Guest post by Jean G. McMullan

Again we are roaring into the summer camp season. The months spent before camp opens are some of the most pressing, most challenging, and often the most anxious of times. Will parents adequately prepare their campers for the thrill and fun of the camp experience? Will staff measure up to the high expectations of the directors and the campers?

Since the very first organized camp experiences over a century and a half ago, it is a pretty safe conjecture that preparations for camp are, although very different in specifics, still quite similar in nature. I wonder if we actually capitalize on a basic reason that camping is so viable. What is there about camp that holds thousands of past and present campers in a state of excitement and anticipation — or as an indelible memory? Even if a camp experience has had an occasional negative outcome, how can a simple, small camp or large, multi-activity camps have such a powerful effect? Few other institutions may lay claim to that which garners such positive outcomes: growth in independence, gaining control over fears, learning new skills while forging lifelong friendships, and living in a group where kindness and encouragement are the norm. Where else is the sheer joy of play, as well as the pride of conquering seemingly impossible goals, so effective? Lifelong habits are honed as we make forays into ways to develop and preserve a sustainable community. How can pure fun actually affect the quality of our own future.

I submit that it is the sheer adventure of the camp experience that is unmatched in its effect. Once a group of our campers canoed to a Maine island and found that they had forgotten the large cooking pot essential for meal preparation during their three-day trip. In an imaginative “save,” an aluminum canoe was scrubbed with ocean water and the spaghetti cooked in the bow of the canoe propped over an open fire. What adventure!

Organized camping is a force for peace in our world. As daily media images of violence recede in the culture of a camp setting there is gradual movement toward multi-cultural and international camp friendships. It becomes pure adventure when campers are allowed the dignity and resolve of leaving home; when youthful staff teach campers responsibilities and provide a light touch to the atmosphere of camp; when camp leaders help campers learn to be flexible and resolute. The adventure of camp is ongoing in its magic.

High idealism and stark realism surround camp leaders everywhere. Let’s take time during camp season to delight in the marvels going on around us. Let’s savor the creativity that comes with the solving of day-to-day concerns. Each of us will have our own story. Each of us will have the adventure of camp as a basis for pragmatic and imaginative decisions that actually work. Camp truths are forever.

See you in camp!

At Alford Lake Camp in Maine, Jean has promoted camper independence, helped campers enjoy the adventure of simple living, and forwarded international friendships. Her American Camp Association activities include work in professional development and association leadership in Maine, New England, and on the national level.

Meet our Guest Blogger:  ALCer Morgan Urquia

After starting my time at ALC as a Guide camper in 2005, I was fortunate enough to continue spending summers at Alford Lake Camp as a Second-Year Guide, AMT Global Challenge Trip Participant and Junior Counselor. I co-led the United Kingdom Global Challenge Trip in 2010 and have spent my past two summers in camp, as a tent counselor on swim staff (2011) and sailing staff (2012). Beyond my summers, I will graduate from New York University Tisch School of the Arts in December, with a BFA in Experimental Performance. Most recently, I have been living in Sydney, Australia since the new year, studying Anthropology and Environmental Literature alongside various trips around this beautiful part of the world. I have the opportunity this coming summer to live with host families and learn winter farming practices on the North Island of New Zealand, so I will remain down under until returning home to Maine in early August.

“I believe in Openness.”

“I believe in Smiles.”

These are just some of the beliefs that Jr. CTs since 1999 have been sharing with the camp community at each Logs of the summer. Started by Lani Toscano, this rite of passage forces Jr CTs to consider the beliefs that have shaped their lives, with sometimes surprising results. Some find that they know exactly what they want to say before they start, but others, myself included it need serious introspection and thinking before they find something that they had inside of them all along. Regardless of whether they believe in happiness or food, these statements represent some of the best things about camp: It’s okay to be vulnerable, and it’s okay not to be perfect. What really matters is what you do about it, and that you keep trying to be better

Last year at camp, I, along with my group, had the idea that there should be a collection of belief statements, to be used not only by past Jr. CTs to remember their sixteen year old selves, but by current CTs as inspiration or guidance as they write their own. Last year, our entire CT group had either been away on trips or out of camp entirely the summer before, or in some cases for two summers, and we felt it would have been helpful to read some past belief statements to remind ourselves that we really could say anything that mattered to us.

