of peace and goodwill to all (same as Remembering the Other Fellow!).  A new year always presents to each of us a fresh start and a chance to be better and make life better for those in our lives. 

Thank you for visiting our website and reading about what is happening at Asto Wamah during these dark days of winter.

One major improvement that may be of interest is a new stonewall from the Store Room door to the Bell Ramp.  Last summer took a toll on that wall resulting in many loose stones and thus an unsafe structure.  After a few weeks of backbreaking work, 3 stonewall builders rebuilt the wall and the result is awesome.  The picture doesn’t fully represent the improvement.  This wall will make a notable first impression for visitors to CAW!

New Stone Wall

By the time you read this, all the applications for the 2020 Leadership Training group will have been received and the decisions for inclusion made.  We are very enthusiastic about the 15-year olds who have expressed an interest in continuing with Asto Wamah beyond their years as campers.  They will become a fantastic LT group!

December was spent preparing for the start of the 2020 Camp Registration that will begin on February 1.  If you already have an account with UltraCamp (our registration program) your job on the 1st will be easy.  We have been delighted that feedback on the registration process from parents has been positive.  If however you run into a wrinkle, please email us at campastowamahct@gmail.com.  It is impossible to predict how registration will go but it is on a first come first served basis.  Remind your friends!  Spread the word!

Wishing you all a happy January!

Our Best,
Jen, Catherine, Chris and Nancy

Asto Wamah's December Update

Welcome to December 2019,

We hope you all had a terrific Thanksgiving with the food, family, and friends you love.  Now we are into December and we look forward to all the anticipation and excitement it brings. We trust you are ready for a busy and fun-filled month!

 Right now it is very cold and snowing.  Yesterday was somewhat warmer as I walked through camp.  Peace and quiet was all around.  At this point there are hardly any leaves on the trees and the lake has been drained off enough that you can easily walk from the main dock to Little Dipper (where the White Raft is secured) without fear of getting your feet wet.  It is interesting to see that part of the lakebed with all the rocks (some enormous) that sit well under water all spring, summer, and fall.  If all goes as usual, ice fishermen will soon dot the ice as they wait for fish to bite at their hooks.

The plan now is to begin re-decking the White Raft.  The new lumber has been delivered.  Now we just need weather that will allow our crew the opportunity to do the work without frostbite!  I will attempt to keep you informed of the progress through pictures.  

 Presently, much effort is being directed toward preparing the camp’s registration website, Ultracamp, with all the 2020 information for new and returning families.  Right now you can update your account (or if this is your first year, you can open an account).  On February 1, 2020 at 7:00 AM registration will begin.  We hope you are as excited as the staff about the upcoming season!!  Hope you have been successful in “spreading the word” about Asto Wamah and you will be bringing school friends, neighbors, and relatives to camp this summer.  Thank you for helping to keep the bunks at CAW full during the 111th season!

As you work your way through December and this season of sharing and goodwill, we hope you remember Asto Wamah’s motto and our focus on “Remembering the Other Fellow”.  Whatever holiday you celebrate, don’t forget to spread peace, joy, and caring to all.  That’s the Wamah Way!

We look forward to your time at CAW in 2020!  Stay well!

Happy Holidays,

Nancy

Asto Wamah's November Update

To our valued followers:

We trust that you enjoyed the Halloween fun and treats, and are looking forward to the approach of the holiday season!

Now that November is here, there is a remarkable difference in how Asto Wamah looks. Some trees are already bare and the ground is covered with fall-colored leaves. The paths are buried and quiet fills the air. From Cabin 3 on the hill, you can easily see the lake and from Cabins 7 and 8, Hungerford is clearly visible.  Without the leaves, camp is taking on a very different, “empty” look.  

At this time of year, we send a postcard to all families announcing the dates for the 2020 season. The sequence of sessions will remain the same as in 2019.  Here is the official schedule for our upcoming season:

Coed: June 28 to July 4

Boys: July 5 to July 18

1st Girls: July 19 to August 1

2nd Girls: August 2 to August 15

Online registration will open on Saturday, February 1st, 2020.  We hope a session (or two) at Asto Wamah will be a part of your summer plans!

Remember to spread the word about camp to your friends! If they would like more information, please direct them to www.campastowamah.org.

May November remind you of the many things for which you are grateful.   We are grateful for you and your family’s involvement at CAW!  THANK YOU!  

Happy Thanksgiving!

Catherine, Jen, Chris and Nancy

Asto Wamah's October Update

October 2019 Blog

Dear Friends of Asto Wamah,

Now that October has arrived, the ground at Asto Wamah is covered with a blanket of brightly colored leaves.  It is still early and most of the leaves are still hanging tough, but there is no question that fall has arrived!

