You are in my thoughts today (and every day) since we said all those tearful goodbyes in August. I miss you!
This fall, I am living right on Lake Morey at a house overlooking lily pads, cattails, reeds, and the stunning mountain views we all know and love. Rumor has it that an otter lives here in the spring too… an OTTER, you guys! What should we name it?
Two days ago, Mike, Georgia (a proud THREEyear-old!) and I canoed to the middle of the lake and got to take in all its beauty with the added colors of the autumn. The lake was glassy and
doubled the size of the sky with its reflection. It was truly magical and made me wish you were there to take it all in as well.
When I think back to the summer, I smile, remembering laughter, joy, pride, intensity, and moments of absolute awe. I picture our third rankers getting tossed into the lake with the whole camp cheering them on from the Hale porch, piñata shoes at the lawn dance, avid
Austen fans, and exhilarated clubbers running around the bonfire with their Bridge in celebration. And I’ll admit it now I’ve never seen such a competitive game of musical chairs in my life! In short,
I think of us doing a lot of living in a very short amount of time. Our community is full to the brim with the memories we create for each other. How do we do it so quickly and so often?
I think it starts with trust trusting that we can be our true selves with each other and not be judgmental. Whether it’s knowingly done or not, it happens when each person in our community gets to consider the question: what would I do if I weren’t afraid?
Our counselors set the tone for us all to feel like we can do this. They tell themselves things like: If I weren’t afraid, maybe I would help organize Nancy’s Nightmare this year! They lead the way in making hilarious announcements (Leo’s “grandmother” is etched in my memory), rowing (or swimming) the Purple Albatross, and dancing full-out to whatever Grace, Kirsten, and Kimora have playing in the DJ booth below the Archery Ring. We truly have the best counselors in the world!
Then our Clubbers follow suit stepping up to see what they are capable of in a different role within Aloha one that involves taking leaps of faith almost daily and stepping up more and more. They start to say things like: Maybe I will teach an activity period in the Art Barn! Maybe I will help a camper feel more confident in themselves!
That courage you see and feel from others then ripples outwards to each of you. Maybe I will go on a three-day pack trip! Maybe I will try to do a two-mile run! Maybe I will go for my first sailing rank! And this is when you embrace all that camp is about getting out of your comfort zone because you know we will be there for you either way.
It can be hard to remember that this way of thinking is also an option when you get back home. Being brave is about doing something even though you're afraid!
Remember those sparks we talked about over the summer? Your spark is meant to be shared with others! I hope you can share it during the school year in big and small ways to ignite possibility in the world around you. You can do this by keeping the spirit of your summer alive reach out to a camp friend and share a happy memory from the summer. And know that we will be ready to nurture it at Aloha again in 2025.
Until then, I hope to see you this fall, as I’ll be traveling to do some Open Houses all around the country.
Sending big hugs!
Aloha,
Charlotte Messervy Director of Aloha
Gathering on Winships is always a time for reflection.
Camp Song Showdown
ALOHA’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!
HERE ON THE WATER Cara Latham
WILD MOUNTAIN THYME Scottish/Irish Folk Song
FOUR STRONG WINDS Ian Tyson
RIVER Bill Staines
HELEN SHAW’S SONG Biff Fink
THESE GREENS HILLS Vermont State Song
TODAY Randy Sparks
COUNTRY ROADS Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert & John Denver
BARGES Canadian Camp Song
THE RATTLIN’ BOG Irish Folk Song
YOUR DREAM LINEUP
HONORABLE MENTION
A PLACE IN THE CHOIR Bill Staines
WILDFLOWERS Tom Petty
THE MERMAID (OUR GALLANT SHIP)
Traditional Irish Folk Tune
ON ILKLEY MOOR BAHT’AT
Yorkshire Folk Song
EDELWEISS
We asked you to imagine you could bring any celebrity to camp. The results are in, and the top choices are a dream lineup of musical talent! Here are the five celebrities you’d most like to see around the campfire:
Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II ➊ ➋ ➌ ➍ ➎ NOAH KAHN
TAYLOR SWIFT ZACH BRYAN
LANA DEL RAY BOY GENIUS
Lucy Dacus
Julien Baker
Phoebe Bridgers
sharing a spark Inspiring Counselors
Aloha counselors have left an indelible mark on campers, inspiring them to learn and grow in ways they may never have thought possible. We asked you to share which counselor have inspired you the most and what valuable lesson you've learned from them. Here are just a few of many heartwarming responses.
Kindness
Lily “Beans” Muhlbaum
“She is so kind to everyone and she inspired me to go on trips and take opportunities when they come my way.”
Adele Herman
Self-Care
Caitlin Addinell
“They taught me how to prioritize my time and communicate my emotions and plan ways to limit stress.”
Julia Dische
Joining In
Audrey Ryan
“She helped me open up to people and be a part of camp.” Bonet
Perseverance
Anna Jofrey & Raquel Clydesdale
“Anna and Raquel taught me how to push through the hard moments.”
Cleo Barowsky
Self-assurance
Louisa Gundack
“She taught me to be myself and not care too much about what others think.”
Ruby Verkuijla
Hard Work
Maddie Fitzgerald
“I remember when it was her first year and she wasn’t even sure if she would do another summer. But now she has achieved so much and is the Head of Club!”
Amelia Haryanto
Authenticity
Grace Gordan
“Grace has inspired me to be myself wherever I go and embrace it.”
