Boys Camp 2010 Day 4

With excellent wind on the lake Tuesday afternoon, many in camp took advantage of the camp’s sailboats— the larger “Hunter” and several smaller Sunfish—during fourth period and activity period afterwards. The evening’s game was the always popular spies and smugglers, where two teams take turns “smuggling” papers to the A-field, while the other team (spies) tries to catch them and guess where the smugglers have hidden their papers; if they guess correctly they capture the other team’s points. Wednesday evening was Eat Out, where cabins eat supper together outside of the lodge at locations their counselors choose in advance. Campers made sandwiches in advance and then had the opportunity to eat at campsites, on docks, and even on the camp’s rafts on the lake.

Having just cleaned their cabins, campers are now finishing up camp duties while waiting for first period class. As camp is seeing some much needed rain, there is a chance morning classes will be held indoors.

- Julia

Boys Camp 2010

Boys camp has gotten off to a great start. Campers arrived Sunday afternoon and quickly settled into their new cabins and got to know each other and their cabin counselors through icebreakers. Following tours, campers were introduced to Nancy, the camp director, and other camp staff including the camp cook, Sue. Next, new campers were classified into swimming levels before heading up to the A-field for a game of “Run Around Town.” Sunday evening saw the traditional first night meal of hot dogs, tater tots and brownies, followed by a dodge ball game called “Medical War.” Monday was the first full day of camp, and campers quickly settled into their new schedules. Sports activities included wiffle ball and soccer, and campers made “monster” bags and boxes, hemp bracelets and bead bracelets in arts and crafts. Campers also began swimming and boating classes. After lunch and rest hour, everyone went in for a general swim and then to fourth period. Activities offered included jumping off the camp’s 12 foot tower, water games in aquarium, fishing, and badminton.

Campers have just finished cleaning their cabins and helping with camp duties, and are playing games like tetherball and knock hockey before heading to first period classes: swimming for lakeside, sports for seniors, and arts and crafts for hilltop.

- Julia

Coed Session 3, Day 5

Yesterday we had periods of sunshine and clouds.  We got lucky because the light rain did not persist through the afternoon as it did in the morning.  For lunch yesterday we had texas hash (casserole) with pudding for dessert.  The campers enjoyed rest hour and store followed by 4th period classes of boating, arts and crafts and sports.  The girls had a great time playing kickball on the Athletic Field.  The boys are enjoying working on arts and crafts projects such as making bracelets using gimp, string, and and hemp.  For dinner last night we had chicken patties with peach crisp for dessert.  For the evening program the campers played a camp favorite, Pirates.  In this game both teams were engaging in fake gun battle and looking for their treasure to earn the most points for their team.  After this exciting game of Pirates the campers enjoyed a quick dip in the lake before bedtime. Today is a gorgeous day.  The campers had waffles with peanut butter or butter and syrup for breakfast.  (A very popular breakfast among the campers and staff!)  Today the campers worked hard in their boating and swimming classes to perfect their skills in order to pass into the next level.  It is very hard for the campers to learn all the necessary skills in one week but some were able to pass and those campers who passed into the intermediate level will be able to jump off the tower today during activity period! For todays lunch we had chicken fingers and rice with chocolate pudding pie for dessert.  We had perfect weather for this session of camp! Tonight we will have our traditional camp fire where the campers can enjoy s'mores and songs while the counselors give out year awards and boating and swimming awards!!  It will be an exciting and memorable night for the campers.

Tomorrow the campers will be picked up between 8:30 and 10:00 AM!

-Emma Tuthill

Coed Session 3, Day 4

Yesterday we enjoyed a beautiful day with lots of wind perfect for sailing!  For yesterdays lunch we had a camp favorite, shepards pie, salad, and bread.  After lunch we had the regular store, rest hour and general swim.  For activity period the counselors offered games such as ultimate frisbee, tye dye, fishing, sailing on the sunfish and jumping of the tower.  For last nights dinner we had eat out.  In the past we have just had the campers switch tables to to meet other campers that he/she has not met before but this year we decided that it would be more fun for the campers to eat their dinner outside with their cabin.  During activity period the campers came to the upper lodge periodically to make their sandwich for eat out.  The counselors packed a picnic basket with all of the sandwiches, grapes, cookies, potato chips, and lemonade.  Each cabin ate at a different site around camp grounds.  Some cabins ate on rafts, docks, or in the gazebo.  The campers really enjoyed this way of eating out.  For last nights game we played Camper Counselor Hunt.  This is a big game of hide and go seek.  Last night we played the first round where the campers had to search around camp looking for the counselors who were hiding in sand pits, under the stairs, and other locations around camp.  The campers really enjoyed looking for the counselors during the game.  Following the game the campers had a quick dip before watching trivia in the lodge.  Yesterday Nancy gave the campers the opportunity to sign up to play trivia while those who were not playing were able to watch.  There were two counselors and about six campers on each team.  This was a fun way to end the evening. This morning we have had some light rain.  It looks like we won't get much more rain but hopefully the sun will come out behind the clouds so we can enjoy another beautiful day!  This morning we had blueberry bread, cereal, orange juice and hot chocolate for breakfast.  We will continue with normal morning classes unless the rain picks up and we will move the classes inside.

