Many parents ask us about what happens if their child gets sick at camp, and what we do to keep everyone healthy. These are very valid questions, and ones that we take extremely seriously. We want all of our campers to enjoy every day at camp and be in the best health possible. We are serious about maintaining the cleanliness of our surroundings, and encourage campers to be avid hand washers and reduce the sharing of germs whenever possible.

There are sinks, hand washing stations, and access to hand sanitizer all throughout camp, making it easy to quickly wash their hands before a meal or after as sport or event that involved a lot of hands-on activity.  Our main focus is on the health and safety of all of our campers, and so we try to implement these 4 tips to keep campers performing optimal health.

We Keep Them Hydrated

We know that dehydration can be a major risk for kids who are on the go all day, especially when the temperatures start to climb. Drinking a lot of water is great for the immune system and flushes out toxins that can make campers feel sluggish and sick. We have water available all over camp and are always encouraging campers to drink up before, during and after each strenuous activity.

We Let Them Sleep

Although kids may not be excited about bedtime, as parents, teachers, couches and well-educated adults, we all know that sleep is vital in keeping their growing minds and bodies at their peak. This is why we’ve set specific times for our campers to rest throughout the day, as well as encourage them to get a good night’s sleep each night. Campers have different “bedtimes” depending on their age, but all campers get plenty of opportunities to rest and recharge their batteries each day

We Feed Them Well

We provide our campers with freshly prepared and healthy food choices for every meal. They have access to fruits and a salad bar and have every opportunity to make good, healthy food choices. We teach campers that when you put healthy foods in, you’ll get power and speed and energy out. We know kids will want to indulge in sweets every now and then, and that is perfectly okay. But for the most part, they are eating nutritious food that fuels their bodies and boosts their immune systems, making it easier for their bodies to fight off colds.

We Encourage Good Hygiene

At camp, we encourage campers to wash their hands regularly and teach them proper etiquette when sneezing or coughing around other people. We discourage sharing of drinks or snacks that could spread germs, encourage high fives and fist bumps to reduce the transfer of icky germs, and if a camper does feel like he/she is coming down with something, we have a fully staffed medical facility on campus that can help.

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One of the really great aspects of Camp Weequahic are our Inter-camp competition options. Inter-camps give our campers a chance to compete with other camps in different activities including sports, dance, gymnastics and more during the summer. These opportunities give everyone an opportunity to show off what they have learned in their respective activity.

They are also a great way to show Weequahic pride as well as team bonding. In our opinion, Inter-camps are about showing good sportsmanship and motivating campers to do their best by giving them some friendly competition. Most of all, our campers are meant to have fun and always remember to show gratitude towards their coaches and other teams, a positive attitude no matter the score and the courage to ask for assistance when they need it!

This coming Wednesday we have 3 Inter-camps that many of our campers have been practicing for a great deal. First off we have a dance competition. A number of our girls (and some of our boys) have been working daily in order to get ready for this competition. They gave a sneak peek of their step routine at last night’s Dancing with the Weequahic Stars and it was absolutely amazing. The girls were completely in sync, had huge smiles on their faces and really gave it their all.

We also have a 5th and Under Boys soccer tournament next week. They have been practicing really hard for this tournament and are all really determined to do their best. You can be sure to catch our soccer players practicing their dribbles and passes on the soccer field. They are all so excited for this tournament and cannot wait to throw on their Weequahic t-shirts and go out on the field and represent this camp.

Finally, our Senior girls have a volleyball tournament they have been getting ready for. They are always on the volleyball court practicing their spikes and making sure they are communicating with each other effectively. It is easy to see that our Senior girls volleyball team loves the sport and that they are ready to show the other teams what they’ve got!

We want to wish all of our Inter-camp teams the best of luck and to always remember to have fun!

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Tribal session’s performance of Jungle Book was an absolute hit! The movie is a classic and always a crown favorite. The costumes were really well done, the singing was great and you could tell that all our campers had a lot of fun putting the show together. Click here to view a short clip of a group of campers singing and dancing to one of the Jungle Book songs during canteen.

