Rockbrook is Open!

Hooray! Rockbrook is now open for the 2010 summer season! After months of planning, hiring staff members, and preparing for the summer, it feels so great to have campers arriving. It’s what we look forward to all year long, so it’s wonderful to finally begin.

Excitement was everywhere this opening day. It literally jumped out of the cars as the campers arrived. For most of the campers, they haven’t seen their camp friends all year long, and now that they are back together, it’s hard not to squeal with delight and give each other big hugs. It doesn’t take long for groups of two or three old friends to be happily stomping around camp. Several parents commented how quickly and easily their girls feel right at home at Rockbrook. When you have this many friendly people in one place, that makes good sense.

When cabin groups begin to form, the counselors right away begin helping everyone get to know each other by playing group games. New campers like being able to hop right in and learn everyone’s name, and everyone is happy to meet their cabin counselor. The barn staff bring up a few horses to the opening day events so the campers can meet them, and get excited about riding this summer. Cara Thompson the equestrian director is busy throughout the morning meeting all the girls who want to ride and assigning them lessons.

At lunch, our first meal together, Rick and his crew prepared us some great comfort food: homemade macaroni and cheese, fresh steamed broccoli, fruit and salad bar. Later for dinner we had homemade chicken noodle soup, sweet potato biscuits, apple butter and fresh green beans. And for dessert Liz, our baker, made a chocolate caramel bar. It’s always amazing to see what the kitchen crew prepares for us at camp. Always fresh, always homemade, it’s real home cooking!

Later that afternoon, we all enjoyed skits performed by the counselors introducing the activities they teach. Signing, dancing, costumes, and lots of silly funny acting came together to make everyone smile. With 25 different activities, you can imagine this was quite a variety show!

Next we rotated through camp tours, swim tests (“demonstrations”), and activity sign ups, with each age group taking a turn. This checks out everyone at the lake, where they receive their buddy tag. It orients everyone to the camp activity areas and other important landmarks around camp. And it lets the girls select the first set of activities they’ll have this week. It’s very exciting because, at this point, even if they are new to RBC, they are familiar with the options, have met their cabin mates, and can sign up for the activities that most appeal to them.

After today, all of us are ready for camp, and it’s fun already!