Rockbrook Camp’s 90th summer has begun! Campers arrived today for the start of the 2011 summer’s first session. After all the anticipation, thinking about the fun of camp, planning, packing (and of course finishing up school!), it’s finally here. All of us look forward to this day, so it feels great to get things started.
As the campers arrived you could feel their excitement too. Driving up the driveway into camp, seeing the lake, the grassy hill and the stone lodges, it’s a homecoming for most of the girls. Add to that a great bunch of enthusiastic counselors to greet them and lots of smiling faces, and you’ve got a real welcome. So many friendly people in one place!
There are so many amazing improvements to surprise the girls at camp this summer. Right away, everyone noticed a cool new surprise at the lake (more about that later). They commented on the wonderful landscaping, cedar shake roof on the Goodwill cabin, and the fantastic tetherball court on the hill. The rocking chairs on the porch of the Hillside Lodge is now the place to be with their view of the mountains and Castle Rock, and down on the lower line, the new shower house is “glorious” as one camper put it! So many parents complemented us on how camp was looking, saying it’s never been more beautiful.
It’s always fun to see how quickly and easily the cabin groups form. The cabin counselors getting everyone involved right away— playing name games, offering a short hike to Rockbrook falls, trying out a friendship bracelet pattern, or just helping everyone move into their cabin. Cara Thompson and Audry Bolte our Riding Directors met all the campers interested in horseback riding and to show off a little bit, brought up two ponies (Cool Beans and Cloud Nine) for everyone to see.
After lunch, we had an assembly on the hill to learn some new songs and meet the different line heads this session. Sitting in the shade of the great walnut tree, blue skies and a nice breeze it was perfect. Next, we were off to the gym to enjoy skits performed by the counselors introducing the activities they teach. Later in the day there were tours of the activity areas, but these skits let the campers meet the counselors teaching each option. Signing, dancing, costumes, and plenty of silly acting… a real variety show!
The rest of the afternoon, we all headed to the lake in shifts for our swim tests (“demonstrations”). Sometimes the cold mountain water can be a little shocking, but for most of the girls that is just part of the fun. The entire lifeguard team was on hand, along with Sarah, Sofie and Mandy, making sure this ran smoothly and the campers felt comfortable during the process. Now there’s a whole board full of buddy tags!
This is just the first day, and we’re just now gearing up. Stay tuned to find out what’s been planned and to hear the daily news. It’s gonna be awesome!
