Girls Session, Day 10

Because of the heat yesterday, everyone at camp worked hard to stay cool and hydrated. Sports classes took place in the water, with campers and staff playing aquarium games like London Bridges, Sharks and Minnows, and Marco Polo. Campers enjoyed meatball grinders for lunch followed by a General Swim and more water sports during activity period. Last night was also the camp’s talent night. Many campers and cabins worked hard on skits, songs, and dances to perform for the rest of the camp. Because of the heat, everyone in camp took a quick dip before bed to cool off for the night.

This morning we had waffles with peanut butter, and for lunch Texas casserole (rice, beef, and veggies). Today is cooler, but everyone is still taking care to stay cool and hydrated. Sports classes again took place in aquarium, and we had an extra long General Swim before fourth period. Campers are now getting ready for a special presentation, a program about iguanas. Tonight is again Eat Out, and like last Wednesday, cabins will eat supper in places around camp like the rafts, docks, A-field, and campsites. Evening program will be General Swim.

- Julia (Cabin 8 )

Girls Session, Day 8

As yesterday was the middle Sunday of this session of camp, it was track and field day. On Saturday, each section selected team captains who in turn picked permanent green and white teams. In the morning, campers competed in the softball throw, running long jump, standing long jump and fifty-yard dash. A quick general swim to cool off was followed by the traditional track meet day mid-day meal of ham, egg noodles, corn on the cob and green and white cake. After rest hour, some campers elected to compete in the half-mile marathon, and the entire camp participated in the Indian War Relay, which begins with runners at the top of the camp road, who relay batons to swimmers, then to boats and canoes, back to runners on the far side of camp, and finally again to two Seniors swimmers who race back to main dock. In one of the closest races in recent memory, the White team won by only a few seconds. While it was too hot to walk to the town of Columbia’s official Fourth of July parade today, campers enjoyed the boat parade on the lake during Sunday afternoon’s General Swim and watched fireworks over the lake in the evening.

Today, campers are back to the regular schedule, decorating tote bags in arts and crafts, playing drip-drip splash and other water games in sports, and swamping canoes in small craft. Lunch today was ravioli and French bread, and supper will be grilled cheese. Tonight the LT’s will be putting on a themed carnival for evening program, and two of the older cabins will go stargazing afterwards.

-Julia (Cabin 8 )

Girls Session, Day 6

Last evening, after a supper of fajitas and cheesecake for dessert, campers and counselors faced off in a game of Cops and Robbers. Campers, the robbers, attempt to evade counselors, the cops, who capture their papers by tagging them and guessing the correct color of the paper. Campers gain points by finding their pair or triple, people whose number matches on the paper. The counselors topped the campers with a final score of 183 to 80 points. This morning, sports classes played games using a parachute because of the heat. Arts and crafts classes made pencil holders and vases for paper flowers out of cardboard boxes. Lunch was pork chops, mashed potatoes, applesauce, summer squash, and apple pie. Activities offered this afternoon are water polo, Frisbee golf, learning embroidery floss, and ropes course.

It was announced at lunch that next Tuesday will be the camp’s talent night, where campers and cabins will showcase skits, songs, and other talents. This evening campers will supper at campsites they have cleaned out with their cabins, eating hot dogs and making s’mores.

-Julia (Cabin 8 )

Girls Session, Day 5

On Thursday evening, campers played an intense game of King Dodge; a type of dodge ball game where those who get out go to a “jail” behind the opposing side. To free herself from jail, a player must get someone on the opposing side out, using balls thrown over by her teammates, and also sending that player over to her own team’s jail. A quick-paced and exciting game, multiple rounds were played, with the White team emerging as the overall winner. Today, sports classes played kickball and soccer, and Lakeside cabins went on tow low ropes course elements. For arts and crafts, campers began projects with gimp and hemp, and continued their geckos; a new group of girls began making baskets. A great day for sailing, Seniors’ sailing took out the Hunter, the camp’s medium-sized sailboat. Nearing the halfway point of the session, campers are making excellent progress in swimming classes.

Activities offered today include jumping off the tower, bocce (a ball game), and singing songs with the LT’s. Additionally, cabins have started clearing out campsites for tomorrow evening’s Eat Out. This time, all cabins will build a fire, eat hotdogs, and make s’mores for dinner. Campers and counselors are all looking forward to this new experience.