After seeing Jungle Book everyone was anticipating what our Olympic session’s production would be! As soon as our campers learned that this session’s choice would be Shrek, everyone was ecstatic and jumped at the opportunity to participate; whether it be a role in the play or designing the set. Our theater counselors were very impressed at tryouts and are thrilled to be working with such talented actors/actresses! The cast list went up yesterday and every camper was pleased with their role.

Sonya, our Theater Program Head, said she chose Shrek because “it is one of [her] favorite shows and has a great storyline. It has a ton of roles and is always a good laugh.” What are some of our campers excited about with this play? “Dragons, knights and castles, of course! And don’t forget the fact that Shrek is a fantastic movie!” one camper said. “It’s a lot of fun being able to a different person while still being yourself at the same time. You can be as dramatic or silly as you want. That’s what I’m looking forward to with this play!” said another.

It is wonderful to see campers using their creativity and imagination not  only in their acting skills, but also in designing set pieces or sewing  costumes. Everyone is really excited to see the production of Shrek and all  the cast members and crew are working hard to make sure it’s a great  show.

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I believe it is safe to say that coming to Camp Weequahic is a once in a lifetime opportunity that not many kids get to experience. But what makes this particular camp so special to the hundreds of campers that have come here over the years? Let’s ask some of our campers!

Camp: “Lola, is this your first summer here at Camp Weequahic?”

Lola H. (Junior Division): “Yes!”

Camp: “We are so glad to have you! What has been your favorite part of camp?”

Lola: “I love gymnastics. The counselors there are so great and I have learned so much.”

Camp: “What is one thing you look forward to when you wake up every morning?”

Lola: “I had never tried Ceramics before I came to camp and now it’s the first thing I think about when I get up!”

Camp: “That is so great to hear, Lola! Last, but not least, who would you like to thank for this experience?”

Lola: “I’d like to say, ‘Thank you so much to my mom, dad and all of my counselors.’

Camp: “Thank you so much Lola! Charlie, since you’ve been to camp before what has been the reason you return every summer?”

Charlie W. (Jinter Division): “I’ve made so many friends during the years I’ve been here and I love coming back and seeing them again.”

Camp: “That’s wonderful, Charlie. What is something you look forward to when you wake up in the morning?”

Charlie: “The weather here is beautiful so I’d have to say that the weather is something I really look forward to.”

Camp: “You are absolutely right. The weather here is amazing. Lastly, what is one thing you’ve learned this summer and who would you like to thank for this experience?”

Charlie: “Here at camp I’ve learned that friendships are one of the most important things and I’d like to thank Cole, Kate and my parents for sending me here.”

Camp: “Thank you so much for your answers, Charlie! Roxy, I know this is your first summer here at Weequahic, so what has been your favorite part?”

Roxy A. (Inter Division): “I love all of the arts here. There are so many different art activities to choose from and I haven’t found a single one I haven’t enjoyed!”

Camp: “Our Arts department is pretty amazing isn’t it?! So, what do you look forward to when you wake up every morning and what is something you’ve learned this summer?”

Roxy: “I always look forward to playing tennis, and I agree with Charlie that friends are one of the most important things.”

Camp: “I think you are absolutely right Roxy. Lastly, who would you like to thank for this experience?”

Roxy: “I’d like to thank all the counselors for their hard work. They are all so great and I’m really going to miss them.”

Camp: “Thank you so much Roxy! Alright Matt, since you’ve been at camp for a few years now what is the reason you’ve kept coming back?”

Matt V. (Senior Division): “Spending the summer with all my bunkmates and friends is something I always look forward to.”

Camp: “That’s great! What is something you look forward to when you wake up every morning?”

Matt: “The best part about waking up in the morning is that every day is a new day.”

Camp: “I think that is a great point! What’s one thing you’ve learned this summer and who would you like to thank for this experience?”

Matt: “I’ve learned that it is super important to remember to respect all of the counselors and staff and I’d like to thank one of my good friends because we both started camp the same summer and have both come back every summer since then.”