So, what can you do to help? If you were a Jr. CT between 1999 and 2012 and you still have your belief statement you can either type it up, or scan it, and send it to olchatfield@aol.com. Please include whether you wish it to be anonymous or not. If you have lost your belief statement yet remember the “I believe” part send that along as well. Currently we have about 10 belief statements but we know that there are a lot more out there and it would be amazing to get as many submissions as possible. All will be included, and taken to camp next summer to be stored in the library. Thank you so much for your support!!

Olivia Chatfield is a Junior at Concord Academy in Concord, Massachusetts. This summer she will be a Senior CT (her 8th summer at ALC!).   Her two sisters and mother have all spent the past seven summers at camp and they are trying to get their dad to join in the fun someday!! Olivia’s favorite activities at camp are canoeing, sailing and ODE, and she can’t wait to teach Drama and Canoeing this summer!!

Ask any ALCer and they will instantly be able to sing you a few lines from their favorite camp songs! Our song books are cherished memories of our happy summers at ALC! Until now, singing has been an important but informal part of camp life. But that is all about to change:

ANNOUNCING ALC’s NEW SINGING ACTIVITY!

In this new activity, all campers will be able to formally learn camp songs and non-camp A Capella songs. There will be many opportunities to preform your new musical skills and if you are not a performer, you can enjoy singing in the activity period. Campers will learn, practice and perfect group singing, soloing, A Capella singing, singing with instruments – singing in mixed ages groups and within your own age group. These are just some of the exciting offerings of this new Department at ALC!

Meet the Head of Our New Activity!

ALC is proud to introduce Alyson “Aly” Hogan, 20 years old, Studying English/Secondary Education at The College of New Jersey. Aly hails from South Brunswick, NJ and this will be her seventh summer at Alford Lake Camp. (2 years as an in-camper, Nova Scotia Global Challenge Trip Participant, JRCT, SRCT, Counselor Tent # 6)

Aly shares: “Camp has always been a place for growth for me. It taught me about putting others before myself, cherishing every moment, and has shown me what a true friendships are! I always look forward to another year at camp because I know I will be taking back new memories and knowledge that will help me succeed in other areas of my life. ALC has also been a great place for me to seek out challenges, because I have such an incredible support team there who will help me accomplish whatever task I set my mind on.

I have played the violin for 16 years, been an active member of orchestras and quartets throughout middle and high school. I graduated high school as a member of TriM music honors society. I have also been a member of many challenging choirs, sang as one of the youngest soloists ever in Carnegie Hall, NYC as well as in larger choirs in Carnegie Hall, and in Lincoln Center (in Avery Fisher Hall and Alice Tulley Hall). I am now the Vice President of my A Capella group in my college called “The Trentones” where this past year we have reached the ICCA Semi Finals for the first time in my college’s history.”

Aly is looking forward to the challenge and opportunity to lead this new Department! We sing her praises and eagerly await the beautiful music our campers will create together!

We had to share this with you!  Read what one of our campers wrote for a school assignment. 

A school essay written by ALCer -  12 years old and a 5th summer ALCer!

“A PLACE I CALL HOME”

A few years ago, I was introduced to a magical place in Hope, Maine.  This location is what I consider to be my second home.  It is a spot where I can think and say what I want, whenever I want.  It is a place where I can express my previously undiscovered talents and let my outer shell shed.

I am the second generation to experience this special world.  My mom and aunt went there before me.  I go, excited to continue the girl side of a family tradition.  Though it is a tradition, it is a fun and cheerful one.  Every time I go, the people change.  There are always new friends to share memories with.  This hidden gem is my camp, Alford Lake Camp.

During the time that I spend at camp, I become much more mature and independent.  The directors encourage us to reach out to new girls and to try things outside our comfort zone.  Though I arrive with my old friends and sister, I leave with a bunch of newly made friends to keep in touch with.