-Julia (Cabin 8 )

Girls Session, Day 3

Last night’s Evening Program, Spies and Smugglers, saw an overwhelming victory for the “White Team,” and gave new campers an introduction to woods’ games. Many campers once again took a quick dip, even thought the weather is beginning to cool. Campers today played kickball and handball in sports classes, made bead geckos in arts and crafts, and swam in the lake, which has remained fairly warm. Activities offered will be badminton, jumping off the tower, and volleyball. Additionally, staff will take out several campers in Sunfish, a smaller type of sailboat seating three, and a larger group in the camp’s medium-sized sailboat, the Hunter.

Tonight’s supper will bring back an old camp tradition for the first time in many years. Instead of switching tables in the lodge for “Eat Out,” cabins will eat together outdoors. Campers are all making themselves a sandwich to take to a place chosen by their counselors. Everyone is looking forward to supper at campsites around camp, on docks, and even on rafts on the lake.

-Julia (Cabin 8 )

Girls Session, Day 2

With such hot and humid weather yesterday, many campers were eager to spend Activity Period outdoors, playing badminton, aquarium games like Stuck in the Mud and Marco Polo, and jumping off the camp’s tower on White Raft. For supper, campers and counselors enjoyed tacos and apple crisp, camp favorites. After supper, the entire camp participated in a game of Capture the Flag for Evening Program, which takes place not only on the A-field, but also extends into the woods. We were able to play multiple rounds and each team won at least once. Because the weather stayed so warm, all campers took a quick dip after the game and before bed to cool off for the night. Today is a bit cooler than yesterday, but is certainly still warm and perfect weather for swimming. Lakeside campers today played SPUD in sports class. In arts and crafts, campers made embroidery floss friendship bracelets or continued bead necklaces they started yesterday. Additionally, four to six campers from each section (Hilltop, Lakeside, or Seniors) are working on baskets.

We’ve just finished General Swim and campers are off to fourth period class, sports for Hilltop (cabins 1, 2 and 3), arts and crafts for Seniors (Old 6, 7 and 8 ), and rowing, canoeing and sailing for Lakeside (4, 5 and 6).

- Julia (Cabin 8 )

First Full Day

The campers arrived a bit after noon yesterday, and quickly settled into their bunks and began to meet their fellow campers. After camp tours and icebreakers to get to know each other better, campers, counselors, and staff met in the Council Ring, where Nancy Maclean, Camp Director, welcomed new and returning campers and introduced herself, the counselors and staff. Once new campers had been classified as either Aquarium, Intermediate, or Deep Water swimmers, the entire camp enjoyed a General Swim. Following the traditional first-night supper of hot dogs, tater tots, baked beans and brownies, campers trekked to the A-field to hear the rules of Medical War, an exciting game of dodgeball. Campers were eager to take a “Quick Dip” in the lake to cool down after the game, as it has been perfect swimming weather.

After a 7:30AM wake-up on Monday, campers began their first full day of camp. After a breakfast of Blueberry Bread and cereal, campers and their counselors worked together to clean their cabins and camp before morning classes: Swimming, Smallcraft, Sports, and Arts and Crafts. With the hot and humid weather, campers were once again eager to get in the lake. After Dinner (the noon meal), Store, and Rest Hour, campers once again had the opportunity to enjoy the lake during General Swim. As rainy weather is currently rolling in, fourth period classes will take place indoors. Next up: Activity Period, Supper, and Evening Program.

-Julia (Cabin 8 )

Camp Asto Wamah Update

We are very excited to be able to report that Camp has purchased 3 stand up paddleboards.  SUPs are the rage among young people (and older people too).  They will be a part of our small craft program and add a fun and challenging activity on the waterfront.  The boards are similar to rescue boards but longer and wider.  While balancing on the board, you (and maybe a partner) paddle with a long shafted paddle.  Wind is not necessary but can add to the adventure.  We feel sure that this new activity will quickly become a favorite. On Saturday, the 15th, the Leadership Training class of 2010 spent the day in the Lodge working through CPR for the Professional Rescuer.  This course is a requirement of  Lifeguarding which they will all take once they arrive for their two-week session.  The day went extremely well.  The fifteen year olds were focused and engaged.  Ann, Jocelyn, Catherine, Chris and I were very impressed with their skills and understanding.  All signs indicate that this group will be exceptional!

