These girls are not holding back! Walking around camp today, it was simply amazing to see all the action, the campers and counselors digging deep into every camp activity, and plenty of wide-eyed smiles. Kayaks, paint, climbing helmets, yoga mats, horses, hiking boots, basketballs, rifles, pottery clay, and yarns—all in play somewhere in camp. If you haven’t already been checking the daily photo gallery, you should because it really shows the variety of what’s going on. It also shows how it’s very easy for girls to try something new, on an daily basis, at camp. There’s just so much to do! Even for returning campers camp is fresh in many ways because we’re always thinking of new projects, new ways to play, and new places to go.
A quick note about mail… Campers love it, and it’s a big deal around here. Everyday when we finish lunch the campers pour out on the dining hall porch to check their mailboxes, hoping they’ll have something tucked inside. Finding a card or letter means rest hour, which follows lunch, will be that much more interesting, and will probably inspire some return letter writing as well. You can also send email to campers (The Parent Manual available to download from your online account explains how). We’ll print and deliver messages once a day, and while campers can’t respond by email, emailing can be faster than the Post Office. Nothing beats a good old fashioned hand-written letter though, so keep that mail coming!
It’s only the first day of camp, and already I was reminded why camp is so great for these girls. It helps them grow in many important ways. Living away from home, they make daily decisions for themselves, try new things, build strong friendships, and truly explore who they are. Camp is a great recipe for gaining confidence, independence, and resilience, all important traits for later in life. If you haven’t read this page on our Web site about the reasons camp is great for kids, please take a few minutes and do so. You’ll see what I mean.
Down at the horseback riding stables, Kelly Meehan our Equestrian Director, has all the girls placed in riding classes according to their interest and prior horseback riding experience. There are 28 horses here at Rockbrook this summer, from Cool Beans, the little white Welsh Pony you met on opening day, to Mr. Profound, one of the best camp horses around. I’m sure you’ll soon be hearing about your daughter’s favorite horse. The little drawing of a cardinal here was done in the craft activity we call Hodge Podge. It really is that: a somewhat jumbled collection of crafts, but that includes making tie-dye t-shirts and paper crafts. There are lots of cardinals around here, and this one’s super cool.
The CA girls, our 9th graders, took a secret day hike today into the Dupont State forest. These are the campers who plan our end-of-session banquet for the whole camp. It revolves around a theme that’s kept secret until it’s revealed at the event. The first step is to select the theme, something that all the girls involved are excited about. Rather than a sit-down meeting, we took a hike to discuss what their theme will be. Stay tuned for more about the banquet. It’s going to be fantastic.
This was a big first day, and we’re just getting started!
Finally, let me encourage you to leave comments on these posts, here or over on our facebook page. It’s always great to hear from you and other parents will appreciate it too!
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