Archive for July, 2011

Camp Mom

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

The Camp Mom here at Starlight is an extremely important person for our junior campers, especially the youngest boys.  She is someone who checks that the children are taking care of their personal hygiene, applying lots of sunscreen and getting the clippers out to cut their nails when they need it.  She’s the person who unpacks campers’ bags prior to arrival and helps out in the bunks on an ongoing basis with cleaning and tidying.  Sure, counselors are there every day doing a great job at keeping on top of it all, but there’s nobody like a mom to make sure that things are being done really well.  It’s not just about the practical things though – Camp Mom is your friend and someone who you can go to just to talk.  She’s the one who helps you make healthy choices in the dining hall.  She’s the one who personally says goodnight to each junior boy every evening.  She’s the person who ensures that every child has the support they need, but also allows them to explore the independence that being at camp offers them.

It’s a big job, and this year we’re very happy to have Rusty as our Camp Mom.  This is Rusty’s first year at Camp Starlight, although she joins us with sixteen years’ experience at sleep-away camp.  She has two sons of her own, and lives in Long Island with her husband, Tom, and her dog, Sophie.  When she’s not at camp she is Director of a Not for Profit camp which runs a kids club that meets year round.  She also loves to run and has completed eight marathons in the last eight years and she’s hoping to get to ten – running around after all these campers will surely help!

JayZ Blog #9 – WCCA Sports Results

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

Boys Results

Date Sport Grade H/A Opponent Starlight Opponent Result
07.06 Soccer 8 A Westmont 2 0 Win
07.10 Baseball 4 H Indian Head 5 4 Win

Girls Results

Date Sport Grade H/A Opponent Starlight Opponent Result
07.01 Soccer 4 H Weequahic 8 0 Win
07.10 Soccer 8 H Westmont 5 0 Win
07.10 Soccer 9 A Westmont 2 3 Lost

 

1st July 2011

Girls 4th Grade Soccer (H)

Starlight 8 – Weequahic 0

The girls’ second round game saw Weequahic visit Alumni Field in what proved to be a fairly one-sided contest. Right from the first whistle Weequahic struggled to deal with Starlight’s offensive game and really found it difficult to mount any serious attacks. Starlight subsequently found themselves in and around their opponent’s 18 yard box for most of the game which resulted in numerous goal scoring opportunities. The final result saw Starlight run out winners by the score of 8-0.

 

6th July 2011 

Boys 8th Grade Soccer (A)

Starlight 2 – Westmont 0

The boys made their now regular annual trip to Westmont in the first round of the tournament. Last year the affair was settled on penalty kicks after extra-time, and at first it seemed as though this game would also go the distance. Starlight enjoyed a great deal of possession but found little success in the final third in front of goal. Weiss controlled the back line very well with Rothberg playing the stopper position and making a number of important challenges in front of goal. Kessler and Spar rounded out the back four playing some nice passes out of the back. Kahn and Lurie did a fantastic job in the middle of the park, with Simon and Baim continually making runs out wide. Up top Jaffe, Bash and Gallant took on Westmont’s back four giving them very little time on the ball. The first half, while dominated possession-wise by Starlight, ended 0-0. The second half was interrupted twice by thunder and lightning and meant that the game lasted for more than two hours including breaks. However, before the initial delay Lurie broke from midfield and from 25 yards out lashed a shot into the upper left corner of the goal. Westmont pressed for a goal and Starlight looked comfortable, although there was always a chance for Westmont as their strong midfield always looked dangerous. The game was effectively ended as a contest with about four minutes to go when Gallant beat the goalkeeper to the ball on the edge of the box knocking the ball past him into an open net. A great result which sees the 8th graders march into the second round and maintain their perfect soccer record since they first kicked a ball as 4th graders. 

 

10th July 2011

Boys 4th Grade Baseball (H)

Starlight 5 – Indian Head 4

Jesse H scored the winning run all the way from second base in a dramatic 8th inning win! The game went into extra innings after Indian Head tied the game in the fifth. However after singles by Jesse H and Jordan K, Josh M got the walk-off hit. Jordan K and Ben B teamed up to pitch eight innings of solid baseball with Ben getting the win. Great job boys!!

Girls 8th Grade Soccer (H) 

Starlight 5 – Westmont 0

The 8th graders made light work of a Westmont team that they previously met in 2010 and beat 5-0. Brisman in goal had very little to do and the back line of Zwal, Finkle, Mehlman and Wachsman completed a very professional job in regards to any attacks that Westmont presented. Godel, Steiner, Hirsch, Dratch and Abrams competed very well in midfield, with Saltzman, Scherl and Lisser running at Westmont’s back four repeatedly throughout the game. Sherl had a couple of fine goals following some long runs from midfield. Godel continually ran the flank crossing the ball for the forwards to attack. The girls took a 3-0 lead in at half-time, and the second half followed a similar pattern to the first. The final score was once again 5-0 in Starlight’s favor, and the 8th graders continue on looking to go one better than last year’s second place in the tournament.

