Mid-session Saturday!

Today began with a breakfast that is camp tradition- waffles with peanut butter and syrup. It was yummy!! After breakfast, we switched bunks, so anyone on a bottom bunk who wanted a top got to switch. This also gave everyone a chance to re-organize their belongings! It was cloudy, but the rain held off for morning classes. Sailors had a thrilling class in the gusty wind! Sports classes played "nuke-em" (a reverse dodgeball game on the basketball court), with teams modeled after the Hunger Games- the Capitol vs. District 12.

Dinner was meatballs, mashed potatoes, and gravy, with chocolate-caramel cake with whipped topping for dessert. It was delicious! During the meal, the winds picked up and a thunderstorm approached, so we all moved in off the lodge porch to stay dry. Each cabin played a game together while we waited for the storm to pass. We then had a normal Rest Hour and General Swim, as the weather became sunnier.  4th period followed as usual, then Activity Period. Some of the activities today were board games in the lodge, a game on the A-field, or learning how to make hair wraps!

Since today was the kitchen's night off, supper was an "eat out" picnic of hot dogs, chips, pickles, and lemonade, with cookies for dessert. Cabins ate on the docks or at picnic tables in different spots of camp.

As I write, campers are heading up to the A-field for one of their favorite games- Pirates!!

Talk to you tomorrow!

-the Birch Blogger

Wamah's Got Talent!!

Good Evening Blog Followers!!! Today was another exciting day on Columbia Lake! Campers slept in this morning and enjoyed blueberry bread, oatmeal, peaches, cereal, and hot chocolate/orange juice! They then went back to clean their cabins and perform their usual camp duties. Classes resumed although we kept an eye on the weather report for showers and storms. Dinner was an Italian feast of lasagna, salad, and bread, with butterscotch pudding for dessert! Rest Hour brought with it rain, thunder, and a tornado watch, so campers left rest hour and instead of having our usual general swim, played board games in the lodge. They then learned some new songs, and some got to work on their arts and crafts.

Then they set their tables for a supper of grilled cheese, tomato soup, pickles, chips, carrots with heavenly cheesecake for dessert.

Tonight's evening program was talent night! Every cabin had a skit, song, or talent to show off! It was a lot of fun and full of entertaining acts! Favorites included: guitar and violin playing, singing, goofy dancing, and celebrity impersonations!!

Then it was time for bed after such a busy day!

-The Birch Blogger

A Thrilling Thursday!!

Today began with a delicious breakfast of oatmeal, cereal, and English muffins. We had our usual morning schedule. Campers are showing great improvement in their swimming and boating levels! Dinner was meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and corn, with chocolate pudding and whipped topping for dessert!

Rest Hour was wonderful and rejuvenating, and General Swim was refreshing, since today was a scorcher!

The wind picked up for 4th period, so sailors enjoyed the afternoon gusts. Activity Period included the usual popular activities, like jumping off the tower, zumba, sailing, and volleyball.

After an active day, campers enjoyed their supper of pizza, applesauce, carrot sticks, and chips, with an satisfying dessert of vanilla cake topped with chocolate frosting, chocolate sauce, and M&Ms- yum!!

As I write, campers are preparing skits, dances, or songs for tomorrow's talent show! Tonight we have another special program- a man who makes musical instruments out of "junk." He came during Session 1 and was a big hit, so we are in for a treat tonight!

-the Birch Blogger

Wonderful Day at Wamah

We had very cool weather last night- great for sleeping.  The campers did their normal "chicken fat" exercises this morning before a camp favorite breakfast of french toast. Regular morning classes this morning ran smoothly with swimming, arts and crafts, boating, and sports.  In sports class today many campers played an exhilarating game of soccer on the A-field.  The campers are enjoying projects such as pillow making, friendship bracelets, bead looms, and baskets during arts and crafts.

For the mid-day meal the campers enjoyed ravioli, salad, and chocolate cake for dinner.  Following the meal the campers went to store to buy candy or anything else they might need and went to rest hour to write letters home (hopefully), read or listen to music.  The campers are beginning to enjoy this time of the day to spend time relaxing on their bunk.

