The Good Times of Summer 2013

It’s hard to believe that summer 2013 has ended and we had to say “so long” to our incredible campers and amazing staff that made this camp season so memorable.  By now everyone is back to their home routines and hopefully enjoying the remainder of the summer time.  As exciting as it is to get back to loved ones at home, we know you miss your camp family and your summer home at Iroquois Springs.  Luckily the conveniences of technology keep our camp friends close by, and the wonderful memories of camp live on. 

A definite highlight for us is watching our campers experience all the exciting activities that camp has to offer.  We have seen the power of friendship, teamwork, and community.  Every single day at camp gave us the opportunity to see campers take on personal challenges with determination and confidence.  And when they weren’t learning new skills or taking on new challenges, they were simply enjoying the freedom to play, laugh, and just get silly.   We are sure that each and every one of you has wonderful memories of the summer and even some special “you had to be there” moments that make you smile every time you think of them.  Here are some of the summer highlights that we will always remember…

Opening Campfire

Staff Talent Show

July 4^th Fireworks Show

DJ Yahney Party

Dorney Park Trip

Castle Trip

Annie at the IS Playhouse

Tribals

Project Morry Swim-A-Thon

Crazy Hat Day

Carnival

Hypnotist Brad Henderson

Mock Rock

Order of the Blue and Gold

Senior Trip to Washington DC

Mountain Creek

Burning of the Year

We hope you enjoyed these summer memories as much as we did.  Thank you for being a part of the Iroquois Springs experience and making summer 2013 so amazing.  We will miss you all and can’t wait to see you at the reunion, and of course back in Rock Hill for Summer 2014!  Enjoy the start of the school year and remember to stay in touch!!!  Stay tuned for new blogs in September.

What Can You Expect From The End Of Summer

Written by:  Bob Ditter, L.C.S.W.  a child, adolescent, and family therapist in Boston, Massachusetts

For many parents the send off (to camp) requires enough emotional and logistical effort that there is no time to think about where all this work might lead. So allow me to give you some idea of what to expect on the other end of the calendar when your child returns from camp. It just might help……to have a "big picture" reminder of what this endeavor is all about.

Expect your child to be tired.  Not just physically tired, but emotionally tired. You see, camp in its best form engages children not just in activities, but as active members of a community.  What does this mean? Your child is about to acquire several "brothers" or "sisters" they will then have to share everything with—personal space; the counselor's attention; time; fun; laughter; decision-making; clean-up (yes, chores!); some of their own personal possessions; and each others friends. This requires a level of negotiating and give-and-take that most children do not experience in any place but camp!

This experience alone pays dividends. I have parents who have told me their child was so much more cooperative at home after camp.  Or that they got along better with their siblings after camp.  Or that they now eat a broader range of foods or keep their room clean.  Perhaps the most common comment I hear is that their children seem somehow calmer after coming home from camp, which almost seems puzzling to some parents. Where does this calm come from? Once you have the knowledge that you can successfully handle yourself—that you can negotiate with your peers and hold your own and compromise and find out it's just fine—it gives you a sense of confidence that is, well, just calming.

Your child may also be a bit sad after camp. If camp is anything, it is intense. Many children make some of their best friends at camp.  Leaving that rich social environment where you learn you can do things of which you never thought you were capable imparts a temporary emptiness. I call it the August blues. Oh, after a good sleep and a nice dinner (and a few electronics), they'll perk up.  My advice to you as a parent is, keep that first day or two after camp a bit low key. Have it be a time of family reunion. The stories and the songs and the sayings and the new wisdom will gradually come out, and as they do, it is as if your child will suddenly realize all that she has brought home from her camp experience.
 
And as they reminisce, you may find yourself surprised at the mature young person you are listening to, asking yourself, as many parents have told me they ask themselves: "When did she get so grown up?!" At camp, of course! 

The Magic of Iroquois Springs

Written by Adam Waldman, baseball specialist 2013

“WE’RE NOT LEAVING!!! WE’RE NOT LEAVING!!!” The familiar chant intensified as the final hours of an incredible summer passed by much faster than any of us would have liked. I wish that this defiant chant could have somehow stopped the hands of time and extended the summer just a little bit longer, but the sad reality is that all good things must come to an end. 

My final year at the sleep-away camp that defined my childhood took place nearly 30 years ago. Not a summer has gone by since then that I haven’t longed to recapture the magic that cannot possibly be defined by words. It simply must be experienced to be understood. 

This year, I finally turned the dream of returning to camp into a reality, and recaptured the magic that has eluded me for nearly three decades. While this could have theoretically happened if I had worked at a different camp, it’s hard to believe that it would have compared to my Iroquois Springs experience.

When I look back upon my first year at Iroquois Springs - after the passage of time has chipped away at the sadness that comes with saying goodbye - I won’t remember the dark skies and rain that bookended the summer. I’ll remember the sunny days in between…the smiling faces, the laughter and the pure joy on the campers faces as they formed and strengthened bonds that will last a lifetime.

