Scamp Spirit spring 2022
Dear Aloha 2022, Every year as I watch the snow melt, I am struck by the hum of anticipation and possibility that accompanies spring mornings. As I see the days getting longer and feel the air getting warmer, it seems to me that the world is waking up and preparing for its next chapter. In this way, spring always resonates with me as Aloha’s Director — it is this season when my dreams and plans for the summer ahead truly take shape and feel real. Over the past eight months I’ve been busy working to connect with all of the wonderful people who will make the magic of Aloha happen this year. There have been emails. There have been phone calls. There have, of course, been many Zooms. My fellow Directors and I took to the road to talk about camp in cities all over the country from Boston to Los Angeles, and our journeys were brightened by smiles on both new and familiar faces. As I continue to speak with counselors and campers alike, I can absolutely say that there is an incredible group of people (you among them!) who together will be creating the wonders of Aloha 2022. When I talk with people about camp, of course I talk about the activities, the laughter, and the self-discovery born of challenges met and overcome. That said, I have come to understand that the true transformational power of Aloha lies not in the “stuff” that goes on each day, but rather in all of the different people who come together to form our community. There are a lot of things we share: songs, traditions, and the knowledge that green shorts never get dirty. While there is much that binds us to Aloha and to one another, each one of us is unique, with our own talents, perspectives, and experiences. There is something pretty special that happens when people from such diverse backgrounds gather to create a community, and it’s a cornerstone of the camp experience that we all want to center as we consider our intentions this summer. As my fellow Directors and I spoke about a theme for the upcoming season, we found that we kept coming back to the idea of “Reaching Beyond.” To me, reaching beyond means stepping out of yourself enough to connect with someone who might see or understand the
world differently from the way you do. That connection may challenge you or even make you uncomfortable — and it can be a way to expand your understanding of yourself and the world around you. It may even cause you to embrace a new perspective. Reaching beyond is our ability to take risks and work to create a sense of community outside of our own individual desires and experiences. It’s also one of the most powerful tools we have when it comes to creating a community that nurtures a sense of belonging. Opening Day will be here before we know it, with all of the excitement — and butterflies — that come with any new beginning. As you explore the pages ahead, I hope your anticipation continues to build as mine does, and that you can start to picture yourself on the shores of Lake Morey. Summer’s so close I can feel it, and I am already awestruck by the power of what we will create together. Aloha and love always, Sarah littlefield Director of Aloha
test your department knowledge! 1. Canoeing: The stern paddler typically uses the stroke to help with steering. 2. Kayaking: What is a t-rescue? 3. Crew: What is the name of the person who steers/gives commands in a crew boat? 4. Sailing: What is tacking? 5. Performing Arts: How many keys are on a standard piano? 6. S wimming: What’s another name for the freestyle stroke? 7. L andsports: What does it mean to “travel” in basketball? 8. A rchery: What colors are on an archery target? Bonus points if you can list what order they appear in! 9. B iking: What do the ABCs in your bike check stand for? 10. A rts and Crafts: What does it mean to “throw” in ceramics? 11. Campcraft/Woodchuck Hole: What are the three things a fire needs to survive? 12. Tennis: What’s the term for zero points? Answers on page 7
2
the aloha foundation
meet a new counselor! MADDIE FITZGERALD, DELMAR, NY department: Performing Arts fun fact:
I have a twin sister.
I’d be a chocolate croissant because I like things that are classic with something a little bit different. What breakfast pastry would you be:
KATIE LAEGER, BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WA department: Campcraft/Woodchuck Hole fun fact:
I’m a coxswain on my university’s rowing team.
I’d be a croissant because like me, they’re very versatile. They can be savory or sweet and you can enjoy them any time of day. What breakfast pastry would you be:
SOPHIE-BELLE CARNELL, BILLINGSHURST, UK department: Swimming
I love going on adventures and have met three of the Harry Potter cast! fun fact:
I’m not sure it would count as a breakfast pastry so specifically, but I would go with a scone. Not only does it relate to my heritage, but it can also be enjoyed sweet or savory at any time of the day. I’d like to say that I am a flexible person, as I love to experience new things. Why stick with the same when there are so many amazing opportunities out there? What breakfast pastry would you be:
ANNIKA NELSON, CADILLAC, MI department: Campcraft/Woodchuck Hole fun fact:
I can change a semi tire from start to finish.
