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10 for 2

Monday, September 14th, 2020

The leaves start to change color as the temperature drops.

The school year is here. Campers, please get your laptops.

They get their pens ready, notebooks all in a line,

“I don’t want to go to school,” they all seem to whine.

As the bus rolls up to school, it is clear summer is now done.

Campers are anxious now that school has begun.

Sports, homework, and music lessons they all have in store.

Hanging with friends, Hebrew school, and so much more.

Grab your winter coat. Winter is just around the bend.

The warmth goes away, but summer memories never end.

Group chats and hangouts with camp friends keep the spirit alive.

All anticipating next June when the buses arrive.

The distance between camp friends may grow this winter.

But the bonds they made this summer, the cold can’t hinder.

The summer is over. They miss their camp friends

But one thing we know is friendship never ends.

So, the time is now for school and extracurriculars, whether they like it or not.

To our campers, we say “We’ll see you in a few.”

The separation is only temporary…Because we all live 10 for 2.

Tags: 10 for 2, all things camp, benefits of camp, camp activities, camp fun, Camp Starlight, camper blogs, kids summer camp, summer camp activities, summer camp fun, summer camps
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How Summer Camp is as Magical as Disney!

Monday, September 5th, 2016

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They say Disney is the most magical place on Earth, but ask any kid who has spent the summer at Camp Starlight, and they’ll beg to differ. They’ll tell you of a place that feels magical, that sparks their imagination, a place they can’t wait to get to and a place they never want to leave. They will tell you about a place where you can spend the entire day going, playing and doing and STILL not do and see everything there is to see. They’ll tell you that camp is a lot like Disney, but better.

There is something about making the journey to Disney that adds to the magic and excitement of the experience. Even if the drive is long or the flight is exhausting, there is something about the journey that adds to the excitement. The same goes for camp. The build up, the anticipation, the letters in the mail, the newsletters and all of the things that lead up to the initial trip to camp help build the excitement before they even step foot on the grounds.

Camp is made for kids, much like Disney. It is made with growing imaginations in mind. Camp Starlight takes everything that kids love and roll it into one jam-packed summer. And, like Disney, every kid can find something they love at camp. Camp caters to athletes, thespians, crafters, animal lovers, thrill seekers, writers, outdoor enthusiasts, artists, nature lovers and everything in between, just like Disney caters to pirates, princesses, evil villains, talking mice and ducks that dance. Whatever campers are into, camp has something for them.

It goes without saying that a day at Disney is a day filled with fun, but for most families, it is just a day. Some lucky families can spend a few days exploring Disney, but usually no more than a week. The great thing about camp is that is lasts for the summer, and kids have plenty of opportunities to try everything, and then re-try the things they love the most. Camp is a summer of fun and adventure, giving campers plenty of time to bond with new friends, and allowing them to enjoy everything camp has to offer without feeling rushed.

Tags: activities at camp starlight, advantages of summer camp, camp events, Camp Starlight, camper friendships, fun at camp, fun days at summer camp, summer camp fun, summer camp magic
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21 Thoughts that Run Through a First Time Counselors Mind During the First Week of Camp

Wednesday, July 6th, 2016

Hi. It’s me, your counselor. Hello. I’m over here.
I don’t think these campers will ever remember my name.
WHY DO YOU HAVE SO MUCH STUFF???
What is with all of these Adidas shoes that my dad wore when playing basketball in the 70’s? Maybe I should get those. Yeah, my cool days are over.
*While campers sing all their camp songs* “Fa la la I don’t know the words, I don’t know the words, maybe one day I will know the words
I’m sweating so much. I. Didn’t. Know. I. Could. Sweat. So. Much.
Long-time camp staff where do you get all of this energy from?? Teach me your ways.
It’s 7:55 a.m. Is that taps or tattoos?
Campers, pleeeeeeease just help clean the bunk. It’s not fair, I know.. but life’s not fair.
You’re telling me that the whole camp eats lunch at the same time??
I can’t climb to the top bunk, someone let me sit on your bed forseconds.
Yay! You finally know my name.
48 more days of this?? How am I going to survive?
Kids…. for the 1500th time. Please go to bed!!
Ahhh!! Tomorrow is a new day.
Wow today was much better!
Yay! The campers wrote their parents and said they liked their counselors… cha-ching!
I’m getting the hang of this.. I kinda like it. Okay I like it a LOT.
Aww… a camper just offered me to sit on her bed.
I got it! The first bugle call is Reveille.
One week down already? That went by so fast. I’m so excited for the rest of the summer and all of the memories that my bunk is going to make. These next six weeks need to slooooooooowwww down.

Tags: advantages of summer camp, afsc, America's finest summer camps, camp counselor, camp skills, counselor, sleepaway camp, summer camp fun, summercamp, work at summer camp
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Have You Ever Heard of a Diabolo?

