Reveille Spring 2022

SPRING 2022

WHAT IT MEANS TO BELONG

Building

Community

For a moment, imagine a wonderful, thriving community you are part of.

Perhaps it’s with friends or family, through a shared passion or hobby, work, a religious organization, camp, or school. What elements make the environment special to you? How is it different from other groups?

At the Alohas, we believe flourishing communities don’t happen by accident.

Like successful personal relationships,

By Arlynn Polletta, Equity, Inclusion & Outreach Associate Director

they require planning, tweaking, re-evaluating, innovating, and lots of conversation—sometimes light and fun, sometimes really hard. Strong communities help us feel safe, connected to others, able to be our true selves.

There’s a sense of camaraderie and respect. Trust is high; missteps and failures are opportunities to learn.

At our summer camps and in each of our programs, we aim to help everyone

feel a sense of belonging. More than acceptance and open-mindedness, for us this means everyone is treated as a full member of our community and feels valued and celebrated for who they are and what they bring. We also want to be accountable to one another to ensure everyone can thrive.

Here are a few recent examples of ways we are building community at the Alohas: (Continued on page 3)

Campers enjoy time on Winships, a hill adjacent to the Aloha campus that offers a beautiful view of Lake Morey. It’s a favorite nearby spot for cookouts and overnights.

Inside this issue

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Message from Vanessa Riegler

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Camp Skills to Job Skills

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Ask Rick: Ohana Family Camp

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News & Updates

From the Executive Director

Vanessa Mendillo Riegler Dear Friends, At the end of March, I joined a group of Aloha Foundation staff at the American Camp Association (ACA) New England conference in Manchester, New Hampshire.

It felt great to be back among our peers in camping after an extended time apart during the pandemic. Several of us led sessions or participated on panels and we all benefited from sharing our experiences and joining in discussions with our professional colleagues. We left feeling energized and inspired.

As I connected with both new and familiar colleagues from our region, I found myself thinking about the annual theme we’ve chosen this year at the Aloha Foundation: Reaching Beyond.

To our knowledge, this is our first-ever organization-wide theme, selected by a group of year-round staff after much brainstorming and discussion.

In past years, our summer camps have chosen their own guiding ideas— sometimes the same one, other times unique—such as “Together We Can” or “Aloha Means.”

In 2022, we wanted to bring those programs together with a broad, shared concept that each community and individual could interpret in their own way. In addition, for the first time ever, we wanted to extend its reach to include all programs and departments at the Foundation, including all three

Vanessa Riegler, Bryan Partridge (Lanakila Director), Ellie Thompson Pennell (Hive Director), Arlynn Polletta (Equity, Inclusion & Outreach Associate Director), and Sarah Gordon Littlefield (Aloha Director) at the March 2022 American Camp Association (ACA) New England conference in Manchester, New Hampshire.

residential camps, Horizons, Ohana, Hulbert, as well as administrative areas like operations, communications, and development.

It certainly isn’t easy! But that’s why Aloha Foundation programs are transformative for so many people.

Because we choose the high road, the hard road, always with the goal of serving campers, families, and staff in ways that are continually improving.

outside pressure. If we were simply adapting, we might allow electronics or eliminate uniforms to appease campers. We could introduce water skiing and forget our commitment to quieter, more self-propelled water activities. Our job is to adapt with purpose, always remembering that reaching beyond demands our best thinking and our dedication not to the past for its own sake, but to programs and communities that grow and change with intention and care. If our COVID experience gave us a gift, it was the gift of understanding how to adapt in meaningful ways—a gift we will carry with us as we continue to do our important work.

Throughout the articles in this spring Reveille, you’ll discover a related common thread of adaptability. At Aloha, we work to adjust thoughtfully, mindful of our mission and the core values we live by, not in response to

Vanessa Mendillo Riegler Executive Director vriegler@alohafoundation.org

Reaching Beyond—to build community, to step outside of our comfort zones, to become our best selves—is at the core of what the Alohas do best.

