Daily Update

That's right, a daily update every day that camp is in session! Visit this page to learn what is going on at camp from our camp director, Kathy Jonas.  Following are the daily updates from the summer of 2011:

8.12.2011 10:00 am and All of the Campers Are Headed Home, We Miss You Already!

I know you are all sad to leave and the trip home will be long but that it will be great to be reunited with your families.  Thank you, EVERYONE, for a great first Walden summer for me…without you camp is just a place with buildings, a lake and lots of trees.   I look forward to seeing everyone at camp reunion on Saturday, November 26th in New York City and back at camp next year, June 22 to August 10, 2012!  Have a great school year!

8.11.2011  Can't Believe Today is the Last Day of Camp!

Where has the summer gone?  Now all that is left is packing those last few items, cleaning, signing Splash, enjoying friends and Banquet.  We all wish today would last forever.  For now, we are going to enjoy being together if only for one more day!

8.10.2011  Our First Rainy Day of the Summer!

A perfect day for a fire in the Living Room and packing!  Many more lasts as well, the last sleep late, the last schnecken, the last grilled cheese and tomato soup lunch and the last dodge ball game in the ARC. 

In the evening we walked up the the HHC, probably for the last time, for SPLASH (the camp yearbook put together completely by Bunk 12ers) Night.  Splash night is the time when the Splash editorial staff reveals the yearbook's theme and dedication to the entire camp.  It was a very special evening, one I know I will remember for a long time.  Lots of hugs and awwwws, a very special evening indeed. Tomorrow in the midst of cleaning and getting ready for Banquet, we will all sign each others' yearbooks and uphold the Walden tradition to wait to read until we are home.

Bedtime was the normal routine ending with the last Taps for this Bunk 12!  I can't believe that tomorrow is the last full day of Summer 2011!

8.9.2011 Counselor Show 2011

We love you counselors oh yes we do!  EAO, you are the best!

8.8.2011  A Flotilla Down the Lake!

This morning campers who passed swim level 6, and many counselors, swam the mile on Walden Pond to Counselor Rock.  They were escorted by Bunk 12 and lifeguards in canoes, kayaks and ski boats.  The great splash as they entered the water for the swim was exhilarating and the view of them swimming together reminded me of watching a triathlon start.  Everyone who set out on this journey was successful in reaching the Rock and joined us at breakfast to the cheers of everyone.

What a great way to start the day!

8.7.2011  Mmm Mmmm I Wanna Linger, Mmm Mmm A Little Longer…

I first learned this song when I was a camper many summers ago.  We sang it at the end of every campfire wishing it would last longer and we would not have to go to bed so soon.  Last night I heard this song again for the first time and was again reminded of those summers I spent as a child and young adult in the Adirondacks.  Honestly, I had been waiting all summer to hear/sing this song again and I was delighted when I heard it begin.

At the end of Final Campfire, after all the songs had been sung all of the speeches had been made; after all the candles had been lit and floated and all of the stories had been told~the entire camp snaked their way up to the Grove, Bunk 12 to Bunk 1 singing "Mmmmm" all the while.  From Peace Circle my eyes and ears were filled with the lovely sounds of beautiful singing and small lights (camper head lamps) headed up the road.

If all of the Final traditions at camp are this wonderful, I am in for an amazing week!

8.6.2011  Good Night Camp Walden, We LOVE You!

Words to go to sleep by each and every night during camp and words I will hear as I close my eyes to sleep the rest of the year!  What a wonderful tradition, the songs of Walden being sung by Bunk 12 as all of the other bunks quiet down for the night.  Thank you Bunk 12.

Today the list of lasts continued…last dough-nuts, last Land Sports, last Trip Songs and 3rd to last activities!  In the evening last cook-out and Denmark Fair.  The theme this year was the "Wonderful World of Walden" and there were so many wonderful things to enjoy.  Face painting, bobbing for apples, t-shirts, fudge, cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones, being hand cuffed to our favorite friends, or not, and bouncing in the dragon to our hearts content.  The Fair ended with raffles for a stuffed moose, pickles in a jar, m&ms in a jar and the cakes. 

EAO to P&E, their assistants and Bunk 10 for a great Denmark Fair!

8.5.2011  The Beginning of the End!

Everyone has returned to camp from a week of great pleasure trips, so great to have everyone back.  Now the week of lasts begins.  Final Bunk Show, final Campfire, and final Land and Water Sports. 

Tonight we will all head up to the HHC for the final Bunk Show of the summer, Bunk 1-5, The King and I.  they have been working hard all week and are very nervous.  I have been checking in on their rehearsals and they have been wonderful.  They really have nothing to worry about and their costumes are beautiful!

This is also the week when we celebrate all of our accomplishments and time together.  There will be Denmark Fair, an old fashion country fair with games and delicious food, the proceeds of which go to the Main Idea.  There will be awards given out by activity departments.  Everyone will be given a yearbook, Splash, and have the chance to sign them.  The end of the summer Art Show will display all of our beautiful art work.  Banquet will celebrate the summer.  And of course there will be lots of time this week to be with friends and enjoy camp. 

It is hard to believe that there is only one week left of camp…where has the time gone summer 2011?

8.4.2011  A Beautiful Day!

It does not get much better than today, a cloudless sky, a bright and beautiful sun, temperature in the 70s and lots of happy campers passing swim tests, getting up on waterskis, passing horseback riding levels, rehearsing their Bunk Show, making pins for Banquet, double sailing…and lots of singing!  Just before dinner Bunk 11 returned to camp after a wonderful Pleasure Trip, Welcome Back You Waldenites.  After dinner Bunks 1 to 5 headed to the HHC for their dress rehearsal~great costumes and still a few lines to learn.  Everyone else tried their hand at games on the Rec Porch organized by Bunk 10~ great prizes!  True, it does not get any better than today!

