April Camp News

Dear Friends of Asto Wamah, April is here!  What a strange end to a winter that hardly started.

The trees are just beginning to bud in the woods and there are signs of new and young life everywhere at camp.  I have included two photos that show some of those signs of spring.  One was taken from the porch of the infirmary, looking toward cabin 7.  If you look closely you can see small green buds on the trees.  The other is from Icky Water Bridge.  Looking up the stream, the skunk cabbage is clearly evident.  Next month’s pictures will show a much more dramatic change in the forest.

This unusually mild weather has given us a good jump on projects that would typically not be able to get done for another month or so.  There is daily progress as Asto Wamah is readied for another summer of fun.

The most exciting project of the year is finally taking shape.  Our new bathroom building has electricity and the plumbing is nearing completion.   Soon the inner walls will go up, then the floor, the fixtures (4 sinks, 6 toilets and 3 urinals) and finally the partitions.  The prospect of increasing our bathroom capacity without negatively impacting the environment represents a giant (and green) step into the future.

The lack of snowfall and rain has resulted in Columbia Lake stagnating at its wintertime depth.   This is not a totally unprecedented issue.  There are three months remaining before the 2012 season will begin and that will hopefully allow time for the lake to fill.

Registration has gone quite well.  Both the second (all boys, July 8-21) and third sessions (all girls, July 22 to Aug. 4) are full with waiting lists.  There are a few openings in coed for both boys and girls and in the fourth session (all girls, Aug 5 to 18) as well.  If you know anyone who might be interested in either the 1^st or the 4^th sessions, I would be please if they would contact me for more information.

Because the next blog will not appear until early May, I thought this would be a good time to remind you of Open Camp Day.  This year Open Camp Day will be held on May 5^th from 3PM to 5PM.  Please come by for a tour, lemonade and cookies.  Old and new campers are welcomed.  Invite a friend who had never seen Asto Wamah.  The staff and I look forward to meeting new campers and their families.  We always like to see returning campers!

Enjoy the longer days and warmer temperature as we move closer to summer and camp.

Always,

Nancy

March Camp News

Greetings to All Asto Wamah Folk, Hope you are well and happy and have not been too bored with the non-winter weather we have had this year.

During the past month I have been pleased to receive so many camp applications from new and returning people.  Even though the July 22 to August 4 (all girls session) is full, there are still openings in coed, boys camp and the Aug. 5 to Aug. 18^th  girls sessions.  Please talk camp up with your friends and neighbors and let them know that there are still places left.  The application is on the website and if someone wants a brochure just call me (860-649-8614) and I will mail them one.

Many staff from last summer will be back and the 2011 LTs will be joining them.  It is going to be a terrific group.  Plans are well underway for the summer program.   We truly hope that you will be with us.

We are clearly beginning to see signs of spring.  Although the road and paths, usually deep in mud, are dry, many trees appear close to blooming.  The lake has not yet returned to its summer level, but that will come soon. Spring is on its way and that means camp is not far behind!

Always,

Nancy

February Camp News

Dear Friends of Asto Wamah, Camp is really coming alive now as the days grow longer.  On Sunday, Catherine, Chris and I were at a camp fair at REI in Blue Back Square.  We enjoyed meeting new families interested in sending their child (or children) to camp this summer and seeing so many familiar faces of campers, parents and staff who stopped by to visit.   It was a great afternoon.  It made us feel as if the new season is not far off.

The 2012 brochure/application will go in the mail first thing tomorrow morning.  That is always an exciting event.  You can expect to receive your copy by Friday.  I very much hope that Asto Wamah will fit into your summer schedule.  If you know of someone who would like to have a brochure you can contact me through the contact@campastowamah page on our website.  Thank you for being our word-of-mouth salesmen/saleswomen!