Spring 2022 Reveille: Jenn Merritt, Director of Communications; Jenn Grossman Wheeler, Director of Photography; Gillian Hersh, Designer. Story ideas, suggestions, or feedback? Contact Jenn Merritt at jmerritt@alohafoundation.org.

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Each Fellow brings their own experience, creativity, collaborative spirit, and commitment to equity, inclusion, and outreach. They will serve as excellent resources for campers and staff on their respective campuses this summer.

This spring, the team is also offering two virtual education sessions for returning staff on identity-based storytelling and the importance of affinity spaces, which were created at the residential camps last season for campers with shared identities to gather and connect. New staff will have opportunities to work with the team during the summer.

Lanakila campers kayaking on Lake Morey take a break from the action to pause and connect.

(Continued from page 1)

Grow our community through outreach and partnerships In 2021, we began a renewed effort to develop mutually beneficial relationships with partners that share our mission and values. While we hope to connect with a wide range of partners, we are specifically focused on building relationships with individuals and communities that have been underrepresented in our programs.

In April, a group of Aloha Foundation camp directors, counselors, and leadership staff visited Harlem Academy to learn about their school community, and begin building connections with students, families, and staff. This summer we will enthusiastically welcome a number of these same students to our residential camps.

Additionally, we are working with the newly established Kipp Schools in

upstate New York on long-term partnering opportunities for the future.

We have also been working to expand our hiring efforts to regional colleges that offer outdoor education programs.

Our hiring managers attended career fairs interacting in person with potential staff. These ongoing efforts extend our reach as an organization, strengthen our community, and invite new friends to find their place at the Alohas.

Adopt a team approach to equity, inclusion, and outreach The Facilitation Fellowship Team, created in 2021, models what it means to work collaboratively towards creating a sense of belonging for everyone in our community. Made up of seasonal staff members at Aloha, Hive, Lanakila, and Horizons, the team was established to recruit and retain staff and campers from underrepresented groups.

Continue to build on the camper and staff initiatives begun in summer 2021 We look forward to expanding the work we began last season. This includes our re-vamped pre-camp training curriculum for all staff, realigned across programs and delivered by designated expert trainers. Optional affinity spaces will be offered for the second year—and we’ll adjust and create new opportunities based on camper needs. Finally, we will continue to offer responsive equity and inclusion support for campers and staff in all our programs. This means listening and observing the community, and then providing specific, developmentally appropriate tools that support the needs of both the individuals and the group. Focusing on these efforts allowed us to build stronger communities in 2021, and we know there is much more to be done.

To learn more, visit alohafoundation. org/equity-inclusion.

We are strongly rooted as a community and as an organization, with a mission and values that continue to be at the center of all our work.

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Camp Skills to Job Skills PERSONAL REFLECTIONS FROM THREE ALUMNI

HOW DO YOU APPLY SKILLS YOU LEARNED AT CAMP IN YOUR CAREER TODAY?

Nekesa Straker Senior Assistant Dean of Residential Life and First-Year Students, Harvard College

Aloha taught me how to be a leader amongst my peers. It taught me how to handle conflict, no matter how trivial or difficult it might seem.

I fondly remember the summer of 2000 when former Aloha Director Nancy Pennell thought it was wise to have this 21-year-old college student in charge of the Club program, the eldest camper unit. While I was a counselor in Club for two years prior, the idea of leading a counselor-in-training program, in addition to five other counselors, was a great leap in my leadership development, which I am grateful for.

Little did I know that in my future

career, I would be responsible for training student leaders and professional staff. Over the last 15+ years, I have worked on college campuses, specifically in Residential Life. I have led training programs where I’ve taught both student and professional staff the necessary skills to do their jobs. I’ve counseled both students and professionals through conflicts and have helped them decide who they wanted to be at that moment. I‘ve led outings throughout different cities, which

Are you willing to share your own “Camp Skills to Job Skills” experience?

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helped me embrace the Aloha Rambler* that I am.