8.3.2011  What Does Your Younger Child's Voice Sound Like When Your Older Children Are Not Home?

At camp it means that Bunks 9 and 10 plan and run amazing evening programs.  Last night the half of Bunk 10 that was in camp organized the most fun evening activity!  The teams were by bunk and the counselors had a team and we had to show our most amazing talent.  Juggling, words to Walden songs, Schnecken spelled backwards, weird body tricks…and much more.  We all laughed so much.

Tonight Bunk 9 planned the evening activity, Halloween Night.  Everyone in camp dressed up in costumes, then participated in a Fashion Show, a Scavenger Hunt and a Haunted House, followed by candy prizes!  So cute.

And just in case you were wondering, Bunk 678 sings very loudly, at every meal, the entire meal!

Yup, when the older campers are gone having fun in Canada and on the Seashore, the younger campers have found all of their voices and it is wonderful to watch and play!

8.2.22011  What Do You Do When the Older Campers Are All Out of CAMP and Bunks 1-5 are Rehearsing Their Bunk Show?  You Play Kickball!

And that's exactly what we did today.  Campers in Bunks 9 and 10 who were still in camp this morning played a mean kickball game against the Land Sports staff and even though they lost (we are a non-competitive camp) they wrote a poem and this is how it went:

Roses are Red, violets are Blue, Bunk 9 and 10 had fun with you!  Elesa and Carolyn joined our team.  They loved to play yell and scream.  A competitive camp we try not to be but all you counselors did not agree.  We tied the score but only once.  Then you really killed us with all your bunts (Sam).  But in the end the campers got beat.  Would you believe the counselors cheat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also, a special EAO to Bunk 10 for a terrifically creative and fun evening activity as well as a beautiful Taps!

8.1.2011  What Time Are We Waking Up?

This morning Camp Walden woke to the yoohoos of Bunk 12!  As traditions dictates Bunk 12 ate an early breakfast and then woke all of us so we could meet them at the garage to wish them a wonderful Canada Trip, their last Camp Walden Trip as campers.  "Yoohoo Camp Walden" turned into "wake up you sleepy heads" into "get up you guys…"  Soon the entire camp was tumbling out of their bunks and headed to the garage in their pajamas to say good-bye and safe travels to Bunk 12.

We each took our turns huggy Bunk 12 good-bye and giving them van notes.  Then Bunk 12 and Bunk 11 joined hands and sang a few traditional tunes.  Bunk 11 then circled around Bunk 12 for one more song of safe travels and we will miss you, a few more hugs and good wishes and into the vans and up the camp road they headed.  So lucky, Canada here comes Bunk 12!

It was now about 7:45 am and a camper from Bunk 1 asked, "what time are we waking up?"  At first I was a bit puzzled, we were awake.  Then I realized she had no idea what time it was and thought we were all going back to sleep for a while until it was time for breakfast.  "Ahhhhhhh" I retourted, you are awake and breakfast is in 15 minutes!  She smiled and headed to her bunk to get dressed for a fun day of Bunk Show Rehearsals at Camp Walden!

7.31.2011  Healthy Homies, Do You Know Who Your's Is?

You might know this or participated in something similar to this but it was called Secret Snow People, or Secret Santas. Last Sunday night, after the Staff/Bunk 12 Talent Show, all of the campers became Healthy Homies for other campers and Staff selected Bunk 12ers. 

The way this tradition works at Camp Walden is that as a Healthy Homie you are responsible for doing nice things for your Healthy Homie all week~singing songs, thanking them in the dining room, sending them cards and nature art.  You can not spend any money on them or buy anything for them on your pleasure trip.  All the while you are trying to figure out who your Healthy Homie is, and if asked you can only say yes or no! 

All week we have been treated to wonderful acts of kindness by campers for other campers.  This is not that different from other weeks at camp except while everyone is doing nice things for everyone else they are also trying to figure out who is being especially nice to them.  Actually, this part is a bit crazy.

Anyway, it will be sometime before the Healthy Homies are revealed so we will continue to be exposed to wonderful acts of kindness!  EAO!

7.29.2011  Rain, Rain, You Sound So Nice!

There is a fire roaring in the living room and rain is falling on the cabin roofs, great smells and sounds to fall asleep to after a busy week of trips, activities and inter-camp competitions.  Bunk 11 canoed on the St. Croix River, Bunks 1,2,3,4,5,6,7, and 8 enjoyed their Pleasure Trips and Bunk 10 prepared for their Bunk Show "Wicked."  There were inter-camp tennis matches, horse shows, kickball and softball games.  Many of us passed swim levels and riding levels, finished art projects, got up on water skis for the first time, and caught a fish (and threw it back.)  Splash double 1 is at the printer and Denmark Fair t-shirts have been designed.  Just another busy, fun week at Camp Walden, I am so glad that everyone is home safe and sound and that Yoo Hoo is at 8 am instead of 7:30 am tomorrow! 

7.28.2011  Ms. Herz Must Have Loved Cake!

Celebrating your birthday at camp is a very special Walden tradition and lots of Walden campers and staff have been lucky to celebrate their's this summer.  The celebration begins at breakfast when the Bunk 12 Song Leaders and their Bunk 11 assistants lead the camp in an EA Birthday Cheer for the birthday girl.  All day wishes and hugs for a happy day are shared.  In the evening, shortly after dessert is served the lights go out in the dining room and the birthday girl's bunk brings her a traditional Walden Birthday Cake, chocolate/ chocolate, chocolate/vanilla or vanilla/vanilla, candles a blaze, to her table singing all the while…Kings and queens and princesses too, want to wish you all that's new, so hey, hey, what do you say, it's your birthday, Happy Birthday to you!

