As I do every Assembly, I’m going to kick this letter off with you guessed it! a poem. This one is from These Things are Ours by Gwen Frostic:
I cannot count the stars…
Nor touch them
But in the magic of the night
I feel their calm and glory
The rhythm of the rolling waves…
Winds that whistle…roar…
And whisper…
Are part of one great harmony
That plays within my heart
Swallows sweeping through the air…
Fireflies twinkling in the twilight…
Are all this soul of mind desires
To keep it dreaming… Dreams…
I love her poetry because it helps me to stop, be present, and appreciate the natural world. That’s
IN THIS ISSUE
one of the things I love best about camp there are times carved into our weekly schedule where we have time to reflect and enjoy the beauty of nature and the peace it brings. I find over the course of the summer, I spontaneously appreciate and am present in whatever is happening because I’ve been practicing at Sunday Assembly and Rainbow’s End. Little moments like watching the mist burn off the lake over breakfast or stargazing on a clear Vermont night remind me what a gift it is to be living simply at Hive, attuned with nature. That may sound low-key dramatic, but it’s true!
The other day, I visited Hive, and it was wild. All those feelings of appreciation came rushing back, not just because of how stunningly gorgeous the lake and turning leaves on the trees are, but also for all of you. Each of you helped to make Hive 2024 a truly remarkable time. While walking around, even though the docks had been pulled out of the water and the buildings were locked for the winter, I could feel your presence. Walking by the Comb, I remembered the Farm and Garden Department on trial for naming the wrong chicken Preppy, and, of course, the fantastic production of Wonka. Passing the Dining Room, I heard “Bring out the Chefs!” clearly in my mind and smiled at the way we love and appreciate our community members. Over on the Hillside, I admired the porch swings the Hilanders built for the Hilander Playhouse and remembered celebrating Hive’s 110th Birthday in the Greenhouse. While it wasn’t the same as enjoying it with all of you in person, it felt great to appreciate and be present in the moment with those memories of the summer.
This year, I am working on holding onto those feelings I experience profoundly at camp when I am not at camp. I am looking for the possibility of moments to be grateful and feel grounded. What are you taking with you from camp this summer? What did you love about your experience that you are going to continue with now that you’re back to school, sports, friends, and activities? Have you found ways to be open to the power of possibility at home?
With Teddy at my feet as I write this, I feel deeply grateful for the community we created together (so is Teddy). The joy and fun we had. The hard parts we worked through with support and love. The freedom to be completely ridiculous and silly. The times we practiced not taking ourselves too seriously. The moments we showed bravery and felt pride. The opportunities we took to encourage and cheer each other on. Hold onto whatever felt most meaningful and inspiring about Hive 2024 for you, and in the words of Gwen Frostic, ground yourself in those things to keep dreaming those big dreams. Oh, the possibilities!
I am looking forward to seeing some of you while I’m traveling with the other Directors this fall, but if I don’t see you, just know that you’re on my mind, and I’m sending you all the snaps and camp magic your way.
Aloha,
Ellie Pennell Hive Director
Camp Song Showdown
HIVE’S ULTIMATE PLAYLIST OF CAMP HITS!
Get ready to crank up the volume and sing your heart out, because we’ve gathered the most epic camp song picks straight from you our talented and tuneful camp community! From the timeless classics that make everyone’s toes tap to the hidden gems that only true camp enthusiasts know, we’ve compiled the ultimate playlist of your favorite camp songs. Let’s see if your favorite made the list!
COUNTRY ROADS Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert & John Denver
TODAY Randy Sparks
HELEN SHAW’S SONG Biff Fink
WILD MOUNTAIN THYME Scottish/Irish Folk Song
POSIE’S SONG Biff Fink
THE RATTLIN’ BOG Irish Folk Song
RAINBOW’S END Biff Fink FOR THIS NEW MORNING J.C. Bach/Ralph Waldo Emerson
A PLACE IN THE CHOIR Bill Staines
THIS PRETTY PLANET Tom Chapin
HONORABLE MENTION
BARGES Canadian Camp Song
HIVERS’ DAY OFF WILDFLOWERS Tom Petty
FREE TO BE... YOU AND ME
Stephen J. Lawrence & Bruce Harte UP-BEAT, REAL SWEET Biff Fink
Cherished Moments
As the summer sun sets and we begin to wrap up an unforgettable season, we took a moment to reflect on the magical moments that made this summer truly special . We asked our campers to share their favorite memories from their time here, and the responses were heartwarming . From thrilling adventures to quiet, cherished moments, each response captures the essence of what makes our camp so extraordinary
“My favorite memory from camp this summer would be Harry Potter day because it was so so much fun making a chant and cheering for our team!”
Jamie Diaz
“My favorite memory from the summer was when I was at the swamp tromp and I fell up to my neck in mud!”
Seren Jeffreys
“One of my favorite memories from camp was being partnered at Candlelight with my best friend . It was an amazing night .”