Aloha taught me how to be a leader amongst my peers. It taught me how to handle conflict, no matter how trivial or difficult it might seem. It also helped me acknowledge that I might not have control over every situation, but I do have control over how I respond, a sticking point that continues to frame my daily life.

We’d love to include you in a future issue of Reveille.

Send your 1–2 paragraph story along with a photo to communications@alohafoundation.org.

Pete Linkroum Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Lanakila offers a place for campers to be themselves, but also to test themselves against seemingly insurmountable objectives.

Few experiences have better prepared me for my professional life than my nine summers at Lanakila. I spent 14 years in the military special operations community, including two tours in Afghanistan as a Green Beret, then the next nine years in nursing, with the previous three as a palliative care nurse practitioner.

At camp I learned to nurture both the hard and soft parts of my personality. I

became resilient by learning to be both tough and compassionate.

Our society seems to be in constant conflict about what it means to be a man, particularly as mainstream understandings of gender fluidity and traditional roles have evolved. Lanakila offers a place for campers to be themselves, but also to test themselves against seemingly insurmountable

objectives. For me, that meant completing the Purple Albatross,* surviving a three-mile portage in the Adirondacks, and becoming a Thor,* while also learning to gracefully accept both successes and setbacks. I have found these lessons are as valuable in combat as they are in a difficult family meeting.

Ultimately, camp is a way to find balance, to whittle away sharp edges or sharpen a dull blade.

Amy Ippoliti Author, Yoga Teacher Trainer, and Earth Advocate

I learned what it means to teach and mentor someone who’s striving to hone their craft for the betterment of the world.

Everything I learned about excellence and accomplishing goals, I learned from the encouragement of camp counselors who steadfastly stood by my dreams.

When I first came to Hive, my goal was to canoe, but as with reaching any dream, there were obstacles: the Swim Test and dreaded “Tippy Test” where you intentionally capsize a canoe with another paddler, flip it right-side up and make it back to shore—not an easy task for a seven-year-old.

I’d face far greater challenges and tests

of my ability over the course of multiple summers when I set the goal of the high rank of Admiral* at Aloha.

My mentor and Admiral, Elizabeth Smith, suggested I go for it. It was her belief in me, her gift as a teacher, and her expectation of excellence that showed me I could do anything I set my mind to.

Reaching Admiral not only taught me the precise artform of canoeing and campcraft, but also leadership, commitment, hard work, and the importance of lineage—I was part of a long

line of Admirals who passed down their wisdom. Lineage in yoga is similar and I decided to be a teacher of teachers, so I could keep the teachings of yoga going.

This experience, and so many more at camp, inspired me to pursue rigorous yoga certifications, lead retreats, teacher trainings, and build community all over the world. Most of all I learned what it means to teach and mentor someone who’s striving to hone their craft for the betterment of the world, and that’s been one of the greatest joys of my career.

* The Rambler is an interdepartmental rank at Aloha, earned by passing requirements in sports, waterfront, arts, and camping. The Purple Albatross is a swimming challenge of about five miles around Lake Morey. Thor is a Viking Honors rank at Lanakila (Loki, Tyr, Thor, and Odin), representing mastery of a department’s craft. Admiral is the high rank in Canoeing at Aloha—other high ranks include Guide (Campcraft) and Senior Archer (Archery).

High recognitions in non-rank departments like Arts & Crafts and Performing Arts require the same dedication and skill development as high ranks.

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Join us for a Reunion!

We invite you and your family to join us for rounds of love and laughter at Aloha’s 115th and Hive’s 105th anniversaries Friday, August 12 through Sunday, August 14, 2022! Celebrate with us as we paddle, hike, sing, and make memories to last a lifetime. Reunion activities will take place at both Hive and Aloha. When registering, guests may select the campus where they would like to stay.

TO REGISTER & LEARN MORE VISIT: alohafoundation.org/hive-aloha-reunion-2022

RECEPTION 1905 Leadership Circle & Gulick Legacy Society Reception We’d like to recognize all 1905 Leadership Circle and Gulick Legacy Society members who are in attendance for reunion.