Then the birthday girl brings the cake to me and I cut the center for her and a slice for me.  Yup, I get the second slice of every birthday cake and then I give each girl a hug and a Happy Birthday squeeze.  So lucky am I!

Back to her table with the cake and the knife and lots more cake slices to enjoy.  The celebration ends with a song written especially for her sung to her by her bunk in the dining room.  And actually the celebration continues a day or two later when the bunk enjoys a special birthday cake made just for them! 

Ms. Herz must have really loved cake!

7.27.2011  It Does Not Get Much Better Than This!

We woke to a blue bell morning, clear blue skies and cool temps.  The morning turned into a warm, very sunny day with the perfect breeze for a soccer game or a sail on the lake.  And I am told the food was also perfect, pancakes for breakfast, tacos for lunch and s'more brownies for dessert at dinner (we also had BBQ chicken breasts, steamed broccoli and corn on the cob!)  Yup, it does not get much better than this!

In the morning campers left of trips, in the afternoon other campers returned from trips…they were great!  All day the sounds of happy campers could be heard as Bunk 12 went horse back riding, the younger girls competed in a teatherball tournament and older girls played water polo for the first time.  This evening Bunk 10 headed to Androscoggin for a social and Bunk 12 went into Bridgton to see the new Harry Potter movie. 

Ba doom, ba doom Camp Walden.  Boom, boom, boom, boom Walden's for me!

7.26.2011  Passing Levels and Finishing Projects.

With just over two weeks remaining, campers are working hard to pass levels and finish projects in all of their activities.  More than half of camp is out of camp on trips this week, the other half will be out next week, and everyone who is in camp is working to improve their skills and sing their loudest.  Splash, the camp yearbook, will go to the printer tomorrow and the editors will work hard all night to put the finishing touches on what will be an amazing memory of the summer.  It is wonderful to hear and see how much the girls have achieved this summer.   Two more weeks to put the icing on their cakes!

7.25.2011  Cheer Up You Counselors the Worst is Yet to Come.  We’ll Throw Them in the Lake…We’ll Throw Them in the Lake!

At the end of every summer the staff puts on a show for the camp which is intended to remind us about all of the funny things that have happened at camp all summer. Although the show happens every year it is a huge secret- the counselors who are writing the show is a secret, whether or not the show will even happen is a secret (it always happens) and most importantly none of the staff are allowed to speak of the show.  The campers spend all summer trying to get the staff to utter the words “Counselor Show” because when they do they will be thrown in the Lake.  Yes another Camp Walden tradition!

From the first moment campers arrive they try to trick the staff into saying the “Counselor Show.”  We warned and reminded the staff of these tricks and many staff have not uttered these words, but a few have.  So, once Visiting Day has passed any staff who have said the “Counselor Show” can be thrown in the lake.  Female staff throw the men in and male staff throw the women in!  Fortunately this can only happen when everyone is in camp and when I give permission.

Of course the chanting began at breakfast this morning, the first opportunity to throw a counselor in the lake and the last time we would all be in camp until Friday night.  So after checking with the counselor whose name was being chanted I gave the nod and like magic the entire dining room emptied as everyone headed to canoe beach to watch the first counselor being thrown into the lake.  Once in, the entire camp returned to the dining room to finish their breakfast!  Just another wonderful day at Camp Walden!

7.24.2011  THANK YOU!

It has been a wonderfully busy weekend here at Camp Walden and so nice to have our families…moms, dads, sisters, brothers, aunts, cousins and grandparents joining us for singing, activities and lots of Schneken!  Thanks too to the Bunk 12 parents for a wonderful song, your daughters are still wearing their shirts!  Thanks to our alumni for singing the Unity Songs twice!  And thanks to our staff who played with you and your daughters all weekend! 

Everyone at camp has now returned to their smiling selves after a picnic supper, a visit by the ice-cream truck and a Talent Show staring the Staff and Bunk 12ers.  Tomorrow begins week 5 of summer 2011 with the last of the camping trips and the first of the pleasure trips heading out of camp.

We miss you already but know that we will see you again soon!

7.22.2011  In Anticipation of Visiting Day 2011

The campers have been singing this song at every meal for an entire week!   We are really looking forward to having our families visit us this weekend!

Visitor's Song (Tune: The Addam's Family)

Here they come (snap, snap), Here they come (snap, snap)

Our moms and dads are coming, We better do some running, Back to the bunks we scurry To clean up in a rush

Here they come (snap, snap), Here they come (snap, snap)

Oh my how far they’ve come, To see their camper, There is happiness at Walden, For each and everyone

Here they come (snap, snap), Here they come (snap, snap)

They came to see a show! Saw Tango versus Bruno, They ate a lobster dinner, That really hit the spot

Here they come (snap, snap), Here they come (snap, snap)

Bye!!!

7.21.2011  Its Hot, Hot, Hot…

The thermometer read 90 degrees but that did not stop us.  Can you imagine wearing your rain boots or Uggs when it is so hot?  Yup, lots of campers had those on their feet this evening, but I digress. 

All day there was a wonderfully brisk breeze off the lake and we just kept going.  Bunk 11 spent the day in the HHC with fans blowing as they put the final touches on their Bunk Show, can't wait!  Trips came and went.  Tennis, wall, sailing, canoeing, arts and crafts…a very ordinary day until 5th period.  Then, while some of us gave the horses a bath, the rest of us ran down to the Swim Beach for an hour of playing and swimming in the lake.  SO REFRESHING! 

This evening we sat on the Main House lawn and tested our musical knowledge with a Sing Down.  Milk like, warning bell and taps.  Tomorrow is another day!

