Friendly Competition and a Starlight Olympics Tradition: Upper Senior Girls Floor Hockey
Archive for August, 2014
Photo of the Day
Sunday, August 10th, 2014High School Musical Olympic Break Leaves Campers and Staff Glowing
Saturday, August 9th, 2014
There is such a thing as being in a show, and then there is, quite literally, being IN a show. For the 2014 Camp Starlight Olympic break, campers and staff found out what it is like to be transported into the middle of a musical. “Wildcat” spirit began building during the staff production of High School Musical in the Starlight Playhouse, but when everyone exited the Playhouse to be greeted by buses adorned with banners and waiting to transport them to the championship basketball game that concludes High School Musical, the excitement reached fever pitch.
The anticipation grew as the buses passed well-wishers who lined the roads
holding signs wishing the team luck, and campers cheered and waved out the windows as they passed. This was DEFINITELY going to be their day to win!
The team had already started warming up, and cheerleaders were front and center, ready to rally the crowd when the buses pulled up. The spirit emanating from the school gymnasium could have filled an entire stadium as the crowd stood in the stands, cheering and singing “We’re All in This Together.” This was going to be the championship game to end all games. Finally, just as the cheering reached a high pitched hum, whistles blew and referees David and Allison Miller appeared on the court to officiate the game. As the players gathered center court in preparation of starting the big game, the lights went out, and the players removed their warm-up jackets to reveal OLYMPICS spelled out on their jerseys.
As magical as the journey into the world of High School Musical had been for the entire camp, the Wildcats were about to get a taste of what it’s like to be part of the Camp Starlight world. The cheerleaders flipped their signs to reveal the 2014 team names: Epic Whites and Blue Invaders, and even a game winning 3 point shot in the final seconds of the NBA finals couldn’t have generated as much celebration and energy that erupted at that moment.
It took several minutes for the cheering to die down enough for the 2014 Generals and Sing Leaders to be announced. Once they
were, the sounds were deafening once again. Blue Generals Tana Mcclven and Matt Perlman and White Generals Hayley Miller and Alex Bright joined Sing Leaders Jason Silberman and Hannah Pereira of the Blue and Rachel Simon and Rico Reillo of white in assuming leadership of their teams. “W” may stand for “Wildcats” in the world of High School Musical. But in the world of Camp Starlight Olympic breaks, “W” stands for “WIN!”
Olympic Score Update
Saturday, August 9th, 2014Going into the second day of the 2014 Camp Starlight Olympics, the competition is VERY close follow an awesome day one:
Bringing Away Life Skills
Friday, August 8th, 2014
For most campers, when the summer of 2014 draws to a close, there is always next summer to which they can look forward. For the oldest campers, however, farewell this summer means farewell forever to their years as campers. Even though a significant number of former campers choose to return to summer camp as staff members later, the experiences they gained as campers are unique to those years. Although it is difficult to say goodbye at the conclusion of their final summer, it is also a time when older campers reflect upon their camp years and truly take inventory of what camp has meant to them and will continue to mean as they proceed in life.
Older campers come away from camp having attained life skills that give them a
distinct advantage as they move through their high school years and college becomes a focus. There is, for instance, respect for tradition. College campuses, like resident camps, are built on traditions that help define them. Former campers understand the importance of their role in these traditions by creating experiences that are both memorable and worthwhile.
Former campers know how to show spirit and to live in the moment as well. At camp, campers are sensitive to the fact that their time at camp each summer is limited and they embrace each minute. Having already learned to comprehend that their camp years are limited to a specific timeline in their lives, former campers arrive on college campuses already understanding that their college years are much the same.
There is also an emphasis on total involvement at camp. Summer camp is about creating an environment in which campers feel encouraged to try new things and to push their level of comfort each summer. In the safety of a setting that emphasizes inclusion, campers learn to understand that diversity is key to success. It takes many types of people and talents coming together to make camp the beloved place that it is in the hearts of the campers. With such an understanding, campers tend to get to know and befriend individuals who they might not otherwise have taken the time to get to know in a setting that does not facilitate similar ideals. Having been submerged in such a culture for several summers, campers are well equipped for the transition from home to college life after several summers at camp. They also tend to be somewhat open- minded when it comes to new things and experiences.
