Day 2!!

Today began with a brighter sky than yesterday! Everyone enjoyed a breakfast of cereal and French toast sticks and then went to camp/cabin duties. Morning classes all ran as planned and campers are adjusted to the daily routine! HOORAY! Today in sports classes, the campers played nuke 'em, a dodge ball game. In boating, campers got their first chances to row, canoe, or sail. The swimmers are perfecting strokes and are making great progress. In arts and crafts, campers began to make pillows, friendship bracelets, weavings, and  baskets.  Dinner was a scrumptious meal of Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Dessert was red jello and whipped cream. Rest hour was a nice break before a general swim, during which the sun made its first appearance. Activity period today included more nuke 'em, badminton, zumba, sailing, and paddle-boarding.  Supper was grilled cheese, tomato soup, and chips followed by apple crisp for dessert, a camp favorite!!!!

Tonight evening program was medical war, another dodge ball game, since it got rained out the first night. Campers played an intense game and got nice and warm, so they all went in for a quick dip after. They enjoyed a refreshing snack of watermelon and went straight to bed.

-The Birch Blogger(Check back here tomorrow for the latest updates!)

First Full Day!

Today campers awoke to the smell of warm cornbread wafting from the lodge. Cookees got up at 7:45 to set their cabins' tables, and everyone met at the flag pole at 8 for flag raising and Chicken Fat- our morning stretches. They ate their hearty breakfast and then went off to do their cabin and camp duties. Everyone straightened their bunks and helped sweep the cabin first, before doing various jobs around camp, including sweeping the lodge, collecting trash, and helping to clean the bathrooms. After camp was tidied, it was time for morning classes. Campers rotated between swimming, boating, arts and crafts, and sports. In swimming, campers showed their teachers their skills and began to improve. In boating, campers learned about boat safety and parts of the boat. In arts and crafts, campers made journals/scrapbooks to use to record their time at camp. In sports, campers played a few games in the lodge to be active while avoiding the rain. We understand that parts of CT got hit very badly with storms, but we were lucky to have only a few downpours- no thunder or lightning!

Campers had some free time before dinner, our big mid-day meal. They played knock-hockey and tetherball, went fishing, and some even took a shower! Dinner was chicken fingers with green beans, rice, and bread, with mini apple pies for dessert.

After dinner, it was time for store and Rest Hour. Campers bought candy and any necessary items such as stamps and batteries from the store, and then spent an hour of quiet activity and rest in their bunks. Campers read, listened to music, wrote letters, or napped in order to feel refreshed for the afternoon activities.

After Rest Hour, we were lucky to be able to go in the lake for General Swim, a free-swim for the whole camp. Next, campers went to whatever class (swimming, boating, arts and crafts, or sports) they did not go to in the morning. Campers then enjoyed their first Activity Period, a time during which counselors offer various activities and campers can choose what they would like to do. Today, activities included various board games in the lodge and zumba!

Supper was pizza, salad, and applesauce, with cherry cake for dessert!

Now, campers are preparing for an evening program of spies and smugglers! After a rainy day, it will be good to run around outside and get out any extra energy  before bed.

Until tomorrow,

-the Birch Blogger

Session 1 Begins!

Today we welcomed a wonderful group of campers to Asto Wamah for our co-ed session! After moving their belongings into cabins and saying goodbye to their families, children began to get to know their cabin-mates and counselors. Each cabin played a game that helped everyone learn each others' names. Counselors also took their cabins on a tour of camp, showing and explaining where campers would be going for their activities and classes. After this, the whole camp met outside in the counsel ring to listen to some important camp rules and staff introductions. We are already impressed at what good listeners they are! Catherine, our waterfront director, explained all about swimming classes and how to behave in the water, and then all new campers got to show us their swimming skills in order to be correctly placed in a swimming level. While the air got a bit chilly, the water was nice and warm! For supper tonight, we had hot dogs, tater tots, and baked beans, with delicious brownies for dessert! For many new campers, Sue's excellent cooking is already becoming a favorite part of camp!

