05 Aug 2009 – Issue III

Second Session Opens With Great Enthusiasm and Special Arrival!
Win and Blake Shafer began hiking the Apalachin Trail in March 2009, hiked all 2,178 miles, and made their triumphant return to Camp with an assist from longtime alum, Dave Reeve – who joined them for the last section known as “The 100 Mile Wilderness”. Even under the cover of night, our three intrepid travelers were greeted with loud cheers by campers and staff alike.

Both Camps launched right back into their respective Programs with World Games, Team Cheers, Clinics and of course, the Orange and Blue competition.  S4B and S4G joined together for a special game of “Kluster Fluster Kaiser Ball”, an exciting new game developed by two Boys Camp counselors, Garner “Bobby” Kaiser and John Lloyd. Combining elements of Angleball, Soccer, Dodgeball and Tag, the new game was a hit for the Boys during First Session and was embraced enthusiastically by both boys and girls as a great new tradition. The event counted for Orange and Blue competition.  

Junior campers are allowed to use “powder bombs” (a handful of flour wrapped in tissue paper) to tag couselors out, who must then report to the referees in the center of the field before resuming play.
As in years past, Camp Susquehannock did its volunteer and local civic duty when over a dozen of our Staff gave blood at the annual local Red Cross Blood Drive.
The final week is full of exciting events, including our Horse Show, Villa Hunt, Camp Open Doubles, Counselor Skit Night and plenty more – check back for the final recap of yet another magical summer here at Camp Susquehannock!

Also, please check out the Camp Susquehannock homepage for details about our closing ceremonies on August 14th.

25 Jul 2009 – Issue II

Camp Susquehannock First Session A Rousing Success!
We pick up the story with clinics and Orange and Blue competition heating up. Our program features team and free choice clinics in the morning, Orange and Blue games in the afternoons (and sometimes evenings).

One of the highlights in the Boys camp is the Gigantusball game, which is a multiple field Angleball game that every camper and counselor participates in.  Free choice clinics also include time in our Craft Shop and Wood Shop.

Jeff Lyon of Your Eco Solutions gave a presentation on the conservation of water during rest hour. Camp Susquehannock has fully embraced the increased awareness with regards to our environment and launched a Going Lean and Green initiative this summer. We learned that the world population was approximately two billion in 1973 and now in 2009 it is seven billion and steadily increasing. He asked us to think about the impact of the exponential population growth on the world’s water resources, which are being depleted daily.

By the year 2025, 66% of the world’s population will experience a shortage of water. The average American citizen uses 100 gallons of water PER DAY as opposed to 26 gallons in Europe. The campers then did a relay race of carrying buckets of water, demonstrating a small portion of a daily ritual for many people in third world countries. Every drop spilled makes a huge difference and Jeff told us several simple things we can do to conserve, such as turning the faucet off while brushing teeth.

The Annex in S4B and Cabb Inn were treated to a special treat after winning the First Session Cabin Inspection awards. The girls in Cab Inn enjoyed an ice cream feast at nearby Creek Bend Miniature Golf Course while the boys in Annex had a meal prepared by our chefs Greg and Adam.

A summer at Susquehannock is not just about winning ribbons or getting accolades, it is truly about how campers are changed as people for the better. On behalf of all the Staff, we truly hope to see you back next summer! 2010 will be a particularly special year, as we will be hosting an Alumni/Family Reunion Weekend, celebrating our 105th year. Check back here for more updates from the rest of the summer!

S4G Orange and Blue Final Standings:
Blue WINS
S4B Orange and Blue Final Standings:
Orange: 174
Blue: 211

06 Jul 2009 – Issue I

Camp Susquehannock Opens for 104th Summer!
After two weeks of intense preparation, the staff of Camp Susquehannock welcomed another group of campers eager to embrace the singular experience provided at our Tripp Lake campus. We are happy to launch the second volume of The Tripp Lake Times, which will continue to chronicle the summer at Susquehannock.

The first night of the session is reserved for reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. After both Camps received a welcome from Director Cannie Shafer and the Staff, the girls and boys head to their respective camps for opening night festivities, including Counselor Skits in the Girls Camp and a Dodgeball game in the Boys camp.
As we create our Orange and Blue teams, campers participate in World Games. We strive to make fair teams where every camper feels confident to contribute.  A special event in the first hours of the session is the Team Cheers in both Camps.
A spirited first week was capped off by our annual Fourth of July Field Days in the Boys Camp. Teams compete in a variety of games, followed by a swim at the Waterfront and a cook-out.  Cannie Shafer welcomed both Camps and introduces Andrew Hano, who provided the keynote address. After Andrew’s remarks, the games begun!
Check back for more updates very soon! If you would like to alerted when new Issues of the TLT are released, please email josho@susquehannock.com.