July 2009 Update 1 (originally e-mailed June 30, 2009)

Camp is off to a fabulous start!

Despite the less than perfect weather campers are busy enjoying a wide array of activities as the first day of classes nears its close.

Opening day dawned with rain, but it didn’t deter the staff from their traditional all camp swim at 7:15. As the counselors finished their final preparations and gave campus one last cleaning the skies cleared and puddles began to dry. Families began walking across the deck in the afternoon, checking in at registration and continuing on to see the nurse before settling their campers into their bunks. The deck was bustling with campers quickly taking to the ping pong tables, tetherball court, and diabolos. Shortly before 4pm the bell rang signaling the arrival of the NYC/Mt. Kisco bus. It seems the bus brought with it some more rain as a passing shower dampened the campus. Braving the raindrops campers continued toward their bunks, unpacked and got themselves settled. As is tradition for the first night of camp everyone lined up with their counselor and bunk-mates for a delicious spaghetti dinner – complete with brownies for dessert. Yum! Following dinner campers prepared for their first program planning of the summer. Before counselors began advertising their classes it wasn’t clear which living unit was most excited – loud cheers could be heard from ALL living units. During the first program planning – when campers sign up for classes with the guidance of their counselors – campers were entertained by amusing skits. There were so many great activities to choose from – Training Tarzans (rope swing at the waterfront), Drumming, Monkey Business (low ropes course), Hip Hop 101, Fun in the Farm, Banjo and Beginning Guitar, Full Length Illustration, Comedy Club, Freakin’ Batikin’, Puppet Masters and A Little Bit of Everything (day trips off campus to rock climb and kayak). After a long day it was time to get some sleep and prepare for the first full day of camp.

Rotation Day (Monday), provided campers with a chance to spend time with their counselor and bunkmates. Following our robot-themed morning meeting campers began rotating around camp in their living units. Tent Unit campers were the first to visit the water front and test their swimming skills while the Cabin boys played get to know you games in the dance pavilion and the Dorm girls checked in with the nurse. As the day continued each living unit visited the waterfront, dance pavilion and HMO where their swimming skills were assessed, they learned fun facts about their fellow campers, and were reminded of the importance of wearing sun screen, bug spray and checking for ticks. The afternoon was set aside for small living unit time when each bunk of campers came together with their counselor for more fun get-to-know-you games. In the evening, campers worked together as a bunk to learn fun, interesting facts about the counselors and LITs (Leaders In Training). Completing silly tasks as a group earned each bunk the answer to one of the counselor trivia facts. After all the running around, dancing, and singing we learned that Travis has been struck by lightening, Gemma has never eaten a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, Sasha has a camel at a zoo named after her, and Brittany slept on the great wall of China!

Today (Tuesday) marked the beginning of the first set of classes. Although it’s been overcast most of the day the rain has held out and we even saw a few hints of sun! The next round of classes will begin on Thursday, and we have some exciting activities planned for the end of the week. Capture the Flag – a camper favorite is scheduled for Friday (but don’t tell them…we want it to be a surprise!). On Saturday we’ll celebrate the Fourth of July holiday with our very own fireworks. Be sure to look for photos in next week’s update!

For a few photos of the first couple of days click the link below. Please remember these photos are meant to give you a general idea of what is going on at camp. With only a couple days behind us we’re happy to share a handful of photos with you. More will follow next week!

Camp Photos

Enjoy the photos!
The Windsor Mountain Team