As I write, campers are getting ready for evening program, a game that all of camp plays together. Tonight, we are hoping for no rain so we can play our traditional first-night Medical War, a dodge-ball game! After the game, campers will get ready for bed, and counselors will read to their cabins to help everyone relax and get ready to sleep. We are all excited for our first full day of camp tomorrow!

-the Birch Blogger

Welcome Back!!

The counselors have just finished their staff training and are prepped and ready to go!! We are SO excited for your arrival! While the weather is looking a little wet, we are sure it won't rain on this parade!!  Please arrive at 1:00pm tomorrow. Bring any health forms and a smile! We cant wait to welcome you or welcome you back!! Items campers sometimes forget:

more than one bathing suit and towel(labeled), sunscreen, bug spray, hat, rain coat, tied shoes and flip flops,  flashlight, water bottle, deodorant, toiletries, an extra blanket, and goggles.

Sincerely,

The Birch Blogger

June Update

Welcome to Asto Wamah in June,At last June has arrived, the month of final preparations and anticipation!  Columbia Lake is just inches from being full, a great improvement over 2012’s low water level.  The woods are green and lush.  Hot days have arrived and all that is missing is the campers and staff.  The countdown begins! Today, the LTs completed Red Cross trainings they will need in order to take Lifeguarding in July.  It is a great group of enthusiastic and dedicated individuals who will be making terrific contributions to Asto Wamah during their stay. This weekend, 3 staff members attended Ropes Training and others will take part in Archery Trainings in the weeks to come. During the last week of June, the staff will arrive for Staff Training.  This is an important time to review skills, discuss policies, recertify as Lifeguards and develop a strong team that will be able to confidently face the joys and the challenges the summer season brings.  We are excited to have this opportunity to make a positive and important difference in our campers’ lives. During these final weeks there will be more painting, cleaning and set up, every task focused on making camp ready for the coed campers who will arrive on June 30th and those who will follow throughout the summer.  We look forward to this 104th season at Asto Wamah. Parents, if you have any concerns about your child’s stay, please email or call so that resolution can be gained before arrival day.  We are looking forward to another wonderful summer at Asto Wamah.  An experience that will enrich all involved.

Always, Nancy Maclean 860-649-8614

P.S. Please spread the word that there are a few openings in the all-girls Aug. 4- Aug 17 session.  Thank you.

May Update

Dear Birch Blogger Reader, I am happy to report that spring has truly arrived at Asto

Wamah.  From the attached pictures you can see that all things green are sprouting abundantly.  The stream under the Icky Water Bridge is running steadily and the marsh marigolds are in full bloom as is the skunk cabbage.  Soon the buds on the trees will be full grown leaves.

The picture of the waterfront shows that the lake is on the rise.  The rock off Little Dipper (notice the duck lounging) needs to be covered with water in order for Columbia Lake to be considered full.  So you can see that wishing for rain is a good idea.

On April 27th, about 40 people took part in the spring clean up which involves lots of leaf raking, picking up fallen branches and stacking them, cleaning out the winter dirt from each cabin, window washing in the Lodge and getting camp ready for the 104th season.  We were lucky to have a gorgeous day and the hard work of so many paid off.  Camp looks amazing!

During the month of May our new Leadership Trainees will take part in CPR training, which accompanies Lifeguarding.  Trainings for the staff are being planned and supplies are being shipped.  We are getting ready for another fabulous summer.

On Saturday, May 25th from 3-5 we invite all families that are interesting in touring Asto Wamah and hearing about our program to come for Open Camp Day.  Staff and campers will be on hand to take groups around camp and answer questions.  It is a perfect way for new campers to get a first hand look at the camp and meet people who will be here this summer.

At this writing, the only session that still has a few openings is the Aug. 4 to Aug. 17 all girls 2-weeks.  Coed and boys’ have fairly short waiting lists so there is still hope there.  Spread the word.  Thank you!

May the arrival of spring give you many reasons to be outdoors, enjoying life.

Always,

Nancy

April Update

Greetings to all Asto Wamah Followers, I must say that leaving March behind is a happy thing.  Winter certainly didn’t want to let CT go.  Believe it or not, but the A-Field was 80% covered with snow on 3/28.  Many places where the snow has melted, mud remains.  I am nevertheless optimistic about the weather going forward and can see signs of spring throughout camp.  This is an exciting time of year in that everyday the woods change, moving away from bare branches to more and more green.  By the end of the month CAW will look almost as green and lush it does in the summer.