Girls 9th Grade Soccer (A)

Starlight 2 – Westmont 3

The 9th graders made their annual trip to Westmont in the first round of the WCCA tournament. A much improved Westmont side controlled a great deal of the opening play and took an early one goal lead. Westmont enjoyed the majority of the possession but to their credit, Starlight plugged away and did not give complete control of the game to their opponents. A strong team defensive display meant that the half-time score remained 1-0 and following a few position changes, the girls started the second half with a view to imposing themselves on the Westmont midfield area. Schmueli had a fantastic game in goal, making a one-handed save that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the MLS. The back line included Rosenblum, Green, Cohen and Weinrauch, and for long periods they held strong making some fine tackles in Starlight’s defensive third of the field. The midfield five of Strauss, Breakstone, Rizika, Lisser and Gaier played extremely well, particularly in the second half, and up top Saunders made some fine forward runs and linked up well with Rizika. The girls fought back from one behind to go two-one up, the second coming from some accomplished interplay between Saunders and Rizika. Unfortunately a lapse in concentration allowed Westmont to level the game with 15 minutes remaining. With just a couple of minutes of regulation time remaining, Breakstone lined up a thirty yard free-kick and fired against the cross-bar. Starlight’s forwards followed in the effort but were unable to bundle what would have surely been the game winner over the line. In over-time Westmont managed to steal a third goal, but Starlight continued to press until the final whistle. The final score was 3-2 in Westmont’s favor and this was the first loss since the girls first pulled on the blue and white as juniors. The Westmont celebrations reinforced how relieved they were to finally beat Starlight at the sixth attempt, but the 9th graders showed their previous championship qualities by continuing to play for the win when many teams would have buckled. A disappointing loss for everyone concerned but the manner truly reflected just how hard this particular group of girls play for each other.

Star Camps at Camp Starlight

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

Our Star Camps started today, much to the excitement of all our campers.  So what exactly are Star Camps and how are they different from normal camp routine? 

Every camper selects an activity in which they want to receive specialist instruction.  The options this year include basketball, lacrosse, hockey, tennis, soccer, golf and softball, as well as arts and crafts, woodworking, dance, gymnastics, outdoor activities, movie making and even scuba diving!  There really is something for everyone.  Once Star Camps begin, specialist instructors teach four intensive periods over two days.  Normal camp daily schedules are put on hold and each camper just focuses on their activity of choice, with scheduled waterfront periods to allow everyone to cool down and take a break. 

The lacrosse Star Camp this year has Casey P as a specialist instructor.  Casey is a former member of the US Men’s Lacrosse team and in 1998 he won a gold medal at the Lacrosse World Championships.  Today he continues to play professionally for the Boston Blazers and he is focusing his Star Camp sessions on skill development.  For Casey, lacrosse is a way of life and he enjoys watching the children improve and excel over even such a relatively short period of time. 

Today, the dancers on camp have been working with Larry on some great hip-hop routines, the golfers are playing a few rounds at local golf courses and the outdoor activity campers are orienteering using compasses to follow trails.  Star Camps add an extra dimension to a camper’s summer, allowing them to really embrace what they are passionate about and work with some extremely experienced professionals to further their skills.

Recipe of the day – 07.10.11

Sunday, July 10th, 2011

Puff Pastry Turnovers (makes 4)

This is a very simple recipe which you can personally adapt in many ways.  Here we used chocolate chips to make something very similar to pain-au-chocolat but you could substitute them with fruit, chunky applesauce or even a mixture of cheese, tomato and fresh basil.  Let your imagination run riot!

Sheet puff pastry

Filling – ¼ cup chocolate chips

Grease a baking tray and heat the oven to 350 degrees.

Roll out the puff pastry until about 1/8 inch thick and cut it into two squares.  Cut each square diagonally in half so you have four triangles.

Fill half of each triangle with chocolate chips, fold over the other half and pinch the sides to make little sealed turnovers.

Place on the baking tray and bake for 8-12 minutes.  For an extra special treat, sprinkle them with powdered sugar and eat whilst still warm.

JayZ Blog #8 – WCCA Sports Results

Sunday, July 10th, 2011

Boys Results

Date Sport Grade H/A Opponent Starlight Opponent Result
07.10 Tennis 10/11 A Wayne 1 4 Lost
07.10 Baseball 6 H Lohikan 7 6 Win
07.10 Hockey 8/9 H Nesher 5 2 Win

 

Boys 10/11th Grade Tennis (A)

Starlight 1 – Wayne 4

Evan C lost a tight, hard-hitting game in his singles match and Matt C lost 8-6 in an all lefty match.  Jake S put in a great performance, losing out in the day’s best match.  David G and Ben A were defeated in their hard fought doubles game.  Alex G and Matt W won the only point for the team in another close match, winning 8-5.  Such close results are testament to the excellent games played by all team members.

