Hi everyone,
Last blog of the summer- and what a summer it's been. We've had everything from Romans to Cowboys, and Aliens to Pirates roaming our property this year. Massive thanks to our terrific staff for making everything happen this year.
We had a wild Candleboat Ceremony last night for those that didn't make it here to join us. There were lurking thunderstorms all evening, and we gambled by starting the evening as originally planned with a bonfire on the athletics field. Cody launched a flaming arrow from the zipline platform to ignite the flame- a very impressive display!
Each unit then introduced themselves with a roaring cheer, and performed a song or skit of their choice. About midway through that portion of the night, the storm grew too close for comfort and we made a mad dash to the Pavilion to continue the show. We then presented the following awards:
1: 5 year camper paddles: Sarah M., Alyssa R., Hailey F., Dannielle F., Caroline P. and Ashley D.
2: 5 year staff paddles: Colleen G., Zach O. and MacKenzie B.
3: 3 year international staff paddles: Lewis W., Cassie B., Deacon M. and Stu M.
4: 10 year paddles: Brandon C. & Melissa K.
5: Character Awards: Aja E. (honesty), Zach T. (caring), Alex S. (respect), Sophie H. (responsibility), Julia F. (Spirit, Mind & Body)
6: Session D Unit Award: The Nation
We wrapped things up with our traditional candle lighting ceremony, a song and then we released 10 Chinese Wish Lanterns into the stormy sky. At that point, after 3 hours of threats, the sky opened up on us with driving rain, thunder and lightning and chunks of hail!! Definitely the most intense storm we had all summer.
Once again- thanks to everyone for making the summer of 2011 so special and memorable. Hope to see many of our campers back for the November Reunion 11/25-11/27.
All the best,
Jamie
Friday, August 19, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
August 18, 2011
In case you are wondering, all plans for Candleboat are on as scheduled. Even if storms come our way tonight, we will have a closing ceremony in the Pavilion but we are hopeful for clear skies given the totally awesome plans that are in place!
Last night was the dance, last one of the summer, of course. We also announced the spirit points competition winning cabin, which was Musconetcong (Musky, for short). They enjoyed an ice cream social after dinner to celebrate. Great job Musky!
Hope to see any of you tonight- we begin at 7:30 pm, please be here before that time to be directed to the campfire location. If you can't make it tonight, please remember that pick-up is at 11 am tomorrow- both here at camp or at the Ridgewood YMCA for anyone using the bus transportation. Thanks!
Jamie
Last night was the dance, last one of the summer, of course. We also announced the spirit points competition winning cabin, which was Musconetcong (Musky, for short). They enjoyed an ice cream social after dinner to celebrate. Great job Musky!
Hope to see any of you tonight- we begin at 7:30 pm, please be here before that time to be directed to the campfire location. If you can't make it tonight, please remember that pick-up is at 11 am tomorrow- both here at camp or at the Ridgewood YMCA for anyone using the bus transportation. Thanks!
Jamie
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
August 17, 2011
Thankfully, we are having a beautiful day here at camp, but our fingers are crossed for the rain to stay away through Candleboat tomorrow evening as we have some really cool surprises planned!
Last night was Unit Night- the Shawnees played Great Imposter, the Nation played Capture the Flag and the CITs had a bowling night out. The Pioneers and Iroquois joined up to do a series of things: critter shows, face painting, the power rangers game and Just Dance 2.
Tonight, we will learn the winners of the spirit points competition and they will receive their prize. Every cabin is working for a last minute boost in their standing!
Jamie
Last night was Unit Night- the Shawnees played Great Imposter, the Nation played Capture the Flag and the CITs had a bowling night out. The Pioneers and Iroquois joined up to do a series of things: critter shows, face painting, the power rangers game and Just Dance 2.
Tonight, we will learn the winners of the spirit points competition and they will receive their prize. Every cabin is working for a last minute boost in their standing!
Jamie
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
August 16, 2011
Our rainy last week continues. We are seriously hoping that things clear up for candleboat (not to mention regular activities during the day).