Eleanor Coyne
Positivity
Erin Saddington
“Erin! Because she always has the best attitude.” Mesha Jimenez
Wisdom
Scarlett Johnston
“What didn’t I learn from her is the real question!” Camilla Calderwood
Success
Abby Scott
“I think she is really successful and is an amazing person to be around. She taught me to be more positive.”
Alex Jones
Guess the camper!
We asked, “If you could design your own camp activity, what would it be?” We had some incredibly creative answers. Now, your challenge is to match each unique idea with the camper who came up with it. Good luck!
new activities:
➊ Drawing Amanda’s (or any counselors’) Soul
➋ Lake Appreciation
Going out into the middle of the lake and just laying there
➌ Paintball
➍ Become a False Bottomer
Get scuba gear. Swim to the bottom of the lake. Become one of the False Bottomers.
➎ Water Trampolining
AKA “borrowing” the water trampoline
➏ Waterballooning
Throwing waterballoons at counselors
➐ I just wouldn’t design one
➑ Billie Eilish & Conan Gray Appreciation
campers:
Eleanor Coyne Sadie Datoo
Betsy Dongarra Penelope Robinson
Julia Dische Margaret Ward
May Asher Quigs Quigley
survey says?!
We asked the one of the most controversial questions at camp… ARE YOU PRO OR ANTI CROCS-WITHOUT-SOCKS?
The results are in, and they may shock you!
59% pro crocs-without-socks
41% anti crocs-without-socks
Campers Shine with Summer Achievements!
As we look back at the summer, we can't help but be amazed by the remarkable accomplishments of our campers. Let's take a moment to celebrate just a few of the many successes and the hard work our campers put in this summer.
Camilla Calderwood & Maggie Buffum
Winning First Place in the Lone Pancake
Camilla and Maggie made incredible time, winning first place in the Lone Pancake competition, demonstrating not only their canoeing and pancake-making prowess but also their teamwork and resilience.
The Cast of Singing in the Rain
Last but not least, the cast of “Singing in the Rain” delivered a sensational performance that brought joy and applause from all who witnessed it. Their dedication to rehearsals and their passion for the arts shone through in every note and dance move.
Emma Gomes 20-Mile Paddle & High Rank in Kayaking
Emma embarked on an incredible 20-mile paddle and achieved her high rank in Kayaking, showcasing her determination and skill on the water.
THE DUCKS—The ORANGE TEAM
Winning First Place in the Parry Cup
The Ducks Cat Vincent, Skye Linkorum, Merrida Daniels, Ana Lehman, Sophie Brown, Gracie Sage, and Gretchen Klotz showed outstanding sportsmanship and camaraderie, claiming victory in the Parry Cup.
A Presidential Address
Dear Campers,
Greetings to you all from the splendid shores of Lake Morey! Today, as your President, I come to you not just as a leader but as a humble loon with the privilege and, dare I say, the joy of addressing you all. Yes, I may have feathers, webbed feet, and a penchant for making peculiar calls, but beneath this beak lies a heart full of dedication to our shared future.
As many of you know, our lakes are not just bodies of water; they are the lifeblood of our ecosystems and the heart of our nation’s tranquility. Yet, while this lake may seem serene and idyllic, it is not without its mysteries. In fact, beneath the surface lies a secret so grand that even we loons whisper about it in our most cryptic calls. Yes, I’m talking about the notorious false bottom of the lake.
Yes, the false bottom a mysterious and enigmatic layer that some say harbors nefarious plans and fantastical secrets. Keep an eye out, my dear campers, for they say that this hidden layer may occasionally stir with the ripple of mischief. While I don’t want to alarm anyone, it is wise to remain vigilant. After all, you never know when a sneaky underwater plot might bubble to the surface or when Snappy might be plotting its grand escape!
It is said that “still waters run deep,” and indeed, I urge you to keep a vigilant eye on these depths. Together, we will ensure that our camp remains as clear and bright as the finest summer day. Let us all be alert, be wise, and keep our eyes open for the false bottom of the lake, for it is there that we shall find the answers we seek and the strength to overcome.
But fear not! The true magic of this lake lies not in its hidden depths but in the joy and camaraderie we share. As you embark on your life adventures, remember to embrace the wonders of nature, respect our environment, and, of course, keep your eyes peeled for any suspiciously large fish or overly ambitious frogs.
In closing, let us celebrate the beauty of our surroundings and the friendships we forged here. Whether you’ve paddled in a canoe, roasted marshmallows by the fire, or simply taken in the splendor of the lake, know that you’ve been part of something truly special.
As your President, I implore you to embody the spirit of the loon: steadfast, watchful, and unyieldingly dedicated to our collective well-being. Keep your eyes on the water, your ears open to the calls of caution, and your hearts committed to unity.
Long live our great lake!
Madam President
ENROLLMENT IS OPEN!
CAMP DATES 2025
FULL SEASON: Friday, June 27–Wednesday, August 13
1st SESSION: Friday, June 28–Sunday, July 20
2nd SESSION: Tuesday, July 22–Wednesday, August 13
CLUB PROGRAM: Monday, June 23–Wednesday, August 13
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 Char know if there’s someone you have in mind!
Guess The Camper Answers:
Amanda Dongarra ➋ Eleanor Coyne ➌ Margaret Ward
Quigs Quigley ➎ Julia Dische ➏ Sadie Datoo ➐ May Asher