Probably the most noticeable change is in the level of the lake.  If you compare the pictures I sent in the previous months with these current ones, you will see how much Columbia Lake has risen.  Both rafts are now floating and the “beach” is shrinking every day.  I am confident and delighted that the water will be up to its normal level for the summer.

With April here, it feels as though the camp season is right around the corner.  The improving conditions for outside work mean that painting and clean-up tasks can soon begin.  This will be a busy month with lots of projects to tackle to get camp ready for the campers and staff who will be arriving in 3 months.

Enrollment is still growing with just a few places left in the girl coed (June 30 – July 6) and a few more in boys (July7 to July 20) and second girls (Aug. 4 to Aug. 17).   If you have friends or relatives interested in Asto Wamah, please send them to the website: www.campastowamah.org or have them call me for information and a brochure (860-649-8614).  Thanks for your help!

As the days get longer and warmer, I cannot help but think of camp and the fun times that lay ahead.  Hope you too are excited about and looking forward to your stay at Asto Wamah in 2013.

Stay well,

Nancy

March Update

Greetings To All Asto Wamah Friends, As we look back at February, we see a cold, snowy and challenging month.  Blizzard Charlotte left 30+ inches of snow at Asto Wamah.  It took 2 full days to clear the road.  The half-mile length and the narrowness of the road posed considerable obstacles when it came to plowing.  That aside, the deep snow cover made for a beautiful scene throughout camp.  By now the snow is patchy with lots of ground showing.  Hope you were able to see the pictures (posted on the website soon after the storm) that showed the winter wonderland scenes at camp.

Columbia Lake was covered with an 11 inch layer of ice at the start of February.  Ice fishermen dotted the icy surface, sitting for hours awaiting a bite.  Unfortunately for the ice enthusiasts, Charlotte’s deep snow ruined the ice and since then the fishing has stopped as the ice has become thinner.  By the end of the month there were large areas of open water and the ice near shore was thin and breaking up.

February at camp is best known for the start of camper registration.  This year applications flooded in during the first weeks of February.  By the 12^th, there were no openings left in the July 21^st session.  Within a few days the waiting list had grown.  The good news is that the other 3 sessions (coed, boys and the Aug 4^th all girls) still have plenty of room.   If you or a friend has still not registered, it is not too late.  We would love to have you at camp this summer.   Application forms can be downloaded from the website.

The hiring of summer staff is another very important part of February.  Many of 2012’s staff will be returning as well as members of last summer’s LT groups.   We are very fortunate to have so many talented, capable and loyal young adults who are interested in working at Asto Wamah.  This summer’s staff will be outstanding, ready to assure each camper a successful and valuable experience.

Spring will be here in 3 weeks.  That means summer cannot be far off.  I hope your summer plans include a session (or two) at Asto Wamah!

Always,

Nancy Maclean

February Update

Dear Friends of Asto Wamah, It is hard to believe that January is over.  It was an interesting month in Columbia with its great fluctuation in temperature.  At one point, 11 inches of ice covered the lake and everywhere snow blanketed the ground.  For several days, ice fishermen dotted the ice, sitting and waiting to catch their dinners.  Then the fog and unusually warm temperatures arrived.  The ice broke up, the snow disappeared and the road and parking area became muddy.  Now the question is, what will February bring?

On Friday, February 1^st, the 2013 Asto Wamah brochures were mailed.  Within a few days the applications will start to arrive and the new season will be off and running.  If your brochure has not arrived by the 5^th please call (860-649-8614) or EMAIL me.  Things do get lost in the mail.  Some sessions are quick fillers so in order to get the session you want you may have t o work fast. Please let me know of friends, relatives or any child that might enjoy time at Asto Wamah this summer and I will get a brochure off to him/her.  You each are the best form of advertising Asto Wamah has.  Thank you for spreading the word!

