Archive for November, 2011

“Residential vs. Sleep-away” – Splitting Hairs or Creating Community?

Friday, November 18th, 2011

In this new economy, Alford Lake Camp, like all traditional, residential camps in America, is faced with the challenge of staying true to our history, our values and our philosophy of camping while utilizing the vast array of new technologies to spread the word of our camp.  In this effort, we have been advised that Google searches for “residential camp” simply is much too low on the list of inquiries for it to be effective.  Rather, searches begin with words such as “sleep-away camps” or “overnight camps” are higher on the list.  This information made us pause and reflect.  Are we clinging to the description of Alford Lake Camp as a “traditional residential camp” only because we think it sounds nicer?  Are we splitting hairs?  Or do we really believe that the word “residential” truly does best describe our camp?

So, we Googled it! (Ironic? Yes, we know it is…)

Residence: (noun):  the place, especially the house, in which a person lives or resides; dwelling place; home:

Overnight: (adjective): done, made, occurring, or continuing during the night. Staying for one night: a group of overnight guests. Designed to be used on a trip or for a journey lasting one night or only a few nights.

Sleep-a·way: (adjective): of or pertaining to a place at which one sleeps away from home

Yes, it is true that Alford Lake Campers sleep-away from home when they come to Hope, Maine!  Our summer sessions do last more than one day, so yes; it is true we are an overnight camp.  But, Alford Lake Camp is first and foremost our campers’ summer home!  It is their residence!  Just like the comfort, support and sense of belonging that we all feel when we are at home, Alford Lake is a special place of community and friendship. 

Here, at Alford Lake Camp, we believe in certain unchanging values such as respect for all people, embracing differences and providing opportunities for everyone.  We create a summer home that allows each camper to feel nurtured, respected and appreciated!  Together we share our days: living in our signature white tents, sharing meals, singing songs, going to amazing activities and always laughing, growing and enjoying our time together.  This is what home feels like – this is what a residence is… this is what residential camping has always been!

So, for now, we will continue to proudly call Alford Lake Camp a “traditional, residential camp for girls in Maine” – and we hope you agree that it best describes this magical place we all call “home” during our summers!

Warmly,

Sue McMullan, Director

Betsy Brayley, Assistant Director

Posted in ALC Families, Camp, Current Affairs, Parents, Summer | No Comments »

Grit, Zest and Character… ALC Lessons!

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011
We have read and re-read the interesting article in the New York Times by Paul Tough entitled “What if the Secret to Success Is Failure?” and we encourage all of you to take a moment to read it too. 
It is a fascinating look into the age-old question of what leads to “the ‘good life’, a life that is not just only happy but also meaningful and fulfilling.”  Parenting in 2011 is not an easy task and we begin this blog restating how much we admire parents, families and loving adults who join together to help shape young peoples’ lives!  We respect and appreciate you all! 
 
In the NYT’s article we found points that seem to sing ALC and ALC experiences as points such as how we present and perceive challenges faced by our children.  Are we, as the article states living the “central paradox of contemporary parenting” by not only providing for our children but “protecting them from discomforts both large and small.”  In doing so, have we taken some of the resilance and strength of self confidence and self knowledge that comes through facing difficult or different situations?  Resilence, zest for life, perserveance, self control are all character traits that the author explores and links to the future success that we all want for our children – to be happy, independent and successful adults.  The author and the educators profiled in the article claim that by eliminating challenge in our children’s lives we rob them of the chance to understand their abilities and to have experiences to reflect upon as new challenges arise in their lives.
 
And so we think of camp, residential camping and Alford Lake in particular.  Yes, we are a summer camp and our days are first and foremost fun and happy!  But thoughtful reflection of camp life includes the truth that coming to ALC does prove to be filled with challenges for our campers:  can a young girl learn to live and thrive away from home for three weeks or perhaps a summer, can a middle school aged camper move away from fashion trends and wear a camp uniform and give up technologies such as cell phones, computers and Facebook for a few weeks and/or can a highschool aged camper face the daunting task of becoming a member of our rigorous Global Challenge Trips for a summer of exploration that involves physical and interpersonal challenges?  Camp is full of days spent learning to experience life in a new environment, with new people and trying new things.  When campers face personal challenges they are given the space, time and skills to discuss, process and find new avenues to “make another choice”.  Here at Alford Lake Camp, we can learn to reflect and change, grow and learn!   
We repeatedly hear from camp parents that their campers return home with renewed self-confidence and we know this is authentic pride in themselves for navigating the challenges, big and small, that summers at Alford Lake Camp provide.  We are a camp that celebrates each individual, provides healthy and safe challenges that allow our campers to see themselves as they are:  capable and energetic, thoughtful and kind.  We are a camp where “Values Matter and People Thrive” because we allow our campers to meet and embrace challenging experiences that provide a lifetime of value. 
 
Join us in this discussion!  Do you agree that ALC provides campers with challenges both big and small?  Do you believe in the value of these experiences?  Have you found yourself, when faced with a difficult situation, reflecting back to a moment at ALC where you learned about yourself and your unique abilities?  
 
Warmly,
Sue McMullan, Director
Betsy Brayley, Assistant Director
 

Posted in ALC Families, Alumni, Camp, Camp Counselors, Camp Staff, Current Affairs, Parents, Summer | 2 Comments »