-Emma Tuthill

Coed Session 3, Day 3

Yesterday we had beautiful weather all day.  For lunch we had meatballs, mashed potatoes, and carrots with peaches for dessert.  After our big meal the campers had store then rest hour followed by general swim.  After the swim all of the girls went to the ropes course to engage in fun challenges where the campers work together to solve a problem using an element on the course.  The ropes course is always a favorite among the girls during sports class.  The lakeside boys went out in boats, canoes, and sailboats and the senior boys worked on their arts and crafts projects.  After 4th period the counselors offered fun activities such as jumping of the tower, wiffle ball, and sailing on the sunfish and the Hunter (our 17ft white sailboat).  I went on the Hunter with our smallcraft director and the campers that signed up for that day.  Although it was not as windy as we would of liked all the campers enjoyed themselves!  Last night for super we had pizza, applesauce, and carrots with cheesecake for dessert.  For last nights game the camp split into two teams and we had a game of spys and smugglers where the smugglers try to bring pieces of paper with points up to the A-field and the spys try to capture their points before the smugglers get to the A-field (Athletic Field).  Both teams get a chance to be both spys and smugglers.  The campers were hot after the game so they enjoyed a quick dip before bedtime. It looks like we will have another gorgeous day at Columbia Lake.  We are already having great weather for this session.  This morning the campers had english muffins and cereal for breakfast.  Following breakfast the campers had a chance to move bunks if he/she wanted to do so and we will start off with our normal morning classes of boating, swimming, arts and crafts and sports at 10:00 am.

- Emma Tuthill

Coed Session 3, Day 2

The weather was beautiful yesterday.  After lunch of ziti, salad, and rolls with butterscotch pudding for dessert the campers lined up by cabin for store.  At store we encourage the campers to get only items that he/she needs.  The items at the store include toothpaste, toothbrush, flashlight, water bottles, envelopes, stamps, and the campers can also choose to get a candy!  After store the campers enjoy rest hour where he/she sits on his/her bunk for an hour without speaking and listens to music, writes letters, reads a book, or takes a nap.  This is a silent time that all of the campers learn to enjoy as the session goes on.  After rest hour the campers were eager to go swimming for general swim.  After the swim we continued with 4th period classes:  the girls had sports on the Athletic Field, the lakeside boys had boating, and the senior boys had arts and crafts.  After fourth period the counselors offered a number of activities for the campers to enjoy during their free time.  Some of the activities were jumping of the tower, kick ball, basketball, and a knock hockey tournament.  During this time many of the boys chose to go fishing in boats and on the docks.  For dinner last night we had grilled cheese, chicken noodle soup, applesauce, and carrots with chocolate cake for dessert.  Last night the campers enjoyed an exhilarating game of capture the flag that is played on the Athletic Field and on paths in the woods. It looks like we will have another gorgeous day today.  For breakfast the campers had corn bread and cereal.  This morning we will continue with regular morning classes which include sports, arts and crafts, boating, and swimming.

- Emma Tuthill

Coed Session 3, First 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 went up to the A Field (Athletic Field) for an exciting game of non-stop cricket. 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.

After a 7:30AM wake-up on Monday, campers began their first full day of camp. After a breakfast of french toast, campers and their counselors worked together to clean their cabins and camp before morning classes: Swimming, Smallcraft, Sports, and Arts and Crafts. With the warm weather, we expect the campers to be eager to get into the water again today.  Around noon the campers will eat lunch, and have Store, and Rest Hour.  We look forward to a first full successful day of camp.