Included with this Blog are now 4 winter pictures. The first 2 were taken at the every end of January from Fisherman's dock. One is to the left.  Can you see the bouys for the rowboats floating in the thin ice?  The other looks toward the Main Dock. The other 2 were taken on February 13th right after the Blizzard.  These photos show a very different lake than the one we enjoy in the summer.  Soon the gate at the dam will be shut and the lake will begin to rise.  In March I will take pictures to show the progress.

All of us at CAW hope to see each of you this summer,

Nancy

January Update

Greetings and Good Wishes to Asto Wamah’s Friends, December 2012 was a busy month for Asto Wamah.  There were the daily and routine tasks (mostly working in the woods).  Also during December, many 15 year olds applied for a place in the Leadership Training Program by writing letters of interest.  This is also a month when we receive the names and addresses of those who would like to be added to our mailing list. (There is still time so keep that contact information coming!)

December is also when we hold the once-a-year Camp Reunion.  Luckily the Camp Reunion was not negatively impacted by any storm event this year.  An enthusiastic group of 50 campers and 25 staff arrived at the Church House in Hartford on 12/26 to reconnect with summer friends, play games, eat ice cream and be entertained by Dennis Waring, a fascinating presenter who makes music interesting and fun.  Many of those in the audience took on roles as assistants making the show all the more engaging.

2012 was a wonderful year at Asto Wamah.  Improvements to our facility were well received and welcomed.  Our camper population along with our fine staff continued to strive to make Asto Wamah the kind of summer camp that provides children with a safe and warm community where personal growth and the highest ideals of cooperate living are nurtured.

A new year is now ahead of us.   In February, the 2013 camp brochures will be mailed, registration for the summer will begin and our 104th season will be underway.  Hope you will be able to take part in this future.

Stay safe and well.  May 2013 bring you happiness and peace. Nancy

December Update

Greetings to Friends of Asto Wamah, Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, we are moving quickly toward the seasons of Christmas and Hanukkah, shopping and vacations.  Hope you are ready for all the celebrating.

I am pleased to report that all was calm at Asto Wamah in November.   Columbia Lake is now down to its usual winter level.   Hopefully it will remember to rise up to its summer depth come May.

You should soon be receiving your invitation to the Camp Reunion.  This annual event takes place at Center Church in Hartford on Wednesday, December 26th.   We meet at the Church House that is located at 60 Gold Street, (the corner of Gold and Lewis Sts.)  between the Wadsworth Atheneum and Bushnell Park.  Arrival time is 2:00.  Your parents can drop you off at the door of the Church House as there will be a staff member from the summer out on the sidewalk to greet you.  There will be a slide show from the summer of 2012, entertainment, dessert and games.  It is a wonderful time to see and reconnect with summer friends.  It is always a lot of fun and we hope you can attend.  The reunion ends at 4:00 and there will again be staff to help make sure everyone finds their rides safely.

Please RSVP online at www.campastowamah.org/rsvp or via phone (860-649-8614).   I would also appreciate the names and addresses of friends and neighbor who might be interested in being on the Asto Wamah mailing list so that they can receive a brochure in the Feb. 1^st mailing.

In case of stormy weather you can call me at 860-649-8614 to learn if the Reunion will need to be cancelled.

The coming weeks will be busy and filled with excitement.  I wish you a wonderful holiday season and the happiest of new years!

Looking forward to seeing you on the 26^th.

All best,

Nancy

November Update

Greetings to all Asto Wamah Friends, With Sandy having inflicted suffering and discomfort on so much of the region I am thinking of all of you as I write.  I hope you are well and safe and you were able to weather

the storm with little disturbance.  I was relieved to walk around Camp today and find that Sandy had spared us.  Other than some trees on the Camp Road that were all blown down in a heap, there was no damage.  That certainly will make this November easier than November of 2011.

With October behind us, I am writing to update you on the most recent events at Camp. Probably the most dramatic event of October is the scheduled lowering of Columbia Lake.  Ironically, when the dam was opened on October 15^th, the lake was at its highest level of the summer.  We all remember the record (2 feet) low level that gradually got lower and lower as the summer progressed.  In the weeks before Oct. 15^th there were a number of heavy rainstorms that brought the lake up by a few inches.  At this time you can walk from Pollywog Dock to the floating dock in the lake-bed.  As you can see from the picture taken on October 26^th, the Aquarium looks drastically different.  Now both rafts are sitting on the bottom of the lake, ready to winter there in safety.