Camp: “It is wonderful to hear that you both have gotten to have this experience together. Thank you so much, Matt. Last, but certainly not least, Dylan, what has brought you back to Camp Weequahic every summer?”

Dylan K. (CIT): “The friendships I’ve made here are really special to me and I know we will stay friends for a long time.”

Camp: “What is one thing you look forward to when you wake up every morning?”

Dylan: “As a CIT I look forward to being a role model for all the younger campers.”

Camp: “That is wonderful to hear, Dylan. Tell me one thing you have learned this summer and who you would like to thank for this experience.”

Dylan: “I’ve learned that anyone can be a leader and also that you don’t have to have the loudest voice in order to be a good one. As far as people I’d like to thank, there have been so many outlets of inspiration this summer I couldn’t even begin to name everyone, so thank you to everyone!”

Before we say goodbye, CW would like to leave you with one last message:

Dear Weequahic Family,

It has been an amazing three weeks full of laughter, fun, bonding and learning. After interviewing some of our campers, it was easy to see that this camp is very special. Without this group of amazing campers, counselors and staff there wouldn’t be a Camp Weequahic. All of us here on staff would like to say thank you so much for sending your children here. It has been our pleasure to make their summer one full of great memories and friendships. We hope to see everyone back next year and wish everyone all the best in the year to come.

With GAC,

Camp Weequahic

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Our very own Camp Mom Judy (CMJ) began her journey here back in 1999 and has been with us ever since. I spoke with her to get a picture of what camp looked like 16 years ago. CW used to be an 8 week camp and today it is separated into two 3 week sessions or one Super Six session.

“Now that we have a shorter time period with most of our campers, every minute counts,” says CMJ.

Our Directors and Programming Heads really understand the importance of time and make sure that every minute of every day is jam packed with activities. Our Community Service program, for example, allows Senior campers to create environmental friendly projects such as Water Bottle Wednesday.

Since we now have a choice program, campers get to pick activities and create their own schedules. This ensures that everyone gets to participate in things they like and are comfortable doing.

The Weequahic program has evolved from a ‘bunk activity’ plan in which each camper was scheduled by camp without any choice to a structured choice format that allows kids to have a say in their activities but enjoy them with other children their same age and gender.

It is also important to get to know people outside of your bunk which is very easy to do when you have so many activities with different people every day. During evening activities, Tribals and Olympics every camper is encouraged to participate. This ensures that every camper tries an activity they may not normally think of doing.

“A variety of skills are acquired because camp is the only place you might ever get to learn how to canoe, build a bird house or start a fire,” says CMJ. With over 60 different activities and many incredible teachers, the skill learning abounds!

Special Event Days and division trips have been a part of CW for a long time, however, campers today get to go to new and exciting places such as amusement parks and baseball games. Our CIT program is also something that has been around for a long time and is unique to this community. Campers-In-Transition take trips to surrounding cities and get to see different universities and colleges, serve as apprentice counselors in specific areas, are provided training in group leadership and dynamics, and given many opportunities to lead at camp.

Even though Camp Weequahic has changed since its birth in 1953, many of its traditions and core values have stuck. Our mission to maintain happy and healthy campers and to create a unique environment where everyone is exposed to a variety of activities and experiences remains the same.

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As we all know, the Fourth of July is a national holiday that celebrates the birth of the United States as an independent nation. But what does the Fourth mean at Camp Weequahic? For us, this day celebrates each camper as an independent and unique person. We celebrate the freedom everyone is given to select activities they want to participate in; the opportunity to choose what kind of person they want to be when they wake up every morning. It is a time to celebrate the growth of each and every camper and staff member. Here at Weequahic we strive to always show gratitude, a positive attitude, and courage in every situation. The Fourth of July is the perfect time to celebrate the gratitude this community has shown towards each other. It is a time to acknowledge the positive attitudes we have all demonstrated. It is a time to remember the courage we have each displayed in difficult or trying situations. Here at Camp Weequahic we love the Fourth of July because it is about so much more than the birth of the United States as an independent nation. It is about the birth of the Weequahic community and the campers and staff members that have been molded into the best versions of themselves during their time here.

