100 Days Until the First Day of Camp: 10 Things We’re Looking Forward To
We are counting down the days until the first day of camp! We can’t wait to swim in the lake, meet new friends, learn new cheers and make memories that will last a lifetime. Check out our top 10 list of thing we are looking forward to.
10: Swimming as a Life Skill
For many campers, their first waterfront swim is a memorable experience! During their initial swim lesson, every camper takes a swim test and receives a wristband in a color that matches their skill level. As the summer goes on, campers participate in more lessons, gain confidence in the water and have opportunities to advance to higher levels.
“Camp has helped me to find new things to do and new things that I like. I didn’t like to swim before coming to camp, but now I do, and I draw and write more now too,” said Lauren, 11, Camp ABC. “I would tell all my friends back home that they should come to camp!”
“At camp I feel more connected to nature because we get to swim in the lake, and I also learn about creatures and plants,” said Lia, 9.
“It feels amazing to have passed the swim test and just shows how much hard work I did,” said Daniel, 10, who worked hard to get a yellow band at Camp Hayden-Marks!
9. Overnight Hikes and S’mores by the Campfire
A favorite camp tradition is s’mores around a campfire after a nature hike!
“Making smores has been so much fun! This Friday, we’re going on an overnight hike and are going to be roasting marshmallows,” said Madeline, 10, a first-time camper at Camp ABC.
8: Delving into Art, Music and Endless Creativity
Campers express themselves and explore many art forms. From drawing and painting to crafting and photography, there are countless ways for campers to discover and develop their creativity.
“I learned some new art skills. I like the Music Center because we learn how to play cool instruments like the guitar and piano,” said Madison, 10.
Norah, 11, loves making art and proudly shares a drawing dedicated to making s’mores. “My drawing is about s’mores at the Hidden Valley campfires! I love how we’re are able to help out the counselors by gathering sticks and other materials to build the fire. It’s such a cool activity. I love making s’mores!”
7: Developing Leadership Skills
Camp provides opportunities for youth to develop new life skills, take on challenges and create new goals for the future. Camp Tommy provides leadership development and skill building for youth ages 15-17. Home to the Leaders-in-Training (LIT) and Counselor-in-Training (CIT) programs, teens develop the skills to transition from camper to counselor. The Teen Leadership Program, for youth ages 13 –15, at Camp ABC and Camp Hayden-Marks provide a supportive environment for campers to begin developing leadership skills through communication skills and team building workshops.
Seven, 16, became a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) at Camp Tommy after being a Leader-in-Training (LIT). “I learned a lot of new things in the workshops at Camp Tommy. We did a workshop on what we think a leader is. To me, a leader is someone who knows how to take responsibility and initiative,” he said.
Avery, 14, a first-time ABC camper, shared her excitement for meeting new friends, making connections and learning from her camp counselors. “The Teen Leadership Program gives us advice, teaches us new skills and helps us become leaders.”
6: Sports, Sunshine and Smiles
We can’t wait to play more sports! At camp, there’s a sport for everyone: basketball, soccer, volleyball, kayaking and boating and the camp favorite, gaga ball.
“It’s Sports Day at Camp Junior, so we’re playing gaga ball, basketball, dodgeball and more! My favorite is gaga ball!” said Melena, 8.
“They had a challenge for basketball where you had to pass ten times before shooting, which I’ve never done before” said Baraa, 11. “I really like the activities here!”
Brooke, 12, a camper at Camp Mariah said: “I’m looking forward to playing volleyball. They even have classes here! It’s been a very fun experience, and I want to come again next year.”
5: Exploring the Outdoors
Campers can’t wait for time in nature. From fishing in the lake, digging for worms to star gazing and learning how to make a campfire, campers develop a connection to and appreciation for the nature that surrounds them.
“Camp is so different from the city! We’re surrounded by nature. At night, you hear owls and different types of bugs like crickets,” said Aariyana, 10. “I’m excited to go hiking because I think it will be really nice!”
“I’m so excited to go hiking and sleep outdoors! This isn’t my first time. I went hiking last summer. I can’t wait to go with my new friends,” said Noah, 10.
“Picking raspberries and eating them has been my favorite part of camp,” said Kaila, 13. “I also swam in the lake. I thought there were fish, but I’m glad I did it!”
4: Taking on New Challenges
We can’t wait for campers to take on new challenges, overcome their fears, and discover skills and interests they never imagined.
“I love high ropes because I just love climbing! This activity is probably the most exciting,” Kaedin, 14, said, who learned cooperation, communication and teamwork on the high ropes course. “I also just love being in nature.”
“My favorite activity was high ropes because it’s an opportunity to face your fears and it’s fun. I tried it for the first time. I was nervous because it is so high in the trees,” said Tyler, 12.
3: Meeting the Animals at the Camp Model Farm
At the Model Farm, children discover how to care for cows, chickens, pigs, and other farm animals. They also harvest fruits and vegetables from the garden and learn all about earth sciences.
“I really like the farm because I got to be in the pen with the animals. I got to pet them and learn how to take care of them. We also got to make food in the Nutrition Center; it was so fun!” said 12-year-old ABC camper Abigail.
Before coming to camp, Grace, 11, was very shy, but it’s helped her make new friends. She also spent time doing something she loves: learning about all the animals on the Camp Model Farm.
“I am most excited about going to the farm because I love animals,” she said.
Beyond the variety of farm animals and plants, the garden also has fascinating wildlife, including brightly colored butterflies, ladybugs, songbirds and other creatures. It’s a place of beauty that campers love exploring!
2: Making Lifelong Friendships
Camp creates special memories and lifelong connections. Campers always share about the friendships they make, lessons they learn from counselors and the memories they will take home with them when the summer ends.
“There are a lot of opportunities where it’s so easy to make friends. If you’re not very social, this is the place for you!” said Kai, 16.
“Camp has had an impact on me because it made me a lot less shy. Now, I’m more open about who I am and my personality. I’m able to share that with others and it’s now easier for me to make new friends,” said Peyton, 13.
1: Having Fun!
Most of all, campers and counselors can’t wait for a summer full of fun!
