Posts Tagged ‘summer camp memories’

Starlight Stars

Saturday, July 2nd, 2011

Anyone who has been lucky enough to spend the summer at Camp Starlight will know that on a clear night, away from the lights, the sky is simply breathtaking.  It’s like you can see every single star in the sky and if you look long enough you’ll almost certainly see a shooting star.  It surely must have been the inspiration when giving the camp a name.

Our website allows all our campers, staff, parents and alumni to see the camp sky whenever they want through our “Name a Star” page which can be found at http://www.campstarlight.com/#/view-stars  Not only can you dedicate a star in your name, but you can write about your favorite Starlight moment for everyone to see.  Jake Z’s best moment was winning Olympics in his first year as a Lower Junior, and for Sydney it’s about waking up on Krispy Kreme mornings.  Camp Starlight means so many different things to so many people.  On our 65th Anniversary, please take the time to leave your own message in the Starlight sky and leave a lasting memory for us all to share.

Campfire

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

Campfire night at Camp Starlight is a very special night, with both boys and girls having their own campfires at their respective lakefronts.  Everyone has met their camp big brothers and sisters and a real sense of family and friendship can be felt.  For the seniors it is also a time to share what camp means to them.

Allison and David met everyone at their respective campfires and tiki torches were lit for each of the Camp Starlight values.  The seniors who had been at camp the longest were then invited to light the campfire. This summer is about making memories that will last a lifetime, having a giant sleepover every night with such special people and knowing that there are so many old friends you can always count on.  For every child there’s the knowledge that each summer there is a second home waiting for them and they can treasure every moment of camp life. 

The evening progressed with lots of singing and sharing of thoughts and feelings, including messages from counselors who used to be campers.  There were also smores for everyone – a campfire wouldn’t be a campfire without them!  Campfire brings us all closer together and for many is one of the highlights of the summer.  At the end of the evening we all looked up and through the broken cloud a single star could be seen.  We all made a wish for the summer on that same star, knowing that the Starlight magic would make it come true.

Senior Spotlight #1

Monday, June 27th, 2011

The 65th summer at Camp Starlight is going to be extra special for one group of campers in particular.  For the Upper Seniors this will be their last year as campers and it’s invariably going to be a rollercoaster of emotions.  The blog this summer will therefore dedicate a whole section to what it is like to be a Senior at Camp Starlight – thoughts and feelings, reminiscing about summers past and looking to the future.  Please join us on this very special journey.

Opening Night Show here reminds us of the core values of Camp Starlight – Spirit, Tradition, Adventure, Family and Fun.  From the very first day our Seniors joined us they have learned how camp enriches their lives and they were keen to lead by example in the show.  The boys presented the banners representing the values of Camp Starlight in an opening ceremony and the girls took part in the very moving tradition of the passing of a candle from a CA to one of the Upper Senior girls that have been at camp the longest.  The girls all then sang the “Alma Mater” by candlelight and it must be said that there were a few teary eyes.  The annual opening night camp sing-a-long is where the Seniors came into their element with “Singing in the rain” on stage with David and Allison being a real highlight. 

Being a Senior at Camp Starlight really is something special.  They are already young leaders, eager and ready to pass on the gift of camp to younger children.  Let’s make this summer the best one yet!

Words From The Past

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

Whilst clearing out The Cottage today, getting ready for our 65th summer to begin, we came across a handwritten note from Emily.  There is no date, but these words are timeless. Thank you Emily!

Dear Parents, Family and Friends,

Although the summer is coming to a close, the memories campers have made will always stay with us.  Each year camp gets better and better and eventually Camp Starlight will become second home and the people that surround you will become your family.  From the first day of camp, friendships will be made that will never be broken or forgotten.  From the minute you get up you know that the day that is starting will be the best day.  You can go to sleep knowing that you have tried new things.  Throughout the ten months of the winter, Camp Starlight is what campers think about every day.  No matter how far apart people are, they will almost always come back for Camp Starlight for the two best months of the year.  “Living ten for two” is our motto.

Emily