7.20.2011 Food Traditions at Camp!

What we eat and drink everyday gives us the energy to have fun and be busy at camp.  Our camp days are filled with meals and snacks and many food choices.  All of the meals at camp offer campers a balanced meal with protein, vegetables and a starch.  There is a fruit and yogurt bar at breakfast as well as bagels and toast, and a salad bar and soy butter and jelly at lunch and dinner.  We offer a choice of white or wheat bread.  Fresh whole fruit is available in the dining room through-out the day and a healthy snack like pretzels or whole grain gold fish is available in the afternoon.   After evening activities the girls are offered milk, a cookie and/or a piece of fruit.

There are also lots of meals that are dictated by Walden tradition.  On Tuesday and Thursday we have a picnic lunch.  Everyone lines up at the back porch of the dining room and enters a few at a time to travel through the picnic lunch buffet.  Our choices might include 3-bean salad, quinoa salad, pasta salad and green salad or sliced turkey, ham, roast beef and cheese and sliced tomatoes and lettuce leaves and chips.  There is also soy butter and jelly, white and wheat bread.  On Thursday there is also fluff, a favorite of Helen’s!  We then take our plates full of food and sit on the front lawn of the Main House.   For dessert on Tuesday we have popsicles or fudgesicles, on Thursday we have Candy Line (everyone gets to purchase one candy bar.)

Friday night is International Night.  We sit by bunk and eat foods that represent different nationalities.  So far this summer we have enjoyed food from Italy, Spain, and Mexico.

Dinner on Saturday night is Pizza, dessert is Congo Bars and our evening snack is a popsicle after the Bunk Show. All tradition! Sunday breakfast is Schneken, a special gooey sticky bun with raisins treat plus the tradition breakfast fare.  Sunday lunch is Turkey lunch…roast turkey, butternut squash, stuffing, cranberry sauce, veggies, mashed potatoes and gravy. 

Sunday night is cook-out night of Picnic Supper.  Also a tradition!  We go up to the sports’ fields with our crazy creeks and enjoy a hot dog and hamburger cook-out.  Vegetarian options are also available.  At the end of the meal an old fashion ice-cream truck arrives and we have the pick of what the truck has to offer!

The food this summer has been delicious and even the pickiest eaters have found something to enjoy at every meal!

7/19/2011  Walden's Best, Better Than The Rest, Walden's Gonna Get Ya!

Yesterday our seasoned tennis players attended the Tripp Lake Camp Invitational Tennis Tournament and "Get Them" they did!  In addition to Walden and Tripp Lake we also competed against girls from Pinecliffe and Fernwood.  All of our campers played hard, enthusiastically and well.  Emma G. and Emilia W. won the #2 doubles draw.  Leigh S. and Kate J went 2-1 in the #1 doubles draw as did Izzy M. in the #3 singles draw.  The final score was Tripp Lake 18, Pinecliffe 14, Walden 11 (compared with our score of 5 in 2010) and Fernwood 4.   

Today a group of younger tennis players headed to Forest Acres for their Tennis Tournament.  With 8 camps participated there were more matches and more competition.  All of the girls played hard and well, for many this was their first tennis tournament ever. 

Thanks to the support and enthusiasm of all of the tennis staff the girls were prepared for the matches and had lots of fun meeting girls from other camps.  EAO to everyone!

7/18/2011  Inspection!

After breakfast every day we return to our bunks to make our beds, sweep the bunk floor, and organize our trunks.  Keeping the cabins in which we live in at camp clean and our belongings organized.  This is an important part of the daily routine at camp and an important part of learning to live on our own. 

At Camp Walden we fondly refer to this time of day as Inspection.  Each cabin has a work wheel, cleverly made from 2 paper plates by the counselors during pre-camp.  Each day the wheel gets turned to indicate which girl will do which job.  During the first activity period the Inspector checks on their work and gives them a score of 1 to 10, 10 being perfect, 7 or lower means a redo, and 10 scores of 10 in a row the bunk wins a prize.

This morning I wandered over to check on how some of my favorite Bunk 1 and 2 campers were doing with their clean-up routine.  Some were making their beds, others were checking the cloths line for wet and dry clothing and others were trying to sweep.  The group was generally making a lot of wonderful progress on their way to a 10.  They were excited by their previous inspections and hoping they would get an 8 or better so they would not have to reclean during inspection.   

So now you know our secret!  After a summer at Camp Walden every girl knows how to make their bed, fold and organize their clothing and belongings, and even sweep a floor.  I hope your daughter returns to her bedroom at home and remembers these new skills!

7.17.2011  Another Week!

Another weekend, another International Dinner, another Bunk Show, more Land and Water Sports, Brother/Sister afternoon, another picnic supper, another camp fire…my has the week flown by!  As we sat at the Peace Circle for our Sunday evening Camp Fire this evening, I was struck by how quickly the week had gone and I felt a sense of pride at the community of girls we have become in the past 3 weeks.  I am proud of the new campers who have learned so many new songs and traditions. I am proud of the returning campers who are challenging themselves in new ways and sharing their knowledge with the new campers.  Most of all I am delighted by our friendships, our caring and our genuine love of camp and each other.  Tomorrow we begin once again… trips, activities and lots more fun.  Tonight I will go to sleep with a smile on my face that will extend from the top of my head to the tips of my toes because I know that all of the girls are also smiling!  Sweet dreams.

7.16.2011 F.A.K.E.O.U.T…FAKE OUT!

As I have written about many times before, there are lots of traditions at Camp Walden and a few weeks ago I was asked and then told about the Bunk 5 Trick.  Each summer the group of girls who live in Bunk 5 have the awesome responsibility of trickin the entire camp.  In the past tricks have included taking all the campers' hiking boots and lining them up outside the dining room and setting up the dining room tables on the Rec Porch. 

