The Juniors had fun being “Frozen” for Winter Wonderland Day 2014!
Snowman Hands!
Archive for August, 2014
Photo of the Day
Wednesday, August 6th, 2014Maker’s Space Ice Cream
Tuesday, August 5th, 2014
When you think of ice cream, your favorite flavor probably comes to mind. Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry–or maybe you like rocky road or mint chocolate chip. One of the last things you might think of is science. The campers at Maker’s Space got to find out the science behind the delicious dessert and make some ice cream of their own. In a bowl, the girls mixed creamer, sugar, and vanilla extract. The girls poured the mixture into one side of the ice cream maker ball. In the other side of the ball, the girls added ice and rock salt. The girls took turns shaking, rolling and tossing the ball. The girls learned that adding salt to the ice causes the ice’s freezing point to be lowered. This is similar to adding salt on roads in the winter. Lowering the ice’s freezing point allows the mixture to freeze into ice cream. The science project wouldn’t be complete without a taste test. The verdict: 2 thumbs up from campers.
Wayne County Update
Tuesday, August 5th, 2014
5th Grade and Under Girls Softball v. Blue Ridge
Championship Game
Sami S. pitched a complete game with 9 strikeouts and added two hits help Camp Starlight’s 5th grade girls softball team defeat Blue Ridge 12-2 to win the Wayne County championship. Hannah H., Zoe S., and Julia H. all made valuable contributions to the teams outstanding offensive performance with two hits and two RBIs each. Heather G., Jordan P., and Elizabeth E. all chipped in with RBI hits. To celebrate their victory in true Starlight tradition, the girls rushed the lake with coach Shelby.
Team Members: Elizabeth E., Heather G., Allison S., Olivia B., Lexi K., Jacqueline P., Sami S., Zoe S., Julia H., Ava M., Samantha B., Hannah J., Jordan P., Hannah W.
Coach: Shelby Romines.
5th Grade Girls Tennis v. Weequahic
Championship Match
The 5th grade and under girls secured another Wayne County championship for Starlight with a convincing victory of 4-1 over Camp
Weequahic. Jordyn B. played well but fell 8-5. Heather G. and Emerson P. won the 2nd and 3rd singles contests. The doubles teams of Hannah J. & Hannah S. and Brooke G. & Samantha S. secured the victory and the championship for Camp Starlight. The girls rushed the lake in celebration. Congratulations to all of the 5th grade and under girls!
Coaches: Amanda Gilberg and Dani Rubenstein
6th Grade Girls Tennis v. Trail’s End
The 6th grade girls tennis team earned their way to the Wayne County championship round with a solid victory over Trail’s End. Kylie M. won 8-1 at the 1st singles contest while Olivia S. won the 2nd singles contest 8-0 with solid, consistent ground strokes. Emily C. made Starlight 3 for 3 in the singles contests and secured the victory for the team with an 8-2 victory. Jordyn C. & Jillian R. played strong but fell 8-6 in a hard fought match. Alex S. and Ashleigh S. brought the team back, however, with a convincing 8-2 victory. Congratulations to the team on moving onto the finals and good luck!
Coaches: Craig Cooper and Alice Towney
10/11th Grade Girls v. Poyntelle
The girls hosted Poyntelle today (August 1) and made quick work of reaching this year’s tournament final. Starlight took a while to get going, blasting a number of chances high and wide of the goal. However, once the first goal went in, it was one-way traffic for the remainder of the game in which Starlight ran out winners 9-0.
Jessica R. had very little to do in goal, while Marni C., Marlena G., Rebecca B., and Tori F. were rarely troubled at the back. Molly B., Lauren R., Brooke L., Arli M., and Samantha B. kept Poyntelle busy as did the forward line of Erica L., Julia G. and Alison E. A good overall team performance and the girls now face Wayne in the final.
8th Grade Boys Soccer v. Lohikan
The boys hosted Lohikan at Alumni Field and, from the first whistle, took the game to the visitors. Zach K. and Ari K. continually made incisive runs in to their opponent’s 18-yard area, and Starlight could have found themselves out of reach very early on in this game. Spencer W. and Owen B. ensured good service to the outside midfielders, while a combination up top of Dylan H., Zach S., Austin W., Griffin M. and Zach R. ensured that Lohikan’s defenders were kept busy all game. Rowan K., Zach C., and Jordan C. at the back had a few worrying moments but did more than enough to ensure Lohikan’s chances were very limited throughout. Once Starlight found the net, they couldn’t be caught and goal after goal soon followed. The final score was 11-0 in Starlight’s favor, and now they face Weequahic in the championship game.