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It has been such an exciting day here at Camp Weequahic. While the Inters, Seniors and CITs headed off to Dorney Park, the Juniors and Jinters each had their own special event on camp. The Juniors had Roy G Biv Day and spread color all across camp. The morning began with a giant game of Twister with over 50 colored spots! Even though this was an individual event, campers were still competing for their respective teams and were cheering on their players with so much excitement and energy! Next, the Juniors participated in a Rainbow Scavenger Hunt. However, this hunt was unlike any other scavenger hunt. Each counselor was given a different colored marker and campers were told to chase the counselors to try and collect all the colors. But wait! There’s a twist! Some counselors had wipes to clear the colors, so the Juniors had to be very careful not to get caught by any of the wipers. After lunch was the ever popular Color Run! It was very similar to the ones we’ve all seen or participated in at major cities where runners are covered in different colored powder as they make their way through the course. However, instead of simply running a race campers had to make their way through an obstacle course complete with hula hoops and pool noodles. The Juniors worked together so well during the obstacle course and helped each other along the course. The final activity to close out Roy G Biv day was a Slip n Slide which is always a crowd favorite! The Jinters also had a great time today. They participated in Renegades Day and everyone was split into six teams consisting of the zombies, ninjas, cowboys, aliens, robots, and pirates. There were eight different stations campers rotated through during the day as well as some talent competitions including a dance off, handstand/headstand competition and whistling competition. The Jinter boys absolutely loved Capture the Flag and Bombardment while the girls had a blast playing Steal the Bacon and Balloon Bonanza. The standout activity for all the Jinters, however, was the Ice Cream Trough. All the campers had the time of their lives stuffing their faces with ice cream and sprinkles. Both the Juniors and Jinters had a fantastic day and really showed good sportsmanship as well as team spirit. It was a joy watching everyone work so well together and embody gratitude, attitude and courage the Weequahic way.

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1. Take time for yourself
Parents out there, thank you for the selfless time you devote to your kids and family. Even though your child is away at camp, you are used to the normal routine of waking up and doing anything you need to do that day (with your kids by your side). Even though you may miss them or feel guilty for taking some time for yourself it is so important to relax and unwind. Go on a date with a significant other. Watch your favorite TV show without being interrupted by a “Mom, have you seen [the endless list of misplaced items]?” We all need a break every now and then.
2. Take a step back
It is such a unique experience to send your children away for camp. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing they are becoming more independent, but it can also be scary. We understand that this is your baby and you may be worried about strangers taking care of him/her. However, it is essential to take a step back from the computer and not fixate over how many pictures he/she is in or the lack there of.
3. Realize it takes time for the kids to adjust
Many kids won’t make friends or feel comfortable overnight. Don’t worry. It’s normal. It takes a little while to adjust to the new environment that is Camp Weequahic. Rest assured our entire staff is dedicated to making sure every camper feels included and comfortable here at camp.
4. Let them have this experience without you
It’s normal to want to know everything that goes on during your child’s time at camp. However, it is important to let your child have his/her own space and go through this experience on their own. It will help him/her grow and become more mature and blossom into the best version of him/her self.
5. Stay calm
When your children are out of your sight it can be very easy to imagine the worst or take your child’s displeasure with something as a sign that he/she is miserable here at camp. However, nine times out of ten your child is having a fantastic time so stay calm. Your child is in very good hands. We only employ the most qualified people to take care of your children. Cole, Kate, Sue, and the Wonder Twins (Alex and Dana) have spent countless hours searching for an adaptable and responsible team of counselors and staff to provide the best possible experience for your child.

I will leave you with these last few words. Camp Weequahic is an amazing place to send your child. We constantly practice gratitude, attitude and courage and leave at the end of the summer knowing that we have become better versions of ourselves. You can rest easy knowing that every staff member and counselor is devoted to making this the best experience for each and every camper.

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Are you ready?

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