This summer for their trick the Bunk 5 campers wanted to trick the camp into thinking that they were spending the night in the ARC.  They managed to get the entire camp to leave and amazing Bunk 12 Bunk Show, "The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee," (EAO Bunk 12!) go to their bunks, get into their pjs and return to the ARC with a blanket a pillow and their stuffed animals.  They had us tell the entire camp that we have to spray for bugs overnight and that they cannot sleep in their bunks.  I think most of the older campers knew that it was a FAKE OUT but the younger campers believed them and seriously thought they were spending the night in the ARC.   FAKE OUT, everyone gave Bunk 5 an EAO Cheer because this was the BUNK 5 TRICK! 

7.15.2011  We're All Together Again We're Here We're Here!

Just like magic, between 4 and 5 pm this afternoon, one after another the camp vans return to camp, past EA Rock…EA, EA, EAO, Walden, Walden…to camp craft bringing back campers from Mt. Washington, Mousilake, Caribou Mountain, Saco River and the Beach.  Instantly girls were running everywhere, of course after they unpacked and cleaned the van, to check mail, hug friends and take a shower.  Once in dinner we returned to our above normal volume of singing and cheering…the sounds of happy Waldenites.  It truly is wonderful to have everyone home!  We are all looking forward to a weekend of Team Sports, the Bunk 12 Bunk Show and even maybe a sleep late!

7.14.2011  Do You Like Justin Bieber?

Yup, while visiting with a bunk of campers today the girls asked me if I liked Justin Bieber.  Now, I was never one to swoon over movie stars or celebrities although I do have my favorites.  As a child it was my sister who decorated her room with posters of hockey players and TV stars.  I just went in there to see them!

The girls had asked me about Justin because all of them, and I mean all 10 of these girls, are in love with him, at least that is what they said.  To prove their point they showed me all of the posters of Justin, the good, the bad and the ugly ones, hanging around their bunk.  Posters of him on the beach, singing, at home and even one with his arm around a girl’s shoulder and a place for you to put your photo in her face so it looks like he is hugging you.  So Cool!

Even cooler were the pictures of the other people in their lives that were hanging in the bunk next to Justin who they also love.  Photographs hanging next to and above their beds of their parents, their siblings, their dogs and cats; pictures of their grand-parents and country houses; snapshots of friends and cousins.  Also very cool!

Now none of the girls asked me if I liked my parents, my cousins or if I had a dog, but I am certain that they love all of you, their families, as much as they love Justin because you are hanging their right next to him in their bunk.  I also know that when they say good-night to Justin every day at camp they are also saying good-night to you!

Oh and yes, I do know who Justin Bieber is, I saw Oprah interview him!

7.13.2011  EA Rock!

Another beautiful day, lots of campers coming and going on trips, amazing tennis instruction, basketball playing, and wall climbing.  Lots of trips coming and going…and a reminder about another very special Walden tradition, EA Rock.  At first glance this is an ordinary and quite large rock located on the camp road just before the Grove where all of the campers live, but Waldenites know that this rock has special and magical powers.

There are many traditions associated with EA Rock.  To begin, when you return from a camp trip or inter-camp sports competition, tradition dictates that you must remain completely silent from the moment you pass the camp sign until you get to EA Rock.  Once at EA Rock you cheer "EA, EA, EA Rock!  Walden, Walden, Walden…"  Imagine for a moment the cheers from the coach bus on the first day of camp at the end of their journey from New York City!

The second tradition associated with EA Rock is that campers may not go past the rock to the HHC or the land sports fields until a bell has rung signifying the start of an activity.  So for these purposes the rock is an important camp boundary.  Meet you at EA Rock!

The last tradition is that EA Rock is a very special and magical place where all of the girls go to have some alone time or to talk with a friend.  Last Sunday I spent a bit of time at EA Rock with a camper who was having a hard day.  We sat on the rock for some time talking about her day and could not help noticing that from that place on the rock there was so much wonderful to see and feel.  We felt immediately lucky to be at Walden, a very special place.  I am positive that it was the magic of the rock that helped us to see beyond the hard day to our fun times at camp!  

7.12.2011  Lost and Found, Where Have All Of My Clothing Gone?

A hot July day has turned into a warm summer evening.  Groups of campers on trips came and went while the rest of us played hard at camp.  Tonight the campers are trying to find the counselors who have hidden all over camp.  Can you guess who is worth the most points?

Tonight, right after dinner we gathered the entire camp, minus the campers on trips, on the Rec Porch and returned two weeks of lost clothing, water bottles and crazy creeks. It is amazing how so many belongings can get misplaced and left behind.  The huge pile is now much smaller and lost belongings have now been returned to their owners.

It is an age old tradition at summer camps everywhere that children come to camp with clothing, sports equipment, blankets and sheets, shoes…everything they need to outfit them for their time at camp labeled with their names or initials.  Mom's and campers spend days before camp begins sewing, ironing and writing in their names.  Sometimes they arrive at camp with our older sister or cousin's clothing, and although the label may have a different first name the last name is always the same.  Once at camp we, the grown ups at camp, are responsible for helping the campers make sure that they return home at the end of their summer with all of their belongings.  You may be thinking simple, everything has labels and I would agree especially since we spend all summer returning their clothing!   I am still wondering how Adam Goldstein's pillow case made it to my house in my son's camp duffel rather than his!

7.11.2011  A Busy Week of Trips!

It is quiet at Camp Walden tonight, a warm summer evening.  The loons are singing as I write to you and every now and again the breeze picks up.

You may ask how can a camp of 130 girls be quiet?  It is quiet because many of our campers, girls in Bunks 6,7,8, Bunk 9, and Bunk 10, are sleeping in tents and huts tonight on the Saco River, on Mt. Washington, on Caribou Mountain and on Mousilake.  I know they are having an amazing time on these trips pushing themselves to new limits and still I miss them!