Following rest hour, the campers checked in for general swim.  We have been enjoying some fantastic weather today with a breeze that is excellent for sailing.  While I write to you many campers are out sailing on our sunfishes and the Hunter.  Other activities include jumping off the tower and playing aquarium games.

Tonight we have our first eat out of the session.  As a cabin, the counselors and campers pack a picnic basket with their sandwiches, potato chips, cookies and lemonade and find a spot around camp to eat together as a cabin.  This has always been a great bonding experience for cabins and we look forward to our first eat out of the session.

For the evening game tonight we will play a camp favorite of spies and smugglers!!

Until next time..

Emma Tuthill, Cabin Old 6

The Fun Continues!

Good Evening Blog followers! As promised- the story teller was  really cool! he told us four different stories that originated from different cultures such as African and Hatian! He captivated the audience with his charisma and goofy impersonations!

Today was a beautiful, cool morning- great for sleeping! We had oatmeal, cereal, and cornbread for breakfast, which was delicious and hearty! We had a normal morning schedule. Campers cleaned their cabins and then went to arts and crafts, sports, swimming, and boating.

Dinner was chicken fingers, rice, summer squash, carrots, and bread, with vanilla pudding and sprinkles for dessert!

Following dinner, we had a nice, relaxing rest hour, and a refreshing general swim. Campers went to 4th period- whichever class they had not had in the morning. For Activity Period, some of the activities offered were jumping off the tower, zumba, and yoga. Some campers who had signed up previously got to go on the Hunter, our big sailboat.

For supper, we had chicken fajitas, applesauce, chips, and a camp favorite for dessert- apple crisp!!

As I write, campers are getting ready to play Capture the Flag. It is sure to be an intense and exciting game!

Check back tomorrow for more updates!

-The Birch Blogger

And They're Off!! The First Day of Classes!

Welcome back blog followers! While the campers went to bed as the rain poured down, they awoke to a beautiful day of sunshine! Because it is beginning to get darker earlier, we have changed the clocks at camp so that we can have more sunshine in our daily schedule. We end our days earlier by a half hour and start the day a half hour earlier.We still wake up at 7:30 here but to the outside world it is 7am. We are on "camp time" at Asto Wamah! This morning we awoke and met around the flagpole for flag raising and the pledge of allegiance. We then did our morning exercises called, "Chicken Fat". We all spread out and do several stretches such as, toe-touches, jumping jacks, and pushups(optional). It helps the campers wake up their bodies!

Then each cabin met at their table for a breakfast of cinnamon buns, cereal, oranges, orange juice,and/or hot chocolate! Following breakfast, campers cleaned their cabins and did various camp duties around camp such as, helping out with the bathrooms, boats, sweeping the lodge, and trash. The campers  looked forward to cleaning because they know that the nurse will come around and inspect the cabins. She will choose a winning cabin in each area (hilltop, lakeside, and seniors) and at the end of camp the overall winner of inspection will get a treat!

Because of the rain yesterday, new campers were classified this morning after cabin cleanup and were put into swimming classes. Next regular swimming, boating, sports, and arts and crafts classes began.  Most classes began with rules and a review of some basic skills but tomorrow the classes will be longer and campers will have to put their skills to the test!

Dinner(lunch) was ziti with salad and jello for dessert. The campers then had their first store time (pick a candy, stamp, envelope, etc) and rest hour. Rest hour is my favorite time of day :D Campers lay on their bunks listening to music, reading, writing letters, or just resting from their very active morning!  After rest hour the whole camp had their first general swim. Then they had fourth period and activity period. Several fun activities were offered today. Tower jumping, water polo, and spoons were a few of the choices.

Flag lowering came next! We  gathered around the flagpole and heard who the winning cabins were for today's inspection ( cabins 2, 5, and 8 won!) Then we lowered the flag and went inside for supper!

Supper was meatball grinders, mac n' cheese, carrot sticks, apple sauce, and lemon cake for dessert!

Right now campers are having our traditional first night game of medical wars (a dodge-ball game!)  Then we are having a guest "story teller" coming right before bed! I am SO excited!

I'll have more details on tonight for you tomorrow! Cornbread and cereal for breakfast tomorrow! YUM!

