April Update Part 2

Dear Asto Wamahites,

I had planned to update the April Blog with some “spring-signs” pictures.  Then it snowed!!  So here a few pics you may find interesting. 

One is of the White Raft in its winter mooring.   As you can see, Columbia Lake is still at its winter low level.  I am praying for rain.  Feel free to join me!

Hope you can make out the birds in the trees in the next picture.  They are Eagles and have been spending the past months fishing in the open lake and enjoying the solitude of Asto Wamah.  They are quite magnificent!

The last picture was taken in the upper Lodge to show you the 8 new ukuleles that have recently been purchased for the music activity option being offered this summer.  Many other fun additions coming!

Think spring!

Nancy

 

 

April Update

 We are pleased that enrollment has been strong.  There are places still open in Coed (June 26 to July 2) and the second Girls’ session (July 31 to August 13), but the Boys’ and first Girls’ sessions are just about full.  There is still time to pass the word about Asto Wamah to friends, relatives and neighbors.  Thank you for all the good publicity you provide to Camp.  This summer there will be a special t-shirt for all who recommend CAW to someone who registers.  So far 28 campers and counselors have earned that reward.  

Read more

March Update

Dear Asto Wamah Birch Blog Followers,

     Thank you for staying in touch with Camp by checking in with the Birch Blog at the start of each Month.   I have to say that this last month at Asto Wamah has been VERY busy.  It’s all about preparing for the 107th camping season.

     The 2016 Camp Brochure was mailed to everyone on our mailing list on February 1.  Applications started to stream in right away.  Each day brings another batch.  It is very exciting to see the number of returning campers as well as new campers.  This year we asked first year campers to tell us who had told them about Asto Wamah.  Those people who have been successful in spreading the word will receive a special T-shirt to recognize their efforts on behalf of Camp.  It is not too late for others to receive an "Award" T-shirt.   Just tell a friend or neighbor or relative about camp.  If they sign up, you get a T-shirt!  There are still openings in every session.

     February is also the month when staff hiring takes place.  Staff applications have been arriving in large number since early December so we have a great pool of seasoned staff and recently graduated LTs to fill the many jobs of counselor and kitchen help.  I am very excited about the talents and enthusiasm these young adults will bring to every session this summer.

     Even though it is only March 1,  plans are already being made to upgrade the tennis court and include Pickleball lines.  We are also hoping that the Gaga Pit will provide campers with a new free time activity that has proven to be popular in many camp settings.  Other new and exciting program options are being discussed and will be shared with you in the next few months.  Stay tuned :)

     Today at camp I saw a Yellow Crocus popping through the ground and a tree in bud.  It is clear that summer cannot be far behind.  Hoping each day brings you more vivid and warm memories of Asto Wamah!

Always,

Nancy

February Update

Thank you for connecting back with Asto Wamah.

January was a busy month.  On the 9th, about 80 of us participated in the Camp Reunion in Hartford for an afternoon of fun and laughter.  The format was very different this year (of course we had ice cream).  The program was kicked off with a hilarious skit that was presented by the staff and written by Drew.  Instead of the usual entertainment, we divided into small groups and tested our skills with 13 Minute to Win It games.  The two hours flew by. Everyone enjoyed the games and the opportunity to connect with so many summer friends.  I send a big THANK YOU to all who were there and especially to the great group of staff who succeeded in running the activities flawlessly.  I have included a picture from the Reunion.

Also included are some pictures I took on January 25th.  You can see that the snow was not particularly deep at camp.  How about the chunks stuck in the bush outside the kitchen window?  Looks like a flowering shrub!  The other two shots give you an idea of what Columbia Lake looks like when the water is drawn down for the winter.  I imagine it won’t be long before the lake is iced over, but at this time there are still open areas in the middle.  No skating yet!

For the past month I have been collecting the names and addresses of those who would like to receive the 2016 camp brochure in the Feb. 1st mailing.  Thank you to all who have sent me the names of prospective campers.  Spreading the word is a very important component of Camp’s ability to grow and prosper.

Plans are well underway for the new camp season at Asto Wamah with some new and exciting programming options.  We are looking to include some musical opportunities, nature activities and sports and games additions.  Stay tuned for more details in the months ahead.