Older campers also come away from camp as leaders. Whether they have led fellow campers in an activity or helped mentor and lead
younger campers in their later camp years, leadership is another quality that is rigorously promoted and embraced at sleepaway camp.
Campers also learn everyday life skills at sleepaway camp as they spend several weeks away from home each summer and make decisions for themselves. Making healthy eating decisions, for instance, is an important skill that children learn at camp. Campers also learn how to juggle multiple commitments at once, such as having a role in a camp show while simultaneously playing on a sports team. They co-habitate daily with several other campers and learn how to maximize their living space.
Clearly, those campers who will say goodbye to camp at the conclusion of the summer are bringing away far more than fun memories of a place where they spent their childhood summers. They’re bringing away experiences that translate into life far beyond camp.
Wayne County Update
Friday, August 8th, 2014
Boys Basketball vs. Camp Morasha, August 6
The 9th grade basketball team played an amazing game en route to a Wayne County Championship. Although outsized, they played together in an amazing effort. Zach R. led the team with 25 points and hit three consecutive free throws to put the team ahead by one point. Greg K. was second in scoring with 11 points; Jared G. scored 7 points. Jordan K. and Ethan E. provided crucial defense throughout the game while Noah R., Matt F. and Sam K. all provided hustle plays up until the last buzzer. The team played with heart and truly displayed their clutch genes when coming back from a 7-point deficit with 2 minutes remaining. Congrats boys!
Final score: 43-42, W
Coach Kyle Galin
Never Too Old to Skip Around the Pole
Thursday, August 7th, 2014Some camp traditions are just catchy. After seeing photos of his grandson decked out in a pink tutu and skipping around the flagpole–as is the birthday tradition here at Camp Starlight–a Starlight grandfather celebrated his 70th by skipping around his own “flagpole.” You’re never too old to be a camper at heart!
Epic Anniversary
Thursday, August 7th, 2014
Tonight, Camp Starlight is celebrating its 68th anniversary during the annual Anniversary Party. Because time flies at camp, it’s easy to forget just how long 68 years of family, tradition, spirit, adventure, and fun is–and how much it adds up. When Camp Starlight opened, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was president. Since Roosevelt, there have been 12 additional United States Presidents. Man walked on the moon. An entire space shuttle program began…and ended. Computers have gone from being the size of an entire room to being the size of notebooks. Practically every household has a television. Microwaves were invented. The VCR came…and went. There have been literally dozens of movies and television programs made about camp. Through it all, Camp Starlight has thrived. In 68 years, there have been literally hundreds of campfires and thousands of campers. The flag has risen over the camp no less than 3,000 times. From 10 original bunks to 50 plus a Lodge and a Lakehouse, from less than 100 campers to nearly 600, the Camp Starlight 68th Anniversary Party is a reason to celebrate a camp that has not merely stood the test of 68 years but is alive with the pride of campers, staff, and alumni. And celebrating we are! Campers and staff alike are dancing and singing along with live bands from Camplified. Earlier today, everyone enjoyed the carnival. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “epic” as ‘telling a story about exciting events or adventures.’ Given the history of Camp Starlight’s 68th Anniversary Party is E-P-I-C!
Catching up with Baseball Head Bob Gunnarsson
Thursday, August 7th, 2014
This summer, the Camp Starlight baseball program has benefited from the leadership of new Baseball Head Bob Gunnarsson. Although this is his rookie year at Camp Starlight, Bob has been coaching for over twenty years. He began his coaching career during his years as a student athlete at the University of Southern California and San Diego State University. He says he chose to become a coach because he has always worked well with young athletes. In fact, he has done many camps during his professional career. His favorite thing about coaching is ‘teaching concepts, keeping instruction and feedback positive, and helping young athletes develop quality technique.’
Although he grew up in Long Island, Coach Gunnarsson moved to Arizona as a teenager and currently resides in Phoenix. During the winter months, he teaches math and science, coaches (of course), and even works as a disc jockey. His hobbies include construction and all things artistic. He is also a voice over actor. Whatever he does, however, he gives 110%. “I’m a very fun, driven, and focused person of faith,” he says of himself.