Even though we are 9 months away from the beginning of the next camp season, there is much activity going on in the area of maintenance/improvements.  The Huts near the field have been stained and look great.  Repair work is going on at the storage building to re-route water and repair old siding.  Painting at the Lodge has begun and will continue until it becomes too cold.  The sand box no longer has ant communities, but instead is ready to provide a much-needed resource when the Camp Road becomes icy.  Clearly, camp is still an active place—busy but quiet!

Since the end of the 2019 season, we have received inquires from a number of people who are interested in touring the facility in advance of registration starting on February 1, 2020.  As a result, we will have a Fall Open Camp Day on Saturday, October 12th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.  Some counselors and campers will be giving tours and helping to answer questions for prospective campers and their families.  Everyone is welcome to attend, learn more about Asto Wamah, and meet the directors.  Fall-like goodies will be provided!  Rain or shine. Please spread the word to anyone who may be interested or is thinking about attending Asto Wamah next summer. Please RSVP using this link: Fall Open Camp Day

 We trust that you are well and happily engaged in school, teams, and healthy activities.  Hopefully your experience at CAW helps you to “Remember the Other Fellow” in everything you do!

 Take care,

Catherine, Jen, Chris and Nancy

P.S. We’d love to see you at camp on Saturday, 10/12 for our Fall Open Camp Day! Also, the 2019 pictures have been added to the camp website!

Asto Wamah's September Update

SEPTEMBER BLOG 2019

For weeks now, we have said, “where did summer go?”  This summer, although hot, was perfect for living and playing outside day after day.  We luckily had enough rain to keep the dust down and rarely had to cancel or change our regular program, as you could have counted the number of thunderstorms on one hand.  The lake got warmer during the summer, but never so warm that it was not refreshing.  So without question, Mother Nature was good to us! 

The “End of the Session” camper evaluations have painted a happy picture of Asto Wamah as a place where respect for each person, the environment, and the facility is the norm.  We continue to foster the expectation that everyone will make new friends and be part of an inclusive community. Repeatedly, challenges were met and new skills and attitudes expanded.  Trying new things, whether in the dining room or program areas, was frequently reported by campers of all ages.  Amazingly, there was success in adapting to life without a cell phone! Many campers reported “it was like being on vacation.”  The freedom of being disconnected was a powerful and positive lesson.  This list could go on and on.  The lessons learned cannot be replicated in the ‘real’ world.

We are grateful for the families who chose Asto Wamah for their child’s camping experience this summer. We are truly thankful for the staff whose leadership skills and devotion to CAW provided this incredible experience for the 300+ children who attended during this 110th season.  Thank you all!

Surely you have all returned to school or work by now.  Hope the new year has gotten off to a terrific start and you have brought with you all the awesome social skills that are embedded in CAW’s motto: Remember the Other Fellow.

Our best to you,
Catherine, Jen, Chris and Nancy

P.S. We have recently had so many requests for tours of camp that we have decided to offer a Fall Open Camp Day on Saturday, October 12th between 2:00 and 4:00 pm. We will work to gather staff, LTs, and campers in the area to give tours. A reminder email blast will be sent out soon, so if you would like to stay up-to-date, don’t forget to create an ultracamp account through the camp website!

I Want to Linger-Day 13 Second Girls

Hello Again!

Our final full day of camp began with the campers enjoying warm pancakes, butter, syrup, hot chocolate, orange juice, oranges, hard boiled eggs, and yogurt. Today for swim classes instead of teaching we offered activities such as jumping off the tower, diving competitions, and aquarium games. In sports class the girls played a great game of Gaga. In boating class the boaters helped move all the sailboats, and canoes from the lake. For lunch we had a camp favorite, Texas casserole, bread, butter, salad, and ranch dressing. Dessert today was vanilla cake topped with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. During rest hour the extra staff searched for missing googles in the lake, and removed the final sailboats from the lake. There was a normal general swimming following rest hour. After general swim the entire camp went to the A field to play non-stop cricket. Immediately following the game, we gathered around the flagpole to try something new. We divided the campers and LT’s into different groups to complete a nature scavenger hunt. The girls looked around the camp to find different items that were on the list. Supper tonight was chicken patties, chips, pickles, and oranges. For dessert tonight Sue had made brownies toped chocolate frosting. Our evening program tonight we did our traditional CAMP FIRE! As the kids sang songs and enjoyed a s’more, we passed out swimming, boating, and track & field awards. We closed the evening with our traditional end of camp song, Linger. Tomorrow our pick up time is 8-10am. Toodles Till Tomorrow <3