In thinking over the importance of our beloved camp, I repeatedly hear the thought that so many professional ALC women state that ALC has been instrumental in who they are today personally and professionally. They talk of how much character building took place for them while in camp, which then, translated into their shining self-confidence which then enabled them to take their various journeys into adulthood.
As we continue to commit ourselves to this fine institution, I think about how important it is for our ALC alums to ‘tell the world’ the benefits of sharing such important parts of their lives while in camp. It feels especially important that those of us who have been so deeply touched and electrified by Alford Lake Camp, should be sharing ‘our stories’ with potential families so that their children can revel in the benefits of camp – ESPECIALLY in this day and age. I cannot help but be thankful for the potential of camp because of the amazing amount of feedback that we continue to receive from ALCers, old and young. Because I am so thankful, I cannot shake the overwhelming desire to initiate an Alumni Group that will start to re-connect with ALCers all over the country and all over the world. What fun would that be, to find that just miles away is another ALCer, who can go and have coffee with you on a late morning in June; a group of you in Seattle who could begin to host monthly dinners; or perhaps, once a year the winter ALC gang could help create some more ‘formalized’ ALC alum gatherings.
As I read my words on this screen, the thoughts and ideas behind this potential ALC Alumni Group start to take on a life of their own. Are any of you, out there, interested in sitting on the founding committee and starting to help plan for groups around the country? Are any of you interested in the concept and might you be willing to brainstorm ideas, even if just by email? If any of this spurs any interest, energy and enthusiasm for you, please be in touch right away so that we can ‘boot this off’ soon and start the re-connections!
The other dimension of loyalty to one’s camp/school/college is to help spread the word of its goodness and importance. Alford Lake continues to thrive because of the recommendations that you all make for upcoming potential families to join the ALC Family. This word of mouth approach is critical to the success and strength of Alford Lake. Now is an especially important time for our ALC alums to share the value of camp with potential families since the need for connection, self-confidence, healthy decision-making, fun, skills and community seem to be paramount in our society. How, as parents, can we not think about extended family when it comes to raising our children and how can we not think of camp as that vital continuation of what we do in our families?
To add to the support of the job of families and potential success of our children’s integrity, we offer the suggestion, that as ALC alums we can make a difference in our world by recommending the camp experience and better yet, the ALC experience, to very deserving and endearing children. We can’t wait to hear from you with ideas of families you would like to share the ALC experience.
We were too anxious to get this post up, so check back tomorrow for a photo!!! See if you know anyone!
