Posts Tagged ‘Benefits of Summer Camp’
Camp Starlight Olympics: Day 3 Scores
Monday, August 6th, 2018Our Lower Deb Summer
Sunday, August 5th, 2018
Being a Lower Deb comes with more respect, responsibilities, opportunities, and freedom. We have a mascot that represents who we are, and who we can be. We have our own cheer that shows our spirit, and proves that we are powerful. We are lucky to be able to get 10 times closer with our division just from one night. Being the role models that we looked up to as a lower junior means so much. In Upper Camp, we now have the responsibility of making a younger camp sister feel happy and comfortable. We also have the privilege of having two sisters with whom we form a special bond and friendship. You learn to be a loyal bunkmate, sister, and friend. We learn to step out of our comfort zone and try new things. We wouldn’t trade this memorable experience for anything else in the world.
-Emma D., Lexi B., and Emma J.
A lot has changed now that we are in Upper Camp. As upper campers you have more freedom and with that comes more responsibility. When you become a Lower Deb you discover friendships you never would have imagined. You get closer with the whole division and learn to accept each others’ differences. When we were juniors we looked up to the Lower Debs; now we have become the role models. In this division we do not see each other as 3 separate bunks but as 1 whole division. One of the highlights of becoming a Lower Deb is the reveal of the summer mascot. This annual tradition started with a rubber chicken; this summer it is a lioness.We have made bonds that will last a lifetime. We know that no matter what, we can rely on each other. We hope everyone will get to have this experience.
-Ava R., Cassidy W., and Myla W.
For many years we have looked up to the people we would soon become. For the first time we get to experience what it’s like to be a role model for the campers in Lower Camp. Being in Upper Camp makes us realize how much we appreciate every second we get to spend at camp. As we get older we take on more responsibilities and understand how lucky we are to have such an amazing experience year after year. Part of being a Lower Deb is becoming closer to each and every one of our lifelong best friends and making memories that will last us a lifetime.
-Carly E., Loren G., and Kamryn G.
Camp Starlight Hypnotist
Friday, August 3rd, 2018Camp Starlight Hypnotist from Camp Starlight on Vimeo.
Off Campus Trips Keep Campers Curious
Thursday, August 2nd, 2018
Camp Starlight provides campers with so many opportunities when they are on campus, from every sport and activity imaginable, campers are always busy and able to have fun. To keep the fun exciting, Camp Starlight also gives campers from different divisions the chance to go on off campus trips. Each division travels to a different location and for a different amount of time, but every camper is guaranteed a unique off campus experience. The Seniors travelled to Niagara Falls to see the amazing firework show, jet boat through class five rapids, and experience the amazing roller coasters and rides at Darian Lake Amusement Park. The Upper Debs and Plebes made their way to Lake George and Six Flags. While the Lower Debs and Plebes experienced Hershey Park! The Upper Inters take a trip to Dorney Park to experience all the fun! The Lower Inters head to Cooperstown, New York to visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and enjoy all the best food the town had to offer. The Juniors found their way to Skate Estate in New York, playing games, skating all around and enjoying everything the day had to offer. All the divisions experienced new things, ideas and places when they were given the opportunity to travel off campus for an extended period of time. When campers are able to travel and experience new places, they are able to learn more about different cities, culture, people and ideas, broadening their minds and increasing their curiosity. It is important that campers get out of camp every once in a while and see new things because that is how they grow to be learners and leaders, taking a step out of the box to experience something like never before. Opportunities like these show how Camp Starlight is devoted to helping campers stay curious and become leaders inside and outside of camp.
National Emoji Day at Camp Starlight
Tuesday, July 31st, 2018
In the spirit of National Emoji Day, Starlighters wasted no time getting decked out in their emoji gear and gadgets to celebrate. While emojis are a part of Starlight everyday from the bunk junk, sweatshirts, tees, jewelry, blankets, pillows, and towels, campers took their emoji love to a new level. Not only were campers wearing their emoji gear, but they dressed up like emojis too! Running to and from activities, the best part of the day was that the smiles and heart eyes from campers were even bigger and brighter than those on their clothes and accessories. Whether on the court or in arts and crafts, Starlighters are always smiling from all corners of campus. Happy National Emoji Day!
Camp Starlight Music Production: Gabby Singing Fix You
Monday, July 30th, 2018The Best Ways to Enjoy the Camp Starlight Lake
Sunday, July 29th, 2018
Camp Starlight would not be complete without the picturesque waterfront. Our two lakes are one of the main reasons that many Starlighters call their summer home “the most beautiful place on Earth”. There are countless ways to explore the waterfront and each different experience is special in its own way. Here are our top picks this summer!
Tubing
Whizzing around the lake behind the speedboat is undoubtedly one of the best ways to enjoy our Starlight waterfront. Riding the sombrero with four of your best friends is a blast and the twists & turns form nothing short of a thrilling experience.