The application/brochure will be mailed on Monday, 2/1.  If you haven’t received yours by 2/5, let me know so I can send another one.  We are hoping that Asto Wamah will be a part of your summer schedule in 2016 and you are looking forward to:

  • making new friends and renewing former friendships,
  • strengthening  your comfort level of independence,
  • being a part of a caring, inclusive, and respectful community, and
  • working as a team in all aspects of camp life.

Hope you will join us for a fun, challenging, and awesome experience!

Take care, stay well, and don’t forget to send in your application!!

Nancy Maclean

New Years Day – 2016

Happy New Year to All Asto Wamah Fans,

Thank you for checking in on the January Blog.  There is a lot to talk about.

Hope this New Year finds you well and filled with good cheer.   We, at Asto Wamah, are already making plans for an exceptional 7-week camping season.  If you are still not sure of the dates for the 4 sessions, check out the website where you will find all that information and more.

The first big event of 2016 will be the Camp Reunion.  We are breaking with tradition and holding the reunion on January 9th instead of the usual date of December 26th.  The hope is that more people are available in January once the craziness of the Holiday Season is behind us. 

We will gather at 1:00 at Center Church House, 60 Gold Street in Hartford.  Parking on the street is free on the weekends.  Familiar camp faces will greet you on the sidewalk so if you are dropped off, we will make sure you are properly welcomed. 

For the next 2 hours, we will be busy with games, 2015 pictures, videos, and a tasty dessert.  I know it will be a fast-paced time, full of fun, laughs, and the chance to reconnect with camp friends.  Maybe even make a new friend!

Please try to be a part of the good time! 

If you RSVP at www.campastowamah.org/rsvp, I will better be able to purchase the right amount of dessert.  If you haven’t, don’t worry just come!

The next important date to remember is February 1st.  That is the day the 2016 Camp Brochure will be mailed to everyone on the Asto Wamah mailing list.  Thank you to those of you who have sent names and addresses to be added to the mailing list.  If you have a friend, relative, or neighbor who might enjoy a session at camp this summer, PLEASE send me their contact information so that they can receive a brochure.  To encourage returning campers to introduce CAW to others, we will give a special t-shirt to anyone who tells a friend who then comes to camp this summer.  There will be a place on the registration form where your friend can put your name.  Thank you for introducing Camp to others.  That is how Asto Wamah will grow and stay healthy.

Now that 2016 has arrived, we only have to wait 6 months until the Camp season.  We sincerely hope that Asto Wamah will be a part of your summer plans!

Stay well, happy, and never forget the other fellow,

Nancy

December Update

Happy December to the MANY friends of Asto Wamah!

     Now that we are entering the last month of the year, Asto Wamah looks a lot different than it looked just 30 days ago.  The short days, bare trees and lowered lake forecast the cold and snow that will inevitably be arriving shortly.  With that in mind, we have been working hard to make sure everything is ready for the weeks and months ahead.  The water has been drained from all the pipes, the cabins and buildings are all locked and secured and there is an ample supply of wood to burn in the Arts and Crafts fireplace.  We are prepared for inside projects until spring arrives. 

     The picture I have drawn of Asto Wamah in December is quiet and sleepy.  Actually, December is a month of great activity.  Applications are arriving daily from 15 year-olds who are interested in being LTs in 2016.  Also some improvements are being considered in the program area for next summer.  New and former staff will begin the process of completing staff applications.  The new brochure will very soon go to the printer so that it is ready for mailing on February 1st.  And of course there is the Camp Reunion. 

     This year, for the first time in decades, the reunion will not be on 12/26 but rather on Saturday, January 9th from 1:00 to 3:00 in Hartford, at Center Church House, 60 Gold St.  We are starting earlier than usual so that if you and your family/friends are interested in ice skating (open until 8pm) or riding the carousel (open until 5 pm) in Bushnell Park you will have time to do that before dark.  Bushnell Park is right across the street from the Church House.  Both of those opportunities are open and terrific fun.  Very soon, all 2015 campers and staff will be receiving an invitation in the mail.  It will provide you more details about our time together on January 9th.

     If you have a friend, sibling, classmate or neighbor who may be interested in attending Asto Wamah, please send me their contact information so I can add them to our mailing list.  We are always eager to introduce new families to camp.  You are our advertisement!  Thank you for spreading the word.

     Hope your Holiday Season is joyful and filled with opportunities to Remember the Other Fellow!