Back at camp today we have also tried new things and pushed ourselves to the limit.  For the first time in many years a group of girls learned to fish from the deck of the lodge.  Another group were learning to play the guitar on the porch of the Main House.  Girls in Bunk 3,4,5 went on an afternoon hike to Emerald Pool, a great swimming hole about an hour's drive from camp.  Another group of girls from Bunk 1,2 and 3,4,5 played kickball against the boys at Camp Wigwam and won!  I even heard we cheered more than the boys.  Still another group of girls beat Pinecliffe in a tennis tournament at Walden.  "We will, we will, rock them!"  And all the while Bunk 12 treks up to the HHC and rehearses their Bunk Show.

7.10.2011  The Perfect End to a Perfect Day!

Today was one of those days when you walk around and think to yourself, What A Beautiful Day!  We woke to a cool, clear, sunny morning.  With every hour the day turned warmer and the sky got bluer.  The perfect weather for a great day at camp.

Although we have begun our third week of camp this Sunday marked the first official Camp Meeting and the first official Camp Fire and the first sleep late.  The day also included regular activities, turkey lunch, water sports, cook-out and ice-cream truck.

Last evening the Bunk 9 Bunk Show was "13" and it was a phenomenal performance!  EA, EA, EAO!

I had been told how wonderful Camp Fire was and now I can share that it is amazing.  The girls have such beautiful voices and the songs, many written by Waldenites, are beautiful.  I wish every day could end with a Camp Fire!

Tomorrow we begin a week of many trips…Washington, Saco, Mousilake, the beach…everyone goes to sleep tonight dreaming about the week to come.  Sweet dreams!

7.9.2011  Kids Say the Darndest Things!

As the parent of 2 boys who went to overnight camp I always looked forward to Thursday, when the weekly letter from my sons would arrive and tell me everything that they were doing at camp… NOT!  You receive letters from your daughters and they ask you to send them things or to respond to their letters.  They tell you that their braces broke but no more.  You ask yourself, "Did they tell someone? Is the wire cutting into their lip?" They also tell you that they had a fight with their best camp friend, and your heart aches for them.  What they don't tell you in the next letter is that at dinner, 3 hours after they wrote the first letter, they made up with their best camp friend.  Most of all we want to pick up the phone and hear for ourselves that they are OK!

For your girls, writing to you about their physical or social pain is very safe and often helps them to work through their problems.  As parents, you also know that at Camp Walden we strive to help girls work through all of these challenges and get along with girls they might not otherwise ever meet.  Camp is a very close community and we know everyone well. We never let anyone go to sleep in pain or upset.  Please know that by the time you receive these letters, which can be 4 or 5 days after it is written, most of your daughters are into something totally different and wonderful. 

7.7.2011  Just Another Amazing Day at Camp!

Beautiful weather, lots of smiles, a light breeze on the lake, and really just lots of fun at camp today!  As is often true at Walden we were also busy sending overnight trips off, welcoming other trips home.  This afternoon we hosted a soccer game against Camp Kohut, a close game but we came in second with a lose of 4 to 3.  This morning a group of experienced riders explored the trails near camp.  Tonight we are firing our first ceramic pots and almost every camper is wearing a beautiful necklace made of metal with their own hands.    For me it was a day of wandering and enjoying the sounds and sights of happy campers!

7.6.2011  Clubs and Appreciation Societies!

During the rainy summer of 2009, 8" of rain fell in the first 3 weeks of camp.  IT WAS VERY WET!  That summer the Harry Potter Appreciation Society was born at Camp Walden and since then every rainy day the Society meets, writes and sings songs.  During the activity period they get sorted into the Harry Potter Houses, and they do all of this in the Attic of the Main House.  The only qualification for acceptance into the society is that you are a camper at Camp Walden.

This summer a number of new clubs and appreciation societies have been started by campers and staff alike.  They include the Hannah Montana Appreciation Society, the Eco Club, the Chess Club, the Tetherball Club and the Drawing Club.  Campers announce the new organizations at meals and have sign up sheets in the living room for other campers to join.  I am not sure if any of these clubs or societies have members or have met but I know that their dining hall announcements are received with loud cheers of enthusiasm by everyone at camp, EAO.  I promise to keep you posted about their initiatives if and when these clubs become active.

Otherwise it was a beautiful summer day in Denmark, ME with lots of happy campers at Camp Walden! 

7.5.2011  Keep Sending Those Cards and Letters!

Today, as is the tradition at Camp Walden, was picnic lunch.  This means that we all go through a buffet line, pick our sandwich fixings and salads and then take our food outside to sit on the front lawn of the Main House to eat.  I used this moment as an opportunity to sit with a group of girls who were eating lunch and reading their mail, lots of mail.  Unanimously they all announced to me that they want more mail! 

What I learned, in the course of our lunch conversation, is that when it comes to mail at camp it is not the quality but quantity that matters.  The parents who are sending  a letter or more a day are raising the bar for those who are sending mail every other day.  If I might offer some advise…please send more letters and don't worry about what you write, just send more.

We have also asked the campers to write to you. Beginning this week, every girl is being asked to write a letter home and hand it in when they come into the dining hall for Turkey Lunch on Sunday.  I can not guarantee what will be in your envelop having been the recipient of a few empty envelops from my children while they were at camp, but I can guarantee that we will send each of you an envelop.  We mailed those letters today and hopefully they will arrive home soon!  Happy reading and please write us often!

7.4.2011 3 Blue Turtles!

Happy Birthday America!  At Camp Walden today it was a pretty routine day.  Warm summer weather, lots of activities, a Bunk 1 overnight to Arethusa Falls, a Fun Run in Bridgton for all ages, a Bunk 678 Saco River Canoe Trip…just another day at camp and we love it.  Rest Hour brought quiet in the bunks and a drenching thunder and lightning storm which lead to an afternoon of sun and complete calm on the lake and 3 Blue Turtles!

