Celebrate Earth Day!

On April 22, more than one billion people around the globe will participate in Earth Day 2012. Earth Day is a day that is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the earth’s natural environment. It’s about uniting voices in support of a healthy planet. The first Earth day was held on April 22, 1970. People all over the country made promises to help the environment.

Since then the basic message of the day is the same, but it has evolved to become an international holiday, with several environmental groups now participating in Earth Week. During this week, these groups host programs that educate their communities about the different aspects of how to take better care of the earth.

Earth Day is celebrated with acts of service to the earth, including planting trees, picking up roadside trash, and conducting recycling and conservation programs. It’s about ordinary people doing extraordinary things to help the planet. At Camp Iroquois Springs, we show our appreciation for the environment in the everyday recycling of paper, cardboard and batteries used at camp. We also have our campers practice ways of taking care of the earth; like last summer when our CIT’s planted a garden for the Rock Hill community. This year at camp, we will be planting a vegetable and herb garden, and can’t wait to use what we grow in recipes at Kitchen Stadium. In addition to what we give to the environment, we also have the opportunity to raise awareness of our camp setting by incorporating a nature scavenger hunt as part of Tribal games, where we search for various objects in nature. Our children are the leaders of the future, and it’s important that they are educated and engaged in environmental issues that can

make a big difference for the planet.

So what can you do to make a difference and join in on April 22 (and throughout the year) to show how important the environment is to you?

Consider some of these ideas…

-Recycle: Every bottle and can used is waste that just sits at the local dump if we don’t recycle.

-Use reusable water bottles and containers.

-Plant a tree...it’s good for the air.

-Reduce Electricity: Shut off lights, computers and televisions when not in use.

-Conserve Water: Shut the water off when brushing your teeth. Take less time in the shower.

-Use Public Transportation: Take the bus or railroad (instead of commuting by car) to decrease air pollution.

-Choose products that are not over packaged.

-Pay bills online.

-Don’t rinse: Skip rinsing dishes before using your dishwasher and save up to 20 gallons of water each load.

-Change to compact fluorescent bulbs.

When it comes to “going green”, there is no shortage of ways in which you can change your life and help the environment. It does not have to be a grand gesture, or major change in lifestyle to make a difference. There are dozens of small changes you can do every day to save energy and keep the world cleaner and greener.

The Benefits of Excercise

Young children crave physical activity, it comes naturally. They don’t think about making time to exercise, they get it on a daily basis just by being kids. If you ever watch children at the playground, they are in constant motion. They don’t walk around, they run. Where adults often have to motivate themselves to get to the gym, or tennis court, or bicycle trail…children want and desire to move around. If only we could bottle that natural energy and have it for a lifetime? But the reality is that it may not last throughout the tween years and it’s important that we teach children the value and benefits of including healthy exercise into their lives. Outdoor games and workout routines can be the tools that instill a lasting love of exercise. So be it on the soccer field, dance class, or just
playing tag at recess, there are endless opportunities for kids to be involved in and enjoy physical activity.

The percentage of overweight and obese kids and teens has more than doubled over the past 30 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reports that approximately 17% of children ages 2 to 19 are obese. Although many factors contribute to this epidemic, children are becoming more sedentary. With today’s technology, it may be more challenging to get kids away from video games and online activities. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average child is watching about 3 hours of television a day, and spends 5 ½ hours on all screen media combined. These statistics alone are great motivators to get moving.

The many benefits of being physically active include greater confidence, more energy, a stronger immune system, improved sleep, better memory, lower body fat, stronger bone and muscle structure and an overall better outlook on life. Rae Pica, a movement education specialist and the author of “A Running Start: How Play, Physical Activity, and Free Time Create a Successful Child”, notes that “activity and movement helps kids develop not only their bodies, but also their brains, their ability to learn, and their social skills. It impacts the whole child”

For these reasons and more, here at camp we want to encourage kids to do a variety of physical activities to improve their endurance, strength and flexibility. A few years ago we introduced a fitness program that got our campers and staff moving and improving their physical strength. Its success inspired us to create a new studio space, dedicated to a fitness program complete with Pilates, Spinning, and Cardio & Weight Training. To get the most out of this program, we have a staff of fitness experts, including a speed and agility staff person, to guide us in having fun while learning a healthy lifestyle.

We have confidence that our new fitness program and studio will instill a love of exercise and most importantly improve overall health. We also believe that our campers will have an edge on The American Heart Association’s recommendation that children engage in at least 60 minutes of exercise every day. But don’t wait for the summer, start now… get out there, get moving and have fun!

Camp Games for a Cause

Camp Games for a Cause: An Exciting and Noteworthy Cause

Hi, we’re Marcy Cohen and Jenna Wollin. We both grew up at Iroquois Springs; this is our tenth summer at camp and our third summer as counselors! As our first year at college winds to an end, we are counting down the days until we are back at camp again with all of our old friends and as always, we cannot wait to make new ones!