Warmly,

Nancy

 
 

November Update 2

Thought you might be interested in seeing the change in Columbia Lake since the dam was opened on 11/2.  The November 2nd photo shows the rock off of Little Dipper Dock (looking forward the White Cottage) with just an inch or two peeking out.  The second picture, November 12, is a very different story.  In that picture, taken at the very same location as the first one, shows that the water has totally drained off leaving the rock dry.  All that in 10 days!

In the December Blog I will include other pictures that will give you a better idea of what the lake will be like until next March when the dam will be closed and the lake will grow to its summer level.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Nancy



November Update

Dear Wamah Friends,

October at camp began with much color and most of the leaves still on the trees.  In the past few days, between the wind and the rain, it is looking a lot more like winter.  Deep leaves cover the paths and ground.  I am including 2 pictures taken in the exact same place.  One was taken during the first week of October.  The other was taken at the end of the month. It is amazing the difference a few weeks make at this time of year.

On November 1st the dam will be opened and the lake will be drawn down to its winter level.  I will send you pictures of that transformation in the December blog.

During the fine weather of October many projects were undertaken.  At last, the Tool Shed (by the archery range) was painted.  Long needed repairs in Hungerford have begun.  An overdue improvement in the Lodge, the stripping of the 60-year-old floor, is complete. It looks like a new floor.  It is bright and shiny and livens up the space.  The picture will give you an idea of how spectacular it looks.

Many of us are already working on plans for the summer of 2016!  A number of campers and parents have asked about the schedule for next summer so they can plan vacations around a session or two at Asto Wamah.  The season dates have now been finalized and a postcard will be going out next week with that information.  For now, I can tell you that camp will begin on June 26th with one week of coed, then two weeks of all boys (July 3 – 16) followed by 2 more all girl sessions (July 17-30 and July 31 to Aug. 13).  You can always check out the website for the most up-to-date information about CAW.

I realize that Christmas is still a ways off (don’t tell the retailers who have already decorated) but I thought you who are familiar with the Asto Wamah calendar of events should know that our annual Camp Reunion will NOT be on December 26.  Instead we will hold it on January 9.  It seems that the day after Christmas tends to be hectic and filled with family gatherings and travel.  We hope Jan. 9th will turn out to be a better afternoon for you to join your camp friends in a reunion party.  More details will be coming in the December Blog.  Stay tuned.

Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving of abundance and sharing,

Nancy

October Update

Dear Wamah Friends,

     Now that October is here, I trust you are settled into whatever the fall brings you, probably a new grade in school. My hope is that all things are going smoothly and you are enjoying life.

     A month ago I promised you pictures of the rafts positioned in their winter locations. Well, I am finally delivering. You can see the Asto Wamah waterfront with the Gray Raft tied to the Pollywog Dock, where the White Raft is nestled beside Little Dipper Dock and the beginnings of leaf cover on paths throughout camp. At this time of year it is always amazing to watch the thinning of the woods. It is a very peaceful place. No laughing or chatter. No slapping the tetherball or hitting the Knock Hockey puck. The only sounds to break the quiet come from the frequent thuds, bangs, and pings of the acorns hitting the ground, a cabin roof or a rowboat (they are resting where the canoes usually do).

     The picture I have presented may sound sleepy and lifeless but there is actually lots going on. Most recently there has been a push to control erosion (an age old issue). After the forecasted extended rain event, we will see how well we did. Some buildings are being prepared for paint. And there are always the routine fall maintenance projects.

     A main focus right now is to determine the dates and fees for the 2016 season. All of that information will be communicated via the website. Additionally, a postcard will be sent in November to every interested family. If you know of a friend who might enjoy a stay at Asto Wamah next summer, you can send me his/her mailing information and they will receive that mailing. You can always use the “contact” link on the www.campastowamah.org website to communicate with me.

     By now I imagine you have seen the awesome video (found on the website) that Sweeney put together and Taylor narrates. It provides a tour of Asto Wamah with amazing detail that we never had before. The hope is that you will share ‘your’ Camp with relatives and friends so more people can be aware of this amazing summer opportunity.

    Wishing you a happy October,

    Nancy

September Update

Greetings to All Asto Wamah Followers and Welcome to the September Update,

It is hard to believe summer is over when the temperature is hovering around 90. This is camp weather, not school weather. Nonetheless, the calendar tells us summer is past and we are into a new season of the year.