-Emma (LT Director)

Girls Session 2, Day 11

Last nights banquet went well!  All of the campers were excited about receiving their year awards and watching the slide show of the pictures from the session!  We also had very calm weather at night which allowed us to put the candles on the lake for the candlelight service.  Today is the last full day of camp.  The campers will continue with their normal classes and activities.  Tonight we will have our traditional Awards Camp Fire.  At the camp fire we will be giving out  awards for track meet, swimming, boating, cabin inspection, and LT Trivia.  We also sing songs and enjoy s'mores by the camp fire.  It will be an exciting night where all the campers and counselors can reflect on all the memories from this session!  Tomorrow the campers will be picked up between 8:30-10 AM! The session went by so quickly but smoothly.  It was another successful session at Camp Asto Wamah! -Emma Tuthill, LT Director

Girls Session 2, Day 10

Last nights talent show was fun for all the campers.  Many campers took part in the skits and dances to make the show successful!  This morning we had waffles for breakfast and some put peanut butter and syrup on their waffles (a camp favorite).  Today we continued with normal classes.  All of the boaters and swimmers are working hard in their classes to pass into higher levels.  The beginning and intermediate sailors were showing their skills by soloing for their teachers this morning.  Today we had a lighter lunch of egg salad, tuna salad, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches because tonight we will be having a big meal for banquet.  Tonight is our traditional banquet where the girls dress in their cleanest clothing (hopefully) and green and white to represent the camp colors.  We have a very big meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, and cranberry sauce with icecream from Shady Glen for dessert!  We also sing songs and watch a slide show of pictures from the session! At banquet is where all the campers receive their year awards.  This banquet all the cabins came up with a cabin song to the tune of a camp song to sing in front of the camp.  This will be an exciting evening for all the campers.  After supper we will have our candlelight service where each camper from a cabin reads a passage about the celebration of light.  Then each camper puts their candles in the lake to complete the service. -Emma Tuthill, LT Director

Girls Session 2, Day 9

Last nights carnival was a success! The theme of the carnival was movies.  One of the booths was a haunted house which was Twilight themed.  Some of the counselors dressed up as werewolves and vampires and the campers really enjoyed walking through the "somewhat" scary haunted house.  A lot of the campers and counselors said it was one of the best carnivals yet!  This morning the campers had cinammon bread and cereal for breakfast.   We had the normal morning classes this morning.  All of the canoeing classes had fun practicing capsizing canoes during boating class.  For lunch today we had texas hash, green beans, and bread with peaches for dessert! The campers are going back to their cabins now to enjoy a rest hour before the afternoon swim.  Tonight we will have the traditional talent show where cabin groups or individuals will put together skits or dances to show to the entire camp.  Most of the campers will be practicing their act during activity period for tonight's show! :) - Emma Tuthill (LT Director)

Girls Session 2, Day 8

Yesterday we did experience storms in the morning so we had most classes inside.  We played games such as scattergories and some participated in yoga!  Before our afternoon meal yesterday the storm was right over camp so we gathered in the lodge early to sing a few songs before lunch.  For lunch we had ravioli, salad, and italian rolls with pudding topped with vanilla wafers and chocolate syrup for desert.  After rest hour the weather cleared so the campers were able to enjoy a general swim and 4th period where the hilltopers went to the ropes course, the lakesiders went boating and the seniors went to arts and crafts. Last night for super we had hamburgers and apple crisp for desert! A camp favorite known as Pirates was played for evening program.  The campers really enjoy playing this game because they go around camp looking for the other teams treasure and engaging in fake "gun" battle to earn points for their team.  It was a close game last night because both teams found the treasure.  The final score was White 54 and Green 55. Today we thought we were going to experience some showers but the weather was clear with a few clouds throughout the morning and afternoon.  We had corn bread and cereal for breakfast.  The campers continued with their normal morning classes.  Those campers who are in level 6 swimming or above could choose to swim to "Frog Island" this morning during first period.  Frog island is all the way across the lake from camp where the water is shallow and the campers can bring back a rock that she found while there.  The counselors row boats in front of the campers while they make the traditional swim to "Frog Island."  This swim takes place every session every year and then each camper signs the frog island book where they will see many of their counselors names from when their counselor swam to frog island as a camper!  Today's lunch was swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, and carrots.  For desert the campers enjoyed butterscotch pudding.  After rest hour today the campers went in for general swim and then continued with 4th period classes.  Tonight the LT's (stands for the 15 year old girls who were chosen to take part in leadership training this year) will put on a carnival for all the campers!  Some of the different stations will be musical chairs, face painting, water balloon toss, and an obstacle course.  It will be an exciting night for the campers!