This Saturday, May 22, is Open Camp Day.  From 3:00 to 5:00 we will be offering tours and the opportunity for you to meet some staff and ask questions.  This is a great way to introduce new campers to Asto Wamah before arrival day.  (We are always looking for more tour guides so if you are a present camper or staff member and you can help out, know that your assistance will be appreciated.)   We look forward to a big turnout!

I will  continue to keep you posted as we quickly approach the official start of our 101st season.

Nancy Maclean, camp director

What's Happening at CAW?

There is a lot going on at Asto Wamah now.  Columbia Lake is very full, the leaves are about to spring forth and green is sprouting everywhere.  Obviously that is all the result of Mother Nature. Many people are also at work to wake camp up for a winter's sleep and get ready for the 2010 season.  The water, which is drained from the pipes during the cold weather, is now turned back on.  That means places like the kitchen and johns can be cleaned and made ready.  You will notice a brighter look in the infirmary this summer.  In an effort to make it a more comfortable and inviting place for our wonderful nurses to live and work in, we have painted and spruced the place up a bit.  The A-field has already been mowed and the grass is thick and very green.  That's a great start.

On April 24th, many volunteers will come to camp to clean all the cabins, wash the windows in the Lodge and rake the tons of leaves that cover the ground.  This is Asto Wamah's traditional work day and the results are always amazing.

We are clearly on the path toward a fresh, new season at camp, filled with fun, challenges and friendships.  Hope you will be with us for the adventure.

Nancy Maclean, camp director

P.S. There are still openings in the first session of girls camp - June 27 to July 10.  Spread the word.  Thank you.

Columbia Lake

With only one week left in March, the lake is taking on a different look.  At least different from what it looked like all winter. By November, the gate at the dam is opened and the lake begins a rather rapid change.  Within a few weeks the water has retreated from the summer-time shore line and eventually the intermediate area and the aquarium are a dry, pebbly beach.  You can stand at the end of Main Dock without getting your feet wet.  Both rafts which had been brought to shore in September are now sitting on the ground.  It is a wonderful time to look for lost jewelry, barrettes, and other small missing items.  All winter, Frog Island actually looks like an island, sitting above the surface of a now much smaller lake.

April will soon be here.   The lake grows, slowly returning to its normal size and depth.  That change is a sure sign that summer is on its way.  The rafts will be rowed out into the lake and anchored in place.  Soon swimmers will be enjoying the clear, clean water of Columbia Lake.  It won't be long before Asto Wamah's boats, canoes and sailboats will be skimming the surface.  Camp time is coming!  We hope to see you at camp this summer!

Nancy Maclean, director

The First Blog of the 101st Season

It is time to start blogging again.  I am planning to write at least once a week until summer gets nearer and there is more to report.   At that point I will pick up the pace. Registration began in early February.  Right now the only session with openings is the first session.  It runs from June 27 to July 10 and is an all-girls session.  If you know any girl who might like to attend  2 weeks at Asto Wamah, please pass this word along.

The second session of girls camp, July 11 to July 24 is full but the waiting list is relatively short.  Coed, July 25 to July 31, also has a waiting list.  There are not too many girls on the list however the boys' list is getting long.  The August 1 to 14 session is all boys.  It too is full but the waiting list only has a few names on it.

In a typical summer, there is quite a bit of movement on the waiting lists.  If you can be patient and child care is not a necessity, you can often get into the session you are hoping for through the waiting list.

As each application arrives the summer gets closer, the days get longer and the excitement builds.  Hope you will be a part of the fun this summer at Asto Wamah.

Boys Session '09 Day 13

Today is the last full day of Boys Camp for the 2009 season.  Campers and staff are working on packing the sailboats in for the winter and cleaning up camp as best as we can (leaving some things for the 100th Anniversary celebration).  Today's afternoon is also going to be a little bit different because, following our last swim of the summer, we will be playing Mission to Mars and a dodgeball game instead of fourth period and activity period. Tonight's evening program is campfire where we will be singing songs, eating s'mores and getting awards for passing classes and cleanest cabin.  Pick - up tomorrow is between 8:30 and 10:00.

It is bittersweet to see the summer end, but thankfully the weather is beautiful and everyone is in high spirits.  Hope to see many at the 100th Anniversary celebration!  Enjoy the rest of your summer and always... Remember the Other Fellow!