Friday, June 28th, 2013

Have you ever heard of a diabolo? Not the devilish kind. We mean the apparatus that was developed by a Frenchman as a twist on the Chinese yo-yo, has a name with Greek origins, and is an extremely popular part of the Camp Starlight Circus program. In recent years, the diabolo has become a common feature in circus acts and street performances, which has contributed a great deal to its rising popularity. Contrary to popular belief, the name of the instrument is not taken from the Italian “diavolo” or Spanish “diablo”, both words for “devil. The name is actually derived from the Greek words “dia bolo,” which literally translates to “toss throw,” but for which the connotation is “to confuse.”

Recently, some of our lower camp girls spent some time learning the basics of the diabolo, and they were anything but confused. In fact, they were having a great time learning to get the hang of some of the key moves and then having opportunity to perform their tricks in succession as part of a routine. Although many of them started out a little bit timid at first, they were spinning, tossing, and cradling like pros after a little bit of help from Ben, the Circus Specialist. Although most of the girls admit that they’re not quite ready to join Ringling Brothers or Cirque Du Soleil just yet, they really enjoy playing with the diabolo and are surprised at how easy it is to learn a few basic moves that are sure to impress their friends and parents.

Tags: camp circus activities, Camp Starlight, circus camp, diabolo, sleepaway camp, summer camp activities, summer camp fun
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A Starlight Halloween!

Tuesday, October 9th, 2012

Can you believe it is already October!? We bet, just like us at the winter office, you are still thinking about camp! Well, we have been stirring up some tricky ideas on how to make this Halloween a Starlight Spooktacular Event!

How about draping your camp sheets over your homemade haunted house to give it a Starlight style? Or hanging them up with a soccer ball head to be funky ghosts? Bring the carriage house to your Halloween party by having friends and family tie dye t-shirts in orange and black! Have your snack be a fruit call of….caramel apples! Are you missing S-day cookouts? Well, how about carving a watermelon instead of a pumpkin? When someone asks you, “Trick or Treat?” wow them with a trick you learned this summer at Super Sixth Magic! You could even bring the spirit of Camp Starlight into your costume!

Deck out in your Starlight best, topping it with a Starlight visor, and clapping your hands together with a tambourine as Jason Glick! Or even better go as one of the Three Short Neck Buzzards! Take your trick or treating on the road by turning a box into a moon buggy and go as Alyson Lee giving a tour. Stand tall and carry a flag and tell everyone to “Have a great day!” Be victorious this Halloween by suiting up as the next SWF champion! Or even dress as your favorite counselor, maybe they were on the waterfront, ropes, or cooking?

No matter what, we know if you do this, you are sure to have a very Spooktacular Starlight Halloween!

Tags: American summer camps, Camp Starlight, camp traditions, summer camp activities, summer camp fun, summer camp memories
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Catching Up with the Upper Inter Boys

Tuesday, July 17th, 2012

The Upper Inter boys, led by Alex, have had a pretty exciting summer so far. They’ve been busy playing on their Wayne County sports teams, competing in Starlight Leagues, and have even gone bowling and to Skate Estate. Evening activities have been pretty wild. All of Boys Camp recently participated in The Hunger Games. There have also been a Wild Dance Party, Bunk Challenges, and a Magic Show, among other things. This week, the Upper Inters will be competing in their divisional MTV Night competition. All of the Upper Inter boys bunks have been working very hard on their acts. Recently, we caught up with Luke, an Upper Inter in bunk 12. Here’s what he shared with us about his summer so far:

CS: What is your favorite camp activity?

Luke: Track and Field. I love to run!

CS: What is your favorite camp meal?

Luke: Chocolate chip pancakes. I like to make a stack and then pour two packets of syrup over them…perfect.

CS: What is your favorite evening activity?

Luke: Challenge Week Auction because you never know what you’re going to get. This year my bunk got brownies in the bunk. We wanted to get the smoothie party. But we didn’t win the auction for that.

CS: What is your best moment at camp so far this summer?

Luke: Every morning when I see my brother and sister. We have a spot where we meet every morning. I’m a middle child and my brother and sister are here. My brother is older so he kind of checks on me to see how I’m doing. My sister is younger. This is her first year here, so I kind of check on her. We’re looking after each other.

CS: If you could make up one new activity at Camp Starlight, what would it be?

Luke: A hip hop dance competition for boys.

CS: Which camp activity would you do every day if you could?

Luke: It’s one I do every day…Super 6^th because I get to do everything. I don’t think there is just one thing that I’d want to do EVERY day.

CS: If you could be any staff member at Camp Starlight, who would you be?

Luke: David Miller–even though his job is really hard because he has to remember a lot of names.

CS: To what are you looking the most forward the second half of the summer?

Luke: Spending more time with my friends.