This month’s picture is of our new building.  It is a composting bathroom facility that will be divided into a boys’ side and a girls’ side and will increase our toilet capacity in an environmentally sensitive way.  Bathrooms are typically not exciting, but ours is  “green” with a waste management system that is eco- friendly. Each flush will use only a fraction of the amount of water normally used.  Over the next few months the plumber and electrician will be completing the project.  This facility will fill a need that we have had for many years.

Hope you are enjoying this milder than usual winter and looking forward to a warm and fun summer at Asto Wamah.

Always,

Nancy

January Camp News

Dear Asto Wamahites,The Camp Reunion was a great success.  The crowd was a bit smaller than usual, but there was no lack of enthusiasm and excitement.  We were all amazed by the magic of Jonathan Jacques.  He is terrific.  As always, it was wonderful to reconnect with so many people from the summer and in a variety of ways reminisce about our time at Asto Wamah.  Thanks to all who were able to attend. All is peaceful on Columbia Lake at this time.  Because there has been no snow yet, we have not had to abandon outside jobs so progress is still being made with our latest projects.   Additionally there is always wood to be cut and brush to be cleared.  The Nature Trail was hit hard by Alfred at the end of October.  Work to move fallen trees and open the path will go on for a very long time. I have included some pictures to give you an idea of the mayhem. The new bathroom is looking great and I hope to have some pictures in the February blog.  I know we will all be proud of our commitment to supporting the environment by reducing our use of natural resources in this facility. The holiday season is now behind us and life is returning to its usual routines.  I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable break from school and are ready to tackle the second half of the academic year. The 2012 brochure is presently at the printers.  It will be mailed on Feb. 1st and should be at your house on Feb. 2nd or 3rd.  We are hoping that a session (or 2) at Asto Wamah will fits into your summer schedule.   Please send me the names and addresses of any friends or relatives who may enjoy a one or two-week stay at camp this summer.  Don’t hesitate to email me through the web site if you have questions. Wishing you a happy, safe and healthy New Year, Nancy

December Camp News

Welcome to the December CAW Blog, Now that December has arrived you can expect to soon receive your invitation to the Camp Reunion.  As always, it will be held on the day after Christmas (Dec. 26^th) at Center Church House (60 Gold St, Hartford) from 2 to 4.  Adults from camp will be out on the sidewalk from 1:45 to 2:15 and from 4:00 until 4:15 to facilitate your getting into the building and then back into the right car.

This year, for our entertainment, we will have a fantastic magician, Jonathan Jacques, who will astound us with his amazing feats of magic.  There will also be games and dessert and most importantly a chance to reconnect with camp friends.  Hope you can come and be a part of the gathering.  Check out the link on the website to RSVP.  Please remember to send me the names and addresses of friends/relatives who may be interested in attending Asto Wamah in 2012 so they can be on the mailing list to receive the 2012 brochure in February.

Thought you might be interested in seeing the status of the lake in winter so I have included a few photos.  It is drained down 8 feet in the fall so that docks (like ours) don’t get destroyed by the ice as it moves and shifts.  It has also been proven to be an effective way to make sure that Columbia Lake maintains its clean and clear qualities.  We are definitely in favor of that!

At the end of November, the 2 composters were delivered for our new bathroom.  There are so many people who are helping to make this “green” bathroom a reality.  I am most grateful for Maggie and Jack Whitney’s dad who has been of immense help throughout this project.  I trust there will be a lot more to report at the beginning of January. Progress is pretty much up to Mother Nature at this point.

December is always a busy month, with so much to do.  I hope this month will be filled with all good things for you and your family.  What a perfect time of year to Remember the Other Fellow.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a Holiday Season of Peace and Good Cheer,

Nancy

November Camp News

Dear Asto Wamah Friends, Well, I have clearly missed the first of the month deadline for this blog.  It seems as though this entire first week of November was lost to the winter snowstorm that has wreaked havoc on the entire region.  We were only without power for 3 days, but somehow that disruption of routine derailed my motivation and focus.  At this writing 200,000 are still without power.   I know West Hartford, our largest camp town, was severely impacted and I am hopeful that all of you are by now back on the electrical grid and returning to a normal life.  This past week has clearly demonstrated how much we depend on electricity and how critical it is to communication.