The bonds that we made, campers and staff alike, were shown by all on the bittersweet last evening of camp. 

Before the symbolic burning of the year took place at the lake, the speeches that were given left very few with dry eyes, and even fewer dry eyes after the singing of the alma maters. 

The surprise of the evening for me was getting to see the softer side of Bubba. His usual quick-witted, boisterous delivery was replaced by heartfelt words, and a crackle in his voice brought on by the emotion of the moment.

Not surprising at all was the speech that Mark gave to begin the evening. 

One of the things that I love about Iroquois Springs is the passion and genuine gratitude that starts at the top, creating an atmosphere that is unlike any other that I have ever experienced throughout my years as a camper or in the workplace. 

Two moments during Mark’s speech really hit home for me... 

The first is when he told us that the 321-day countdown to the summer of 2014 was about to begin.

I can only imagine that many owners, especially those like Mark who literally do not leave the camp grounds for 42 straight days, would view the end of the summer as a time to take a break, rather than the time to start counting down the days until he can do it all over again.

The second moment that stood out for me was when Mark spoke about the words that appear on the back of our staff shirts… “I AM THE DIFFERENCE MAKER…” It is a powerful statement that I didn’t take lightly, and tried my best to achieve. 

Most days, you can only hope that you are living up to these lofty expectations because kids tend to live in the moment without acknowledging any impact that you’ve made on their lives. But in the waning days of the summer, as we spent our last moments together, a number of kids showed me that I had, in fact, made a difference.

After Color Week ended, there was one day of regular programming, but it didn’t feel “regular” because we all knew that camp was basically over. The first two periods after lunch were quiet on the baseball field, which is something that wasn’t entirely unexpected. 

My last hope to take the field one final time was the dedicated younger boys who have a passion for baseball that is unrivaled at Iroquois Springs. However, given the fact that it was the last period of the year, and it had been raining off and on throughout the day, I figured that I was done for the year. But like a scene out of a movie, my disappointment quickly dissipated as I saw the first kid walking down the path with his baseball glove. One by one, they all arrived, ready for one last baseball game of the summer. Those 15 boys didn’t know it at the time, but they made my day just by showing up.

At the end of the game, I sat them all down to thank them for being the most dedicated group of baseball players in the camp. Before they left, I gave each of them a baseball that we used during the summer to reward them for their dedication. The joy on their faces was thanks enough for me, but what I got in return was so much more. Handshakes and hugs were followed by them thanking me for teaching them baseball. 

One of the boys asked if anyone had a pen after all of the balls were handed out. Thankfully, one of the counselors had one in his pocket and gave it to him. He brought his ball over to me and asked me to sign it. The other 14 boys got in line behind him to have their ball autographed. An incredible moment that I will cherish for many years to come! In one fell swoop, the words on the back of my shirt were validated…“I AM THE DIFFERENCE MAKER…” 

At the lake, and at the ice cream party that followed, a number of the older boys came up to me and we said our goodbyes. Some expected, some unexpected. Each asked me if I would be returning next year, and told me that they hoped that I would. Even those who spent limited time on the baseball field thanked me. It was truly a humbling moment.

I waited nearly 30 years to experience these 42 days, and I can honestly say that it was well worth the wait. The magic of Iroquois Springs…

The strength of blue and gold…

The 321 day countdown has begun…

The Transition from School to Camp - Just 2 Weeks to Go!

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end" as sang by the group Semisonic in their song, Closing Time.  This song comes to mind as we approach the end of the school year and get ready for the summer months.  June is filled with graduations, end of year celebrations, sports playoffs and dance recitals, and there is a definite buzz in the air.  School year routines are coming to an end and the transition to overnight camp and summer adventure begins.  This transition from school life to camp life is exciting, but can also be filled with mixed emotions.  Though students may be cheering about no more homework and test taking, they do form attachments to teachers, classmates and routines, and may feel a sense of sadness as their familiar routines come to an end.  There is also the transition they will be making from the comforts of home (including loved ones) to new surroundings, counselors and friends.  And though most campers are thrilled about going to camp and can’t wait for the summer to begin, it is natural for some to experience nervousness about their new or returning journey.    So if you have a child that is beginning to feel the upcoming changes in the air, and have some concerns about their transition to camp life, here are some last minute tips to make the transition period a bit easier. 

Pack some comforts of home like a favorite pillow, stuffed animal, family photos, and stationary to keep in touch with friends and loved ones.   To make camp a bit more familiar, review camp materials and the exciting special events that will take place all summer.  Plan a special day together between school and camp for family time.  Having the week off gives families the perfect opportunity to spend time together and enjoy each other’s company.  Be a great listener.  If your child verbalizes any concerns about camp, listen with an empathic ear and let them know their concerns are normal and natural.  Maybe share a similar experience you had during your childhood, and how you got through it.  Let them know you understand.   And most importantly, empower your child to let them know you believe in them and that they will have an amazing summer at camp.  Accentuate the positive and remind them of all the wonderful opportunities they will have and the friends they will make.  The confidence that you have in them will become the confidence they have in themselves.