We were able to run free choice yesterday without major complications. The afternoon was spent indoors however, as kids made preparations for the Mr. and Miss Camp Bernie pageant for evening program. Each cabin was given a staff member to enter into the competition- a female for the boys cabins and a male for the girls. As you can see from today's photo upload, the staff were team players and good sports. Congrats go out to staff members Cody and Meagan for being the beauty pageant winners!
Also- I uploaded three photos from the most recent river trip. Thanks to trip leader Josh for sending them our way.
Jamie
We were able to run free choice yesterday without major complications. The afternoon was spent indoors however, as kids made preparations for the Mr. and Miss Camp Bernie pageant for evening program. Each cabin was given a staff member to enter into the competition- a female for the boys cabins and a male for the girls. As you can see from today's photo upload, the staff were team players and good sports. Congrats go out to staff members Cody and Meagan for being the beauty pageant winners!
Also- I uploaded three photos from the most recent river trip. Thanks to trip leader Josh for sending them our way.
Jamie
Monday, August 15, 2011
August 15, 2011
Yucky weather here- but we stayed dry in the dining hall nearly all day yesterday. Unfortunately for the CITs, Sunday is their day to plan and run activities for the kids and just about everything they intended to do was cancelled due to the weather. We held chapel in the dining hall, followed by cabin clean-up, lunch and an extended rest hour. Then, in keeping with our Neverland theme, we projected the movie "Hook" in the dining hall and had a nice, relaxing afternoon at the cinema with snacks to share. Evening program was "Name that Tune" which was won by the seemingly unstoppable Musconetcong Cabin. They were the halfway point spirit point winners and were served breakfast in bed by their unit leader Rob on Sunday morning. The full competition continues until Wednesday so we'll see if another cabin can catch Musky!
Jamie
Jamie
Sunday, August 14, 2011
August 14, 2011
Here is the detailed recap from our exciting day in Neverland on Saturday!
After getting into team colors and costumes, we set up for a wild race around camp to Neverland. The race involved mini-bikes, mountain bikes, climbing, archery, canoeing and swimming. The kids were also treated to a staff race, following the same course.
The afternoon was our transformation into Neverland, with each team running a station. There was a pirate ship (hayride), sneezing station (water fights), lost boyd food fights, a croc pit in the pool, flying down the zipline like peter pan, face painting and more. The kids really enjoyed the chance to roam free around camp in a place where you never need to grow up!
Last night, we were joined by our friends from Global Arts to Go who challenged each team to three competitions to wrap up the day. In the end, the winning team was the "Mer-Peeps" with the "Darling Kids and Nana" finishing a close second. Great job by everyone!
Jamie
After getting into team colors and costumes, we set up for a wild race around camp to Neverland. The race involved mini-bikes, mountain bikes, climbing, archery, canoeing and swimming. The kids were also treated to a staff race, following the same course.
The afternoon was our transformation into Neverland, with each team running a station. There was a pirate ship (hayride), sneezing station (water fights), lost boyd food fights, a croc pit in the pool, flying down the zipline like peter pan, face painting and more. The kids really enjoyed the chance to roam free around camp in a place where you never need to grow up!
Last night, we were joined by our friends from Global Arts to Go who challenged each team to three competitions to wrap up the day. In the end, the winning team was the "Mer-Peeps" with the "Darling Kids and Nana" finishing a close second. Great job by everyone!
Jamie
Saturday, August 13, 2011
August 13, 2011 "Never, Neverland"
Avast- finally it be here matey's...
Batten down the hatches and good morn'n from ole Camp Bernie. This seaworthily old camp has magically transformed into th' mystical world o' Ne'er, Neverland. A squadron o' teams will be compet'n in a race t' Neverland this morn'n, in hopes o' enjoy'n a world where we will ne'er have t' grow up!