Amazingly enough, camp never lost power.  There was a great loss of tree branches, but the lights stayed on.   Clean up there has been an entire week’s work so far and is still not done.   It seems that we hardly finished with the Irene damage, and now this.  Thank goodness for the good weather to follow the bad.

Despite all of this, we have been able to continue with some big projects that are underway at camp.  The new bathroom is now ready for the delivery of the composters that will be lowered into the basement.  Within a few weeks the building will be constructed and the task of installation will be ready to begin.  I am very excited about this new “green” facility.  It is a step toward conserving precious natural resources.

The other camp improvement is a new roof on the Lodge.   The old membrane roof had functioned way past its guaranteed life.  There were many signs that indicated that it was failing fast.  Bob Dunn, the father of Hillary, Laura and Christine, is undertaking this big job.  Within a week we will have in place a roof that will be dependable and a major improvement.

The water has been drained and the lake is rapidly receding.  The nights are cold and the trees are mostly bare.  But there is still lots going on at Asto Wamah.    Our 2012 schedule has now been determined and you should have received a postcard a few weeks ago outlining the new dates and fees.  We look forward to your return to Asto Wamah in the summer of 2012.

Check for an updated blog in early December.

Until then, be safe and take care,

Nancy

Asto Wamah News

Dear Campers, Staff and Other Asto Wamah Fans, It is hard to believe that October is here. I don’t understand how the 8 weeks since the end of camp could have passed so quickly.

By now I imagine that most of you are well engaged in the routines of school. I hope the transition from the carefree days of summer back to the rigors of school has gone smoothly and you are finding ways to display your best Asto Wamah behaviors and attitude in that setting.

You may be surprised to know that a lot has been going on at camp since the middle of August and the end of the camping season. Family Camp ended just as Irene hit. In addition to having no electricity for most to the week following the storm, there were a number of very large trees that became victims of the storm. Luckily, no building was damaged, however the road was impassable for a number of days. Since Irene, there has been an abundance of rain. I guess it is the rain that we seemed to avoid all summer during camp.

During the past month we have begun to make visible progress with the construction of our new bathroom facility. Having more toilet capacity has been a goal for decades. Some of you are aware that the new building will be located between the old bathroom and the Activity Room. It will house 6 toilets, 2 urinals and 4 sinks which will be a welcome addition to what we already have. The most exciting thing about this bathroom is that it will be green. That means each flush will take a fraction of the water used in a conventional toilet or urinal. This green technology’s impact on the environment will in everyway be friendly. The foundation is close to being poured. I will give you an update on the progress in November. Stay tuned.

Decisions are being made about the camp schedule for the summer of 2012. A postcard will soon be mailing outlining the dates. Hope that will help assure that a session at Asto Wamah is in your schedule for next summer.