Katelin

Camp Staff

Boys Session '09 Day 12

Today is Banquet day at Camp Asto Wamah.  While daily activities have gone on as usual, ' evening program will be a combined with our supper.  On every Banquet day, campers are encouraged to wear the cleanest clothes they can find in their trunk and come to supper as quick as they can after the bell rings.  Our dinner will consist of turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, bread, cranberry sauce and stuffing, with ice cream for dessert. For this session's Banquet we will be having six guests sitting at head table so they can see what goes on for a meal at camp.  After dinner we will be singing songs in the upper lodge and watching a slide show of pictures from the past two weeks.  Following the meal and singing we will have a candle light service where we can all reflect on what a light camp is in all of our lives.

Katelin

Camp Staff

Boys Session '09 Day 11

The hot topic for today is last nigthts evening program.  The LT's gave us a treat last night when they put on their own version of the classic carnival.  This session's carnival saw the LT's dressing up as different counselors.  The LT's impersonated Nancy, Drew, Meredith, Spargo and many more as they led the campers in many fun games. Today (unlike the last couple of days) the weather is quite gloomy; the heat, however, hasn't kept us out of the water.  For dinner tonight, we will be having another "eat out."

Katelin and Erik

Camp Staff

Boys Session '09 Day 10

Today is a scorcher just like yesterday.  Luckily though, like yesterday, the sun has been out all day.  Last night for evening program we decided to have a general swim so we could all cool down before going to sleep. As we near Banquet night, campers have been writing articles and drawing pictures  our Birch Barker.  The Birch Barker is a collection of articles written by campers and a list of Track Meet winners that is handed out at Banquet to every camper, staff member, and guest.  Birch Barkers are a nice thing to have when reminiscing about sessions past and old events at camp.

Katelin

Camp Staff

Boys Session '09 Day 8

Just like every other Sunday during an Asto Wamah two - weeker; today is Track Meet!  Yesterday at dinner, the campers voted on who would be captains of the green and white teams who then would pick campers who would be on each respective team.  This morning, we had running long jump, standing long jump, softball throw, and a 50 yard dash on the AField, followed a "participation optional" marathon (a 1/2 mile run that takes campers from the AField to the bottom of the camp road via the corduroy road). The Indian War Relay is next on the list for Track Meet events today; a relay in which everyone in camp participates and brings a baton all through Camp Asto Wamah.  Stay tuned for more green and white updates as we fill our Banquet Birch Barker with scores and ribbons.

Katelin

Camp Staff

Boys Session '09 Day 7

The sun has been out for the entirety of this glorious day at Asto Wamah.  Thank goodness, too, because today was the day that campers were able to change bunks in their cabins.  If a camper sleeping on the bottom bunk in the cabin wanted to switch to a top bunk, the counselors in their cabins allowed them to do s, therby giving all of the campers an opportunity to experience top bunk living (if they wanted to, that is). Today for breakfast we had french toast and for dinner we had Sue's famous meatloaf.  Tonight, since it is a Saturday, we will be having an "eat out."

Katelin

Camp Staff

Boys Session '09 Day 6

It is another beautiful day at Asto Wamah, as the sun has been with us from breakfast to dinner.  For activity period today, the campers were able to take advantage of this beautiful weather with the many outside and aquatic activities offered.  Activities such as aquarium games, tower jumping, handball (on the AField), and nukem (also on the AField) were made available to campers. For last nights evening program (after a short game of King Dodgeball) we were treated to a special event in the upper lodge.  Riverside Reptiles visited Asto Wamah and brought everything from insects to a Burmese python.  These animals gave quite a show as they crawled around the floor in the Lodge (safely of course).

Tonight for supper we will be having grilled cheese and peach crisp (for dessert).

Katelin

Camp Staff

Boys Session '09 Day 5

After the brief downpour we had yesterday, today's weather has made a turnaround and it is absolutely gorgeous outside.  The water in Columbia lake has also been pretty warm, making getting in for classes and general swim even easier. Last night for evening program we played an Asto Wamah classic, Murder By Night, a "Who Done It" game which requires groups of campers to find counselors and ask them what they were doing at the time of the "murder."  This game gives counselors a chance to come up with creative stories about their whereabouts and campers a chance to interact with other campers and counselors.

Lunch today is chicken fingers and macaroni and cheese, and tonight for supper we will be having pizza.  Hopefully the weather continues to be nice so we can get onto the AField for a game tonight!

Katelin

Camp Staff