Yesterday we gathered at flagpole and cheered loudly for our camper of the day (Carolyn Cohen) and counselor of the day (Sydney Salit).  Hip, hip hoorays went out to birthday girl of the day Haylie Blumenthal from Maryland.  The PA’s were geared out in back packs, head nets and hiking shoes.  After a wonderful hobo hash, fresh fruit, and orange coffee cake breakfast we said goodbye to our energetic bunch of 10th graders.  They will be spending time together as an age group in the Sylvania Wilderness canoeing and camping.  Every camping trip is filled with stories and character building. I’m sure this one will be no different.

Monday, after breakfast it was back to the cabins for cabin inspection.  Campers in cabins 12, 15 and J have been doing an extra, extra good job keeping their cabins neat and tidy.  Then we plunged into a full day of activities. I was thankful the weather held up and we were able to get in all 6 periods of activities before a monster rainstorm sent mini rivers flowing throughout camp right before dinner.  Yours personally got caught up in torrents of rain as I was making my way down from the upper athletic field. Fortunately the wet weather was short lived. 

Up on the field, before the downpour, I was observing some of my brave campers as they conquered the 55-foot Tango Tower.  What I observed was a group of adventurous young girls eager, anxious & ready to “tackle” the tower with minimal outward fear.  Bella, Winter, Molly, Tessa, Bella, Ali, Maddy, Emma, Sam and Julia were fearless in their climbs.  Screams coming from the zip line were priceless.  The Tango Tower is already an enormous success.  Campers are pushing themselves and stretching their boundaries.  It’s everything I hoped it would be and more!

Last night the juniors enjoyed a fun game of food Olympics Agawak style, while the intermediate division battled in the lodge to see which cabin could create the best birthday cake design for Braden ‘s first birthday.  The seniors participated in a town scavenger hunt taking them all around the island town of Minocqua. The seniors got to finish their evening program with ice cream from Minocqua City Ice Cream.

This morning before nourishing ourselves with scrambled eggs, bagels and fresh fruit we sang to our camper (Skyler Greene)  & counselor (Annie Kaminski) of the day.  The sun is shining with loads of happy campers skipping through camp.  We will be in full activities today. Days like today are perfect activity days. Our stunning waterfront will be in full bloom.

Since camp began we have offered a “Morning Club” for early risers or those experiencing bouts of homesickness.  They meet in Happy Camper Hall at 7:15 am until the wake up bell rings. We started with 19 campers June 18th and today June 24th zero campers showed up.  This is a very good sign.  Campers and counselors make hair breads, dance and play games together. Speaking of homesickness we do have some campers still working on overcoming their separation from family.  Thousands of children go off to summer camp every summer. Thousands of campers experience the pains of growing more independent.  Every summer I witness the personal growth in these campers as they eventually conquer the feelings. Getting through homesickness is a process. There is no magical number of days when homesickness disappears. Be patient.  What I am seeing is normal and to be expected.  Even my campers who’ve been here for 5 summers have episodes of homesickness.  It comes but for them it quickly leaves.  Expect a few homesick letters. If you don’t receive any consider yourself fortunate. Our counselors work none stop to get everyone through it even at night time or early in the morning.  Your daughter is in great hands.  Who ever said growing up was easy?

Parents please remind relatives of our NO PACKAGE policy.  Also. kindly remember our office hours are Monday through Saturday 8 am to 8pm. Sunday someone will be in the office from 10 am to 8 pm.  Daily we break for lunch from 1pm -2 pm.  Enjoy this beautiful day.

Smile on,

Mary and staff