10/11th Grade Boys vs Tioga
Championship Game
The 10/11’s faced Tioga in the championship game last night under the lights on Alumni Field. The game started at a frenetic pace and within four minutes Starlight were up courtesy of a fine long range effort from Josh L. Tioga soon found themselves on level terms following a mix-up at the back, which allowed the Tioga forward to capitalize with an easy tap-in. Fortunately, Starlight was in no mood to be charitable and constant pressure soon paid off when a Tioga player was adjudged to have handled in the box. Josh L. calmly slotted the penalty away to re-establish a one goal lead. Jake S. was next to hit the mark with yet another goal from distance, and this was followed by a scrambled effort, which just about made it over the line and afforded Starlight a 4-1 half-time lead.
The second half saw some improvement in terms of the way Starlight moved the ball around, and although it was a long-time coming, Josh L. found the target once more with a fine strike from 30 yards, which nestled into the bottom corner of the goal. Tioga certainly threatened at times, but Harrison S. cleared up, playing some nice balls out of the back. Brett R. was busy all game and made some crucial challenges in the center of the field, while out wide Max M., Chase S. and Sammy K. contributed well. The midfield area was largely dominated by Starlight, in no small part due to Josh L.’s contribution, but also the likes of Jake S., Jared B., Noah G., and Matthew J. Matthew J. and Jared B. were great runners and continually found their way past the last line of defense and into Tioga’s 18-yard area. In the attacking third, Josh W., Justin B. and Jason S. all played well, while Jackson S. in goal started ahead of Jordan K. who came in the latter stages of the game. Max K. and Garrett S. also had a part to play. Overall, this was a great team performance.
Following a brief hiatus, the boys deservedly won a title that has been kept here at Starlight for much of the last 6 years. The CA boys in particular have lost on just one occasion. This was a fitting way to end their soccer careers at Starlight under the lights on Alumni Field.
OMG S-Day
Tuesday, August 5th, 2014
S-Days at Camp Starlight are often a time of relaxation and fun. The Upper Inter and Lower Deb girls received just that when Camp Starlight partnered with Oh My Girls . Oh My Girls is “a health club designed exclusively for girls ages 8-18” as their website (ohmygirls.com) describes. The mission of Oh My Girls is to “create an environment that aims to put the fun back in girlhood while guiding its members toward healthful and successful living in a most challenging time.”
In a session focusing on the girl’s relationship with the outside world, Eugene Gerhman, Presirdent of Krav Maga Centers Of America taught self-defense moves and Krav Maga martial arts techniques. “My favorite part was learning self-defense tips and what to do if you are in a dangerous situation,” said Dani S. an Upper Inter.
“Everyone was interested and excited the whole day about what was next,” said
bunk specialist Mollie F. Next on the Oh My Girls S-Day agenda was creating all-natural skin products. The sprays can be used on their hair, face, and skin. The girls created a cooling spray, bug repellent, hair spray and sun burn healing spray. “I liked making different products because I learned about taking care of myself and my skin,” says Upper Inter Marlie K.
“I’ve already started using the hair product in the shower and the cooling spray,” Lower Deb Reese C. added.
The girls also focused on eating healthy. While making fruit smoothies the girls accepted the Spinach Challenge by adding at least one leaf of spinach to their smoothies. The girls learned that eating healthy can be tasty. Reese C. added one leaf of spinach last year and decided to up the ante by adding 2 leaves of spinach to her berry smoothie.
Without a doubt, the upper inter and Lower Deb girls left the Oh My Girls session feeling confident, empowered and pampered.
Photo of the Day
Tuesday, August 5th, 2014
The Close of Another Best Summer Ever
Sunday, August 3rd, 2014
It seems that just yesterday the blog subject at hand was the anticipation of the campers’ arrival at camp. As usual, though, we blinked and now it’s August. Another summer is coming to a close over the next couple of weeks. This is the time of year when campers and staff alike begin reflecting over their summer. They mentally check off their bucket lists for this summer and already begin composing new ones for next summer. They begin making those final efforts to do those camp things they love most at least one more time. They take stock of those special moments—the ones that will forever define the summer of 2014. At the end of the day, there are always a million reasons why this summer was better than any other. Something was always bigger or better or even brand new. Your circle of friends has always grown just a little bit larger. You finally had the chance to go on that camp trip or participate in that camp activity to which you’ve been looking forward to for years. Even though the summer never seems long enough, it’s always mind-blowing to realize just how much was accomplished in such a short span of time. Perhaps it’s the sheer volume of activities that take place at sleepaway camp that makes every summer seem like the best summer ever.