Th' Darl'n kids an' Nana be here, along wi' crocodiles, pirates, mermaids, mermen, Indians, fairies, th' lost boys an' b'lieve it or nay even th' sneez'n plants. And "Blast My Onion Breath!", evn in our midst be Peter Pan, Tinkerbell an' Rufio himself. This should be an amaz'n day fer our kids an' staff as we venture t' Neverland!
Arrrrr matey's have a foul day an' be lustily jealous o' us here at ole Camp Bernie!
- Jamie "Cap'n Hook himself" Bean
Batten down the hatches and good morn'n from ole Camp Bernie. This seaworthily old camp has magically transformed into th' mystical world o' Ne'er, Neverland. A squadron o' teams will be compet'n in a race t' Neverland this morn'n, in hopes o' enjoy'n a world where we will ne'er have t' grow up!
Th' Darl'n kids an' Nana be here, along wi' crocodiles, pirates, mermaids, mermen, Indians, fairies, th' lost boys an' b'lieve it or nay even th' sneez'n plants. And "Blast My Onion Breath!", evn in our midst be Peter Pan, Tinkerbell an' Rufio himself. This should be an amaz'n day fer our kids an' staff as we venture t' Neverland!
Arrrrr matey's have a foul day an' be lustily jealous o' us here at ole Camp Bernie!
- Jamie "Cap'n Hook himself" Bean
Friday, August 12, 2011
August 12, 2011
For Unit Night, the Nation and Shawnees had a joint campfire in the Nation. Supposedly, they were invaded by the Pioneers who were playing "Power Rangers" (which is pretty much an excuse to chase people with pool noodles!). Meanwhile, the CITs played "Just Dance 2" and the Iroquois did the Giant Swing at twilight.
This morning, overnight camp awoke to a secret prank by the day campers that had spent the night. They had tied yarn from the doorways of all the cabins to trees and other objects around camp. This was revenge for overnight camp deciding to move the day camp check-in tent from one side of flagpole to the other, and, in the original spot, left an actual tent for camping! All in good fun!
Jamie
This morning, overnight camp awoke to a secret prank by the day campers that had spent the night. They had tied yarn from the doorways of all the cabins to trees and other objects around camp. This was revenge for overnight camp deciding to move the day camp check-in tent from one side of flagpole to the other, and, in the original spot, left an actual tent for camping! All in good fun!
Jamie
Thursday, August 11, 2011
August 11, 2011
Wednesday at camp was MTV night- a camp favorite. Every cabin performed songs and skits related to MTV- we saw a skit based upon "Disaster Date", another dating game skit and a bunch of lip syncing/dance performances. As always, very creative and entertaining work by the staff and kids.
Today is gorgeous day, and perfect weather for the outgoing canoe trip. Chippewa, Winema and Lopatcong left for the river around 8:30 and will be back tomorrow early in the afternoon. They will paddle from Dingman's Ferry to Smithfield Beach, stopping in a group site for the night. Hopefully we'll be able to upload some photos from their adventures!
Jamie
Today is gorgeous day, and perfect weather for the outgoing canoe trip. Chippewa, Winema and Lopatcong left for the river around 8:30 and will be back tomorrow early in the afternoon. They will paddle from Dingman's Ferry to Smithfield Beach, stopping in a group site for the night. Hopefully we'll be able to upload some photos from their adventures!
Jamie
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
August 10, 2011
The campers enjoyed their first day of free choice activities yesterday. These are the activities that were finalized on Sunday during orientation, and include specialty programs such as mini-bikes and horseback riding.
Though it rained a bit in the afternoon, a number of activities ran as scheduled since there was no thunder and lightning in the area. The evening was fine weather wise, and therefore, we played all camp scrabble. In this activity, created by our CITs during session C, each cabin has to collect letters hidden around camp. Then, they are challenged to spell as many words as possible. The winning cabin was Musconetcong (Mucky for short) who are out to the early overall lead in our final spirit points chase of the summer!