When asked why he chose to work at camp, Coach Gunnarsson says that he wanted to bring quality baseball instruction to the camp experience. As to his reason for specifically choosing Camp Starlight, he says he couldn’t say no to such a quality camp with quality campers. In fact, of his Starlight experience, he says that he has never worked with so many polite students.
Photo of the Day
Thursday, August 7th, 2014
Starlight Pride!
Wayne County Update
Wednesday, August 6th, 2014
8th Grade Boys vs. Weequahic
Championship Game
The August 3 championship game was contested between Starlight and Weequahic. Weequahic made the finals with a couple of fine wins over Tioga and Westmont, while the boys arrived there after shaving a 1-0 win against Wayne. Both teams looked strong, and certainly Weequahic had the better of the opening exchanges.
Dylan T.’s in goal made an excellent finger tip save, pushing the ball onto the crossbar before gathering in the rebound to keep Starlight on level terms. Starlight certainly had their chances and but for an excellent keeper in the Weequahic goal, they may have found themselves ahead at half-time. Both teams cancelled each other out and at the half it remained scoreless.
The second half saw Starlight take the initiative early on and some fine play down the wings from Ari K. and Kessler forced the Weequahic keeper into action. Spencer W. and Owen B. in the middle of the field were solid but had a rough time against a couple of very good Weequahic players. Starlight continued to search for the opening and eventually this came courtesy of a cross from Ari K. on the right hand side. A whipped ball found a Starlight player in the six yard area who was able to get a quick shot off which nestled in the bottom corner.
For the final 8 minutes Weequahic attacked looking for the equalizer, but Rowan K., Zachary C., Zachary K., Spencer G. and Danny S. made the necessary tackles to keep their opponents off the score sheet. Zachary C. in particular was very busy all game not allowing Weequahic’s players any time or space.
This was an excellent result against a very good team and Starlight’s 8th graders should be very proud of themselves on retaining their title.
5th Grade Girls vs. Wayne
Championship Game
The girls were on the road for their championship game against Wayne August 3 and this one would go to overtime.
Starlight took the early lead courtesy of a free-kick from the edge of the 18-yard area that Jordyn P. dispatched into the top of the net. Wayne were level within 5 minutes following a long range effort of their own that found its way into the bottom corner of the goal. Starlight had the better of the chances but struggled to find the net, and while Wayne made a number of attacking moves, the back line of Samantha S., Zoe S., Danielle A. and Elizabeth E. did well to limit their opponents chances throughout the game. In midfield a combination of Tova G., Samantha B., Brooke G., Brooke H. and Julia H. worked hard to progress the ball forward and link up with Granowitz in the forward position. In goal Samantha S. was quick to the ball when required.
The game continued in a similar vein to the first half, and aside from a couple of half chances that the Wayne keeper saved, over-time arrived with the scores even. Starlight started the brighter of the two teams, and from the kick-off Jordyn P. ran the ball from half-field and found the back of the net from just inside the 18-yard area. Soon after Tova G. hit the bottom corner to give Starlight the benefit of a two-goal lead which they held until the end.
A fine team performance saw the girls go one step further than in 2013 where they ended up the season as beaten finalists.
6th Grade Girls vs. Lohikan
The 6th graders entertained Lohikan on Alumni Field August 3 in their semi-final clash. Champions in 2013, the girls started strong looking for the win that would see a return to the championship game in 2014. Ashleigh S. in goal had very little to do all game, while Starlight’s defense (Chloe W., Ryan G., Kylie M. and Marlie K. were able to relax a little as the midfield of Brooke E., Alexandra S., Daryn C., Danielle S. and Sarah S. made some great forward runs towards the Lohikan 18-yard area. With Samara S. up top keeping Lohikan’s goalkeeper busy, it was not long before the goals started to fly in. Up 4-0 at the half, the girls doubled the score by the end of the game to run out winners 8-0.
A solid performance and now the girls are just one game away from retaining their title.