The calendar is not the only reminder that summer is over. The cabins at Asto Wamah are now closed up and empty. The Lodge is silent and all the tables, chairs and benches are stacked and put aside. Arts and Crafts is bare: no beads, fabric, gimp, etc. You can hear a pin drop. There is nothing on the Main Dock: no noodles, rescue equipment or goggles. No waterfront box. All the small craft have been taken to winter storage to keep them safe in the months to come. Maybe the most noticeable absence at the waterfront is the rafts. They have been taken to the Aquarium and the sailing area where they are secured and ready for the draining of the lake and the inevitable ice to come. It is a quite and peaceful (although lovely) time at camp.

If you are missing being at camp, I hope you will find Asto Wamah’s new camp video.

The virtual tour reminds me of all the excitement, fun and friendships that are so much a part of a stay at CAW. We have Sweeney to thank for putting this video together with perspectives none of us have ever had (seeing as how we are not birds). Hope you enjoy watching it and reliving your time on Columbia Lake this summer. Be sure to share it with friends who may be interested in attending in 2016, with grandparents or relatives who wonder what your camp is like or anyone interested in visiting the camp we are all so proud of.

Hope the start of your new school year has begun well. Remember to Remember the Other Fellow!

Thinking of you,

Nancy

Friday August 14 - Last Day of Camp

Pick up tomorrow (Saturday) morning from 8:30am to 10:00am! Good afternoon Birch Blog readers! It has been a very eventful last two days of camp. Yesterday we had our last banquet of the summer. All of the girls gathered in their green and white for our thanksgiving-style meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, gravy and cranberry sauce. In honor of banquet, we had a special treat for dessert - ice cream! After the festive meal, we continued into the evening program portion of the evening. We (Colleen and Maddy) emceed the evening and led the camp in a few favorite songs before Nancy took the floor to do some introductions and thank yous. Part of the reason banquet is a special night is because we have guests come from the Center Church in Hartford. They are usually people who are involved with the camp committee who work hard all year long for the camp. Banquet is their opportunity to see how their efforts are appreciated by our wonderful campers and staff. Afterwards, we sang some more songs and had a slideshow of the session and watched a video that Colleen and Danny put together using the camp goPro! The photos from this session and the rest of the summer will be available online in a few weeks. Next, every camper got an award to mark their number of years at camp. The evening concluded with the Candlelight Service.

Today has been quite a whirlwind for the campers and staff because not only is the last day of the session, but it is also the last day of the CAW 2015 season. Luckily, we have had gorgeous weather all day. We woke up to french toast and cereal for breakfast. During the first three periods of the day, girls in Arts and Crafts participated in a nature scavenger hunt. Rowboats and canoes went out like normal and the girls in sailing class got to help the staff get the sunfish out of the water so they could be washed and dried.

Lunch today was chicken strips with rice and green beans. For dessert, we had chocolate cake. Everyone is getting tired by the end of the session so we had a slightly longer rest hour. Afterwards, we all got in the water for our last general swim. Everyone was enjoying the beautiful weather, so we extended that for a bit too. Instead of regular fourth period and activity period, all of the girls are now up on the field. We are playing non-stop cricket which a fast-paced baseball-style game that everyone gets a turn in.

Tonight, we will enjoy meatball grinders for dinner. Afterwards, everyone will return to their cabins to do some packing. All of the towels will come off the clothesline tonight so no one will end up without their belongings tomorrow! Evening program will be our closing campfire. We will eat s'mores, sing songs and receive awards for boating, swimming and track and field. I heard that some girls in cabin 7 will be performing a duet! It should be a great way to end a successful session and an incredible summer.

We are so lucky to have had such an incredible group of kids come through our program this summer! Remember to spread the word about Camp Asto Wamah to all of your friends, relatives and neighbors! You can find us on Facebook and Instagram @campastowamah.

Thank you for reading; We hope you have enjoyed the Birch Blog this summer!

Pick up tomorrow (Saturday) morning from 8:30am to 10:00am.