Don’t forget to Remember the Other Fellow,

Nancy

The Last Day of Camp Asto Wamah 2011

Today campers awoke excited not because it was the last day of camp but because today is the last day to show their stuff in swim class, swim in Columbia  Lake, dive off the tower, hang with their new friends, finish their art's and crafts projects, plus tonight is campfire. Campfire is always the last Friday night of camp. Campers receive their track and field day ribbons, swimming and boating awards (if they passed), and we sing lots of songs and eat s’mores of course!   Counselors will also be preparing a skit for the camp that should be pretty funny! Today's meals are camp favorites: waffles with peanut butter (after you put peanut butter and maple syrup on your waffles you'll never go back - just a heads up parents :D so you won’t be surprised when they ask for it with their waffles ),  Sheppard’s Pie ( mashed potatoes, corn, and ground beef layered together), and tonight is Hamburgers!  Today’s schedule is a little different because not only is it the last day of the session but it is also the last day of the Camp Asto Wamah 2011 Season. The last day of the season means that we take out all the boats, put away all the waterfront equipment, wash everything, and take down most of camp for the winter. While counselors are doing most of this while the day goes on, some older campers are helping out as well. It was a busy morning for sure!   Sports class divided into two groups: one collected kindling for tonight's campfire while the other did Zoomba around the flagpole ( a great start to the day in my opinion)   All boaters took out a rowboat while the sailboats and canoes where lifted out of the water and had rowboat races. Swimmers either tested or did fun things like jump off the tower.  While some staff finishes up the work around camp, the campers are playing two games that should last until suppertime. The first game they are playing is a Camper/Counselor Hunt (basically a hide and go seek game). The campers hide around camp first while the counselors try to find them. The campers are worth one point to a counselor who finds them but the counselor has to say the campers name to get the point.  Next the campers are the seekers and try to find counselors and the same rules apply but counselors are worth more points :D After that game the campers will divide up into their cabin groups and play a Reverse Scavenger Hunt.  Campers go back to their cabins and choose 10 things they think they will be able to use to act out several scenarios. The boys session played this and some funny skits were thought up ( Justin Bieber ) :D  Common objects include: broom, blanket, flashlight, hats, and water bottles. I can’t wait to see what this group of girls will come up with !!

Finally, I’ll let you in on a little secret: tonight after the campfire and reading is done in each cabin and campers are beginning to fall asleep, the counselors are going to come around in a group and carol outside the cabin. This used to be a last night of camp tradition but over the years it hasn’t been done. Counselors are really excited to surprise them with songs like Angels, Ashgrove, Barges, Kumbya, and a few other sweet nighttime songs. These have been a great bunch of campers that the Asto Wamah staff will really miss.  I hope you all enjoy the end of your summers. Pick up tomorrow is 8:30am to 10am. Have a great night and we will too!

- The Birch Blogger

Rainy Field Day

For two-week sessions at camp, the second Sunday is always Field Day. The morning was a wash-out, so field events such as the long jump and 50 yard dash were postponed until the next day. Campers were still able to score points for their green or white team, though, while staying dry inside the lodge and activity room. The teams split up and went around to different Round Robin activities, trying to meet the objective of each one in the shortest time possible. At Basket Ball, they lined up at one side of the room and threw balls into baskets until the last ball made it in. At the Obstacle Course, the team had to hula-hoop 5 rotations, don a life jacket, balance a ping pong ball in a spoon while walking around a chair, then take off the life jacket and slap the hand of the next person. And at Number Line, the whole team climbed up on a long bench. Each person was given a number on their forehead, which everyone could see except themselves, and they had to rearrange themselves on the bench without talking. These activities required each team to work together, encourage teammates and listen to one another. In the afternoon we were able to hold the Indian War Relay Race, in which the entire Green Team is pitted against the White Team in an epic camp-wide race starting at the entrance of the Camp Road, stretching across Colombia lake with swimmers, boaters, and canoers, and ending with swimming the entire length from Pollywog to Main Dock. The Green Team canoers established a clear lead, which was maintained until they won the race. However, the White Team swimmer Madison still put up a good fight with her finishing leg, and even swam butterfly for almost the whole length. The points from the Round Robin, the Indian War Relay, and all of the jumping, running, and swimming events will be totaled up and the winning team will be announced at Campfire on Friday evening. Tonight instead of Evening Program, we will hold the Talent Show. I'm excited to see the skits, songs and dances that campers have been working on.

-the Birch Blogger

One Week Left

The first week of this girls session has been packed with fun. By now, most of the girls know everyone in their area (Hilltop, Lakeside or Seniors), and have established friendships. This morning we switched bunks so that campers who wanted to be on the top bunk would have a chance to try it out. So now the cabins are rearranged, and campers are getting used to their new bunkmates. Counselors had the final say in who goes where, sometimes to the disappointment of campers, because chatty bunkmates who couldn't resist the temptation to talk during rest hour or after bedtime were deliberately separated. But the switch also means that campers will hopefully make new friends during this last week. A few highlights from the past week:

Yesterday instead of Activity Period, we had a visitor who brought snakes, iguanas, and other reptiles. She explained about each one and even let some people touch them!