-The Birch Blogger

Second Girls Session 2012!

The bunks at camp Asto Wamah are filled once again! New campers, along with some returners from last session or co-ed camp, arrived today! Parents lugged duffles and trunks in high humidity all over camp to get their campers settled in. They then hurried out of camp in search of air conditioner relief. Once all the campers unpacked their belongings, counselors played some ice-breaker games and  then took campers on tours of camp.  Typically, on the first day of camp we have swimming classification for new campers, followed by a general swim for the whole camp but thunder prevented this much needed cool down from the heat. Therefore, Nancy introduced the staff and gave camp rules and expectations inside the lodge. The whole camp played a game of counselor trivia inside the lodge. It's amazing how fast new campers have learned names and made connections to other campers! They are being great sports on such a difficult first day!

The campers enjoyed our traditional first night meal of hot-dogs, tater-tots, beans, pickles, and brownies for dessert! The campers then went back to their cabins to play more ice-breakers and vote on a book that counselors will begin reading tonight after evening program.

Tonight we are having an inside evening program because there are still threats of a thunderstorm. I believe tonight will be a 'Skills Challenge' program.  The cabins will be given a list of challenges such as, " marble pickup with feet," "best off-hand writing," "longest hoola hooper," "best auditory memory," and others. They will compete against the other cabins in their camp area, either hilltop, lakeside, or seniors. It is sure to be a fun night! Hopefully it will cool off!

Check back here tomorrow night to hear about the first day of classes. (new swimmers will be classified at the beginning of swimming period tomorrow.

-The Birch Blogger

The Last Day!

Today was a beautiful, hot summer day- perfect weather for the last full day of the session. We began the day with waffles, peanut butter, and syrup-yum!! We then had our usual morning schedule. Campers finished up their projects in Arts and Crafts, and everyone was excited to find out if they passed their levels in swimming and boating. However, those who did not pass should still be very proud of themselves- everyone worked hard and improved a lot this session! Dinner today was Texas Hash- a Mexican style rice dish with meat and tomatoes in it. For dessert we had apple turnovers, which were delicious!

It was a nice day for General Swim. Campers who had passed Level 3 or Level 4 swimming got to swim in the next deepest area of the water! Everyone made the most of their last swim by jumping off the tower or playing water games with friends.

For Activity Period, campers chose from jumping off the tower (which the new Level 4 swimmers could do for the first time!), Aquarium games, and Zumba.

Supper tonight was hamburgers with lettuce and tomatoes, chips, and applesauce, with Italian Ice for dessert- perfect for a hot evening!

As I write, campers are beginning to pack their belongings for tomorrow. Those who are finished are gathering kindling for our Awards Campfire tonight. There will be s'mores, skits, singing, and awards for swimming, boating, cabin cleanup, and LT trivia. It will be a fun way to wrap up a fantastic session!

The campers have had a lot of fun, but they are all excited to see you tomorrow!! Please come between 8:30- 10.

Thanks for reading the blog this session- talk to you next time!

-the Birch Barker

Banquet Day!!

Welcome Back followers of the Birch Blog!! Today was the first girls Banquet of the summer! We started the day off with Pixar Movie themed breakfast!! It was SO cool! Cabins came dressed as characters from Pixars, "Toy Story," "Finding Nemo," "Monsters Inc," "The Incredibles," and "Up".  They all had a short skit to go along with their outrageously funny and creative costumes.  Then the day started as usual with English Muffins, cereal, Maypo and hot chocolate. Then began an intense morning of swimming, boating, arts and crafts, and sports classes to finish the session off strong.

Dinner was tuna, egg salad, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with pickles and chips. Peach crisp followed this delicious meal before our Thanksgiving supper.  We had a different afternoon today in order to include a camp favorite: Pirates! We never got a chance to play it for evening program due to rainy evenings.  Campers are split into their green and white teams and search camp for their hidden treasure. Their other job is to get pirate guns (rags filled with flower). It's a lot of fun!