Jamie
Though it rained a bit in the afternoon, a number of activities ran as scheduled since there was no thunder and lightning in the area. The evening was fine weather wise, and therefore, we played all camp scrabble. In this activity, created by our CITs during session C, each cabin has to collect letters hidden around camp. Then, they are challenged to spell as many words as possible. The winning cabin was Musconetcong (Mucky for short) who are out to the early overall lead in our final spirit points chase of the summer!
Jamie
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
August 9, 2011
Opening Campfire was held last night at the outdoor chapel. We had a wide variety of songs and skits including: Mogilla Gorilla, Banana Phone, a band skit by the male CITs, Time Machine, a skit by Sequoia about a snake and much more. Also, Winema wasted a minute of our time only to be one-upped by the Nation counselors who wasted (an excruciating!) three minutes of our time!
I also awarded Ambassador gifts to three campers: Niya D., Geoff S. and Patricia C. They each referred a friend to camp and as a result, received a gift bag, a tie dye shirt, trading post credit and their choice of two free riding lessons or mini-bike lessons. We'll offer this again next year so hopefully many of our campers will take advantage of this easy gift opportunity!
Have a wonderful day.
I also awarded Ambassador gifts to three campers: Niya D., Geoff S. and Patricia C. They each referred a friend to camp and as a result, received a gift bag, a tie dye shirt, trading post credit and their choice of two free riding lessons or mini-bike lessons. We'll offer this again next year so hopefully many of our campers will take advantage of this easy gift opportunity!
Have a wonderful day.
Monday, August 8, 2011
August 8, 2011
We started session 13D on a muggy afternoon yesterday- we are excited for "Never, Neverland" as camp is certainly a place where you never have to grow up!
The campers went through a rotation of orientations after check-in, including a swim check, nurse's station check and finalization of their activity schedules. Then, after dinner, cabin photos were taken, unit cheers were learned and a cheer off took place between the four units out on the athletics field. Also, the Pioneers and Iroquois were treated to an ice cream social.
Given that the CITs had already been here for a session, they skipped much of this in favor of having a CIT Prom in Lenape. So...if you're wondering why the CITs were all dressed up in their cabin photo, there is your answer.
Have a great day everyone!
The campers went through a rotation of orientations after check-in, including a swim check, nurse's station check and finalization of their activity schedules. Then, after dinner, cabin photos were taken, unit cheers were learned and a cheer off took place between the four units out on the athletics field. Also, the Pioneers and Iroquois were treated to an ice cream social.
Given that the CITs had already been here for a session, they skipped much of this in favor of having a CIT Prom in Lenape. So...if you're wondering why the CITs were all dressed up in their cabin photo, there is your answer.
Have a great day everyone!
Friday, August 5, 2011
August 5, 2011
Here is the recap of closing campfire from last night:
1: Five Year Paddle- Lea B.
2: Honesty Award- Riley from the Little Flowers
3: Caring Award- Nicole from the Little Flowers
4: Respect Award- Shawn from Lopatcong
5: Responsibility Award- Elijah from Owasa
6: Spirit, Mind and Body Award- Kyanna from the CITs
7: Unit Award- The Shawnees
Thanks to everyone for a terrific session 13C. We had a blast with your kids and it flew by!
Jamie
1: Five Year Paddle- Lea B.
2: Honesty Award- Riley from the Little Flowers
3: Caring Award- Nicole from the Little Flowers
4: Respect Award- Shawn from Lopatcong
5: Responsibility Award- Elijah from Owasa
6: Spirit, Mind and Body Award- Kyanna from the CITs
7: Unit Award- The Shawnees
Thanks to everyone for a terrific session 13C. We had a blast with your kids and it flew by!
Jamie
Thursday, August 4, 2011
August 4, 2011
A cool, drizzly evening didn't stop us from having a great dance under the Pavilion last night. For campers that didn't feel like dancing, they could watch Kung-fu Panda or they could visit the trading post. We did have the afternoon interrupted by rain storms, so we set up the Karaoke machine in the dining hall for the kids to use.
