Author Archives: Jeff Carter

There’s an article on the Rockbrook website where we identify the top reasons camp is important for children. If you haven’t seen it, it can be understood as a list of benefits of summer camp, as a summary of what kids gain from their experience at Rockbrook.

If camp is “fun that matters,” these are some of the ways it matters.

Some of the “reasons camp is great for kids,” in the article, spring just from living the life we have at Rockbrook. For example, “Reconnecting with Nature” is the simple consequence of being outside most of our day. We’re living in a forest, hearing and smelling it, even through the night in our open-air, screened cabins. We’re getting wet when it rains, and finding a bug of some sort almost anywhere. “Being physically active” is built into our day too. We’re walking up and down the hills just getting from one activity to another, not to mention the activities themselves— the hiking, swimming, tennis, gagaball, horseback riding, and so on. “Unplugging from technology” is likewise simply a part of camp. Quite intentionally and for many reasons, we don’t allow anyone to be “on their phone” at Rockbrook. Everything about that is antithetical to the attentive community we value at camp.

Other reasons camp is important, listed in the article, focus on how kids grow from the experience. Many of the particularities of camp life— being away from parents, making decisions like choosing your own activities or when to take a shower, experiencing all sorts of new things, overcoming challenges when something doesn’t turn out just right —are behind this growth in character. The article puts it this way; at camp, children “become more confident,” “gain resiliency,” and “grow more independent.” The examples are endless. Think of the confidence it takes to control a 1,200-pound horse, or to climb a 50-foot tower. Imagine the resilience, flexibility and persistence required to keep trying when you can’t figure out how to center a ball of clay on the wheel, but still try again, or when your first choice of activities is not available after all. Of course kids are practicing being independent at camp (no parents or teachers to guide every move) too, but it’s exactly that practice that proves, even on their own, they can do it.

Recently another idea came to mind that brings together these aspects of the camp experience. It’s the idea that camp life empowers the girls at Rockbrook. We might say, most of the “benefits” in the article can be understood as different ways camp girls are empowered by the experience. They’re made more physically powerful by being active most of the day, more socially powerful by joining this cooperative community, and more personally powerful by gaining confidence and resilience. They’re empowered by discovering they can be creative and attentive when away from electronic entertainment. They’re more powerful from the expanded awareness that comes from spending this extended time in Nature. And they’re certainly empowered knowing they can be friends with anyone who is open and kind in return, no matter where they’re from.

It was a quote by writer Wes Angelozzi that got me thinking about “camp as empowering kids.” He writes:

“Go and love someone exactly as they are. And then watch how quickly they transform into the greatest, truest version of themselves. When one feels seen and appreciated in their own essence, one is instantly empowered.”

Reading that, I thought, “Yes, that is so true at Rockbrook.” We are helping our girls discover “the truest version of themselves” by creating a loving community of care and kindness. We strive for everyone here to feel accepted “as they are,” respected and appreciated, no matter their looks, smarts or talents. This extraordinary, friendly community proves, over and over, that everyone belongs. And yes, that feeling of “the people here love the true me” is instantly empowering. It’s freeing, empowering and joyful.

I think it’s a bit of secret sauce— the culture of Rockbrook. A community this friendly and accepting, one that opens girls up, inspiring them to learn about themselves and be genuine to themselves, is an added force making camp even more empowering. Now when you see Rockbrook girls being powerful and especially amazing, you’ll have a hunch why.

We’re always celebrating something at Rockbrook. It might be someone’s birthday or a camper’s first bullseye in archery, or just the simple fact that we’re having a yummy homemade dessert for dinner. But today was the 4th of July, so we were celebrating double time. And it started first thing this morning even before getting out of bed!

That’s because instead of our regular rising bell, the campers woke to the sounds of hoof beats and shouts of “The British are coming! The British are coming!” up and down the cabin lines. Following a long tradition at camp, the riding staff, dressed in their best red, white and blue, provided this alarm as they rode horses into camp. Somewhat sleepy-eyed, the girls came out to the hill and were surprised to find 4th of July Popsicles for them. The Hi-Ups raised the American and the Rockbrook flags, followed by everyone reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing “America the Beautiful.”

Before heading to breakfast, everyone went down to the lake to watch the international staff perform a silly skit that involved kayaks and several counselors jumping in the lake. A “proclamation” was read “sentencing” these friends to the “Rockbrook lake,” something extra “refreshing” this time of the day.