After the game, we had a general swim to beat the heat and then we got the lodge ready for Banquet.  Wearing their best green and white, campers arrived at the lodge for a fun night of singing, year awards, and a candlelight service. The campers are SUPER excited for thier last day tomorrow.  In preparation, they are staying silent tonight to reflect on the goodness of light and how these two weeks have affected them.

- The Birch Blogger

A Wonderful Wednesday!

Today was a beautiful, cool day. Everyone woke up to a delicious breakfast of French Toast with butter and syrup. We had a regular morning schedule of classes. With only two days left, campers are working hard to perfect the skills they have learned, and teachers are evaluating who will be passing into the next swimming and boating levels. Some canoeing classes practiced what to do in the event of a capsizing; they had fun tipping the boats over and then swimming under them to lift them right side up again. Dinner today was pork patties and mashed potatoes, with vanilla pudding and sprinkles for dessert. Yum!

The air was just cool enough to make Rest Hour nice and relaxing, but warm enough so that everyone could go in for a General Swim after. The water felt great! 4th Period was exciting for seniors' Arts and Crafts today- we did tie dye!! Some girls colored white shirts, while others did "reverse tie dye" on colored shirts with bleach. It was a lot of fun!

Activity Period today included jumping off the tower, badminton, board games in the lodge, and learning how to make hair wraps!

We had an Eat Out supper tonight! Campers made sandwiches to take with them, and cabins went to various locations around camp, such as docks, to eat their picnics.

As I write, campers are gathering on the A-field. We are hoping any passing rain will hold off for our game! Check back tomorrow to find out what we play!

-the Birch Blogger

Tuesday- A Day to Remember!

Today we awoke to bagels and cereal for breakfast. Campers followed a normal morning class schedule, with the option for swimmers Level 6 and above to swim to Frog Island! 10 girls completed the endeavor across the lake, and upon arrival, each picked a souvenir rock to remember their triumph. Upon finishing their swim back to camp, they signed their names in the Frog Island Log Book. Well done! Dinner was a  hearty, delicious Italian meal- lasagna, salad, and bread, with pears for dessert!

We had a lovely Rest Hour, followed by a game of non-stop cricket on the A-field instead of general swim, as it was cloudy and cool.

Due to tonight's exciting evening, we skipped Activity Period today and had an early supper of grilled cheese, tomato soup, and chocolate pudding pie for dessert!!

Tonight the LTs put on a "carnival" for us! The theme was Candyland. LTs set up game-board inspired activities on the A-field. These stations included an "M&M" water balloon toss, a live board game, "life saver" hula hooping, face painting, "peppermint stick" limbo, musical chairs, a slot machine, and character cutouts of Princess Lolly and Queen Frostine to put your face in and take a picture. With their tokens from winning games, campers "bought" freeze pops for snack.

Tonight we were also lucky enough to have a guest speaker here to educate us about birds of prey and display some of these creatures! It was captivating!

The campers are sure to sleep well after their exciting day!

Check back tomorrow for more updates!

-the Birch Blogger

Day 8!

Campers woke up relieved to see sunshine!! While most of our towels(if not all) are damp from the showers yesterday, we added a few clothing lines in front of the flagpole to air dry and that did the job! Campers feasted on blueberry bread, cereal, and sweet cantaloupe melon. They then began their morning activities before their first three classes of the day. Campers in level 6 did their 500 yd swim today, while level three worked on their sidestroke and level 5 worked on their butterfly and surface diving.  All the boaters are working so hard and now that Friday (the last day of classes) is in sight,  campers are stepping up their games to pass into the next level. Dinner today was a wonderful meal of Shepherd's Pie (ground beef, corn and potato layered and backed in the oven) with salad and butterscotch pudding for dessert. Then we had our usual rest hour while the LT's worked on several different lifeguarding drills on the waterfront.

After fourth period several cool activities were offered for activity period: Water Quidditch (Unfortunately I don't know how to describe this but lots of fun was had), uno, clue, tower jumping, and paddle boarding.

Cabins 2, old 6, and 6 won cabin inspection today! Hooray! Tonight was Taco Night with Churros for dessert! Yum! After Supper we had the Indian War Relay that we had to skip due to the downpour yesterday afternoon. It was the closest relay race I have ever seen. Usually there is a leader after the baton gets passed from the row boaters to the canoers but not today. The baton started up at the very end of the camp road by Rt 87 thenwas passed to swimmers, they swim in between the rafts and pass it off to the row boats, who pass it off to the canoes, who pass the baton off to more runners, who pass it off to the two strongest senior swimmers for the last leg of the relay!!