I would be coffee cake because they’re a little bittersweet and often have some mocha chips to add some flare! What breakfast pastry would you be:
Scamp Spirit • SPRING 2022
3
Welcoming & Belonging How do we welcome new and returning campers to Aloha and help everyone feel part of the community? You are a unique and important member of the Aloha community. We’d love to know anything and everything you’d like to share — your likes, dislikes, passions, and what makes you you! Gordo spends lots of time getting to know campers and their families during the year, well before camp, through in-person visits, phone calls, video chats, and emails. Once you arrive at camp, here are just some of the ways we work to help everyone feel welcome.
A Place for You Tent Families, Units, and Departments Whether it’s your first summer or you’re a returning camper, the first couple of days at Aloha are focused on helping you get to know other campers, your counselors, and the Aloha campus. You’ll spend time with your tent families and units learning everyone’s names, getting acquainted, and beginning to build a community. You will be introduced to all the activity departments like Landsports, Sailing, Performing Arts, Campcraft (plus 10 more!) and learn the general routines and layout of camp. These three places—your tent family, your unit, and departments you love—will be like home bases you can return to throughout your time at Aloha. Within just a few days, you’ll be settled and fully engaged in all camp has to offer!
There For You Counselors Before campers arrive, all counselors at Aloha complete together an intensive week of training, focused on safety, teamwork, and working with campers, both individually and in groups. When campers arrive on Opening Day, counselors are so excited (understatement!) to welcome you and are fully focused on supporting you. Just like campers, Aloha counselors bring diverse backgrounds and interests to the community. They are wonderful mentors and friends — fun, kind, and ready to help you achieve your goals for the summer.
4
the aloha foundation
All-Camp Gatherings Assemblies Most days at Aloha, we have morning assembly in a building called the Hale (pronounced HA-lee) located right next to the lake. The purpose is to have a chance to gather as an allcamp group and share singing, stories, performances, and announcements before the day’s activities begin. Occasionally, assemblies are focused on a particular topic, like trips, a special event, or one of our summer shows. Each summer, campers and counselors propose new, creative assembly ideas and help implement them. We also offer other all-camp gatherings throughout the summer to bring our community together.
Family-Style Meals Table Assignments Meals are a great time to connect with others. For the first week or so, as everyone settles in to camp, you’ll sit with your tent families at meals. After that, each week you’ll be assigned to a different table in the dining room. This ensures everyone has a spot and there’s no confusion about who sits where. What we’ve found time and time again is that this allows campers to build relationships with people outside of their tent family, unit, or the departments they frequent. Someone you sit next to at a meal one day may end up becoming a lifelong friend!
Identity-Based Connection Affinity Spaces Affinity spaces are identity-based groups that allow people who share an identity to connect, talk openly about issues related to their identity, and brainstorm positive action steps for promoting inclusion and equity. These groups center historically marginalized identities and provide unique opportunities for safe, authentic sharing. Affinity spaces support the needs of each community, so groups might differ from camp to camp. Joining a group is always optional, and discussions are offered during times that don’t conflict with other activities. Facilitators are specifically trained to guide camper-centered, developmentally appropriate conversations. Affinity spaces are joyful, celebratory, and lots of fun!
Introspection & quiet times at camp
Nature Is What I See Emily Dickinson
“Nature” is what we see — The Hill — the Afternoon — Squirrel — Eclipse — the Bumble bee — Nay — Nature is Heaven — Nature is what we hear — The Bobolink — the Sea — Thunder — the Cricket — Nay — Nature is Harmony — Nature is what we know — Yet have no art to say — So impotent Our Wisdom is To her Simplicity.