On Thursday night we changed our bedtime routine. After brushing teeth and changing into pajamas, everyone headed to the A-field with their flashlight and a towel. Grouped by cabin, we spread out the towels, laid down, turned off our flashlights, and looked up at the sky. At first it was too light to see anything except for a few bats flying by, and bright-shining Venus. Then, one by one the stars appeared. There were a few clouds, so the sky didn't fill with as many stars as we'd hoped. But some lucky campers got to see a shooting star. I wonder if any wishes will come true.

We've played a number of great games for Evening Program, including King Dodge Ball, Capture the Flag, Spies and Smugglers, Pirate Gang, and Murder By Night, in which campers group up and have to talk to counselors and get clues to figure out which counselor was responsible for the murder of Kevin, and what was the murder weapon.

Today an announcement was made about Talent Night, which will be held on Tuesday. Some of the girls have already started planning skits and dances. With such an energetic and creative group of girls this session, we're all eager to see what talent emerges.

-the Birch Blogger

Off to a Good Start

Every afternoon after 4th period classes, counselors offer a variety of activities that campers can join in on. Today campers had the opportunity to participate in water zumba: a watery twist on the new dance workout; jumping off the 12 ft. tower for swimmers in level 4 and above, Nuke 'Em (a cross between dodge ball and volleyball); sailing slowly on the sunfish sailboats; Apples to Apples (a silly word game). The great thing about Activity Period is that this is one of the few times of the day when campers of all ages and cabins can participate in the games, so campers often make new friends. Yesterday afternoon Nancy met with the 14 year old campers, who are in their last year of camp and are eligible for the Leaders in Training program next year.  The requirements for this program are enthusiasm for camp, participation in activities, genial character, and helping younger campers. We've seen several of these young women step up to the plate today and engage with younger campers throughout the day. Looks like we'll have lots of good candidates for next year's LT program.

It's almost supper time, and we'll be singing Happy Birthday to Libby in Cabin 7 during our chicken fajita meal, followed by one of the more popular games, Cops and Robbers.

-the Birch Blogger

Last Girls Session Begins

Cars and minivans lined the camp road yesterday, as parents and relatives drove to the parking lot to unload the sleeping bags, duffel bags and trunks. One by one the cabins filled up with new and returning girls. The first day is always tough for the campers because they have to listen to so many important announcements about how things are done at camp. But by now, they've been here for over 24 hours, so they've already played an Evening Program (camp-wide game after supper), ate supper, breakfast, and lunch, had rest hour, and went to their four classes: Swimming, Smallcraft (rowboat, canoe or sailboat), Sports (including Tennis and Archery) and Arts & Crafts. Last night was tough for many of the campers, especially first-time campers, because they're not used to being a cabin with the noise of the crickets and wind blowing though the leaves, let alone the noise of the other nine girls sleeping or getting up to use the bathroom. But we didn't see any grumpy faces this morning. In fact, everyone has been in a great mood: excited to be here and eager to try out all the activities. Looks like we've got a great session ahead of us, and great weather to match it.  Except for those rumbles of thunder I just heard... Let's hope they just pass by without developing into a storm! Until soon,

-the Birch Blogger

Saying goodbyes!

Goodbyes started last night at camp's  banquet night, a tradition held for decades. Honored guests included Reverend Paolo from Center Church, Deborah Tuthill from Center Church's board of outreach, Sue Hayes from the camp Board of Directors.  Campers enjoyed a turkey dinner with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy followed by songs, year awards, and the candlelight service. Unfortunately, we were unable to put our candles in the water but the circle of light and the readings of the Old Testament made the evening memorable.  Campers walked back to their cabins in silent reflection, not speaking until the following morning. Today, the last day of camp, campers had their last opportunity to display their skills to their instructors. Tonight, at campfire the campers will receive an award for passing into the higher level  or for winning an event at track meet. Winners of the cleanest cabin will also be recognized this evening. While we sing songs and watch a counselor skit, s'mores will be passed around the fire.  Should be a great last night! Tomorrow parents should arrive between 9-10:30 a.m. to pick up campers! As sad as they are to say goodbye, everyone will have a big smile and hug for the family they've missed for 2 weeks!

