Technology is all around us and contributing to and improving our lives in ways both big and small. Have you noticed how many cars have GPS systems? Just a few years ago it was folded maps, stopping for directions, concentrating to make sure each turn took us to our destinations. Now we can plug in an address and go! Lost no more but not really aware of our route. Do we do this in life? Do we speed along with technology, busy schedules and multi-tasking life requirements? Are our children along for this ride? Destination over the journey… something to ponder.
As directors of Alford Lake Camp, we know the camp roads and walking paths by heart. Over the course of the summer, we can feel the path beneath us change by our campers’ journeys. Our campers arrive in camp to explore, to learn and to grow. We travel together with purpose and with fun. We enjoy the journey and not just the destination. Each day campers gain new skills, make new friends, reach out to new people and experiences and through this gain valuable self-confidence and maturity. This is our ALC journey. We travel together and savor the route of childhood, of camp life and of values that make a difference in our lives.
We hope that all our ALC families and friends travel safely throughout their lives. We welcome you to join us any time. And, just in case you wish to plug it into your GPS, our address is (for the 104th summer): 258 Alford Lake Road, Hope, Maine!
From the road,
Sue McMullan, Director
Betsy Brayley, Assistant Director
Increases in the “screen time” of American children are on the radars of all American families. We seek to find the balance in our children’s lives, recognizing that changes in communication, entertainment and information gathering bring benefits and challenges alike. As parents, we know our children were not born with adapters! Surely the balance is struck when children are allowed to learn to live, for a while, without computers, TVs and cell phones. Alford Lake Camp believes real communication skills, positive relationships and self-awareness comes with personal interaction in a community setting.
A Chance to Unplug…
Think about opportunities for fun and learning we have without electronics: Campfire skits, drama plays, card games with tent mates, stories read out loud by flashlight, letters written home, summiting a mountain, laughing with counselors and campers as we share our days together. Time to listen to the wind in the pine trees, to feel the sun on your face and the splash of lake water. A text message will never replace a hug from a friend. A challenge conquered at camp will outshine any level of a video game. Real and lasting friendships will mean more than any Facebook “friend”. The self-confidence of our campers, guided by our amazing counselors, can never be replaced by the virtual world.
We know the world is ever changing, yet Alford Lake Camp provides a place where children can still enjoy and benefit from the natural beauty of the world, the positive experiences of face-to-face relationships and the traditions that have been life changing for young women for over 100 years.
Join us in celebrating summer as it should be, as it has always been! Unplug, slow down and enjoy the fun of friendship and learning at a spot that cherishes each individual.
Thank you,
Sue McMullan, Director
Betsy Brayley, Assistant Director
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!!
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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.
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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
We are taking a look back at our summer of 2009 and remembering…
Barn Overnights
Splashing in puddles
The Egg Drop Contest in Challenge
Fires in the fireplace in the library
Sunset Yoga
Letters from home
Baskets in the Art House
Spirit Night
Ice Cream on Sundays
Rangers in the War Canoe
Visitors’ Weekend Horseshow, Drama and Sychronized Swimming
“The sun is out!!”
Camp Sisters
Logs — funny ones, serious ones, rhyming ones, musical ones…
Wearing whites on Sunday
Camp Birthday Celebration… Happy 103rd ALC!
SOARing
The Camper Show
Fairy sightings on the path to Challenge
Dining Room Squad
Out of Camp Trips: Chairbacks, Moose River, Camden Hills, Sugarloaf, Katahdin..
Extended Trips departures from ALC
Extended Trips returns to ALC
Sunday songs in the dining room..Dominique!!
Backwards Day
The “Croc” Hunter
PT projects with the Jr. CTs
Apples in the basket in the dining room
The ever-silly Counselor Show
Guide Crew and their crazy hats
Revielle in the morning
Three minute showers
Thursday night Bungalow dinners
The Counselor Hunt
Tent inspections
Teaspoons balancing on noses
Saturday Night Theatre
Everyone brushing their teeth all together in Grasshopper and Paradise
Squeals of delight while sliding down the slip ‘n slide
4th of July tug-of-war
The Loon Mobile!
Wearing your evening clothes
Beach days
Frozen bananas dipped in chocolate
Morale Boosters
Tetherball
Wimbeldon on the blue tennis courts
CTs singing
Tent overnights
Swimming in the lake, swimming in the ocean, swimming across the lake!
Campfire skits
Flashlights and headlamps
Blue blankets on beds made the ALC-way
Mrs. M’s stories
Song Contest
The Laundry Queen
Sunday in the Pines
Dance performances by Russian campers
The smell of the pine trees
The sound of the loons
A hug goodbye from a tentmate, a counselor, a friend….
We remember all the fun we shared and thank each and every member of our camp community for making ALC 2009 a summer filled with amazing memories. Share your favorite memories from last summer, or any summer spent at ALC!
We love you all…
Sue McMullan, Director
Betsy Brayley, Asistant Director
Imagine the holidays at Camp…
Mrs. M is in the Camphouse, lighting a candle every night of Hanukkah and singing “Patterns” to the very, very cold loons on Alford Lake!
Max is busy in his Workshop… lending a hand to the elves with last minute projects!
The “Laundry Queen” is hanging stockings (with name labels, of course) with care in the Jib!!
Karen is in the Barn getting the ALC horses geared up for a snowy sleigh ride!
Susan is baking in the kitchen — gingerbread “women” with blueberries, of course!
The office staff (Bisi, Barb and Lori) are busy getting letters to Santa in the mail!
Sue is in the costume closet, of course, trying on Santa suits! Ho-ho-ho!
Betsy is humming “Dreidel, dreidel, dreidel” in the foc’sle. Anyone up for a game?!
ALC Campers are nestled all snug in their beds… under warm blue blankets!!
An ALC campfire is burning bright by the lake.
AMT hikers see stars shining brightly over the trails.
Nova sailors follow the stars…
ALC Alps campers are drinking hot cocoa and yodeling…
ALC Abroad campers are sipping tea and eating crumpets!
…….
The greatest gift of all, the legacy of Alford Lake Camp, is opened and shared by all the campers, CTs, counselors and staff… friendship, personal growth and the joy of sharing summers at ALC!
What do you think the holidays are like at camp?
We wish each and everyone of you a joyous holiday season!
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Here are the first lines of a few of the songs from our days at ALC. Let’s see how long it takes for us to complete the song. You may add up to two lines per turn… check back often. Which song do we know the best? Play along, sing along!!
Patterns
The wood fires in the Camphouse,
The loon upon the lake,
………
Let’s sing About Old Friends
Chorus:
Let’s sing about old friends, new friends,
Friends from all around.
Let’s sing about old friends, new friends
That always will be found.
Alford is for everyone who comes from far and near:
The love and friendships all around grow stronger every year.
……….
I’m Going Back
I’m going back where the earth meets the sky and there’s no yesterday
and there’s no by and by.
………
Moose Meister
Moose Meister, self appointed heir to the Baxter throne,
has wandered off into the woods so very far from home.
………..
Wherever You Go
Wherever you go, there’s always someone blueish.
You’re never alone in your blueberry blues.
……..
Seven Golden Daffodils
I do not own a mansion, I haven’t any land
Not even a paper dollar to crinkle in my hand.
……….
Thanks for singing along!
We hear your ALCer voices ringing out all over the world!!