White won the Indian War Relay and now the campers are beginning their night time routine!

Goodnight!

-The Birch Blogger

Day 7!!!!!!! Track and Field Day

Today marked the half way point of the first girls session! Campers enjoyed cereal, cornbread, and orange slices for breakfast and then switched bunks. Any camper that wanted to try out a top or bottom bunk for the second week of camp were given the opportunity. The second Sunday of camp is always our traditional Camp Asto Wamah Track and Field Day. The campers are split into two teams: green and white  (the camp colors).  They then compete in several events throughout the day. This morning the weather allowed us to have our normal events of running long jump, standing long jump,  softball throw, and the 50 yard dash.  We then all went in for a general swim before a tasty meal of ham, noodles, corn, and peaches before dessert. Rain clouds made their way over to Columbia Lake so we couldn't do our traditional Indian War Relay but we did do the marathon as the downpour started. (The marathon is only .25 of a mile). To keep the competition going in the afternoon, campers did a round robin of various activities.

Supper was chicken melts, tomato soup, chips, and green and white cake for dessert! We also got to celebrate two birthdays at camp today: Kira and Abby!We sang to each of them over breakfast this morning!

Tonight we are playing my favorite evening program: Murder By Night!! It is a murder mystery game. The campers go around in groups and try to solve a fake murder! It is tons of fun!

Check back tomorrow for more Wamah updates. Normal schedule resumes tomorrow!

The Birch Blogger

Days 5 and 6!

It's been a busy 2 days! Thursday night, we were lucky enough to avoid the worst of the storms. We had a lot of fun with the Reverse Scavenger Hunt, and then we sang songs until the storm had passed and we could safely get ready for bed. Yesterday,  we had a new breakfast of cinnamon buns! They were delicious! We had an overcast morning, but rain held off for morning classes.

For dinner, we had meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and corn, with Italian Ice for dessert! In the afternoon, we had an extended Rest Hour, during which cabins could practice acts for the Talent Night! We then had general swim, a shortened 4th period class, and Activity Period. Campers got to show off their skills in a diving contest, dance at zumba, or play water games in Aquarium, the shallowest section of the swimming area.

Supper was chicken patties, with cheesecake for dessert- it was scrumptious!

We had an amazing talent show for our Evening Program. Some highlights were an original song on the guitar, lyrical dancing, a comical cabin skit in which celebrities were impersonated, a Wamah's Got Talent skit, and a cabin dance party. Every act was impressive and entertaining! We sure have a group of talented campers!

Today, we awoke to more clouds but no rain! We enjoyed a filling breakfast of waffles with peanut butter and syrup- a camp tradition. During cabin cleanup, campers had the opportunity to switch bunks. Campers who had been on a bottom bunk, and wanted a top bunk, got to move.

We had a normal morning class schedule. Campers are showing great improvement in their swimming and boating classes!

Dinner today was chicken parm,  spaghetti, and salad, with jello and whipped topping for dessert!

We had some rain this afternoon, but we were able to get in the water for general swim before any storms came. During Activity Period, campers had a choice between yoga in the activity room or board games in the lodge.

It's the kitchen's night off, so we had a "picnic" supper of hot dogs, chips, and carrot sticks, with oranges and cookies for dessert.  Since it was raining, we had a "mix up" meal in the lodge instead of going to different places outside. Campers went to different tables with people from other cabins. It was a great chance to meet people from all around camp!

Check back tomorrow for news of tonight's Evening Program!

-the Birch Blogger

Day 4!!!!

Today we awoke to a few droplets of rain. We enjoyed some cereal, maypo (maple oatmeal), and English muffins. Luckily, the predicted storm held off for morning classes. Boating and swimming still went in the lake! Dinner was delicious Italiano -ziti garnished with parmesan cheese, baquettes, salad (with lettuce freshly grown across the lake), and chocolate pudding with a dollop of whipped topping for dessert!