Boys 6th Grade Baseball (H)

Starlight 7 – Lohikan 6

Zach R lined a walk-off single into left field to score as the 6th grade Wayne County team defeated Lohikan 7-6 in the bottom of the 6th inning.  David B and Jared G had two hits and two runs scored apiece.  Gregory K had a homerun in the 4th inning and Zach R also added a single in the 1st to have two hits for the day!  Jared G pitched all six innings to get the win, consistently throwing strikes.

Boys 8/9th Grade Hockey (H)

Starlight 5 – Nesher 2

Justin G and Hunter A led Starlight’s offensive attack with two goals each.  Corey A scored and aided an assist while Austin K and Jacob H recorded assists.  Zachary C had a solid game in net.  Great result boys!

Diary of a first time camper #3

Sunday, July 10th, 2011

Aidan P from Boys Bunk 5 has been to two Super Sixth blogging sessions in a row as he’s so passionate about his time at camp so far that he wanted to share it with the world.  He has been throwing himself into everything that goes on at camp and is SERIOUSLY enjoying being here.  This is Aidan’s blog called “What’s Happening at Camp” and he even chose the photo to illustrate it too.  Thank you Aidan. 

Hi!  This is Aidan P writing from the beautiful Camp Starlight where every second is fun and you are doing something like no other. So far I have done some amazing, unique activities especially in the evening.  There are always different things when we’re there like we did the show “Minute to Win It”, went bowling and had a super hero party.  Sometimes we go to canteen and on Friday night we do services, then a funny show/week in review and do a skit called “I Starlight”. 

In the day we do some sports and some we never heard of or played before like gaga.  You can also be in a play – the juniors are doing “Snow White” – or you can be in another play that is open to all of the camp.  On holidays there are special days and on 4th of July we did S.W.F. which is Starlight Wrestling Federation which our counselor wrestled in.  It feels like we been here so long and know everyone so well, the days and weeks feel short, and we have done so much.

Starlight Picture Quiz Answers

Sunday, July 10th, 2011

Here’s the answers to yesterday’s picture quiz.  How many did you get right?

Q – Where at camp can you find this piece of artwork made from bandanas?

A – It’s hanging on the wall in The Cottage – home to cooking, digital photography, animation, creative writing and blogging.

Q- What would you be doing if you saw this?

A – You would be having a cookout.  Here’s Edgar making breakfast for the Seniors.

Q – Where can you find this fabulous bench?

A – It’s right outside the entrance to the Starlight Playhouse

Another photo quiz will be coming soon!

Animation at Camp Starlight

Saturday, July 9th, 2011

The animation program at Camp Starlight is proving to be really popular.  Headed by Cindy, our campers create short films using stop motion techniques.  This clip shows “Nigel” falling off a backdrop designed by campers.

Crazy Days and Whacky Nights

Saturday, July 9th, 2011

Parents, do you ever log onto your computer to check out the camp photos for the day, see your child painted in blue from head to toe or maybe wearing a crazy wig and big nerdy glasses and wonder, ‘What in the world?’  The answer probably has something to do with your summer camp’s special events and evening activities.  For fifty plus nights (and some days) summer camps entertain your children with some of the zaniest games and wackiest contests that they can come up with.  Why?  Because it’s fun to be painted in blue from head to toe…seriously.  Or at least it is when your bunk is performing a dance to the Smurfs theme in front of the entire camp and you’re Papa Smurf—or Smurfette.  And seeing images of your children and their counselors slipping, sliding, and splashing around in what appears to be multi-colored goo…it’s a camp thing…a really fun camp thing.  Eye patches are always fun.  So is spending a day pretending to be pirates and searching for buried treasure.   Becoming a secret agent and collecting clues to decode a message or pretending to be wild animals is also a great way to spend that occasional non-program day.  From trivia contests to talent contests and everything in between, some of the greatest moments of summer camp happen during the crazy days and wacky nights!

Senior Spotlight #3

Saturday, July 9th, 2011

As the sun set on the glistening lake, the fact that this would be my last summer as a camper finally came to fruition. We were finally Upper Seniors. Eight years of an exciting part of my life were finally leading up to a huge climax. Goosebumps lined my arms just at the thought of spending my 8th summer at camp. As every one of the Upper Senior Boys came out of the bus to experience their best summer yet, they were greeted by warm smiles and out-stretched arms. We were finally here, we were finally Upper Seniors. Being an Upper Senior meant a lot to us as a division and we were excited to get the summer well under way. Over the course of the two weeks that have transpired at camp, memories have already been created and friendships have been strengthened. We came to camp as friends, but we have already become brothers. The thought that this will be the last time our entire division both boys and girls, will be together is extremely upsetting. The friendships that I have created at camp and the bonds I’ve made with both staff and campers are held very close to my heart.  Camp Starlight is basically my childhood. I have come to this camp for as long as I can remember, and the thought that this could very well be my last summer is quite sad. I have grown up in this camp and learned many lessons along the way.  My friends and I have laughed and cried together, we have shared in moments which will stay with us forever, but most of all we have become a family together.

With thanks to Jonathan S for writing this blog.