See you bright and early!

-The Birch Blogger

Thunderstorm at Camp

We had a beautiful day to start out, and held classes as normal. With only three more days of classes left, the girls are eager to know whether or not they'll pass their swimming and boating level this year. In Arts & Crafts, many campers have finished making a basket with Carol, and are learning new ways to make bracelets from embroidery floss. During Activity Period, the dark clouds rolled in. Kyle blew four whistles, indicating that all boats need to come in. Counselors started closing up the cabin windows as the campers took in all dry items off the clothes lines. Strong winds whipped up and Nancy rang the fire bell to get all staff and campers to the lodge. Five minutes later the skies opened up and it started raining buckets, and the lightening and thunder started. All the campers were in the upper lodge, and counselors organized them into some games. Cookies set the tables, and by the time we ate dinner the rain stopped and a rainbow appeared on the lake.  The LTs have a Carnival planned for Evening Program. I just heard the bell, so I'm off to see what they have in store!

-the Birch Blogger

Brrr!

It's hard to believe it was over 100 degrees just two days ago. Everyone went into the water for swimming class, but not many of the girls were happy about it. A few of them got blue lips and body-shaking shivers! So we gave them a few minutes between classes to change into their dry clothes. And instead of having a general swim, we had a visitor, CrAzY Craig! His silly sense of humor paired with some impressive tricks made for an entertaining afternoon.It started to rain right before dinner, so we held evening program inside. LTs led groups of campers from station to station, where they had to complete "Minute to Win It" games, such as Caddy Stack: stacking three golf balls (one counselor was able to do this, but no campers), or Noodling: hold a piece of raw spaghetti in their mouth and use it to scoop up a piece of raw ziti. It was a challenging and fun game, but the girls were riled up at bedtime because they didn't burn off their energy running around as they usually do at Evening Program. Counselors are still reading bedtime stories to the cabins to get them settled. It's a good start to our last week of the session.

-the Birch Blogger

Green and White Teams

Classes were not held today, because the Sunday of every two-week session here at camp is Field Day. The camp was divided into the Green Team and the White Team (Asto Wamah's colors) and campers spent the morning competing against others in their age group (Hilltop, Lakeside, and Seniors) in different running, jumping and throwing events. We were fortunate with the cloudy weather, although the clouds did turn to light rain just as we wrapped up the 50 yard dash. Campers who placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd will be recognized at Campfire on Friday. The clouds cleared, and we were graced with sunshine in time for the Indian War Relay Race. Every camper participates in this camp-wide event, passing the green or the white baton along 3 miles of road, paths, and lakewater.  It started at the camp entrance on Route 87, and runners brought the batons along the camp road and passed them off to swimmers at Main Dock. At this point the teams were neck to neck, but after passing it to the row boats and canoes, the Green Team pulled ahead. Runners at Hungerford Dock kept a good pace and brought it back to the waterfront, where two strong swimmers took it all the way from Pollywog Dock to the finish line at Main Dock, bringing a victory for the Green Team. After dinner, campers got a sugar boost from their cake with green or white frosting, and burned off more energy at Evening Program in the cooperative games: Dizzy Izzy, Leg Ball Pass, and Obstacle Course.

Throats are sore from cheering on teammates, but everyone will sleep well tonight after such a tiring day!

Phew!

-the Birch Blogger

1 week down, 1 week to go!

