Archive for January, 2011

ALC AMT & ALPS 2011…ALC isn’t just for girls

Friday, January 28th, 2011
They don’t wear “blueberry blues”, they don’t spend their summers in Hope, Maine and they aren’t all girls!  Yes, this is still news about Alford Lake Camp – a 105 year long Girls Summer Camp.  But perhaps you didn’t know that for over 30 years, ALC has been providing boys and girls with amazing summer experiences beyond the shores of Alford Lake.  We have AMAZING co-ed Global Challenge Trips!  These trips have been life-changing summer adventures for boys and girls who have completed 8th, 9th or 10th grade.  Teenagers hiking, camping, climbing and meeting dynamic challenges and adventures in summers like NO OTHER!
 
Do you know a boy who is ready for more?  More adventure?  More indepth, small group experiences?More challenge?  More excitement?  We have two amazing trips that now have spots open.  ALC AMT and ALC ALPS might just be the answer to the question of “what is next?”  Who is ready for a summer of non-stop discovery and exploration?  Who is ready to learn what they can accomplish when lead by amazing trip leaders and supported by a group of peers ready to meet every challenge head on with excitement, enthusiasm and fun?
 
AMT – A seven week adventure in Maine!  330 miles of hiking the Appalachian Mountain Trail.  Summitting the highest peak of the eastern seaboard of the USA is the BEGINNING of this summer of hiking, exploration and achievement.  Carrying everything they need in their packs, our AMTers are resupplied weekly during their journeys.  This close knit camp community takes on the daunting task of hiking 330 miles of the AMT – from the beginning of the trail at Mt. Katahdin in Maine to the NH border.  Stretch your mind, your muscles and your definition of what is possible by joining ALC AMT on a summer that you will never, ever forget!  (June 28 – Agust 15, 2011)
 
ALPs – Grab your passport and your backpack for a five week journey in Europe.  Learn about the cultures of France, Switzerland and Italy up close while you hike, glacier walk, experience a 1000 foot zipline, rock climb and explore the Alps.  The beauty of these regions present non-stop inspiration as you journey from place to place with everything you need in your backpacks.  Ascend to the majesty of the ALPs and learn about yourself and others with every challenge.  Give back through organized community service projects.  Discover new languages, cultures, cuisine and vistas but more importantly, discover more about yourself in the process.  Dynamic trip leaders who share their experience and love of this trip will lead campers on an adventure of a life time!  (July 9 – August 15, 2011)
 
We know you all wish you still had a summer to dedicate to these trips.  How lucky our campers are to have these opportunities awaiting them.  Spaces are limited but we would love to talk to you if you know a boy who has completed 8th, 9th or 10th grade and is ready for a summer of change, challenge, discovery and adventure!
 
Be in touch with us soon!  This could be the most important summer of a lifetime!
Warmly,
Sue McMullan, Director
Betsy Brayley, Assistant Director

Posted in Camp, Sports, Summer, Travel | No Comments »

What are your thoughts on the Tiger Mom?

Friday, January 21st, 2011

Water cooler conversations all over the USA were buzzing about Amy Chua’s new parenting book, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother.  So we would like to share with you our “bubbler” (what we call the water cooler/water fountain at ALC) chats on this book!

Parenting books are always on our radar!  We recognize the ever changing challenges and concerns parents have as they raise their children.  Through the years we have found truths in books that encourage parents to consider the need for balance in their children’s lives.  We cheer for books that recognize the need for positive role models, outdoor experiences, etc., etc.  We bet you have read a few of the parenting books that we keep on our bookshelves!  Let us be clear:  we know that parenting is challenging and there is no one right way!  Our sons and daughters, our families, our cultures and communities shape the way we parent and ALC respects and applauds how varied our families approach parenting opportunities. 

 Yet, we were saddened to read that among the “never allowed” activities the author declared for her two daughters was “sleep away camp”, justifying this as her desire to keep her daughters focused on academics and musical aspirations.  Ahh… yet we KNOW and have seen that residential camp experiences can enrich and improve the knowledge of young women’s lives.  Learning to make INDEPENDENT activity choices, gaining valuable skills in living with peers and navigating personal responsibilities are all part of the value of ALC.  Self-confidence comes through self-awareness.  Community living is the basis of future relationships: work, school and family lives.  Allowing children to live away from their families, for a time, is the fundamental and exciting part of residential camping.  Summers at ALC provide unique opportunities which allow campers to learn about themselves and others ultimately enhancing their personal and academic growth.

In his recent column, “New York Times” Columnist David Brooks articulated some of our feelings regarding the importance of independent social activities for children that we know lead to significant personal growth and development.  We urge you to read his column.  And then let us know what you think!

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/18/opinion/18brooks.html

Thank you for sharing this “water bubbler” moment with us!

 Warmly,

Sue McMullan, Director

Betsy Brayley, Assistant Director

Posted in ALC Families, Camp, Parents, Summer | 2 Comments »