Tags: American summer camps, Benefits of Summer Camp, Camp Starlight, sleepaway camp, summer camp, summer camp activities, summer camp fun, summer camp programs
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How Do You Spell Camp Starlight?

Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

Over the years, a summer at Camp Starlight has come to mean so much to so many people around the world. To pump up those of us returning to camp this summer and to give our first-time Starlighters a little lesson in what excitement and memories are in store for them, we decided to spell out just a glimpse of what is to come when the Starlight family reunites for the 66th season in the place that we love!

C-Campfires kick off the summer’s excitement when we get our camp siblings. And of course, they mean we are in for a tasty treat, S’MORES!

A-Amazing evening activities make sure the fun does not end after Super 6th, and every year they get more and more outrageously fun!

M-Matzo ball soup is a perfect companion to our Friday night dinners! Not to mention, when we see it we know what’s coming next…L-O-P-E, that’s how we spell deeeeelicious!

P-Pizza parties at the end of summer keep us working hard for all 10’s on inspection. How many Honor Bunk plaques will you earn this summer?

S-Sunsets on the lake remind us daily to take a second and admire the beauty that surrounds us.

T-The Week in Review is a guaranteed laugh and a great way to remember all the fun we had in the last week.

A-Allison Miller is looking forward to a special night with our new Junior Girls. She can’t wait to get to know more about each of you and to enjoy doing Build-a-Bear to help remind you of your first summer at Starlight for years to come!

R-Ropes Course is a favorite program area for Starlighters. Who’s excited for their first chance at the Star Jump in 2012?

L- Listening to the Key Note Speaker on Friday nights is always so special, because we get to hear the effects of Starlight on the leaders of our community.

I- “I Can’t Smile Without You” is a sure way to get Starlighters smiling when they think about Jeff Moss leading us all in Sing Alongs during the summer! Make sure you’re warming up your voice! We suggest trying it in the rain!

G-Girls side never ceases to impress with the outstanding performances at Spirit of Starlight! Who will take home the win this year?!

H-Hockey games with David are a favorite tradition on Boy’s side. Is it just me, or are you hearing the echoes of whistles and cheers from the Arena just thinking about it too?

T-Today’s countdown is at 84 days until we are all reunited in the 18461!!! Come on June 24!

–Lindsay

Tags: America's finest summer camps, American summer camps, Benefits of Summer Camp, Camp Starlight, first time at summer camp, summer camp, summer camp activities, summer camp fun, summer camp memories, summer camp traditions
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Try Something New This Summer!

Saturday, March 10th, 2012

It’s afternoon at Camp Starlight. Some campers are busy with the usual summer camp fare-arts and crafts, soccer, roller hockey, theater, etc–others are learning how give back through the new Community Service program.

Everyone knows about the traditional fun stuff that summer camp offers—but more and more, non traditional activities are gaining popularity with campers. No doubt, summer camp is a world steeped in tradition, but it’s also a world of innovation, offering children a chance to think outside the box and reach beyond the everyday through their imaginations. At summer camp, children can be magicians, ga-ga pros, robot enthusiasts, rocket makers and aspiring chefs. The summer camp environment no doubt contributes to the ability of campers to try new activities. After all, part of the “spirit” of summer camp, as reported by the American Camp Association, is “play”. Camp is the perfect place for children to place themselves in new situations without feeling threatened or judged. Maybe this is why so many campers have reported first trying an activity that eventually became a passion at summer camp.

The fact that summer camps have the resources to offer new, exciting activities to children is another benefit. Constructing a ga-ga pit in the backyard or a lab for building robots can be costly. But at summer camp, such programs allow many children the benefit of being able to explore new areas. So this summer, be sure to encourage your children to try something new.

Tags: activities at camp, America's finest summer camps, American summer camps, Benefits of Summer Camp, camp play, Camp Starlight, play at camp, summer camp, summer camp activities, summer camp fun, things to do at summer camp
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One of Camp Starlight’s Favorite Pastimes…

Thursday, October 20th, 2011

“Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd;
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,
I don’t care if I never get back.
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don’t win, it’s a shame.
For it’s one, two, three strikes, you’re out,
At the old ball game.”

With the World Series in progress, many baseball fans can be heard humming or singing this familiar tune. All of the campers at Camp Starlight find themselves singing it at least one time throughout the summer when the Binghamton Mets and Scranton Yankees become the home teams of Camp Starlight. Whether they are diehard baseball fans or those who simply love to indulge in stadium goodies like popcorn, peanuts, and hot dogs, there is nothing better for Camp Starlighters than walking to their seats while hearing the roar of the crowd, the excited voices of the sports commentators, and the crack of the ball hitting the bat under the bright stadium lights After a trip out of camp to see a game, our campers proudly sport souvenirs–baseball caps, team emblazoned pens or pencils with which to write home, and even sweet snacks with the team’s logo—with smiles on their faces! We cannot wait until the 2012 summer camp season to get back to the ball park.