The middle portion of our Second Session was punctuated by the culmination of the S4B Olympics, as the Zombie Nation team coached by Seth Brownold emerged victorious.
The ladies of S4G enjoyed an evening Climbing Tower session and were treated to the return of a very special event: the Dog Show, which had not occurred in three summers.
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Campers at S4B and S4G have settled into an action-packed groove during Second Session! The girls continued their exciting Orange and Blue competition and took a special Three Hour Tour at the Waterfront after building rafts. Some of the Boys Camp visited nearby Creek Bend for Miniature Golf and went fishing, while campers of all ages competed in Orange and Blue games on the fields and courts.
A treasure trove of highlights from First Session including: Clinics, a trip to a Binghamton Mets baseball game, S4G Cabin Skit Night, the Organic Garden, S4B Regatta, S4G Twin Day and S4B Gigantusball. Check back as this Set will updated frequently with more photos as they become available.
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American Independence Day observed at Camp, including Fourth of July Field Days.
A return to fair and warmer weather this week allowed for a plethora of on-field activities and fun at the Waterfront!
It is a tradition to gather as one Camp on a Sunday each Session for a joint Chapel Service. Co-Site Director Cannie Shafer welcomed campers, staff and visitors to Cubberely Grove named for a long-time Camp Doctor. Dr. Cubberley was also a devoted nature enthusiast who relished living in a cottage on the banks of Tripp Lake. As a fitting memorial to his many years of service, the Cubberley and Susqueuannock families created Cubberley Grove at the Waterfront.
While gathered in this tranquil setting, Cannie used a pepple, rock and a boulder to highlight the difference in perspective of challenges we face every day. She encouraged all to take a moment to consider the relative size of every issue in our lives. If the problem is the size of a pebble, perhaps it would be best to set it aside. When encountering rocks or boulders, it is best to devote more effort and concentration to address the problem.
In closing, Cannie read an excerpt of a famous poem perfectly suited for this reflection:
“Please grant me the serenity and the patience to accept the things I can not change, the courage and the perseverance to change the things I can – and the wisdom to know and understand the difference.”
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The First Week of First Session maintained the amazing momentum set during Opening Day. Children in both Camps were placed onto preliminary teams that played scrimmages, known as World Games, that served as an evaluation process to pick fair and balanced Orange and Blue teams. Competitive Orange and Blue teams at every level is integral to the Susquehannock experience, as we strive to foster a setting where every camper feels comfortable contributing to the team, regardless of their own skill level.
It is not uncommon for trades to be made by the coaching staff during the World Games, as we see the campers participate in the full scope of activities offered at Susquehannock. The campers are hardly aware that the evaluations are even taking place – they’re too busy having the time of their lives while playing with old and new friends!
As we continue to get to know one another and build our community, both Camps hold team cheer competitions emphasizing that sportsmanship and spirit are our guiding principles, above all else. These competitions often get silly, as seen in the above photos.
The staff members at both Camps are very pleased with the results of the World Games and are looking forward to a special Orange and Blue competition during First Session. Check back soon for more photos!
Counselors began arriving in late May to prepare our facilities for yet another amazing summer at Tripp Lake. A lot of effort has gone into the creation of a new Organic Garden, spearheaded by S4B staff member Blake Shafer in addition to the preparation of fields, courts and cabins.
As a reward for the hard work of the Work Week contingent, the staff is rewarded by a sumptuous feast shipped all the way from Dreamland BBQ in Alabama – featuring Spare Ribs, Fried Okra, Sweet Potato Biscuits and Pecan Pie. This is a more recent tradition that has many staff members very excited for Thursday of Work Week.
On the first day of Training Week, Sunday, June 16th, the staff gathered at the home of Mr. Ed, longtime Director of Camp Susquehannock, to celebrate his 91st birthday with singing, birthday cake and general merriment.
In addition to the continuation of the work around campus, staff members participated in hands-on training sessions led by Senior Staff. All aspects of Camp life are thoroughly discussed, including preparation for sports clinics, cabin duties, Overnight camp-out coordination, Waterfront policies and many, many more. The staffs of both Camps were able, however, to blow off some steam during a mini Orange and Blue Competition played throughout Training Week.
Both staffs are a diverse mix of individual personalities and talents and we are all very excited for the arrival of campers on Sunday, June 23rd!
Check out a really cool slideshow produced by Mary Powell:
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The Boys and Girls gathered for two all-Camp events during the last week of our 2012 Session: the Super Mongo Goofy Monster Relays on Monday and Counselor Skit Night on Tuesday. Campers also spent some time during down time on Sunday creating a Susquehannock version of Nepalese prayer flags which were hung at the Cubberley Grove chapel site near the Waterfront.
To access the entire gallery or to view on an iPad or mobile device, CLICK HERE.