Introducing Barb Sullivan!
Hello ALC Parents!
My name is Barb (Leahey) Sullivan and I have a long connection to Alford Lake Camp. My first summers were spent at Camp Chewonki where my father was Head Counselor. I arrived for my first summer there when I was THREE DAYS OLD!! I spent eight magical summers at Camp Chewonki as a staff child but my heart and mind were focused on when I would FINALLY be old enough to follow my older sister (Ann-Marie Leahey) to become a camper at ALC. I spent four wonderful summers at Alford Lake in the 1970s. The days I spent at ALC are some of the happiest memories of my childhood.
As soon as my daughter was born, I started counting the years until she could have her first summer at ALC. Her first summer was Session I in 2007 and I was introduced to the reality of being a camp parent: wading through camp forms, figuring out transportation to and from camp, worrying about homesickness and hoping that her summer would be magical, etc., etc., etc. Reconnecting with camp, I was invited to join the summer office staff and have spent the last two summers working at ALC and enjoying being both a camp parent and camp staff member.
In the summer office, I have had the opportunity to speak with numerous families. These interactions are the highlight of my work at camp. I have often thought that there should be a forum for us to share insights, experiences, tips and ideas. So, with Sue McMullan’s support, I am beginning an ALC parent blog. I hope to answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) and explore topics that might be on your minds as you prepare to send your camper to ALC.
Thanks for your continued support of ALC. I know you agree with me that it truly is a MAGICAL place!!
Barb Sullivan
Virginia Beach, Virginia
ALC Alum, Parent and Summer Staff Member