Wednesday July 12

Happy Wamah Wednesday! Unfortunately, us bloggers (Maddy and Colleen, for those wondering) took a day off yesterday. To catch you up, we had a fun day of indoor activities to accommodate the rain. In the evening, we had an awesome talent show! Almost everybody participated in some sort of act, skit, song or dance. All of the girls can't stop talking about all of the incredible talent they saw last night. This morning started off with waffles and peanut butter. It was a gorgeous morning on the lake after yesterday's rain. The girls that are in level 6 or superstar swimming had the opportunity to swim to Frog Island. It's not actually an island, but it is a marked spot almost all the way across the lake that is quite shallow and known for its rock collection. All of the girls that make the swim there and back are allowed to keep a rock as a souvenir.

Lunch today was ravioli with salad and baguettes. We had some delicious cheesecake for dessert. This afternoon, activity period offerings were paddle boarding, sailing the Hunter, the tower, badminton by the flagpole and apples to apples.

Wednesday means another night off for the kitchen staff so we had our "eat out" meal again. Counselors took sandwich orders and everyone enjoyed eating outside. It was a lovely evening to be out by the water or even up in the woods. Now, the girls are very busy playing Cops and Robbers. It's our only game that is played counselors vs. campers and everyone gets very excited and competitive! Later this evening, our senior campers (cabins 6, 7, & 8) will be up on the A Field for a special treat - stargazing! It should be an clear night to see some awesome shooting stars!

Heads  up, tomorrow night is our Banquet evening. The camp laptop will be up in the lodge for the slideshow of photos from the session and the goPro video Colleen and Danny have put together (very exciting!), so blogging will have to wait until the next day. Check back Friday evening to hear how the last two days of camp go!

FYI pick up on Saturday morning will be from 8:30am to 10:00am.

Monday July 10th

Happy Monday! We resumed our normal schedule on this gorgeously sunny day at CAW. The morning started off with english muffins and cereal with watermelon and honeydew as a special treat. Last night we kicked off Secret Sisters! Secret Sisters started two years ago as an exercise we used to promote kindness and inclusivity within camp. Everyone chooses a name of someone in camp and keeps themselves anonymous while they send notes of kindness, give friendship bracelets, and pay compliments to their selected name. In a few days we will all reveal ourselves to our Secret Sisters! In the meantime, everyone is busy making and passing along their little gifts to their Secret Sister.

In honor of this special time at camp, we broke out the glitter today in arts and crafts! Everyone got involved in the beautiful mess that is glue and glitter.

Lunch today was lasagna with salad and we had fruit ice pops for dessert. This afternoon we had a very busy activity period. Girls could go on the tower, paddle board, play spoons (a card game) on the picnic table, sail a sunfish, or play kan jam. It was also very windy out and 6 campers had the opportunity to go on a wild ride on the Hunter with Maddy and Colleen.

Dinner this evening was chicken fajitas and a very special dessert - chocolate pudding pie. Tonight, the LTs will be hosting a very exciting carnival! It will be held by the waterfront/lodge area and the details are a surprise! We will fill you in tomorrow on how it goes!

Sunday August 9th

Happy Sunday! We had an awesome Track Meet today! The day started off with blueberry bread and cereal. At 10am, instead of heading to first period classes, everyone went up to the field. There, we competed in the standing long jump, the running long jump and the softball throw followed by the 50 yard dash. By then it was about noon and we all went in the lake for the general swim. Our noontime meal was our traditional Sunday ham and noodles served with corn. We had peach crisp for dessert. Everyone was pretty tired at this point in the day after all that running and jumping so we enjoyed a nice breezy rest hour.

After everyone had a chance to recharge, girls that were interested in running “the marathon” (about a half mile) headed up to the field. Everyone else stayed by the flagpole and cheered on the girls at the finish line. Finally, it was time for the main event of the day – the Indian War Relay! Everyone participates in this relay race that starts on the camp road, dips into the lake with some swimmers, hands off to rowboaters, followed by canoes and then ends with runners down the path from Hungerford with the final leg being a 50 yard swim. It was a very exciting competition and all the girls were down at the dock at the end cheering on their team.

Afterwards, we had activity period. Campers had the opportunity to participate in swim races as part of the Track Meet day or go sail on the Hunter, play apples to apples, or kan jam by the flagpole.