Today was also the day when we could make as many things as possible red, white and blue. There were posters in the dining hall, flag-patterned tablecloths, ribbons and lights strung. Of course, the campers and staff weren’t shy about dressing up for the occasion. Everything from full face paint to illuminated headbands and fairy wings popped out. It seemed like the international counselors were even more excited to dress up and celebrate the 4th.

For lunch, Rick served an all-american classic picnic with hotdogs and hamburgers, corn on the cob, baked beans and wavy potato chips. As an extra treat, we loaded the creek near Curosty with cans of Cheerwine soda for everyone. On this hot summer day, it was nice to eat outside and enjoy our lunch picnic.

Regular camp activities filled our day up to dinner, but it was hard to forget that it was the 4th of July. The colorful costumes and accessories seemed to multiply throughout the day. Hikers wore patriotic scarves, while goofy glasses, beads and more headbands could be seen in just about every activity. The temporary tattoos we handed out quickly became the most popular way to expand your look for the holiday. And “Happy 4th of July!” was the most common excited greeting.

The celebration kicked into a higher gear after dinner when we held our “firecracker relays” down at the lake. This was a fun event of different games and relays where teams or pairs of campers raced to accomplish different tasks. We had classic greased watermelon swimming races, an “egg and spoon” relay, as well as sack races across the nearby archery field. Another relay had girls put on a t-shirt, swim a lap and then transfer the t-shirt to a team member without letting go of each other’s hands. Challenging! Another game had the girls wade into the lake and collect only the red, white or blue pingpong balls floating in one section. The funniest was a game that involved throwing cheeseballs toward a team member who had a blob of shaving cream on their head. The goal was to stick as many balls on their head as possible. Silly! The “Bucket Trivia” challenge was also hilarious. If you answered a question wrong— like “What’s the largest state in the US?” —you got wet! Many buckets of water were dumped.

As dusk settled, the grand finale of the day arrived: our very own Rockbrook Camp fireworks show! Everyone received glow sticks, and with fun pop music blasting, the camp became a colorful dance party filled with cheers as the fireworks lit up the night sky. It was a perfect ending to our 4th of July celebration at camp.

“Looking forward to camp” doesn’t quite describe it. Even “excited for camp” is not enough to convey the feelings we saw bubbling up from the campers arriving at Rockbrook this morning. As we opened our second session of camp and the cars rolled in one by one, it was fascinating to see campers literally buzzing with a potent mix of nervous energy and ready eagerness, like tightly wound coils about to spring. Their anticipation for this day, the day when they would finally begin their time at camp, was more than obvious.

All morning, the counselors were over-the-top excited too. Each arriving car prompted another cheer from the crowd because they knew it meant they would be meeting another camper and welcoming them to camp. They presented fresh woodchip nametags to new and old friends who would be cabin mates over the next few weeks. After being away from each other for a whole year, the hugs between reunited camp friends made everyone smile. Cabin groups formed quickly and they scurried off to begin setting up their bunks, arranging trunks, and learning each other’s names. The checkin process for opening the session was unfolding smoothly, and with the beautiful sunny weather, it was upbeat and fun.

By noon everyone had arrived (well, except for a few that would be arriving by plane in the afternoon). To start things off, we gathered in the grass under the big walnut tree on the hill for an assembly. This spot has a nice view of the mountains in the distance and the driveway forms a stage of sorts. Sarah led the affair by welcoming everyone to camp, alerting us to a few safety guidelines, and introducing to the campers several people, folks like the head counselors for each line (age group), directors and assistant directors. Of course, we also sang a few camp pep songs to mix things up.

Sarah also spent a little time telling everyone about Rockbrook’s lightning alert system, letting everyone know that when they hear the alarm, they should go inside, come out of the lake, off the tennis courts, etc. This is a sophisticated technology that continuously monitors the area for lightning, and sounds an alarm when it’s nearby. The system also sends an “all clear” signal when it’s safe to go back outside. Then coincidentally, just after we went to lunch, an approaching thunderstorm set off the alarm! We were already enjoying our lunch of homemade mac-n-cheese, peas and fruit, so we just extended lunch a bit until the storm passed. These summer afternoon thunderstorms are fairly common in our area, but with this system we can stay safe and be ready to launch back into action when they pass. By the way, you can monitor the weather at camp anytime by finding our Rockbrook weather station on weather underground. It shows historical data, current conditions, and the forecast for camp.

