Rockbrook Camp is its own world that has the power to do so much for everyone who is willing to commit to jumping in without holding back. The counselors start as strangers. They are soon a group of great friends who turn into a family of support by the end of the summer.
Each day brings new adventures and great experiences that are unlike anything else. The brisk mountain air of every morning makes it hard to get out of bed, but once the bell rings, the entire camp comes to life. The campers are always so eager for breakfast and morning assembly, which are filled with songs and excitement to get the girls ready for the day.
Teaching activities is where the counselors can really let their talents shine. There is so much opportunity to try fun new things because the campers are always ready to switch things up. Because the girls get to sign up for things they want to take, they are usually giddy throughout the activity period. Another great thing about teaching activities is getting the chance to spend time with girls from other age groups that you do not meet during morning or evening programs.
After lunch is the much anticipated rest hour, and then it’s back to activities. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, afternoon activities are replaced with cabin day (a few hours with just you and your cabin) or other special activities (such as a trip to Sliding Rock or a shaving cream fight!). And just so you know, there is free time before both lunch and dinner that gives you time to just get to know the girls in your cabin in a really laid back time of just hanging out or playing together.
After dinner, there is an hour that the campers can join in on optional activities that are completely up to the counselors. This is the time when you get to do things that are not on the normal list of activities. One of the most fun hours I ever spent was playing elbow tag with a group of girls and counselors on a random night.
As a final activity of the night, all the campers and counselors go to Evening Program. Sometimes, it is a camp-wide activity like Auction or Granny Bingo. These are great because the counselors get to plan and run them. We get to dress up in fun costumes and make sure the girls have a great time. On other nights, the campers go to their lodges with only their lines (Junior, Middler, and Senior). Here, the campers are given their “assignment” for the night. The girls have guidelines for some skit they make up as cabins. These include things like Commercials, where they make up commercials for a random item from their cabin, and Counselor Impersonations, one of the funniest nights of the session. At the end of evening program, we have milk and cookies and head back to the cabins. Soon, it’s time for lights out.
After the campers are asleep, counselors often get the chance to spend a little time in the staff lounge. Here, we have time to unwind with other counselors, check email, watch a movie, or talk on the phone.
Each day brings new and fun experiences so this is just a short synopsis of some possible examples and cannot possibly explain everything that goes on. Rockbrook is an amazing place for both campers and counselors. We are there because we want to be. There is no other place I would rather spend my summer because I have seen all the great changes that can take place in girls of all ages. In the weeks I spent at Rockbrook, I met some of the greatest people who I have come to regard as my best friends. The spirit of Rockbrook is truly an amazing thing that carries girls through their years as they look forward to each summer of making friends and growing up.
– Eva Jorgensen-Graham, Counselor 2007