We are so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to attend camp; without Iroquois Springs we would not be where we are today. This May, we will be co-captains of the Iroquois Springs team at the second annual Camp Games for a Cause event, sponsored by the American Camp Association of New York and New Jersey. The purpose of this fundraiser is to help send underprivileged kids to camp -- a meaningful cause that is very important to us!

Camp Games for a Cause brings together hundreds of camp alumni and friends to raise money to provide these children with positive summer camp experiences through scholarships, program support, and training. On May 19, we will participate in traditional “camp color war” types of events in the spirit of the charity, while enjoying a day with our camp friends!

On behalf of Iroquois Springs, we invite you to join us and participate in the festivities. Campers and staff (ages 16 and up) are welcome to sign up to take part in the event. If you are unable to attend, but are still interested in donating to this worthy cause, your contribution would be greatly appreciated! Your donation of

any size will go a long way toward providing a positive camp experience for children less fortunate than we are!

The American Camp Association makes it easy to donate! For online donation, just log onto www.campgamesforacause.org and search for “Iroquois Springs” on the right to make a donation. There is also a downloadable/printable page if you would prefer to mail in your contribution.

We really appreciate your donation - this cause is very special to us!

Thank you!

Jenna Wollin and Marcy Cohen

Outdoor Adventure

I was reading up on Outdoor Adventure programs and came across a statement made by psychologist James Neill, who has worked as an outdoor education instructor and researcher, stating “human potential can be unlocked through challenging experiences in supportive group environments”. It brought me back to a time about 12 years ago when I volunteered at a summer camp for children with cancer.

It was a week

long experience, but taught me far more than I could ever imagine and opened my eyes to the power of activities that elevate community and personal growth. One of the many moments that had a great impact on me took place at the outdoor adventure program zip line. I watched (and cheered on) a young disabled girl, who needed the assistance of a wheelchair to get around, make her way up the climbing tower and across the zip line. Through encouragement and support she challenged her fears, showed fierce determination and perseverance, and celebrated an accomplishment well deserved. I know she felt a great sense of empowerment and I believe the entire group got a lot out of being a part of her experience.

Outdoor adventure programs are a staple in summer camps today and offer an innovative approach to teaching camper’s leadership, patience and teamwork, in a fun and exciting environment. These programs are all about trying new things, trusting one another, and working through difficult situations as a team. That is why at Camp Iroquois Springs we offer an extensive Outdoor Adventure program, where campers learn about themselves and the world around them while having fun. Our program provides a physical challenge, where campers conquer fears and work together with persistence and perseverance to accomplish their goals. Through participation in our high and low elements ropes course, climbing tower, rappelling wall, mountain biking, rock climbing, overnight camping trips, whitewater rafting and canoe trips on the Delaware River, campers build bonds with new friends, and unlock their human potential. And it’s not just our campers that benefit from this program. We have

our staff members participate in outdoor adventure activities during staff orientation as a way to break down barriers and for them to get to know one another. Just last year we added two new high elements, an “aerial adventure course” and a “giant swing”. Both elements truly encompass the meaning of teamwork and cooperation, and really push kids outside their comfort zone within a framework of safety and support. We love the value our Outdoor Adventure program brings to camp and look forward to another great summer of fun, challenges, and excitement.

Healthy Competition in Sports

Team Sports

The Giants won the Super Bowl! Not something you didn’t already know. Probably not something you didn’t already celebrate. Hey, it’s been about six weeks since their victory, but you may still be celebrating. Maybe you even went downtown for the parade to see the players and be a part of what was clearly a HUGE event for New Yorkers and beyond. All the pre-game excitement, game day festivities and postgame extravaganza got me thinking about team sports and the role they play in our lives.

It doesn’t have to be a championship game to get a crowd filled with excitement, and a team to work together and take pride in their accomplishments.Participation in team sports helps develop physical skills, builds character, teaches discipline, and instills good sportsmanship. With good coaching and guidance, team members try their hardest for the benefit of the team, and work toward a common goal. Team sports are a great way of getting exercise, having fun, making friends and improving self-esteem. Team sports also help us set goals and teach us to deal with difficulties in life. When a game is lost, we learn to move on. We deal with adversity in a positive way in a safe environment. The Institute for the Study of Youth Sports firmly supports the premise that positive developmental experiences do occur in sports when the right conditions exist: the child is ready and open to learning the skill; a positive learning environment is created; and adults surrounding the program intentionally attempt to mentor youth and teach life skills.

At camp, we create a sports environment that is fun, as well as rewarding (win or lose). With so many highly stressful and competitive “win at all costs” sports environments, we try our hardest to create an atmosphere of healthy competition to accomplish our goals. Our experienced sports coaches and teachers are educated in youth development and are positive role models to our campers.

They bring their love of teaching and mentoring children to our camp environment where

healthy competition creates a stress free environment. Our goal is for campers to learn new skills and build character from our sports program as well as coo

perating with one another, working toward a common goal, and showing good sportsmanship - win or lose. Campers follow our lead, and we are responsible for setting a good example out on the field. These good examples will go beyond the game. Teamwork applies to almost every aspect of life and is a character trait that can go from sports to the classroom and the workplace.So whatever team sport you are playing, or thinking of trying…Work Together and Love the Game!