Kayaking
One of the most relaxing ways to experience the lake is paddling around in a kayak. It’s the perfect way to appreciate the serenity of the Starlight lakes and enjoy your afternoon in the sunshine. Seated in the kayak you feel so close the the water and it’s hard not to notice the calmness surrounding you.
Paddle Boarding
Gliding through the water on a paddle board is an incredible and relaxing way to enjoy the picturesque silhouette of the trees over the lake. Campers love to take the opportunity to paddle board as both a way to splash around and also to stop and take it all in while they’re on the water.
The Top of a Water Toy
Whether it’s on top of the slide, rocking on the rock-it, or making a splash on the avalanche and chaos, being on one of these inflatable contraptions feels like being on top of the world! Waving to friends on the dock as campers play and jump on the waterfront toys is a blast and definitely prime time for some of the funniest and best camp memories.
Hiking
Hiking around the Starlight lake is truly one of the best things our campus has to offer campers. Accomplishing a full hike around the lake is both an achievement and an incredible way to bond with your lifelong friends. Through paths and meadows, the scenery along the lake is often times just as beautiful as the water itself. Don’t miss it!
Starnight at Camp Starlight
Tuesday, July 24th, 2018
Starnight was a night to remember. Future Starlighters were accompanied by current Starlighters and Starlight staff for the full Starlight experience. In an atmosphere of “Rahoos” and “H-O-T-T-O-G-O” the Starnighters blended right in and joined in the fun. Junior campers adopted their Starnighters with open bunk doors and open arms as future campers got to see what it’s really like to be a true Starlight camper. The Starlight experience is truly like no other and it showed for future campers and Starlighters alike. In an evening activity full of spirit, tradition, pure joy, and excitement, future Starlighters felt the energy within the building. Starnighters and their families left with special treats, smiles on their faces, and memories to last all summer. With a successfully completed Starnight experience under the Starlight sky, campers and Starnighters already can’t wait for the next one!
Friday Night Speech: Appreciation
Monday, July 23rd, 2018Written by Elizabeth E.
Good Evening…
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Elizabeth E. and I am an upper senior. Thank you for allowing me to come up to talk about the theme of the summer, appreciation, tonight. I would like to start out by saying that 2 of my biggest role models in my life are my older sisters. One is a counselor here this summer. There is 7 year age gap between my oldest sister Sarah and I. So, when I was a lower junior, Sarah was an upper senior. I distinctly remember a time after my lower junior summer when my sister and I were talking about camp and how much we missed it. Sarah turned, looked at me and said, “Elizabeth, you have so many summer left there as a camper. I would do anything to be a junior again and have 8 more summers left at camp. Appreciate it.” Many leagues games, divisional shows, sing-a-longs, and Friday night services later I am now where she once was as an upper senior. I too would do anything to be a lower junior again with so much time as camper left ahead of me. But I would like to think that I took her advice, that I truly appreciated every moment spent here. I now know the importance of stepping back and appreciating every stunning sunset over the lake, every memory made and every one of the 35 girls in my division that I now call family but were once strangers when I was a junior. I don’t know what I would do without them. It’s important to take notice to how much Starlight helps us grow and mature. To appreciate that camp changes us all for the better.
I am now going to give you all the same advice that my sister once gave me. Though you don’t need to be a junior to hear it. Whether you have many years left here or just a few weeks, appreciate every moment spent here. Appreciate the laughs, the smiles and especially all of the people that make this place so amazing. The friendships you make with these people, they will last much longer than the summers spent here. I truly believe that Starlight is a special and one of kind place and that is something to be appreciated.
I, for one, appreciate the opportunity for being asked to speak in front of you all this evening. Thank you again and have a great Friday night. Thank you.
Sharing at Camp Starlight
Thursday, July 19th, 2018
Sharing is a value heavily instilled in Starlight campers from the moment they arrive at camp. When you step off the bus you join a community of people who look out for one another as family. Not only is this important during the summer, sharing is a skill that campers carry with them beyond the conclusion of camp. Sharing makes others feel good and in return, you also feel valued and warm inside.
Sharing can be spotted around the corners of campus in many forms. Junior girls sharing tutus and stickers. Inter boys sharing diabolos and decks of cards. Senior girls sharing speakers and jibbets. The list is varied and endless!
Additionally, our bunks are shared spaces for campers and counselors alike, and throughout the summer everyone learns the importance of working together within this area. The real demonstration of our Starlighters’ fantastic sharing capabilities are proven during inspection when everyone shares the responsibility for taking care of their bunk.
Many physical items are shared at camp, although perhaps the most important things shared here can not be touched or held. Time, laughter, friendship, advice and fun are all shared between both campers and staff daily and these things when experienced together at Starlight are magical.