Now these were not your typical Maine turtles, these were the kind with their masts in the mud and their dagger boards reaching to the sky.  Yes, you guessed it, these were sailboats and the calm, windless afternoon was a perfect opportunity for campers to practice tipping sailboats.  I am a sailor too and as a child at camp I always feared tipping in a sailboat.  Watching our campers tip and right the boats this afternoon, laughing all the while, was so much fun for me.  Today these campers learned an important sailing skill and I am sure in the next big gust, if they should tip, they will know exactly what to do!  EAO!  

7.3.2011  July 4th Celebration, Bunk12/Counselor Softball Game, Water Sports, Cook-out Supper, Ice-Cream Truck and Song Fest!

My Walden education continued today as we celebrated America's birthday the Walden way.  I served as master of ceremonies while Bunk 12 and Bunk 9 led our celebration.  The softball game was my opportunity to call balls, strikes and outs, Bunk 12 wins 11 to 0.  And then in the evening I was lucky enough to follow KK, Wendy and Ms. Herz in concluding Song Fest with the all time Camp Walden favorite, "Laugh it Off!"

Ready?  If you wake up in the morning and it's cold, and you think the rising bell is awfully bold, if you shiver like cold pups, and you're late for getting up, Laugh it off o campers Laugh it off!  When you sweat and paint and dirty all your clothes, put your laundry in your bag and over your nose, but then we lose our way, no one knows the laundry day, Laugh it off o campers Laugh it off!  The first trips of the week all went out, at the rock, eao you did all shout, the swim counselors were all laughing, 'cause they made you swim for rafting, Laugh it off o campers Laugh it off! If you want to be a good Waldenite, yet each thing you do lands you in a plight, you will find you get on great, if you do not hesitate, to Laugh it off o campers Laugh it off!

7.2.2011  Saturday night when it gets dark-The bunk show starts…

But before we were entertained at the bunk show I had the opportunity to continue a very special Camp Walden tradition, tying the orange ties of the new campers and giving them their first Walden pin for their ties.  So today, during shower hour, I sat in the Grove and tied each of the new campers’ orange ties in preparation for this evening’s bunk show.   Of all of the traditions at Camp Walden, I think this is my favorite tradition, at least this first week.  For just a few minutes I was lucky enough to be alone with our each new camper and tell them how delighted I am that they are now a Waldenite!

The bunk show you ask…Bunk 678 did a magnificent production of Beauty and the Beast.  Be our guests, be our guests, put our service to the test!

7.1.2011  Here the Come For Milk Line…Lots of Singing!

Kickball, volleyball, frisbee…Landsports was our evening activity.  Now everyone is lining up for cookies, milk and fruit singing all the while!  The weather was just wonderful today, warm and sunny, just right for enjoying all the activities at camp.  Bunk 10 climbed Crawford, their practice climb, and enjoyed lots of spectacular views.  Bunk 12 has returned from their rafting trip, smiles all around.  As is the tradition at Walden, tonight was International Night in the dining hall and we all enjoyed an Italian dinner of  chicken parmesian and tirimisu.  Bunks joined for this delicious meal and sang their hearts out!

In other news the Walden girls beat the Pinecliff girls in a home tennis tournament.  EAO to all of the participants!

6.30.2011  The Beautiful Sounds of Walden!

Every day, all around camp, I can hear the happy sounds of campers singing and laughing.  Their noise is joined by the calls of loons and owls and the rustling of trees.  Today these sounds were enriched by the notes of a trumpet, the hammers of a piano and the strings of a violin and a guitar~all being played by Waldenites.  That's right, we have some wonderfully talented musicians at camp this summer and all of them seem to be playing their instruments this afternoon and evening.  A camper playing guitar joined Bunk 11 as they sang in the grove this evening (filling in for Bunk 12 who is away on their rafting trip) and a camper played taps on her trumpet when they finished.  We are truly lucky, EAO to all of our musicians!

6.29.2011  Rain? Nope…Sun and Blue Skies!

Picture perfect weather after a few morning showers meant an amazing day of activities at camp.  The morning rain did force a day delay of the Bunk 11 practice hike up Chocorua Mountain, they will climb tomorrow instead of today.  At dinner Brown and Tan teams were announced…Bunk 12 put the names and team assignments of all of the girls on the bottom of their dinner plates.  Finding out what team they were on this summer was a bit of a scavenger hunt.  Saturday and Team Sports here we come! 

Preparations for the 678 Bunk Show are progressing nicely, looking forward to sharing the secret of their show with you on Saturday!  Bunk 9 also began their preparations for their July 4th skit.

Tonight I said good night to the girls in Bunks 1 and 2, our youngest campers.  Each and everyone of them were snuggled in their beds huging their favorite stuffy or blanket and listening to stories being read to them by their counselors.  Earlier their camp sisters had helped them get them ready for bed but now it was just them and their new best friends.  As I said good night to them I learned about their busy day on the low ropes course, in the lake and at arts and crafts.  A wish for a good sleep and a squeeze and I knew it would not be long before they would be asleep.

6.28.2011  One Great Day Follows Another…

It has been another beautiful day in Denmark, ME and another fun and busy day at camp.  Waldenites took advantage of the sunny warm weather while they water skied, swam, played soccer and tennis, swung on the high ropes, horse back rode and for Bunk 9, climbed East Royce, their practice climb~great view on top, tired legs all the way down.  Back at camp Bunk 12 announced their assistants, first to Bunk 11 during Rest Hour and then to the entire camp at dinner.  EAO Bunk 11.  Through out the day we enjoyed the rivalry between the counselors and Bunk 12 which concluded for the day at the end of dinner with a water balloon/water gun fight~they all enjoyed dinner in wet clothing!  Skit Night toped off the day and revealed the amazing talent of all of our Camp Walden girls.  Sweet dreams!