We spent the afternoon introducing everyone to the Rockbrook lake. Dressed and ready in their swimsuits, the three age groups (Juniors, Middlers, and Seniors) rotated down to the lake to hear from the lifeguards about how the swim tag system works, when the lake is open for free swim, and how to enjoy the different parts of the lake, like the water slide, the lap swimming area, and the diving board. We also asked everyone to demonstrate their swimming ability by jumping in from the dock, swimming out a distance, back to the ladders using a backstroke, and then tread water for a minute. Being able to do all this with confidence earns the campers a blue wrist band and full access to the lake. There are two other categories that involve some restrictions to keep the swimmers safe (for example, staying in the more shallow areas), but everyone can come to the lake and cool off, no matter what their swimming confidence.

The rest of the day we focused on learning about the activities available at camp this session, and having the girls sign up for their first set of four activities. Brittany, the riding Director, had already scheduled all the riding lessons (a little more than 90 girls will be riding this session!), so the task was to select activities for each of remaining spots. The counselors performed skits and songs letting everyone know about the many craft, sports, and adventure options to choose from. It’s fun for the girls to hear the options and then plan what they would like to take.

It’s been a wonderful opening day. It’s absolutely clear that your girls are ready for camp. Yes, they’re excited, and so are we!

The Spirit Fire is a tradition that has been practiced at Rockbrook Camp since it’s founding more than 100 years ago. Every camper and counselor who has spent time here has closed their session by gathering around a campfire for a program of songs and spoken reflections on time spent together at camp.

The Spirit Fire is held under a huge oak tree that overlooks the lake, in a campfire area known as “vesper rock.” Everyone dresses in their camp uniforms— white with red ties for the campers and red polo shirts for the counselors. Low benches form rows around the campfire ring, and we all squeeze in, shoulder to shoulder. As it slowly gets dark and we begin to hear the chorus of chirping spring peeper frogs around us, the glow of the campfire and the smell of wood smoke sets a calm and beautiful mood.

The program features many of the most beloved “classic” camp songs, the ones that are perhaps a little more serious and meaningful. We sing “The Streams and the Mountains” (‘bring Rockbrook to mind. The sunrise reminds us of friendships we find…’) and “How Did We Come to Meet Pal” (‘What caused our paths to blend? ‘Twas fate we came to Rockbrook and you became my friend…’), for example. Friendship, Community and Nature are themes.

Between songs, we invite campers and counselors to come forward and read something they would like to share with the group. These are mostly reflections on how much camp has meant to them and are always heartfelt and sweet. Hearing these speeches, it ordinarily doesn’t take long for campers to begin crying a bit as they realize their time at camp is ending this summer.

Here’s an absolutely lovely example written by 12-year-old Ariya.

I know it’s only my first year here, but I want to share some things I’ve noticed since I came to camp. First of all, ever since I’ve gotten away from screens, I’ve started to notice the world around me and how beautiful and amazing it is. How the lakes, the streams and the rivers are all connected like we are to each other. And how it forms a strong sense of community that we can always rely on each other. I think in these past few weeks I’ve formed more new connections than I’ve ever made in a year!

Secondly, all the people here are amazing and care so much! From the counselors and activity teachers, all the way to Jeff and Sarah. It’s not just the beautiful campus and the amazing wildlife that make Rockbrook what it is. It is the people, and the community as a whole that make Rockbrook Rockbrook.

I’m excited to hopefully return next year and be with you again. Thank you.

Wow! Don’t you just love that!? Rockbrook means so much, and yes it’s the people that make it. It’s the people at camp who are kind and welcoming, caring and enthusiastic. It’s astonishing that this young camper realized so much in her first year.

We finish the Spirit Fire with a short candle ceremony where each person receives a small white candle lit from the campfire itself. Singing quietly, we all circle the lake with the oldest girls leading the procession. As candlelight reflects off faces (some that are tearstained) and the surface of the water, we sing the final song of the night. It’s a quietly beautiful, and equally emotional moment.