Today is the last full day of the session and regularly scheduled activities. We will have closing campfire tonight, complete with awards, paddles and plenty of songs and skits. Please don't forget our pick-up time of 11:00 tomorrow morning.
Have a great day,
Jamie
Today is the last full day of the session and regularly scheduled activities. We will have closing campfire tonight, complete with awards, paddles and plenty of songs and skits. Please don't forget our pick-up time of 11:00 tomorrow morning.
Have a great day,
Jamie
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
August 3, 2011
Good morning from beautiful YMCA Camp Bernie!
We had unit nights last night. The Pioneers played their "Power Rangers" game, which mainly consists of sword fighting with pool noodles, and then they camped out on the athletics field. The Iroquois played "Just Dance 2" and also slept in tents on the athletics field. The Nation and Shawnee units held a campfire together up in the Nation.
Tonight is the dance as session C is winding down. Please remember that pick up time on Friday is 11 am here at camp as well as at the Ridgewood Y for those departing on the bus. Also, mark your calendars for August 18th and Candleboat Ceremony- our annual end of summer campfire. Campers from all sessions, parents, alumni and other guests are all invited to join us for this event and it will begin at 7:30.
Jamie
We had unit nights last night. The Pioneers played their "Power Rangers" game, which mainly consists of sword fighting with pool noodles, and then they camped out on the athletics field. The Iroquois played "Just Dance 2" and also slept in tents on the athletics field. The Nation and Shawnee units held a campfire together up in the Nation.
Tonight is the dance as session C is winding down. Please remember that pick up time on Friday is 11 am here at camp as well as at the Ridgewood Y for those departing on the bus. Also, mark your calendars for August 18th and Candleboat Ceremony- our annual end of summer campfire. Campers from all sessions, parents, alumni and other guests are all invited to join us for this event and it will begin at 7:30.
Jamie
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
August 2, 2011
Last night's evening program was "Extreme Construction Craze"- Stu challenged each cabin to collect anything from camp, the more random the better, so long as everything that was borrowed was returned to its exact location. Then, everyone gathered on the basketball court with their collections and had to build sculptures of things using two main categories: Harry Potter and Intergalactic Odyssey.
So...when you look at the photo upload today, hopefully you will see things like Hogwarts, Dragons, Space Ships and Aliens. You will have to use your imagination, of course! Congrats to Zuni for winning this competition- that's two evening programs in a row for that cabin as the spirit points competition heats up!
Jamie
So...when you look at the photo upload today, hopefully you will see things like Hogwarts, Dragons, Space Ships and Aliens. You will have to use your imagination, of course! Congrats to Zuni for winning this competition- that's two evening programs in a row for that cabin as the spirit points competition heats up!
Jamie
Monday, August 1, 2011
August 1, 2011
Hard to believe that August has arrived and we are down to the last 3 weeks of summer camp this year- it goes fast!
Yesterday was CIT Sunday, the campers and staff slept in until 9 am, enjoyed a continental breakfast followed by our chapel. This is a non-religious gathering of our camp and hte kids shared meaningful stories, songs and skits. My favorite was a section where people were offered the chance to give thanks, many great comments by all.
Afterwards, the CITs ran a version of "Fear Factor" on the Atheltics fields- including some fairly nasty (albeit fun) challenges. In the evening, the CITs did a version of Scrabble- kids had to collect letters as cabin groups and spell as many words as they could. Congrats to Zuni on winning this event!
Jamie
Yesterday was CIT Sunday, the campers and staff slept in until 9 am, enjoyed a continental breakfast followed by our chapel. This is a non-religious gathering of our camp and hte kids shared meaningful stories, songs and skits. My favorite was a section where people were offered the chance to give thanks, many great comments by all.
Afterwards, the CITs ran a version of "Fear Factor" on the Atheltics fields- including some fairly nasty (albeit fun) challenges. In the evening, the CITs did a version of Scrabble- kids had to collect letters as cabin groups and spell as many words as they could. Congrats to Zuni on winning this event!
Jamie
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