6.27.2011  A Beautiful Maine Day!

The perfect weather for climbing Jefferson Mountain, EAO Bunk 12~ imagine a rock mountain top with a 100 mile view!  It was also a perfect day for the first full day of activities…riding, tennis, swim tests, canoeing, climbing the wall, Bunk 678 Bunk Show Rehearsals, arts and crafts…so much fun up and down the hill.  In the evening it was our first candy store, EAO Bunk 9, and movie night.  Freckled and brown after a full day in the sun..!

6.26.2011  Schnecken, Camp Meeting, Turkey Lunch, Snake Line, Activities, Picnic Supper, Ice Cream Truck, Camp Fire…time for bed!

Snake Line, what a wonderful tradition in anticipation of the announcement of the first week of trips!  Hand and hand the girls snaked their way through camp singing all the while.  They sang "Found Lost River" as they snaked up the front porch steps into the Rec Porch and then the stomping began and the singing got louder.  I carefully made my way to the center of their Snake Circle and to my set in the chair of honor to announce the first week trips.  Practice hikes for Bunk 12…Jefferson,  Bunk 11…Chocoura, Bunk 10…Crawford and Bunk 9…East Royce.  Bunk 12 will also head to the Kennebec River for a Whitewater Rafting trip.  It is Bunk Show week for 678 and they will go out for dinner on Thursday night.  All the while the rest of us will be enjoying activities learning to play tennis, horseback ride and sail… Now that was fun!

6.25.2011  "Getting To Know You" Night and much more!

Thanks Bunk 11, EAO!  Lots of traditions today…dough nuts, the first Camp Meeting, Bunk 12 taught the camp their theme song, so amazing! Unpacking, time and tours with camp sisters, the first activities of the summer, the SUN, Pizza and Congo Bars, and Getting To Know You Night…we are all ready for bed! 

On a personal note, each day this summer I will invite 6 campers to join me for meals at my table in the dining hall, the Director's table.  Many Waldenites fondly remember their invitations and meals with Ms. Herz during their summers at camp and I hope to provide the same wonderful experience for our girls this summer.  Today I began this tradition eating meals with 3 Bunk 11 girls and their camp sisters.  We had such a nice time and it was a great way for me to get to know them in a very special way.  Tomorrow brings 6 new girls to my table!

Today I also learned, and wanted to share with all of you, a lot about when at camp we ring the bell and when we do not.  For example, did you know that the only meal we ring a warning bell for, 15 minutes before the meal, is breakfast?  We do ring a bell at the end of the last morning period which might be confused with a lunch warning bell as it is 15 minutes before lunch, BUT, it is an end of the period bell not a lunch warning bell. At dinner time there is no confusion, only 1 bell to let us know that dinner is about to be served!

Tomorrow brings a sleep late and more activities…for now sweet dreams.

6.24.2011  Welcome Waldenites!

They arrived in cars, buses, planes and vans to their summer home and to the cheers of Bunk 12.  "Welcome back you Waldenites, welcome back to Walden sights…."  Check-in and unpacking, dinner eating and singing, the Bunk 12 theme revealed "DOCTORS," Camp Sisters and Second Mates announced, milk line, taps and a sweet goodnight…tomorrow is another day!  Everyone is here~EAO!

6.23.2011  1 Day to Go…Do You Know Where Your Duffel Bag Is?

…In your bunk waiting for you!  The Chaperones have headed south to meet you in the morning, your duffels are in your bunks waiting for you to unpack them and your bed has been made waiting for your first night at camp…We are so exciting that the first day of camp has finally arrived and you will be here to sing and cheer with us!   I know I am looking forward to Bunk 12 revealing their theme for the summer. Remember your orange tie, tomorrow night we announce camp sisters and second mates.  Badoom Badoom!

6.22.2011  Summer 2011 is Right Around the Corner!

It has been a busy couple of days at Camp Walden as we make the final preparations in anticipation of the arrival of all of the Summer 2011 Campers!  The staff has spent the past few days readying their program areas and bunks.  They have also been practicing their teaching skills with their fellow counselors giving all of us a chance to learn to play tennis, horseback ride, waterski, and even build a clay pot.  So much fun, and even more fun when the campers arrive and we share these experiences with them.

All of Bunk 12 is here, EAO!  With their arrival meals have become a bit noisier with lots more singing, so fun!  It is wonderful to have them back at camp.  Bunk 12 spent this morning participating in some team building and leadership activities with Sasha and their bunk counselors: Sammy, Ebony, Taylor, Becky and Nicola.  In the afternoon they worked on their jobs and this evening they unpacked their uniform, revealing their theme to their counselors.  Shrieks of excitement and happiness!

As you pack and prepare to send us your daughters please do feel free to contact me with any questions, any at all.  I hope you are enjoying these last few days with them, we can not wait for them to be at camp!

 

6.19.2011  Summer 2011 Pre Camp Has Been Terrific!

After a busy day of staff swim tests, department preparations, moving into and setting up bunks~it is a quiet evening here at Camp Walden.  I know this is the quiet of anticipation as we look forward to the arrival of Bunk 12 in the next few days.  The staff have spent the past week working hard to learn everything they need to know to be the best counselors Camp Walden has ever had!  I am so impressed with all of them especially their cooperative spirit and willingness to pitch in even when they are not asked to help. We are ready and very much looking forward to having them here! 

That's right, a daily update every day that camp is in session! Visit this page from June 24th to August 12th to learn what is going on at camp from our camp director, Kathy Jonas.