When one weighs the summer as a whole, the good memories are prevalent and the word “amazing” comes to mind far more than the
words “didn’t love it.” Upon considering everything that you accomplished, it’s impossible to be disappointed, even if you can’t check all your pre-summer goals off your list. At camp, especially at the end of the summer, it’s much easier to focus on everything you’ve done more than everything you’ve not.. The feeling of accomplishment is inevitably satisfying in a way that reminds you just why you come to camp anyway. There’s no other place in the world where you have the opportunity to accomplish so much in such a short period of time. Sure, you also come to relax, enjoy the rural setting, and spend time with your camp friends. But you also come with an agenda—specifically, a camp agenda of things that cannot be accomplished anywhere – or with anyone – else. These lists are often lengthy and filled with many more aspirations than can reasonably be achieved during a single summer. But the comforting thought that almost everyone brings home from camp is that there’s always next summer…and the promise of another best summer ever.
Wayne County Update
Sunday, August 3rd, 2014
10/11th Grade Girls Soccer vs Poyntelle, August 1
The girls hosted Poyntelle August and made quick work of reaching this year’s tournament final. Starlight took a while to get going, blasting a number of chances high and wide of the goal. However, once the first goal went in, it was one-way traffic for the remainder of the game in which Starlight ran out winners 9-0.
Jessica R. had very little to do in goal, while Marni C., Marlena G., Rebecca B. and Tori F. were rarely troubled at the back. Molly B., Lauren R., Brooke L., Arli M. and Samantha B. kept Poyntelle busy as did the forward line of Erica L., Julia G. and Allison E. A good overall team performance and the girls now face Wayne in the final.
Boys Basketball vs. Camp Lavi, July 31
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
The 8th grade boys played an outstanding game at Camp Lavi winning 65-32 and becoming Wayne County Champions! The boys played amazing defense causing turnovers for fast break lay-ups on the other end. Dylan T. led the team in scoring with 25 points. Owen B., Dylan H. Danny S., Ryan K., Zach R., Zach C., Spencer W. and Noah J. also added to the team’s large score. The team played great together as a team and the coaches couldn’t be happier! Great win and a great season for the 8th grade boys basketball team.
Final Score 65-32, W
Coaches Dan Mutz, Kyle Galin
Girls Basketball vs. Camp Chen-A-Wanda, July 31
Starlight brought home another win with great defense and wonderful offense. Sam B. scored 16 points and Tricia L. led the team with
10 steals. Championships, here they come!
Final Score 43-8, W
Coaches Janelle Floyd, Kendall Minta
Girls Lacrosse vs. Camp Blue Ridge
The 7th grade girls had a terrific match against Camp Blue Ridge. The final score was 15-1. Emma R. led the team with 7 goals. Lily K. played wonderfully at defense and offense. The game was a total success.
Top Scorers Emma R. 7, Lily K. 3, Ava H. 2, Maddy G. 1, Maia K. 1, Jamie M. 1
Coaches Devon Himelman, Daniela Delgado
Girls Lacrosse vs. Camp Bryn Mawr, July 22
The 8th and 9th grade lacrosse played a great match against Bryn Mawr, with a final score of 22-6. Starlight’s talented goalie Abby S. had more than 6 saves. Almost every offensive player and midfielder scored a goal. Leading the scoreboard was Olivia R. with 7 goals and Amanda L. with 5 goals. Marni K.’s defense led to Starlight keeping the ball for most of the 50 minutes.
Coaches Devon Himelman, Daniela Delgado
Girls Lacrosse vs. Tyler Hill, July 20
The 10th and 11th grade girls lacrosse took a trip to Tyler Hill for their first Wayne County Game. After a close match, Starlight took the win 13-7. Olivia R. scored 7 goals. Samantha B. scored 5 goals and Meredith B. scored 1. Marlena G, held the score close with her amazing saves.
