Tag: benefits of summer camp

Camp Weequahic Camp Outs

September 29th, 2015


 weequahicblog2We were thrilled to have so many campers enjoy a night sleeping outside this past summer. Our head of the Forest, the unforgettable and aptly named Forrest, let trips of campers of all ages and their staff out into the woods for a wonderful evening and morning in nature.

While our campouts take place on Camp Weequahic’s property, our camp ring is way back in the woods. A couple of times each week, campers loaded with sleeping bags, tents, and supplies hiked the 15 minutes from Main Camp to their overnight adventure.

Forrest quickly helps everyone get settled and then directs the placement of tents and collection of firewood. After some fun campfire games lead by Forrest or our Head of Outdoor Adventure, Danny, the kids all have some time to share their experiences with their friends.

Screen Shot 2015-09-22 at 2.43.26 PMFlashlights and campfires are extinguished and the kids quiet down, falling asleep in their tents while listening to the sounds of the forest. The next morning, the campers clean up their campsite, pack up their gear and hike back to camp in time for breakfast.

It’s touching to see so many kids (and some staff) return to camp after their first ever campout. It is a memory built at camp alongside friends from all over the country and world. It’s an experience they won’t soon forget and one that will keep them smiling for months to come.

We look forward to helping our campers continue their exploration of nature each summer!

Home Visits before Camp

September 14th, 2015

Screen Shot 2015-09-04 at 12.32.39 PMDuring the school year, there is no better way to learn about camp than to have a home visit with our camp director, Cole Kelly. These roughly one hour gatherings give each family time to ask any and all questions they have about the camp, learn more about the overall program, and see pictures of our campers’ daily lives.

The goal of each visit is to build a connection between your family and camp. We are going to be caring for your camper for three or six weeks. Therefore, it is vitally important that each family feel comfortable with Cole as he sets the tone, oversees all staff hiring, and is an integral part in each camper’s experience. And, when parents call during the summer, Cole will be the person calling them back to answer questions.

Screen Shot 2015-09-04 at 12.33.21 PMAnother reason for the home visit is answer all the questions that arise. What is the daily program like? How do you select, hire and train your staff? What are the campers in my child’s age group like? These questions, and many more, are asked in the comfort of your own home and with (or without) your camper present.

If you are interested in learning more about CW, please call us to speak. If after learning more you’d like a home visit, we’ll be happy to schedule a time when Cole and stop by to learn more about your family.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Lots of Ways to Enjoy the Lake at Camp Weequahic

September 7th, 2015

 

Screen Shot 2015-09-04 at 12.29.19 PMCamp Weequahic is blessed with one of the best camp lakes in Wayne County. Sly Lake lies beautifully below our Senior girls’ bunks and is the stage for a wide variety of fun-filled activities.

The jumping off point (quite literally!) for most of our lake activities is our sandy beach. Campers find a buddy and check in with our head lifeguard before heading to one of their waterfront choices. Should they bounce on the water trampoline? Paddle a kayak or stand up paddleboard? Perhaps they should choose free swim or play volleyball on the beach? There are lots of good choices that require several trips to the waterfront to enjoy.

In addition to our waterfront activities, campers interested in learning how to sail do so under the tutelage of experienced instructors. Our Sunfish sailboats stay out on Sly Lake a good part of the summer and are used by complete beginners all the way up to experienced sailors.

Screen Shot 2015-09-04 at 12.29.47 PMWhile most of the activities at the waterfront are on the surface, one program that explores the depths is our fishing program. Anglers at CW get their lines wet every period of every day and we’ve got plenty of fish stories to tell.

Most of our fish are catch and release. However, when we catch a good large mouth bass or large ‘sunny’, our staff will teach the campers how to gut and prepare the fish to be cooked over an open flame. And, yes, they all get to enjoy a bite!

Not to be outdone, our waterski and tubing program is a frothy blast. Campers interested in learning to waterski do so with the help of experienced teachers and boat drivers. We have had many children learn to waterski for the first time at camp and even learn to drop a ski and go slalom! In addition to waterskiing, our wakeboard program continues to be a popular choice as well.

We hope that you will come have a blast at Camp Weequahic’s amazing waterfront next summer!