- Emma Tuthill (LT Director)

Girls Session 2, Day 7

On Sunday we had a fun-filled busy day.  The campers had chocolate chip break and cereal for breakfast.  After breakfast those campers who wanted to switch for a bottom or top bunch had the chance to do so.  The second Sunday of the two week session is our traditional Wamah track meet day.  The camp is split into teams:  green and white.  It was a very exciting day where the campers were able to compete in games in the morning such as the softball throw, running long jump, standing long jump and 50 yard dash.  After the morning games the campers went in for a general swim. We had a beautiful day for track meet but it was was still very hot so it was important that the campers spent time in the lake!  There were also swimming races and a marathon run for those campers who chose to compete.  This year a lot of campers came out to run the marathon (not 26 miles-- but about a half mile run)... After lunch of ham and noodles the campers enjoyed a much needed rest hour.  After rest hour we had our Indian War Relay where both teams race around camp on foot, in canoes, in boats and swimming to determine the winner.  The green team won this session!  After the relay the campers enjoyed another general swim to cool down from the race.  For dinner last night we had pizza and green and white cake for desert.  For evening program last night we finished the track meet games with different relays such as an obstacle course. This morning looks like we might have some storms passing through.  We had french toast for breakfast and classes are resuming as usual unless we experience storms which will result in moving the classes inside.

-Emma Tuthill (LT Director)

Girls Session 2, Day 6

Hey everyone On Friday we had pork chops with mashed potatoes, and green beans. Barbecue sauce on the side for dipping also made a great addition to our mid day meal. I was seated at overflow, and got to know a few more campers.

The rest of the afternoon went on as usual. After rest hour pretty much everyone seemed eager to get in the lake for general swim. My lifeguarding position is on main dock watching over the intermediate swimming level. A bunch of girls in cabin 2 used general swim to practice their stride jumps. By the end of general swim they weren't even getting their hair wet!

During activity period counselors offered frisbee golf, jumping off the tower, aquarium games, and yoga among others. The wind was also quite strong and ideal for sailors to hone their skills.

For dinner we had fajitas, one of my favorite meals at camp. For dessert we had brownies with chocolate chips in them. For evening program we played a staff favorite, Cops and Robbers. The campers were able to find more pairs and triples than any other session, giving them a score of 125 points. However, the counselors were able capture 171 tickets giving them 171 points. The game was shortened to allow time for a general swim. Campers were able to cool off one last time before a short thunderstorm entered the area and brought some much needed rain.

-Kyle Macsuga, Small Craft Director

Girls Session 2, Day 5

We did not see much sun yesterday but we continued with normal activities.  For lunch the campers enjoyed chicken parm with spaghetti and vanilla pudding for desert.  After rest hour we continued with our normal day of general swim then 4th period class of boating, arts and crafts and sports.  For activity period many campers jumped off the tower, played aquarium games or played volleyball on the A-field.  Last nights dinner was grilled cheese with tomato soup and apple sauce.  For desert we had peach crisp.  For evening program the campers played an exhilarating game of King Dodge Ball.  After evening program last night we sang a few songs and those campers who were hot from the game enjoyed a quick dip in the lake before washing up for bed. This morning we finally enjoyed longer periods of sunshine.  For breakfast this morning we had oatmeal, cereal, and english muffins.  The campers had regular classes this morning.  For sports classes some campers went to tennis and archery.  The wind was great for sailing class today!  For lunch the campers had pork chops, mashed potatoes, and green beans and for desert assorted fruit.  After lunch today all the campers go to store to chose a candy and also get postcards, envelopes etc.. for writing letters home!  In a few minutes rest hour will begin and the campers will spend time reading, writing letters, listening to music, or napping before general swim!

Emma Tuthill, LT Director

Girls Session 2, Day 4

Yesterday the rain held off and the campers engaged in normal morning activities such as boating, swimming, sports, and arts and crafts.  The noon time meal was meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and carrots.  The campers enjoyed italian ice for desert.  After rest hour, the rain continued to hold off for general swim.  The campers really enjoyed swimming in the lake because of the hot and humid weather.  We only experienced a little bit of drizzling rain yesterday, so all activities were played according to plan.  For activity period a lot of activities took place in the water such as jumping of the tower, paddle boarding, and going on the hunter (our sailboat). Prior to dinner yesterday evening each camper made their own sandwich with the help of the staff to prepare for their cabin picnics.  Each cabin chose a spot on camp property to take their cabin out for eat out.  The campers enjoyed sandwiches, chips, grapes, pickles, and cookies for dinner.  This is the first year we have tried this way of eating out and the campers really enjoyed themselves.  For evening program, a camp favorite, spys and smugglers was played where the campers attempted to bring pieces of paper with points on the paper from the flagpole to the A-field without being tagged or getting their paper stolen by the spys.  Each camper was given a chance to be a spy and a smuggler.  Last night were enjoyed a cooler night for sleeping! For breakfast this morning we had corn bread and cereal.  This morning is cloudy but the forecast looks like we will have sun today! :)

-Emma, LT Director

Girl's Session 2, Day 3

ahoy there everyone, To recap on what happened yesterday: All classes throughout the day were pretty normal in the morning. It was pretty windy with the sun shining through the dark and ominous clouds every few minutes (this made for fantastic sailing weather). For lunch we ate some delicious chicken  tenders with rice and green beans. For the more adventurous campers barbecue sauce was thrown into the mix to give the rice a bit of a twang. For dessert we had peaches.