Coaches Devon Himelman, Daniela Delgado
Corpuel Cup Lacrosse
The Corpuel Cup held at Camp Wayne was a true teaching experience for the boys of Starlight. The tournament was for 11th grade and under. This was a 10 on 10 tournament, which differs from Wayne County games of 7 on 7. The first game was against Camp Equinunk. Starlight had a slow first half only scoring a single goal. The game ended with a final score of Starlight 3 Equinunk 9. Spencer G., Josh B. and Griffin S. each scored a goal.
Starlight regrouped, talked strategy and prepared for the next test. Starlight was pitted against Westmont, who brought many older players and a heap of size to the table. The first half started well. Starlight had early goals from Noah G. and Owen B. By halftime, the score was tied at 4. The skill of Starlight overtook the stature of Westmont. Starlight outscored Westmont 9 to 3 giving a final score of 13 to 7. Noah G. ended this game with 4 goals and 1 assist, Ethan E. 1 assist, Josh B. 2 goals and 2 assist , Griffin S 2 goals and 2 assist, Own B. 3 goals and 1 assist, Alex S. 1 goal and 1 assist, Ryan K. 1 goal.
The semifinals put Camp Starlight against their rival Camp Wayne. Griffin S. scored the first goal 2 minutes into the game. Camp Wayne answered with a quick 2 goals. The game went on, but the heat and amount of game proved too much for the boys of Starlight; they were outscored 8-2.
The final game for third place was a rough one. Owen B. and Max S. both scored and Jared B. added an assist. The final score was 10-2. Starlight added to its endurance and perseverance during this tournament. At the end of the day, the team was all smiles and hopeful of avenging their tough loss.
Head Coach Jason Robinson
Starlight Birthday Surprise–A Very Special Photo of the Day
Sunday, August 3rd, 2014Our Parent Liaison and Tour Director Jessica Hochman was treated to a special birthday surprise at evening line up. The senior boys presented Jessica with what David Miller called “the largest tutu ever made” and the Lower Debs presented her with a beautiful tiara. Jessica donned the white fluffy tutu and tiara, locked arms with the senior boys and skipped around the flagpole while the whole camp cheered her along. Camp Starlight is lucky to have Jessica on our staff for her warm personality and spirit. Happy Birthday, Jessica!
Matzah Ball Making Fun with Allison, Lucy, Chef Kary, and the Senior Girls
Saturday, August 2nd, 2014Our Senior Girls learned some life skills on Friday as they spent some time making matzah balls for the Friday evening meal with Chef Kary, Allison and Lucy Rosenberg. They also developed an appreciation for what it takes to prepare a delicious meal for our wonderful camp.
The Annual Camp Starlight Slope for Lope
Saturday, August 2nd, 2014
On most mornings, as the sun rises over Camp Starlight, all is quiet and almost everyone is still sleeping. There is one annual event that brings the campus alive bright and early, however, and everyone is there to celebrate the one thing that spells DELISH! (as in delicious) in the minds of every Starlighter. That’s right. We’re speaking of Camp Starlight’s favorite (Dare we say official?) melon: cantaloupe. Cantaloupe is more than just the tasty conclusion to Friday evening meals at Camp Starlight. It’s also the theme of the annual Slope for Lope, a (roughly) 2K walk/run to celebrate cantaloupe.
The Slope for Lope is no small affair. This year, in fact, 462 staff members and campers made their way to the Main Office on the morning of July 31st to pick up their numbers before being escorted to the starting line at the end of the camp road. Upon being given the queue to start, participants make their way back up the road, and traverse a specially designed course that takes them around campus before they arrive at the finish line which is, naturally, in front of the Dining Hall. And what’s the reward for their efforts? Cantaloupe, of course, and a bracelet marking their accomplishment in finishing the “race.” As an exclusive souvenir that can only be obtained by participating in the Camp Starlight Slope for Lope, the bracelet is a much coveted item.
As much as it is a fun activity, the Slope for Lope is also a way to promote healthy fitness habits to campers. Possibly the most impressive aspect of the efforts of the campers and staff who participate in the Slope for Lope is that “slope” is the operative word when it comes to this particular run/walk. The first half of the race is uphill and, once on campus, participants make their away over a course that slopes downward and upward all the way to the finish line. Even those who are unable to run the race enjoy walking it with their friends and counselors and crossing the finish line together. What better way to begin your morning than a refreshing walk/run with friends and a yummy piece of L-O-P-E!