Campers can hardly believe that the session is halfway over! Today campers woke up to cloudy skies but by noon the sun started to break through and temperatures rose. Today the LT's had their day off and Kitchen staff had their night out so we had an "eat out" for supper. Campers in Cabins 7 and 8 filled in for our missing staff and served hotdogs, chips, pickles, carrots, and cookies outside the lodge. Campers sat on benches, picnic tables, the gazebo, and the council ring to eat with anyone they wanted to. Tonight the campers are going to play a short game on the field followed by a general swim and bed. Campers are going to need a good nights rest because tomorrow is Track Meet! The campers don't have an ordinary class schedule tomorrow, instead they go to the A- field to participate in the running long jump, standing long jump, softball throw, and 50 yard dash in the morning followed by more events in the afternoon! Should be a beautiful and cooler day!

- The Birch Blogger

The BEST place to be when It's 103!

Today's heat did not stop Asto Wamah campers and staff.  Campers and counselors spent 98% of their day in the water (meals were indoors)  and were constantly supplied with water and reminders to drink and apply sunscreen.  So besides some sweat we were all pretty comfortable in the cool Columbia Lake. Sports class was in the water playing games, swim lessons were the same, in boating the campers practiced capsizing which is always fun on  a hot day, and arts and crafts was in the lower lodge as usual where temperatures are 20 deg. cooler. The activities offered during activity period consisted of aquarium games, snorkeling, jumping off the tower, and paddle boarding. LT’s were also in the water all afternoon practicing and learning new lifeguard techniques.  Tonight's game is called Murder by Night. The campers are told that there has been a murder at Asto Wamah (a counselor who is on a day off :D) and they have to try to figure out which counselor did it and what the murder weapon was.  Andrea of Cabin 7 has been murdered with an arrow (She is the archery instructor) and her co- counselor Kelley did it. Shhh....  Each counselor makes up an alibi that includes another counselor and the campers go to each counselor and try to figure out whose story doesn’t match up. This is going to be quick tonight because we’re going to have a general swim for a long period this evening, as it is still 93 degrees out here! Stay cool!

- The Birch Blogger

Keepin' it Cool! :D

Birch Blogger here, just emerged from the water! Tonight's evening program was a splash, literally! Campers were placed in their swimming level location ( Deep Water, Intermediate, and Aquarium) and played several games in the water. It was so hot humid all day so campers really appreciated this chance to cool down.  Every sailor was happy to see the wind out today but it didn't make the boaters too happy.  Row boats were pushed around and canoes slid sideways despite the best efforts of their paddlers.  The highlight of the day for staff and campers alike was the 5 cheese Lasagna! YUM :)  What an amazing chef we have here at Wamah! Thank You SUE! Wonder what is in store for tomorrow! And parents don't worry: counselors are reminding campers to wear sun screen ! - The Birch Blogger

Supper over the Raft

Wednesday night suppers at Asto Wamah are done a little differently than the other nights. Usually the cookie bell rings at 5:45, notifying the cookies (two campers selected daily from each cabin) that it's time for them to come to the upper lodge and set their cabin's table for supper. Today, all campers came to the upper lodge at 5:45, not to set tables but to make their sandwiches. Each cabin had a picnic basket with bananas, chocolate chip cookies, cold cut and PB&J sandwiches, and "bug juice" (a.k.a. lemonade). Each cabin chooses a different place around the lakefront to eat their supper: the pavilion, the counselor ring, main dock, the picnic table by the D.C. (Director's Cabin), and even the two floating rafts, which require campers and counselors to ferry across the water in row boats.  We've been fortunate to have good weather so far this session, so our  eat-0ut could happen outdoors. It's always a disappointment when rain keeps us indoors on Wednesday evenings. Rain doesn't seem to be a threat this session, but we are preparing for some hot weather over the next few days. Fortunately, there are up to four opportunities for campers to cool off in the lake: swim class, general swim, cool off dip after activity period, and quick dip after evening program. With all that time in the water, it's surprising campers don't develop gills and turn into fish! Until tomorrow.

-the Birch Blogger