We were fortunate enough to have the weather hold out for most of the afternoon. Rest hour and general swim went on as usual. However, by the time general swim ended, rain began to fall. Unfortunately this meant that all boating classes had to be moved into upper lodge, where we played boating bingo. Also, because of the rain, many of the activity periods which were offered had to be altered. So instead of jumping off the tower and and playing games on the field, instead we played card and board games, like apples to apples and catchphrase in the lodge. Yoga, which is turning out to be quite popular with many of the girls, was still held in the activity room.

For dinner we had meatball grinders, applesauce, carrots featuring zucchini. And for dessert we had cheesecake. YUM!

Since the A-field was wet, we played a game called Murder by Night. This fictional murder mystery game had campers going all over camp in groups led by LTs to interview all possible counselor suspects. Unfortunately (since it was my day off) I was the murder victim. My own sister killed me with an oarlock. =(

This morning drury clouds passed of the lake and rain began to fall. This will not stop of from doing our normal morning classes. I expect all boaters to have a fun time rowing around in the rain.

-Kyle, Smallcraft Director

Girls 2nd Session, Day 2

Yesterday the campers enjoyed a general swim after rest hour.  Following general swim, the girls on hilltop enjoyed a game on the field, the girls on lakeside went boating, and the senior girls went to arts and crafts.   Today the girls were able to sign up to go on our sailboat called the "hunter," to go on a sunfish or to go on our new stand up paddle boards during activity period.  Many campers took the opportunity to sign up for these fun activities.  During activity period the campers engaged in activities such as jumping of the tower, aquarium games, and volleyball.  Last night's meal was tacos with chocolate cake for desert!! After dinner the campers enjoyed a fun-filled game of capture the flag on the A-field. Today, the campers woke up at 7:30 and enjoyed a blueberry bread and cereal breakfast at 8 am.  The campers had a regular morning of cabin cleanup, swimming, boating, sports and arts and crafts.  The wind picked up this morning so it was great for sailing!  The sun is coming out from behind the clouds and it looks like it will be another successful day at Camp Asto Wamah!

-Emma (LT Director)

Girls Session 2, 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 french toast, campers and their counselors worked together to clean their cabins and camp before morning classes: Swimming, Smallcraft, Sports, and Arts and Crafts. With the warm weather, we expect the campers to be eager to get into the water again today.  Around noon the campers will eat lunch, and have Store, and Rest Hour.  We look forward to a first full successful day of camp.

-Emma (LT Director)

Girls Session, Final Full Day

Last night’s Banquet went very well. Campers not returning next session received year awards, and while it was too windy to place candles on the lake, the camp did stand around the flagpole for the candlelight service. On this final full day of camp, campers are finishing arts and crafts projects—with Seniors doing tie dye shirts—working to perfect strokes in swim classes, and soloing in sailing classes. Campers learn today whether they have passed into the next level in swimming and small craft classes, and at today’s General Swim many campers were excited to be able to swim in new areas. This evening is campfire, where campers will receive swimming, boating and track meet awards, as well as sing songs, eat s’mores and reflect on the past two weeks. While campers are looking forward to seeing friends and family from home tomorrow, they will certainly miss their friends at camp.

- Julia (Cabin 8 )

Girls Session, Day 11

Yesterday afternoon, instead of a regular activity period, camp had a special presentation by Bwana Iguana, who showed campers and staff snakes, turtles, tortoises, lizards and other reptiles. Some campers had the opportunity to come to the front and help present the animals to the rest of the group as well. With only one more day of classes, campers are working hard to make progress in swimming and boating classes, and to finish arts and crafts projects like baskets. Today for activity period, campers have the opportunity to take part in a diving competition, to play spoons, or to participate in a pirate battle on the lake offered by the small craft directors.

Tonight is the camp’s banquet, with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn for dinner. Campers will dress in the camp’s colors, green and white, sing songs, and watch a slideshow of the session’s events this evening. Following the meal and weather permitting, campers, counselors and staff will walk down to the lake for a candlelight service, releasing candles onto the lake cabin by cabin.

- Julia (Cabin 8 )