“People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses or the problems of modern society”. Vince Lombardi

“I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion”. Mia Hamm

The Role of Storytelling in the Summer Camp Experience

THE ROLE OF STORYTELLING IN THE SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE

Hi, my name is Larry Wilensky, and I’ve been associated with Iroquois Springs and its predecessor, Camp Sequoia, for a combined forty-two summers. I first attended camp at age 11 and have the honor of being known as the resident storyteller at camp.

One of my favorite times in camp during my camper summers was in the evenings at bedtime, a time of great camaraderie in the cabin. Best of all was when we were fortunate enough to have one of several counselors renowned for their storytelling abilities responsible for watching our cabin (the “O.D.”). The stories could be about anything, my bunkmates and I loved them all. Ghost Stories, Native American Creation Myths, Folktales, stories read directly from books, stories invented on the spot, funny stories, and stories meant to enlighten.

By the time I became a counselor myself, I joined the long storytelling tradition we have here in Rock Hill. At first I re-told stories that I had learned as a camper. The very positive reception my early storytelling efforts received encouraged me to become more creative and adventurous as I created stories of my own – often “on the spot”. I have told my stories to a wide range of audiences. They have been shared with large groups under the stars (and Perseid meteor showers), at campfires, at individual cabins, on hikes around camp and in the pool. The audiences have been boys, girls, and staff of all ages.

I think that stories and a storytelling tradition are an important part of camp. Camp is a wonderful place for children to learn and grow outside the “confines” of school. There is a close link to nature and the opportunity to experience new things. It makes for a perfect learning environment. Stories can be a great tool to teach, and well as entertain the kids (and adults for that matter!) at camp.

I always encourage new staff members to consider telling stories to their cabins. Sometimes staff and campers have told me that upon hearing one of my stories, they are inspired to try their hand a developing stories of their own. I think that’s awesome, and at moments like that I feel that I am passing on an old and cherished torch that will continue to burn brightly. Whenever staff read stories, repeat stories, and make up stories to tell their kids in their cabins at night the campers love it .I think that a major reason that stories at camp are regarded so highly by the kids is that the stories are being shared by an “elder”: Someone the campers respect who is taking the time to share adventure, friendship and challenges through the safety of a shared experience.

A word about very scary stories: It is paramount that at camp the children who are entrusted to us feel emotionally safe. I do confess to being capable of telling quite a scary tale, but only for the the oldest teen campers, and only if I am sure they can handle it.

The stories I tell have in some cases become long multi part epics over the years. They involve such different elements as time travel (through different eras of camp), baseball, alternate worlds, Jewish folklore, and camp legends. They try to teach through the actions of, and lessons learned, by the characters, but in a subtle way.I love the creative process of telling a story and am very honored by the response through the years. Stories can be magical and the storyteller takes the role of magician. They can be wonderful learning experiences as well. For us all!

The Benefits of Eating Together

The Benefits of Eating Together

Families today have their plates full (no pun intended). Our schedules are packed with homework, sports practice, games, rehearsals, long commutes and work. It’s a wonder we can ever gather around the family table for a meal. But as challenging as it may be…it may be worth the effort. Studies show that the family meal is an important part of healthy living. Family meals help to teach good manners, promote healthy eating, and improve social skills. But most importantly, family meals strengthen the family unit, creating closeness, and a sense of belonging. Conversations at the table connect us and open up lines of communication and sharing.

According to Becky Hand, a registered and licensed dietician, research shows that frequent family dinners (5 or more a week) are associated with lower rates of smoking, drinking and

illegal drug use in pre-teens and teenagers when compared to families that eat together two or fewer times per week. She also notes that children do better in school when they eat more meals with their parents and family. Additional research shows that teenagers who eat dinner four or more times per week with their families have higher academic performance compared to teenagers who eat with their families two or fewer times per week. Nutrition.wsu.edu cites that researchers at the University of Illinois found that children ages 7 to 11 who did well on school achievement tests spent a large amount of time eating meals and snacks with their family. They also cite a Harvard study where family dinners were most influential in fostering healthy child development, over play, story time and other family events.

Although typical family meals may be on pause while at camp, we keep the benefits of eating together going strong with our “camp family”. Meal time at camp is one of our favorite moments throughout the day. We gather together 3 times a day, to eat, share, laugh, learn and be with family. It’s about food and nourishing our bodies, but it is so much more. It is a spirited time to catch up on the day’s events with our friends, siblings and camp family. The constant singing and chanting of some very special camp

songs brings us together and deepens the bonding that is already happening at camp. Our use of round tables allows each camp family member to be a part of the experience, and to feel part of a terrific community.

Eating together, at both home and camp, is beneficial for everyone. No need to make it gourmet…just grab your plates and your family and enjoy the time together.