Our staff is here at camp preparing for an unforgettable summer and we can’t wait for your arrival.  Enjoy the remainder of the school year.  Celebrate all the graduations and accomplishments of the year, enjoy some family time, and get ready for a summer that will be truly amazing. We know that transitions can be challenging but we also know that coming to camp is one transition that will be wonderful.  See you soon!!!!

Camp Memories!

I have to share a wonderful story….a story of the power of camp and the memories that truly last a lifetime.  This past Memorial Day weekend, I got together with two friends that I have known most of my life.  We all grew up in the same town, but the initial meetings were all camp related.  I met my friend Jodi at day camp in the summer of 1974, and Jodi met our friend Stefanie at sleep away camp the following summer.  Their camp ties were always a part of our growing up, and they always spoke of camp in a positive light.  They spoke of camp so often that I had a familiarity with their camp friends and the adventures that took place.  

So fast forward to Memorial Day weekend 2013… We are gathered together with our families to catch up on all that has been happening since we have last seen each another.  As we talked about summer plans and kids and jobs, it was amazing to hear my friends continue to bring up camp stories like it was yesterday.  Every so often one of them would get a big smile on their face and ask the other “Do you remember the time at camp when…”?  These memories took place 38 years ago, but they were fresh in their minds and you could tell that they would be repeating them for years to come.  As I listened to stories of camp, I was amazed at how wonderful it made them feel and especially how fascinated all the kids were to hear about camp “back in the day”.  They talked about the nicknames they had…the friends they made….the summer as pioneers living in the woods…and the overall joy of their summers spent at camp. 

I asked my two dear friends what their camp experience meant to them.  They talked about feeling homesick but never wanting to leave, how much they matured at camp, their first camp boyfriend, the fun of color war, how squishy the bottom of the lake felt, and most importantly how they wouldn’t change any of it for the world.   And then the conversation turned to our own children and the hope they too will have the same positive camp experience and one day sit around with friends reminiscing about their camp days. It may not be the 70’s anymore, but the heart of camp will always be the same.  Camp will always be a place to develop independence and confidence, and to take on personal challenges.  It will always be a place to form lasting friendships, to laugh, to enjoy nature, and to “just be”.  It was a great day spent with friends, and though I didn’t attend camp with them, I loved hearing how happy their camp memories made them feel and how they cherished their times at camp.  Lucky women!!!!

Great Time To Be Outdoors

It’s the perfect time of year to be outdoors.   To get outside and take a walk, a hike, a bike ride, or just explore nature.  A strong body of research confirms that direct contact with nature leads to better psychological well being, improved cognitive functioning, and fewer physical ailments.   The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children get at least one hour of outdoor play every day.  However, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average child spends about 7.5 hours – outside of school- indoors using electronic devices.  With more demands on our time and an increase in technology, it can be a challenge to find the time to connect with nature.  Richard Louv, author of “Lost Child in the Woods”, coined the term “nature-deficit disorder”.  Louv says that children growing up today are deprived from the many healing elements found within nature. 

One area that is trying to increase the time children spend in nature is the Chicago Wilderness Alliance.  Every year they celebrate June as “Leave No Child Inside” month.  Chicago Wilderness and its member organizations plan large collaborative events and family-friendly programs – like bird watching, catch and release fishing, and playing in the mud- designed to nurture a child’s sense of wonder and discovery.

Rachel and Stephen Kaplan, environmental psychologists from the University of Michigan, would most certainly support the efforts of the Chicago Wilderness Alliance.  These psychologists are known for their extensive research on the effects of nature on people’s relationships and health, and have discovered that one remedy for mental fatigue and increased stress is exposure to nature. 

Here are some of the benefits of more time in nature for children: 

1.      Children have better social relationships:  Research has found that children who play in nature have more positive feelings about each other, and can even reduce or eliminate bullying.

2.     Physical health is improved:  Being outside strengthens immunity and improves motor fitness, coordination, balance, and agility.

3.     Better cognitive development:  Spending time in natural environments helps improve focus, concentration, reasoning and observational skills.

4.     Improved imagination:  Studies show that children are more likely to use their imagination and creativity outdoors.

5.     Reduces stress:  Nature has a calming element and cushions the impact of life stressors and helps children better deal with adversity.

In addition, children who spend time outdoors are more likely to appreciate, love, and protect the environment.  We see firsthand the benefits of spending time in nature every summer at camp.  Our campers connect with nature by having fun at the waterfront, helping out in the vegetable garden, mountain biking, horseback riding around the lake, and going on an overnight camping trip.  It is truly amazing how calming the outdoors at camp can be and how it connects us to one another. 

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature.  It will never fail you”, Frank Lloyd Wright.

“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin”, William Shakespeare.