In addition to the usual upkeep jobs, we have been working to get a new coat of paint on the White Cottage.  We are close to done.

I trust your parents have received the postcard with the 2013 schedule of sessions and fees.  It is posted on the website as well.  Hopefully a session at Asto Wamah will be in your 2013 summer plans.

Wishing you a happy November and a grateful Thanksgiving.

All best,

Nancy

October Update

Greetings to All Friends of Asto Wamah, October is here and it is time to update the blog with news from camp.

September is typically a quiet (even lonely) month at Asto Wamah especially when comparing it to the three previous months.  We were extremely happy that September 2012 came with no extreme weather events.  It saves us a lot of time if we do not have fallen trees and storm damage to deal with.

As in the rest of CT, the days are now cooler and that makes for good conditions for doing a lot of the tasks we undertake at this time of year.  Power washing buildings and maintaining the road are always necessary in September. Minor repairs such as a kick-plate on the infirmary door, a new mailbox (the old one was knocked down), repairing oarlock holders and painters on the rowboats, removing brush, mowing the field and cleaning the walk-ins so that they can be locked for the winter are a sampling of the type of jobs that keep us busy.

Probably the first and most important event at the end of the summer season is the bringing in of the rowboats and the rafts.  This year the procedure had to be adjusted for the rafts because of the low lake level.  Usually the rafts spend winter tethered to Little Dipper and Pollywog docks.  But this year there was not enough water at either location to allow us to pull them in far enough to be free of the ice that eventually will form on the lake.  The Main Dock was the only location the rafts could be floated to.  That is where they now are, soon to settle on the bottom when Columbia Lake is drained off to its winter level in a few weeks.

Can you see from the photos where all the rowboats (with the exception of the one that is ON the Main Dock) and the two rafts are located?  We hope they will have an uneventful and safe hibernation.

We trust that school, sports and all other facets of your life are going well and you are content.  Now that the days are clearly getting shorter and summer can seem like a long time ago we hope your memories of Asto Wamah still make you smile.

Always,

Nancy

Another Successful Summer

Dear Asto Wamahites,Another successful summer is now complete.  Over the 7 weeks we enjoyed 313 enthusiastic campers and a total staff of 73 loyal and hard working men and women.  Our days were filled with activities, challenges and fun as relationships were formed and a community of individuals grew into a team. The weather, although extra hot and humid, was kind to us as we were spared a number of storms that brushed by.  The level of Columbia Lake, that initially appeared as a problem, caused us to hardly miss a beat.  Thanks to creative thinking, accommodations were made and swimming and small craft took place as usual. The new “green” bathroom was a huge success.  The 6 composting toilets were clearly the first choice of campers and staff.  There was no odor and the facility was so easily maintained, clean and comfortable.   Because of this additional bathroom, the old one was less stressed and as a result worked flawless throughout the 7 weeks. We received much positive feedback about the Blog.  Gillian Carella and Kelsey Baumgarten were the major authors and deserve the credit.  We plan to augment the Blog in 2013 with pictures. We trust that all CAW participants will enter into their fall activities with added confidence. Hope your last days of summer are good ones and your memories of Asto Wamah bring a smile to your face. Always, Nancy

The End! :(

Well blog followers, it has been a great pleasure writing about the exciting happenings of summer at Camp Asto Wamah, but the end is finally upon us.  Today campers awoke to sunshine and cool breezes. As they sat down to a lovely breakfast table with platters of blueberry bread, oatmeal, cereal, orange slices, and hot chocolate/orange juice awaiting them, campers reflected upon how important and meaningful these past two weeks have been.  Don't be surprised, parents, if you arrive tomorrow and don't recognize the responsible, considerate, and compassionate young ladies waiting for you :D The daily schedule was a little altered today due to the clean-up and pack-up of camp. Senior superstars and sailors cleaned the boats and many helpers were needed to clean up arts and crafts. First period was also different because swimmers level 6 and above got to swim out to frog island and collect a rock from the bottom of the lake.  They will also get to sign the frog island log book, which has names of previous swimmers dating back many years.