Closing the session, many of us feel a little sad that we have to leave camp, but also a genuine joy knowing that Rockbrook is a place where we can feel so good, be so happy, and live so free. This was a session where this was deeply and meaningfully true. Yes, it definitely was the people that made it great, wonderful, memorable. Thank you for your support and for sending your girls.

Another way that we celebrate our time together as a community is the performance of the session’s musical. Yes, believe it or not, a group of dedicated campers— 36 in all —plus 4 staff members this session, have been working to produce a musical that they can perform for the rest of the camp. This session was just shy of three weeks long, so these folks had to work fast. Together, they met almost daily to learn songs, rehearse choreographed dances, and memorize lines for the show. Today, we all enjoyed their hard work, talent and creativity.

The show was a performance of Madagascar Jr., a musical based on the popular DreamWorks movie. It follows four friends, Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Gloria the hippo, and Melman the giraffe, as they find themselves on an adventure escaping from their home at the New York Zoo and ending up on the island of Madagascar. Along the way, they meet a squad of very capable penguins, and a troupe of lemurs led by the eccentric King Julien. The story unfolds with Alex wrestling with his predatory instincts, and King Julien’s hope that the newcomers to the island can somehow protect the lemurs from cat-like predators called the Foosa.

The show is funny and entertaining. The campers played all the parts, and sang the familiar musical numbers, the highlight being the whole cast singing “I Like to Move It.” It was great fun to watch. I appreciated seeing how much fun the girls were having on stage and the cheers of support that came from everyone else in the audience. The duet sung by Alex and Marty called “Best Friends” was my favorite because it expressed so sweetly the importance of friendship and loyalty… perfect for camp! Looking around, it seemed like everyone was really enjoying the show.

“It’s Banquet day!” “Ya’ll, I can’t believe it’s almost time for Banquet.” “I’m so excited for Banquet!” These and other remarks of excited anticipation are what you hear around camp leading up to the special event we call Banquet. It’s the biggest celebration of the whole session, essentially an all-camp party held in the dining hall filled with almost constant singing and dancing, laughing, and a sort of unmatched exuberance and emotion that’s hard to describe.

It’s the culmination of what began on the first day of camp when our CA 9th graders selected a secret theme for the party. They plan and present the entire party, designing the decorations, selecting the dinner menu, and dressing up in costumes to complete the experience. Part of the excitement is revealing their theme to everyone else. Tonight’s banquet was “Under the RB..Sea,” a colorful transformation of the dining hall into an underwater wonderland.

The girls outdid themselves with the decorations. There were hand-painted murals showcasing vibrant coral reefs, majestic sea creatures like jellyfish and starfish, and all sorts of colorful fish. There was a sunken treasure chest, a scuba diver, a mermaid, a lobster, a ship’s anchor and even a surfboard. They covered all of the tables with blue plastic tablecloths, and more transluscent blue material in the rafters to look like waves of water. In a few places there were fishing nets hung, with inflated fish and dolphins. Sparkly lights added to the festive feel of it all.

For costumes, a few CAs dressed as mermaids with shimmery skirts. Three were grey, silver sharks. We saw the Nickelodeon character SpongeBob Squarepants and his friend Patrick Star, both of whom live under the sea. We were also excited to have Dory and Nemo play roles. One CA dressed up as a jellyfish using an umbrella and streamers to take on the right shape. Even the counselors got in on the act dressing up as snorkelers complete with masks and fins!

The food was classic banquet fare with clever aquatic names: Sea sponges for an appetizer (mozzarella sticks), Seashell pasta and green coral (tortellini and steamed broccoli) for the main, with tropical fruit kababs on the side. And for dessert, there was an amazing blue vanilla pudding cup with red Swedish fish swimming inside. Along with the candy and other treats on the tables, this was a feast.

Toward the end of the banquet, emotions often bubble up. We see the first tears that come from realizing that this session of camp is soon ending. Especially from the CAs and Hi-Ups, the two groups who grow especially close working together during the session, there was a poignant moment of mixed laughter, smiles and tears. These girls have been through a lot together over the last three weeks, and have grown incredibly close.

What makes a great banquet? We saw it tonight. The dining hall was transformed into an magical environment, and was filled with the kind of friends that felt just like you— so buoyant you can’t help but sing, so joyful you had to jump, so grateful your face hurt from smiling. It was amazing and fun, colorful and loud, and a perfect way to celebrate being together at camp.