The stormy weather continued to hold off for our afternoon delightful activities. General swim was refreshing. 4th period classes were held outside as usual, and during Activity Period, campers got to play  on the A-field and games in the water,  as well as indoor games like Spoons and Sategories.

Supper tonight was chicken patty sandwiches, with a new dessert-cherry cake. It was fantastic!

As I write, each cabin is gathering 10 items to bring to tonight's Evening Program- Reverse Scavenger Hunt! Each cabin will use their 10 items to act out skits about a topic chosen by the judges. For example, they might have to enact an amusement park ride, or impersonate their counselors. The funniest skit wins. It is going to be a lot of fun!

We are preparing for some severe weather. Everyone will be safely gathered together and kept entertained as the storm passes through.

Check back tomorrow for  a report of tonight's fun program!

-the Birth Blogger

Day 3!!!

Hellooo blog followers! Today was another B,E, A, Utiful day on Columbia Lake! Campers awoke to sunshine and the sweet aroma of french toast wafting from the kitchen! Campers cleaned their bunks and performed their various camp duties before their first period class at 10am. The weather made for a wonderful day for swimming and boating. Many upper level swimmers worked on their butterfly today, while others worked on breaststroke and sidestroke. The winds were great for period 3 senior sailors and troubling for some rowers :D  Dinner was Swedish meatballs with corn, mashed potatoes, and pears for dessert.

Some of the activities offered today for activity period were yoga, tower jumping, and paddle boarding. Today was the kitchen staff's night out so campers made lunch meat sandwiches for supper and traveled with their cabins to various places around camp.  Tonight we are playing one of my favorite camp games: Spies and Smugglers!  There are two teams ( one spies the other smugglers). The smugglers are trying to run from the flagpole to the A- field with a piece of paper that are worth various amounts of points. They hide the paper in their clothes. The spies are trying to intercept points by tagging smugglers and guessing where the piece of paper is hiding on the smuggler.

It is A TON of fun!

Tomorrow we are having english muffins and cereal for breakfast and hopefully the weather will be ok so we can continue to have classes in the water!

Check back here tomorrow! Goodnight!

-The Birch Blogger

Day 2!!

Today we awoke to a warm, beautiful morning. We savored a rich breakfast of chocolate chip bread, with cereal or oatmeal. Classes really got going today, since the weather cooperated. Teachers were able to evaluate their student's current knowledge and begin teaching new skills. Sports classes played Spud on the A-field, while Arts and Crafts continued the projects they started yesterday. Dinner/lunch was raviolis, baguettes (yum!), and salad, with vanilla pudding for dessert.

General swim was greatly appreciated as the day heated up.

Activity Period choices included aquarium games, badminton, and zumba and jumping off the tower again, due to popular demand.

Supper tonight was chicken fajitas, with apple crisp-a camp favorite- for dessert.

Last night's Evening Program was a series of challenges, such as "longest hula-hooper", "best estimator", "neatest off-hand writing", and "picking up marbles with toes." Cabins competed against the other cabins in their area. It was a fun alternative to our usual outdoor games!

We were lucky to learn two new songs before bed. Two girls from cabin 1 taught the camp a fun, repeating song about a bird, while older staff taught an "oldie but goodie" camp song called Ashgrove. It's a beautiful, quiet bedtime song. This session's group is full of great singers!

Tonight, we will have an intense game of Capture the Flag on the A-field! There will be Vespers (evening reflection led by the counselors), goodnight songs, and probably a quick dip in the lake! The campers are sure to sleep well after their busy day!

-the Birch Blogger

First Day of Classes!

Today the campers awoke at 7:30 to cloudy, cool weather. Everyone gathered around the flagpole for Chicken Fat (our morning stretches) and flag raising. Breakfast was blueberry bread and cereal! After breakfast, campers and counselors worked together to tidy up their cabins, make their beds, sweep, and help out with various duties around camp. Every day, the nurse inspects cabins, and the cleanest one from hilltop, lakeside, and seniors wins Cabin Cleanup for that day. At the end of the session, the cabin with the most wins receives candy!