This evening we had “pick up” dinner. We put out all the leftovers in camp in a big buffet and everyone could choose two items. The assortment included cold cut sandwiches, meatballs and noodles, baked ziti,  pasta salad, cheesesteak sandwiches, and tomato soup. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the variety! For dessert we had our traditional Track Meet green or white frosted cake.

Last night's evening program was such a hit, we will play a second round tonight! In a few minutes, the bell will ring and we will all meet on the field for Step it Up.

Tomorrow we will be back to our normal class schedule! Keep checking back every evening for an update!

Saturday July 8th

We have successfully made it through one week at camp! This lovely Saturday started off with bagels and cereal. It was another beautiful morning on the lake. After cabin clean up and camp duties, everyone got busy with the first three periods of the day. Lunch today was baked ziti served with salad and baguettes. We had chocolate pudding for dessert. At lunch today we had two exciting announcements. First, campers can start submitting articles and artwork for the camp newsletter, the Birch Barker, that will be printed on Thursday for Banquet. Second, the talent show will be Monday night! Everyone is already busy getting their acts together. This afternoon everyone was involved with some kind of activity. Counselors offered jumping off the tower, aquarium games, row boating and kan jam.

Tonight is another night off for the kitchen. Instead of taking sandwich orders and eating outside, we did "mix up" night in the dining room. Counselors sat at their usual table, and campers had to sit at a new table without any cabin mates. Everyone enjoyed hot dogs, chips and pasta salad and it was a great way to get to know some new people.

Tonight we are playing a brand new game! It's called "Step Up." The games will be similar to activities we hold during a carnival. There will be knock-out on the basketball court, hula hooping, ball toss, soccer shoot out, football throw, archery and ping pong bounce. All of the activities will take place on the A Field and the girls can go around to the different stations at their own pace. They will win pea beans as a prize. Two counselors will act as captains for the green and white teams. Every girl has been assigned to a team in preparation for our Track Meet tomorrow. When the girls win beans, they will give them to the team captains who will then count the beans and take that many steps towards the A Field. Whichever captain makes it the field first wins the game for their team! It should be a ton of fun!

Like I just mentioned, tomorrow is Track Meet. That means we will not be holding our regular schedule. We will all be up at the field running, jumping and throwing in individual and team activities. Be sure to check back tomorrow and I'll give you all the details!

Friday July 7th

Welcome back Birch Blog readers! It has been an awesome Friday here at CAW. This morning began with chocolate chip bread - a favorite among the campers and counselors. We enjoyed a gorgeous morning out on the lake. Rowboaters and canoers made great progress in their small crafts today. Lunch this afternoon Shepherds Pie. It was a great day for meals - today's lunch is also a favorite tradition at camp. After rest hour, everyone got in the water for a refreshing general swim. Activity period options included the tower, paddle boarding, sunfish sailing, and Nuke 'Em. A select group had their turn on the Hunter today with Colleen and Katie.

Dinner this evening was chicken melts served with tomato soup, applesauce, carrots and chips. Sue's yummy apple crisp was for dessert. Now, the girls are either back at their cabin changing for evening program or out around the flagpole playing tetherball and nok hockey. When the bell rings, we will all meet up at the A Field. Tonight's game is Pirate Gangs! This is a special night at camp because this game takes place throughout the entire camp boundaries. All of the girls get very into the game that involves gun (flour pouches) battles and searching for the hidden treasure.

Tomorrow holds another exciting day camp and we can't wait to give you the details here on the blog tomorrow night!

July 6th

Good evening! This morning was a beautiful start to another camp day. Cinnamon bread, Maypo, and cereal were served for breakfast. In senior sports today, the girls played an extremely enthusiastic game of touch football, showing us that these girls want to play just as much as the boys! In sailing class today, the wind was just right to learn how to tack and sail upwind back towards camp.

Lunch was chicken parmesan and spaghetti with fruit popsicles for dessert.  The water was a perfect temperature for general swim after rest hour. Activities offered today included paddle boarding, tower jumping, yoga, Kan Jam, badminton, and hair wraps!

Philly Cheese Steaks were for dinner, and cheesecake was for dessert. Evening program tonight will be King Dodge! Hopefully everyone will jump in the lake for  a quick dip after the game to cool off before bed.

Stay tuned for more updates and follow us on instagram @campastowamah

Wednesday July 5th

Happy Wamah Wednesday! It was another beautiful day here at Columbia Lake. Breakfast this morning was waffles with peanut butter- a camp tradition. Classes are coming along nicely, the campers enjoyed playing hand ball on the field for sports class and sewing pillows in arts and crafts.

