Knitting Camp Girls

“Like your hat Maddie.”

You get to make some pretty cool stuff when you come to camp… like this hat for instance. Maddie knitted it when she first got to camp last summer, and from then on was rarely seen without it. It’s true; knitting has become an increasingly popular activity at camp. The Rockbrook girls are learning that knitting isn’t all that difficult (once you master the basic stitches!), is really a lot of fun, and is so satisfying when you see what you’ve made. It’s the kind of thing that you can then continue after camp at Home. It can become a life-long hobby!

P.S. That’s Looking Glass Falls in the background.

Fort Myers Florida Camp Girls

Here’s a photo from our recent visit down in Fort Myers, Florida to present the Rockbrook summer camp slide show and movie. It was another great event with loads of girls who attend camp already and new girls who are considering Rockbrook for their camp this summer. There are a few more of these parties set for the spring, so check the schedule and see if we’re coming to a town near you!

Jacksonville Florida Summer Camp Girls

We just had a wonderful time visiting all the Rockbrook Camp girls down in Jacksonville, Florida. Tons of girls came and enjoyed the party, the pizza, the craft activity, and of course the camp movie and slide show. Most of them were new girls wanting to learn more about camp, but we also had plenty of current campers too. All ages were there— Juniors, Middlers and Seniors (up to 9th grade) —and we even had two Rockbrook alumni, moms who attended when they were younger! It’s always so great to see everyone, to think back to all the fun from last summer, and to look forward to next summer’s excitement.

Rock Climbing Summer Camp

Why do people go rock climbing when it looks so scary?

Well, there’s something fun about the challenge of it all, the concentration and the determination it takes. You know there’s an amazing view waiting at the top and the repel down is thrilling, but it also feels good to use your muscle strength to balance up. The whole thing is like a puzzle you solve through coordination, physical and mental endurance powering your careful movements on the rock. Making it past difficult spots, maybe even all the way to the top, is a great confidence boosting experience. Sure it’s a little scary, but it’s perfectly safe too. When you’re done, it just makes you want to climb again!

Rock climbing is one of those summer camp adventures that’s just loaded with surprising benefits.

Kids Camp Riflery

Another fun activity for kids at camp is riflery. It’s one of those traditional camp things to do… to learn how to shoot a rifle and aim very carefully trying to hit a target. At Rockbrook, we shoot .22 caliber rifles, at first from a prone position (lying down, that is!), but later, for the more advanced and experienced, a sitting position. Girls can earn NRA ranks too— Pro-Marksman, Marksman, and so on. Like most things, as you practice a bit, you get better at it, and pretty soon you find you’re enjoying it more and more. Riflery at a kids camp? You bet!

Teen Programs for Girls

The teen programs for girls offered by Rockbrook bring together several unique aspects. First of all there are all the amazing things teen girls can do at camp… everythng from outdoor adventure trips like climbing and kayaking, to arts and crafts like pottery and weaving, to sports like soccer, basketball and volleyball. There’s plenty to keep your activity level way, way up. Then there are special leadership opportunities at camp, the chances to plan special events like the banquet and to help with activities for the younger kids. It’s very clear how teenagers are role models for the other girls at camp. Finally, the teen programs at Rockbrook provide a place were girls can relax and enjoy carefree summer living with some good friends who appreciate you for who you are instead of who you’re pretending to be. It’s welcoming and friendly, and that’s really great.

Sleep Away Camp Girls

When you ask people who attended a sleep away camp when they were a kid, you’ll find that they recall the experience, not only fondly, but also as one of the most important things they did as a child. A famous example here is Michael Eisner and his book about camp. There’s a lot to it, and we’ve discussed the benefits of attending camp before, but this photo speaks to the empowerment and self confidence girls often develop at summer camp. Being away from home and parents, being challenged and succeeding in different activities, and being friends with so many different types of people— all weave together to give camp its secret power.

Shaving Cream Fight!

Crazy camp fun… Oh so different from school!