Celie Cotttrell
“ When Tyler dressed up with a towel as a dress and used a canoe paddle as a guitar to sing Love Story by Taylor Swift because it was so funny and pouring rain . ”
Emma Tremblay
“My favorite memory from this summer was our evening program, Masked Singer . ”
Summer Santos
“Singing and dancing in the rain during the Hilander Project!”
Isla Rose Batchelor
“Laughing with friends so hard I couldn’t breathe This happens often at camp!”
Tivi Brewster
“Climbing Mount Washington and running the Lake Morey Marathon . ”
Eleanor Farrington-Chu
“My favorite memory this summer was when I finally built up the courage to go to free sail My partner helped push me out of my comfort zone and made me solo . ”
Kay Barrow
“My first Friendship Circle, surrounded by all of my new friends . It felt really special . ”
Alexandra Simonds
campers create
At camp, Hivers not only hone their outdoor skills but also express their creativity. From colorful paintings inspired by camp’s natural surroundings to heartfelt poems that capture the essence of the camp experience, you all have been beautifully illustrating your time at camp. We’ve highlighted just a few of the artistic talents of our camp community, showcasing the incredible works that have emerged from our creative campers!
Hive, Hive, what a story
A journey from the sands of Fairlee
All the way to Morey
From the deep-end with a ‘splash’
To capsizing with a crash
All our friends, from one tree
Branching out into a family
From our silvery slate lake
To Farm and Garden with a rake
At Sunday Assembly
With our voice and song
We know we belong
And we can’t go wrong
For I have loved
And you will too
The cradling arms of Hive
A home fit just for you
Talia Lockard
I leave my parents for three whole weeks
New unit, new friends, new people to meet I was so nervous to come back to Hive I kept on thinking how will I survive
Then I gave it a shot and I’m having a blast
And I’m 100% sure this summer won’t be my last Maggie McFarlane
Drawing by Georgie Bays
Hivers’ Summer Triumphs
All summer you fearlessly took on new challenges and accomplished great things. From conquering your fears in trying new activities to achieving personal milestones, you truly made the most of your time at camp. Here are some inspiring responses when asked, “What is something you are most proud of accomplishing this summer?”
“Completing my first rank in Tennis. It was my first time doing a rank in any department and I loved having water poured on me after! It was a lot easier than I thought and now I know more about tennis!”
– Willa McGinnis
“Completing my first Archery rank! My dad was an Archery counselor and he will be proud! Plus I never even dreamed I could!”
– Molly Buchan
Blazing with Pride COURAGE
“Leaving my mom for the longest time yet, two weeks!”
– Quinn Margulies
“Finishing the Goldfish Long-Distance Swim. I made lots of great memories and had a lot of fun even though it was tiring.”
– Molly Johnston
Triumph Endurance Success Achievement
“I am proud I learned to play guitar even though I was scared.”
– Eliza Christie
These stories are just a few examples of the remarkable achievements you all have accomplished this summer. Each success, big or small, reflects your growth, dedication, and the fun we’ve all had. Here’s to celebrating these milestones and looking forward to even more adventures next summer!
Dream Departments
At Hive, we believe in empowering everyone to dream big and think creatively. When we asked you what departments you would add to Hive if you were in charge, your responses did NOT disappoint! From creative pursuits to sports and beyond, your ideas reflect your diverse interests and passions, and quite a bit of your humor! Here are some of the imaginative department ideas that you came up with:
• HORSEBACK RIDING
• CREATIVE WRITING
• SPEEDBOAT DRIVING
• WOODWORKING
• MARCHING BAND
• COSTUME & FASHION DESIGN
• MOVIE MAKING
• BIKING
• PHOTOGRAPHY
• SURFING
• TUBING
• READING
• CHEERLEADING
• TRACK & FIELD
• SEESAWING (with ranks included)
• ROLLER SKATING
• ROCK CLIMBING & BOULDERING
• ICE SKATING
• ENGINEERING/ROBOTICS
• THE RIZZLER DEPARTMENT & MEWING FOR BEGINNERS
• CHOLULA CHUGGING
• MATH
• NAPPING
• NOTHING (all the things I like are at Hive!)
Who knows, with such creative and varied ideas, maybe some of these departments will become a reality in the future at camp!
Mark your calendars for 2025!
IS OPEN!
FULL SEASON: Friday, June 27–Wednesday, August 13
1ST SESSION: Friday, June 27–Sunday, July 21
2ND SESSION: Tuesday, July 22–Wednesday, August 13
2-WEEK PROGRAM: Tuesday, July 22–Tuesday, August 5
VISITING WEEKEND: Saturday, July 19–Sunday, July 20
heads - up!
Have a friend that would love camp? Your family can receive a $500 tuition credit if you refer someone who attends Aloha, Hive, or Lanakila this summer! Let Ridge know if there’s someone you have in mind!