Meatballs in gravy, mashed potatoes, and corn were served for lunch and butterscotch pudding was a delicious end to the meal. After general swim and fourth period we had a special program. Two representatives from the Born to Be Wild Nature Center in Rhode Island came to educate us about birds of prey that are being rehabilitated. The brought an Eastern Screech Owl, an American Kestrel, a Barred Owl, a Peregrine Falcon, and a Great Horned Owl. The birds that were shown around were all injured and taken to the rehabilitation center where they are nursed back to health to be set free or if they can no longer live in the wild, they lead a happy and healthy life at the Nature Center. The birds were such a hit with both campers and counselors alike, the two representatives were extremely knowledgable and answered all questions that were asked of them. To learn more about the program we saw, check them out on Facebook or their website.

Wednesdays and Saturdays are the kitchen staff’s night off. During lunch, counselors took sandwich orders for their cabins. Options were turkey, ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo, or mustard. Campers choose their preferred sandwich combo. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are offered as an alternative or in addition. Then, instead of gathering in the lodge for supper, cabins disperse throughout camp to have a picnic. Most of the other cabins sit by the water either on the docks or on the picnic tables by the shore.

Some cabins are still out enjoying their picnics and most are wrapping up and getting prepared for evening program. Tonight, we will play Garbage Collector on the A-Field. It's fast-paced game that's similar to handball but with a few twists.  It’s a great game for everyone, campers and counselors, to get involved in.

We are looking forward to another fun day tomorrow on Columbia Lake!

 

Tuesday August 4th

Happy Taco Tuesday! This morning started off with blueberry bread and cereal. After cleaning the cabin, campers headed to their first three classes of the day. Everyone is working hard on glass jar lanterns in arts and crafts and perfecting their strokes in swim classes.

Lunch today was chicken fingers, rice, and green beans. During rest hour, our 16 LT's (Leadership Trainees) were hard at work learning and practicing their lifeguarding skills. General swim was refreshing for both counselors and campers. Activities offered today included tower jumping, paddle boarding, Kan Jam, Apples to Apples, Nok Hockey Tournament, and Spike Ball.

Dinner tonight was build-your-own tacos! Dessert was lemon cake. Campers are getting ready to play Spies and Smugglers tonight. Right now they are playing games around camp and in their cabins. When the bell rings, we will all meet around the flagpole to learn how to play this exciting game that takes place throughout camp.

Tomorrow should be another beautiful day on the lake! As always, stay tuned for more updates.

Monday August 3rd

It has been an awesome first day of camp! Everyone made it through the first night and, at 8:00am, we all gathered around the flagpole for the raising of the flag and “Chicken Fat” (our morning exercise routine). Breakfast was cornbread and cereal. Afterwards, everyone headed back to their cabins to do some cleaning and organizing. Every day, the nurse comes around and inspects the cabins and chooses the neatest cabin from each section (hilltop, lakeside and seniors) as the winner. The next bell rings for camp duties. Every cabin is assigned a duty around camp. Some duties include bailing boats, sweeping the lodge, collecting trash and putting the dishes away. At 10:00am first period began and the campers rotated through three different classes until noon. Seniors went from sports to swimming to boating. Lakesiders went from swimming to sports to arts and crafts. And Hilltoppers went from arts and crafts to boating to swimming.

Lunch was baked ziti with baguettes and salad with vanilla pudding for dessert. After rest hour, everyone got in the water and enjoyed a general swim. From there, everyone did the class they didn’t get to do in the morning. Seniors went to arts and crafts, lakesiders went to boating and hilltoppers went to the field for sports.

Activity period offerings today included jumping off the tower, aquarium games, Nuke 'Em on the basketball court, spike ball, kan jam and telephone pictionary. Other campers made themselves busy using the rowboats and canoes or playing ping pong and knock hockey.

Dinner this evening was grilled cheese and tomato soup with chocolate cake for dessert. Now the girls are getting ready for evening program. Everyone needs to put on their sneakers and long pants to play my favorite camp game - Capture the Flag!

Stay tuned tomorrow for more details and be sure to follow us on Instagram @campastowamah for some photo updates!