I started going to sleep away camp when I was eight years old.  I was scared and nervous to be without my parents for seven weeks, but when I got there I was greeted with a smile and hug.  So, in the comfort of being in a place with girls just like me, I came back to camp for two more years after that.  I am going there again this summer, happy to see my old friends and excited to make some new ones.

This past summer was the most meaningful, memorable and fun summer for me.  I was given the gift of having the perfect tent!  In previous summers, my tent was located on a bright, sunny slope.  This summer, however, my tent was next to the lake visited by both bald eagles as well as loons.  Most nights, I watched the sun set over a glistening reflection of the sky.

Every year at camp I learn something about life.  The lessons that I learn usually help me to be a better person.  This year, I learned one of the most important life lessons and/or keys to happiness is putting yourself third.  Putting yourself third means to put your community first.  You must consider the needs of the largest group before your own.  Put family or friends second.  When friends are sad, I determine if there is anything I can do to help them feel better.  Lastly, I am third.  When the needs of the community and family are met, consider your own needs.  For instance, if somebody is crying, would you walk away and think about what dress you would wear to graduation?  So, I pondered being third for a while and in the second half of summer.  I decided on my own to be the shoulder for others to lean on.  I was always there for somebody when they were upset or homesick.

Also, I learned that when one is in a play, it doesn’t matter what part you get, even if you get the smallest role.  You WILL be accepted and wanted and you will have a lot of work and fun doing scenes.  So, I learned to never give up and keep pushing myself.  I learned this because I have never gotten a lead part in a real play, but I was always there to help out in a minor role, making sets or even on crew.

Each of life’s lessons helps me to be a better person.  So every year I think about the summer waiting ahead of me with a smile on my face but butterflies in my stomach.

THE BRITISH ISLES

• Can a camp that is over 100 years old offer something new?
• Can adventure and cultural experiences thrill, challenge and teach young women to expand their personal skills and self-identity?
• Can community service make campers more empathic and aware of the world around them?
• Can learning about history, culture and environmental issues be fun, exciting and invigorating?
• Can navigating a new countries, cuisines, customs, modes of transportation, environments and challenges inform and educate young people?
• Can five weeks make a lasting difference in a young woman’s life?
• Can teenagers really unplug, spread their wings and experience life at a different pace?
• Can a small group of friends, traveling together for five weeks, forge friendships of a lifetime?
• Can a group of campers return after five weeks stronger, more aware of the world around them and more capable to meet challenges in their futures?

The answer to these questions is a resounding YES!  YES!  YES!

Alford Lake Camp is proud to announce our newest Global Challenge Trip – THE BRITISH ISLES.  This five week, girls-only adventure begins this summer:  July 5^th through August 12, 2013.  ALC is currently accepting inquiries for participation in this dynamic, multi-element trip!

Each and every day of THE BRITISH ISLES, campers will explore the history, culture and natural beauty of England and Scotland.  ALC campers will explore local communities, experience and learn from the Community Service elements and embrace the challenges of hiking, surfing, rock-climbing and many more outdoor activities.   Campers will work together to build and sustain this small group, enhancing their communication and team-building skills.  Trip leaders will maintain consistency with the ALC Mission of providing unparalleled summer experiences for our campers.

Learn more about ALC’s THE BRITISH ISLES by clicking here…British Isles 2013

Share this link with your family and friends….

Encourage families/campers to be in contact with the ALC Directors, Sue McMullan and Betsy Brayley, immediately about the chance to become part of this exciting new Global Challenge Trip!

We know THE BRITISH ISLES, like all our Global Challenge Trips, will be an experience of a lifetime for our campers and continue the rich tradition of exploration and education of all ALC summers!

Camper lists, Global Challenge Trip Participants, CTs returning and staff lists too!!  Photos and news from campers, counselors, alumni and staff who continue to keep in touch with Alford Lake Camp.  Wedding announcements, birth announcements and other BIG news.  Exciting photos of familiar faces and news of adventures and achievements of ALCers from all decades.  So many stories of camp life, camp friends and wonderful people who are the heart of soul of our camp memories and our camp future.