REFLECTION TIME • Life at Aloha is about silliness. Faces covered in whipped cream during birthday night. Costumes which are both ridiculous and absolutely ingenius. Excellent dining room Washer Woman dances (a classic dining room song and dance).With that, Aloha also understands the value of giving ourselves time for reflection and introspection. Both at Aloha and in our lives outside of camp, it’s important to take a moment to breathe, recenter, and observe the world around us. “My favorite times at Aloha were sitting on the steps outside the Hale playing guitar next to the lake. It was such a peaceful experience in nature which I had never had before, living in a city. Since coming back from camp, I find myself strumming along to songs I learned and memorized while sitting on those steps and reminiscing about when I can return to Lake Morey.” ELI HAIDER-BIERER
camper
“An important quiet time for me was one night I was trying to fall asleep and it was mostly silent but I could hear the sounds of the loons. For some reason the sound of their calls just made the moment a little more special. It reminded me of how special it is to be kind of at one with nature with other people who love the shores of Lake Morey as much as I do.”
“When I am at home I feel most calm when I am in my room petting my cat. When I am at camp I feel a sense of tranquility when I read in the morning.” PILAR BELL
camper
“Outside of camp, I love trying to carve out quiet time for myself in the morning before everyone is up and moving around to do yoga. This helps me feel centered and stable right away and sets a good vibe for the day.” JESSE HAUSKNECHT-BROWN
counselor
AUDREY SEXTON
camper
Illustrations by Emily Zea, former Horizons camper and Aloha counselor Scamp Spirit • SPRING 2022
5
WHERE in the world? This summer, we’re excited to welcome campers and counselors from 30 US states and 10 foreign countries!*
Alabama Arizona California Colorado Connecticut Georgia
Florida Idaho Illinois Iowa Kentucky Maine Massachusetts Maryland Michigan Minnesota Montana New Hampshire New Jersey New York North Carolina Ohio
Oregon Pennsylvania Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Wisconsin Austria Bermuda France Italy Singapore United Arab Emirates United Kingdom * accurate count as of early April
Answers to the Department Quiz on page 2
1. J - stroke 2. One of the most basic kayak rescues. You perform a t-rescue placing the end of the flipped kayak on the kayak still floating, thus making a capital T shape. From there the kayak can be uprighted and placed bow to stern so the kayaker can get back in. 3. Coxswain 4. Tacking is a sailing maneuver used to get a boat to make its course into the wind. This is done by turning its bow towards and through the wind so the direction of the wind changes from one side of the boat to the other. 5. 88 6. Front Crawl 7. Traveling is when the player holding the ball moves one or both of their feet illegally 8. White, Black, Blue, Red, Yellow/Gold (listed from the outside working into the middle) 9. A is to check the Air, B is to check the Brakes, C is to check the Chain 10. Wheel throwing is the shaping of round ceramics on a pottery wheel. Often starts by throwing a round ball of clay onto the wheel and centering it with your hands. 11. Heat, fuel, and oxygen 12. Love
6
the aloha foundation
What are YOU MOST looking forward to learning & doing this summer?
Campers Share Their Thoughts … “Learning about something I’ve never tried before, I’m excited for a brand new experience.” BETH MCINTOSH
“Rowing at Aloha. Crew is an option at Aloha, and that is very exciting to me because I am a rower. It’s fun when you can continue your sports and hobbies at camp!” TARYN HARRIS
“Building strong relationships with other campers.” LILIA VAZQUEZ
“Meeting new friends and gaining more selfconfidence this summer.”
“The thing I’m looking forward to most about this summer is seeing all the friends I made last year. Last year was my first year ever at the Aloha Foundation, but I felt like I had been there for years and had known everyone my whole life. Within a week I was friends with everyone in my unit and I know when I come back it will be like nothing has changed. The community at Aloha is so welcoming and inclusive and it feels like home away from home. Everyone I met last year is so special to me, and I’m so excited to see them again and to also meet new people this summer!”
“Reconnecting with my friends and the beautiful setting of camp.” CYBIL MOORE
“Learning about all of the new people I meet this summer. That is truly one of my favorite parts of each summer.” LUCY DOLAN
“Challenging myself, overcoming some fears and learning new things, and spending time with my friends again.” ERIN FITZPATRICK
MARIN SANBORN
DYLAN HUMPHRIES
Scamp Spirit • SPRING 2022
7
2968 Lake Morey Road Fairlee, Vermont 05045
Mark your calendars FOR 2022! FULL SEASON: Friday, June 24–Wednesday, August 10 1st SESSION: Friday, June 24–Sunday, July 17 2nd SESSION: Tuesday, July 19–Wednesday, August 10 Visiting weekend: Friday, July 16–Sunday, July 17