Dinner was a fabulous meal of Texas Hash (ground beef, onion, rice, tomatoes, and spice!) and salad. For dessert we had Mexican pastries similar in style to a churro! YUM!!! Then we had our usual Rest HOUR!! Next campers had their last general swim! Tear :(

As I write to you now, campers are solving a mystery. One of the counselors has been murdered by another counselor (Never Fear! no counselors were actually injured for the purposes of this game). Campers are split into groups and are walking all over camp to find counselors and hear their alibis.  The counselor whose alibi doesn't make sense is the killer!!

Tonight for supper, we will enjoy a leftovers! This will include: mac n'cheese, egg and tuna salad, lasagna, and maybe chocolate cake. Ohhhh!

Then campers will enjoy our evening program of CAMPFIRE!! They will receive awards for swimming, boating,  track and field day,and cabin clean-up.  They will sing songs, eat s'mores, and enjoy the last few hours with each other.

Then they will go to bed and wake up bright and early to finish packing up and preparing for your arrival between 8:30-10am. We look forward to seeing you all then.

-The Birch Blogger <3

The Final Banquet Day of CAW 2012!

Welcome back blog followers!

The campers awoke to another beautiful day on Columbia lake. They ate a hearty breakfast of cereal, waffles with pb and maple syrup, and hot chocolate/orange juice! YUM! Campers then worked hard in classes and some even passed their  boating and swimming levels today! Campers who passed into an advanced level in boating took out boats by themselves during general swim. Campers who passed into a different swim area got a chance to swim in that area during general swim later on today. Tomorrow night they will receive their certificates at our final campfire of camp! If the campers didn't pass yet they have one more day to show their teachers their stuff.

The campers then enjoyed a lunch of egg salad, tuna salad, ham, turkey, pb and j, with pickles, chips, and pudding for dessert.  The staff then got ready for banquet! Counselors moved tables into the upper lodge, compiled the Birch Barker, and got the candles ready for the candlelight service. During rest hour, one camper was sent from each cabin to be the candlelight reader and receive their bible verse about the goodness of light. This person is chosen because of their hard work, effort, and enthusiasm for camp.

The campers went to general swim and fourth period class. Then some went jumping off the tower for the first time if they passed into level four. Other activities offered for activity period were, games on the A- field,  finishing up projects in arts and crafts, and aquarium games. Others got ready for banquet.

All cleaned up, campers went to the last Banquet of the summer! Banquet is our traditional last Thursday night meal and evening program. We started with a supper of turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, and stuffing.  We then had Shady Glen ice cream(chocolate chip cookie dough and chocolate caramel crunch) to finish this WONDERFUL meal.

We then sang lots of songs, received year awards (based on how many years you've come to camp), watched a slide show of the session, and had our candlelight service. Today the weather was perfect for putting our candles in the lake.

It was a great day at Asto Wamah. Check back here tomorrow to find out how campfire and the last day of camp went!

- The Birch Blogger

The campers awoke on this sunny

Wacky Wednesday!

Campers awoke to an early thunderstorm this wacky Wednesday! We skipped our usual flag raising and chicken fat so we wouldn't get too soaked by the downpour that followed the storm. Breakfast was a delightful meal of oatmeal, cereal, corn bread, and hot chocolate/orange juice.  Campers then got back on schedule as the clouds parted, allowing normal morning classes to begin.  Campers are still working fervently to complete levels, projects, and make the most of their last few hours at Asto Wamah. Dinner was a camp favorite (and my favorite by far!), Shepherd's Pie with salad and CHOCOLATE PUDDING PIE for dessert!!  The campers then had their normal rest hour and general swim but by the end of fourth period (during which hilltop sports found 18 four-leaf clovers, picture coming soon) or the beginning of activity period, the rain was back so campers played various board games in the lodge.