We are hard at work on our 2013 Blueberry Blue and want YOU to share your news!!  It is so easy:  just send your latest news and photos to:  blueberryblue@alfordlakecamp.com

Have you seen you a camp friend this year?  Have you translated your ALC summers to a new experience?  Have you related a camp story to a neighbor or friend?  Did you find yourself singing a camp song at some point during your year?  Did you wear your Blueberry Blues to school or work or just on the weekend?  Does being a part of the ALC Community mean something special to you?  Did you attend an ALC Gathering or ALC Alumni Coffee this year?  SHARE ANY AND ALL OF YOUR NEWS WITH US! 

We would also like to continue to update your contact information – so please share with us your email and/or mailing address!

Don’t forget!  Join us in celebrating our ALC Community and be a part of the 2013 Blueberry Blue.  blueberryblue@alfordlakecamp.com

Thanks to you all!

Sue McMullan, Director,

Betsy Brayley, Assistant Director

Traditionally, it is a holiday spent with families sharing a meal and time together.  These “Thanksgiving” feelings of reflection and family makes us think of camp – of ALC and all of you!  We are THANKFUL for all of you!  You ALCers are the heart and soul of camp.  You have created the rich and vibrant history of camp.  You have lived and honored the traditions and experiences which are cherished and celebrated each summer at Alford Lake Camp by being caretakers to the legacy of ALC founders who sought to create a place for young women to become more independent and confident individuals.

So we say THANK YOU to…

• Campers who make ALC their summer homes and who embrace the fun, adventure, leadership and growth that is an ALC Summer…
• Tent Groups who live and work together in harmony in their small groups… sharing friendship and creating the feeling of “home away from home”…
• Counselors and staff who embrace the responsibility and privilege of caring for other peoples’ children
• Our activities and the staff who teach campers the power of achievement through effort but more importantly, the opportunity for campers to learn the confidence to “try again”…
• Our beautiful camp – on the shores of Alford Lake – that is a safe and nurturing home for us all in the summer months…
• Families who allow their children the freedom to experience camp and the many opportunities camp life provides….
• Friendships forged through Global Challenge Trips and the remarkable growth achieved by our campers during these amazing trips…
• Global Trip Leaders who lead their groups all summer long with strength, courage and responsibility.  They reflect our values far from ALC…
• CTs who reach the pinnacle of their ALC Summer Experiences by participating in our rigorous and glorious CT programs…
• ALC Alums who cherish their camp memories and share the story of camp with others…

Today, we are thankful for 106 years of Alford Lake Camp and look forward to the Summer of 2013 ….

We wish we could gather round the ALC Dining Room with all of you today – but instead we send our heartfelt “THANKS” to all of you!

Warmly,

Sue McMullan, Director

Betsy Brayley, Assistant Director

Alford Lake Camp was founded by pioneering women who sought new opportunities for young women.  They created a residential camp that encouraged girls and young women to be brave, bold, independent and confident in the world around them.  Their courage, vision and fortitude created the values that have been at the heart of Alford Lake Camp for well over a century.  Leadership, service, community honesty, integrity and “values that matter” have always been the foundation of ALC’s summers.  Our “blueberry blues” may have changed over the 100 plus years of camp but the story that unites all ALCers in the journey of exploration and self-awareness has remained strong and “current”.  Our young women and girls seem to develop a deeper sense of themselves in the community that is ALC!  Challenges that create growth, opportunities to live and get to know people from all around the globe, independent living and so many days spent in simple living have allowed our campers to develop lasting social and personal skills shown through leadership and strong convictions.

We couldn’t be more proud of the many ways our ALCers have contributed their many gifts to their schools, communities, work places, neighborhoods and indeed, their countries!  In memory of our founders, in recognition of our amazing alums and with continued pride in our young women who fill our summers with joy and hope, we encourage ALL ALCers to VOTE TODAY.  We applaud you today and are thankful for your participation in our wonderful American democracy as well as your continued support of freedoms that ALC celebrates each summer!  To our ALCers abroad, thank you for making Hope, Maine a “home away from home”!

We encourage each of you to go out and “make a difference” in our world – and today it might be through the commitment to vote!

Sincerely,

Sue McMullan, Director

Betsy Brayley, Assistant Director