We gathered in the lodge as some morning showers passed by. We played indoor games until first period began. Due to the weather, seniors and lakeside had swimming inside, where they did zumba and yoga! By third period, the weather had cleared up, so hilltop was able to go swimming in the lake! Sports classes played games that incorporated learning everyone's names from their area of camp. Boating classes learned parts of the boat and important safety rules. Arts and crafts classes began work on bracelets, pillows, geckos, and knitting. Some girls are making baskets.

Dinner was chicken fingers and rice, with peaches for dessert!

After the meal, everyone appreciated a nice Rest Hour, a time in which everyone must relax on their bunks and enjoy a silent activity.

General swim followed Rest Hour. The water was refreshing!

4th period was whatever class the campers had not had in the morning. Following 4th period was Activity Period, a free time for the campers to choose an activity offered by the counselors. Some of today's choices were jumping off the tower, zumba, and volleyball.

Supper was meatball grinders, carrots, chips, and applesauce, with vanilla cake with chocolate frosting for dessert to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth!

As I write, campers are gathering for Evening Program in the lodge, as more rain approaches.

Hopefully tomorrow's weather will be bright and sunny!

-the Birth Blogger

First Girls Session 2012!

Welcome and Welcome Back GIRLS of Asto Wamah! Hooray, Hurrah, Hurrah!!! As our camp song goes: "We're the girls from Asto Wamah you hear so much about! Most everybody likes us whenever we go out, We're noted for our wisdom and the clever things we do,  Most everybody likes us we hope you like us too!"

Today, the girls moved into camp on a beautiful day full of sunshine! Over the course of the afternoon the campers were introduced to their excellent counselors, picked out their bunks for the next week or so, met new cabin mates, took a tour of camp, and rekindled friendships by playing a few ice-breaker games. Once all that was done, campers unraveled their sleeping bags, unpacked their camp knick-knacks, and changed into their bathing suits to get either classified into a swim level (if they are new) or go in for a quick general swim.

Dinner followed our swim and it was delicious! The dinner(or supper as we call it at Asto Wamah)  included: hot dogs, tater-tots, baked beans, and pickles, with fudge brownies for dessert!

As I type, all of the campers are playing a game called Medical Wars up on the Athletic or A-Field. This is our traditional first night dodgeball game that is a lot of fun! They will then sing some songs and get ready for bed. Once everyone is in bed, around 9pm,  the counselors in each cabin have selected a book they will read to the cabin until they settle down. The first night can be hard for campers because no one is on Wamah time yet and they usually take a night to adjust to their new surroundings. Tomorrow however, will be so packed with classes and activities they will fall asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows.

This session is also the beginning of our special leadership program for the girls. The LT's arrived today to learn how to be counselors at Asto Wamah and they are already helping the staff with projects around camp! They are sure to be a great bunch of leaders!

Check back tomorrow around the same time for more wamah updates! Morning bell rings at 7:30am!!!  Can't wait! :D

-The Birch Blogger

A Rainy Last Day

After a busy two weeks, we all enjoyed a cozy, rainy last day at camp. We began the day with eggs and English muffins for breakfast. Since there was no thunder and lightning, swimming and boating classes carried on as usual, with the option of indoor games if the campers had already passed their levels. In arts and crafts, campers wrapped up their projects; campers making baskets put the final touches on those.  Sports classes played games inside.

We had Texas Hash for lunch, with chocolate pudding for dessert.

There was no general swim today. Instead, campers had a choice between an extra 30 minutes of Rest Hour, or indoor board games in the lodge. 4th Period then started early, and Activity Period was extended. While the air was still chilly, the rain had stopped and the water was warm, so some new Level 4 swimmers enjoyed their first jumps off the tower. Other campers played badmitten, Ultimate Frisbee, and Uno in the lodge.

We had chicken patties for supper, with Italian Ice for dessert.

As I write, campers are gathering belongings and starting to pack. Kindling has been gathered for our campfire tonight, and campers are excited to sing, eat s'mores, and receive awards for swimming, boating, cabin cleanup, and LT trivia.

While everyone is sad to leave, they will be happy to see you tomorrow! Please come between 8:30 and 10:30.

the Birch Blogger