Alford Lake Camp

As parents, we strive to find positive role models for our children.  These important people in our children’s lives reflect the values we share, the goals we have for our children and the fundamental philosophies of our families.

Above all else, parents, grandparents and extended family members play the most important circle of love, support and encouragement for our children.  Gradually, as children grow the caring people in their lives extends to neighbors, nannies & babysitters, teachers, coaches and members of faith communities.  Friends and colleagues share in the joy, challenges and day-to-day realities of raising children in the 21st century.

Alford Lake Camp counselors can, and do, act as powerful role models for campers.  After months of carefully screening and interviewing candidates, we assemble an amazing staff of accomplished, energetic and fun young women and men to become leaders of camp activities and trips.  Many counselors are returning to camp after spending summers at Alford Lake as campers themselves.  These experienced counselors share a unique love of camp with the camp community.  Some of our counselors are “new” to camp and bring fresh ideas and energy to ALC.

Our staff arrives at camp early to participate in a rigorous and detailed training program.  Pre-camp involves sessions in child development, teaching strategies, program development instruction, as well as water safety, trip safety and first aid training.  We spend this important time preparing a team of leaders to work together to create a safe, welcoming and fun camp community for our campers.   This time is intensely serious as we discuss emergency plans, important camp policies and the awesome responsibility of caring for children in a dynamic environment.  But pre-camp is also incredibly fun.  We share our enthusiasm and love of camp in team building exercises and our anticipation of the important roles we all assume by becoming leaders at Alford Lake Camp.  You should hear the laughter, singing and silliness that begins before the campers even arrive!

The end result of this careful selection and training is a staff of remarkable, talented, caring counselors who have dedicated themselves to being the best counselors they can be for their campers.  All of our counselors are given excellent peer mentors who are available at any time to help and guide them through any questions.  We, as directors, have an “open door policy” and are available to our counselors whenever they need help or guidance.  We meet weekly with our counselors by departments, by age group and also as a whole group.  These meetings allow us to constantly connect and address any questions that may arise.  Communication is the key to supporting and reinforcing the role our counselors play in the success of camp.  Respecting our counselors’ needs to “recharge their batteries” we provide rotating days off and a space separate from the camper group so they may relax.  We delight in hearing that after a day off, counselors often say “I missed my campers”!

When we watch our talented, well-trained staff interact with our campers we see MAGIC.  Meaningful instruction, respectful communication and shared fun create a bond of friendship between counselors and their campers.  Counselors become role models for our campers as they see accomplished young adults living and working in our camp community.  We observe laughter, smiles, quiet conversations and trusting relationships shared between counselors and campers.

Alford Lake Camp is a magical place, not because of our beautiful lake, gorgeous campus or sparkling white tents.  The magic is in the people who share their summers together here. Our counselors are the most important part of this magic.  We couldn’t be more proud of them and hope you will take a moment to consider how important this type of role model can be for the young person in your life!

We can’t wait for another magical summer!

Sue McMullan, Director
Betsy Brayley, Assistant Director

Going on vacation, traveling for work, a sleepover at a friend’s house, getting ready for college, heading to camp for the summer… whatever the reason, we make packing lists.  Sure, sometimes the list is just in our heads but other times we write them down.  Either way, we pack.  Clothes, shoes, toothbrush and toothpaste… checking off as we go down the list.  But have you ever stopped to think about what is NOT on the list?

Traveling by plane — pack your patience!  Heading off to college — pack common sense and good judgment alongside those textbooks.  Holidays with your extended family — tuck some unconditional love next to those presents.  Finally going on that long anticipated trip — a sense of adventure and a set of reasonable expectations are good to have.

Families have been packing up trunks for their ALC campers for over 103 summers!  Hopefully they have been carefully following our packing list (yes, 14 pairs of socks).  We know that along with camp clothing our families are packing trust in ALC and we take this trust very, very seriously.  We will care for your child, respect your values and help her have a meaningful, fun and rewarding summer.

Campers pack hopes for new friends, great times and new adventures.  Alford Lake Camp is ready with amazing counselors and exciting activities to share with friends both old and new.   Our staff is packing enthusiasm and professionalism to bring to every interaction they have with our campers. 

In just a few months, when we arrive at Alford Lake Camp we will all unpack and begin our summer of sharing the magic of camp together.  We can’t wait!

Sue McMullan, Director

What will you pack when you come to Alford Lake Camp?  Let us know… reply to this or any blog!!

All week we have been watching and hearing commercials with hearts as their theme. Strolling down the streets of our hometowns, seeing hearts posted in a store or office window hopefully will have reminded us to spend our day today celebrating the warmth of our families.  I would like to add an additional “Ah ha” that came to me, as I took my scissors and cut homemade Valentines for each one of my children – yes, I still do the old fashioned Valentines – sorry Hallmark(!).  What came to me was that each day in camp is Valentine’s Day for so many of us.  While we are in camp, each day gives us the opportunity to appreciate one another; time to reach out and acknowledge one another’s successes and challenges and time to admire and miss our families from afar while still loving camp; a skill we will need for a lifetime.   What a wonderful Valentine’s gift we share – the gift of support and understanding from our families who have given us the courage and independence to celebrate Valentine’s Day each day we are in camp.

So today, Gang, let’s show ‘em what we do – thank someone who has affected your life, reach out to those who need us, hug our parents for their ‘gift of camp’, give “gifts of self” to others and let’s hold hands and hearts around the world and make a difference – let each day of our lives be a Valentines Day to or for someone else.

It all boils down to this one question:  “Why camp?”

As camp directors, we have the unique pleasure of meeting and getting to know wonderful parents from all over the world!  Through these meetings and conversations, we answer a multitude of questions regarding Alford Lake Camp.  Exploring these questions with our community is one of our greatest joys because we are given the chance to communicate with families about important experiences for their children.  What could be better?!

We know our families have questions both big and small and we are here to explore them all, together.  We can’t wait to tell you about our 104-year history, our beautiful camp location and exciting programs.  Brag about our loyal, talented and energetic staff?  We love it!  Figure out the nuts and bolts of camp life?  That is easy — we can walk you through each step getting ready to send your child to camp.  We are proud to discuss our community and the way we create a camp community where values matter.  Sharing with you our love of camp is our true pleasure and honor.

Our conversations begin and end with one question… “Why camp?”  Year after year, thoughtful, caring and dedicated parents have pondered this question and the reasons they choose Alford Lake Camp for their children are as unique and varied as their campers.  We, as Directors, know the value of a residential camp experience and are eager to explore this value with you.  A summer at Alford Lake Camp is a wonderful opportunity for your child and it begins with the question, “Why Camp?”

We can’t wait to talk with you about your camper, your family and to answer the fundamental question of “Why Camp”?” Please feel free to contact us any time at 207-799-3005 or e-mail us at explore@alfordlakecamp.com.

Sue McMullan, Director
Besty Brayley, Assistant Director