Today was the kitchen staffs day off so campers we were going to have another supper eat out night of turkey, ham, pb and j, or humus sandwiches out around camp but because of the rain we ate our sandwiches, pickles, chips, cookies, and yogurt at our normal tables.  Tonight, campers are playing a reverse scavenger hunt! This is a TON of fun.  The campers bring 10 items from their cabins to use as props in various skits the counselors give them to act out. My favorite from last session was a "boy band skit" there were a ton of One Direction acts :D

Goodnight!

-The Birch Blogger

Terrific Tuesday!!

Last night's game of cops and robbers was intense! Staff and campers had a lot of fun running through the woods! Everyone went in for a quick dip and then slept deeply after the busy day. Breakfast this morning was English muffins, bagels, oatmeal, and cereal, with hot chocolate to warm up with! Classes are getting more exciting as the second week nears completion. Level 6 swimmers are working furiously at their butterflies, and some level 3's have already passed into level 4! One of my advanced boaters today got to pass into beginning canoeing!

Dinner/lunch was pork patties, summer squash, and rice. Vegetarians got ravioli! Dessert was chocolate cherry cake-yummy!

As I write, campers are enjoying a refreshing general swim!

After, they will have 4th period and Activity Period as usual, but  then campers will go back to their cabins and get dressed up for a "dress-up supper." The theme is Dreamworks movies, such as Despicable Me, Madagascar, Over the Hedge, and Shrek. Each cabin will pick a movie, get in costume, and perform a skit at flag lowering. It is sure to be creative and hilarious!

Check back tomorrow for more Wamah updates!

-the Birch Blogger

Magnificant Monday!

The sweet smell of chocolate wafted through camp as the campers awoke this morning. Breakfast included chocolate chip bread- a favorite, as well as the usual cereal and oatmeal! Regular classes resumed today after yesterday's exciting track meet. Campers were happy to return to their usual routine and continue working on their skills in boating and swimming. It was a beautiful day on the lake for the first time in a while-no rain or clouds!

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

The afternoon flew by, with the usual Rest Hour, General Swim, 4th period, and Activity Period. Activities today included ultimate frisbee, jumping off the tower, and arts and crafts.

As I write, "cookees" are setting tChange Permalinkshe table for supper, which is tacos!

Tonight's Evening Program is Cops and Robbers- a favorite! Campers are the robbers and counselors are the cops. Good luck to the robbers! We'll let you know tomorrow how it goes!

-the Birch Blogger

The Final Track and Field Day of Summer!

Hello Blog Followers! - Today was a cloudy but beautiful day on Columbia Lake! Campers enjoyed cinnamon swirl coffee cake, oatmeal, cereal, orange slices, and hot chocolate/orange juice for breakfast. They then went back to their cabins cleaned and got ready for the last Track and Field day of the summer. That meant for most campers, donning their green and white regalia

Yesterday, campers voted for the green and white captains of their area (hilltop, lakeside, and seniors) and those captains choose their team members. Today, green and white teams battled it out in several track and field day events instead of having our normal daily class schedule. The mornings events included: running long jump, standing long jump, the softball throw, and fifty yard dash. The campers then went in for a general swim before a dinner of ham and noodles with green beans and bread. Dessert was peaches so most looked forward to getting thier sugar from store directly after the meal.

The campers had a normal rest hour following store and then they had the option of running the marathon ( less than .5 mile) through camp.  They then got ready for the Indian War Relay, which requires that all campers participate. The campers start at the camp road and then run a baton down to the waterfront where a select few swimmers swim it out to boaters. The boaters pass it off to canoers who pass it off to more runners who bring it from Hungerford to the water again. Our top senior swimmers swim 50yards to the finishline at main dock.  It was a very exciting race! It was very windy so some boaters had a hard time, which is how white took the final lead to win the relay!

The campers then had the option of participating in swim races and then everyone went in for a general swim!

After the swim, supper was hamburgers, chips, and pickles, with green and white cake for dessert. As i write the campers are up on the field doing more events to win points for their team. They are doing an obstacle course, a soccer ball challenge, and dizzy izzy ( a spinning and running game). Anyone who placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd today in any of the track and field events will receive a ribbon at campfire, the last night of camp(Friday).

Well that is all for now followers! We are sure to sleep well tonight!

Goodnight! -The Birch Blogger