Join us as we toast your special commitment to the strength of the Aloha Foundation and take in the breathtaking view at beautiful Ohana Family Camp, right across the lake from Hive and Horizons.

Where: Ohana Family Camp Date: Saturday, August 13, 2022 Time: 4–5pm 1905 Leadership Circle members make gifts of $2,500 or more in the current calendar year. Gulick Legacy Society members provide for the Alohas in their estate plans—through a gift in their will or by including the Aloha Foundation as a beneficiary of their retirement plan assets or life insurance policy.

To make a gift or learn more about these options, visit the “Giving” tab on alohafoundation.org.

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Hulbert Family Camp: August 14–20, 2022

Unwind & Reconnect Bring your family & friends to camp in August!

Unplug from your busy life, relax by the lake or the fire, adventure in the forests and mountains, and enjoy time with family and friends on our beautiful campus. Hulbert Family Camp is held on the Aloha Camp property on Lake Morey. All are welcome! The registration fee for the week includes platform tent or cabin accommodations, all meals and refreshments, and all activities. $695/adult | $530/child.

ACTIVITIES!

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Arts & Crafts

Camp Craft

Ice Cream Social

Swimming

Paddleboarding

Gnome Homes

Canoeing

Kayaking

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Sailing

Volleyball

Exploring

Archery

Wiffle Ball

Singing & Storytelling

Tennis

Relaxing

And more!

alohafoundation.org/hulbert-family-camp Can’t join us in August? Consider New Year’s Family Camp 2022 (12/27/22–1/1/23) at Hulbert!

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ASK RICK

Ohana Family Camp We are so pleased to welcome Rick Frey as the new Ohana Camp Director! Originally from Orford, New Hampshire (just across the river), Rick has longtime connections to the Alohas as a camper, counselor, program director, unit head, and performing arts show director. 27 summers to be exact! Learn more about Rick in our March announcement here: alohafoundation.org/blog.

FAMILY CAMPERS OF ALL AGES SHARE QUESTIONS FOR OHANA’S NEW DIRECTOR

How do you envision bringing the Aloha spirit to Ohana?

announcements might be a good time to introduce my crazy hat collection??

Question from Kate Shockey Lafrance, Trustee Emerita (age 80), Holly Whittemore Percuoco (age 52), and Anna Percuoco (age 14)

What qualities do you look for in an Ohana counselor?

Rick: For me, much of the Aloha spirit has always been the deep, life-lasting connections and relationships I fostered with mentors, campers, and friends over the years—I hope to continue that meaningful tradition at Ohana. Not to mention pure joy, music, storytelling, laughter, and learning— and that’s only a start!

What are your plans for the evening announcements? Will you stand on the big rock and sing or play the bugle?

Question from Annie Worden (age 10) and Nell Worden (age 6) Rick: Everyone might have to cover their ears if I play the bugle. Over the years as a teacher and camp counselor, I’ve learned how to talk really, really loud! Just ask any of my old students or friends over at Lanakila! Maybe

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Question from the Flohr Family: Nora and Martin (mom and dad), Freddie (age 13, aka Winifred), and Sabina (age 11) Rick: Super question! The first qualities I look for are enthusiasm, kindness and patience. As I get to know possible counselors a little better, I look for talent, generosity, and the willingness to try new things. Last, but definitely not least, I look for friends with happy faces and a great sense of fun and joy.

How will you make your mark on Ohana without disturbing what is meaningful to families/staff who visit and work there over the years?

Question from Evan Freed (age 49), Marcie Freed (age 48), and Zach Freed (age 14) Rick: This coming summer will be all about learning! Learning the special and important traditions of Ohana from the past that will thrive in the present

and continue in the future. I’m excited to meet and get to know campers of all ages, and I’m honored to be a caretaker and steward of such an important and magical place!

As Ohana moves into its teen years, how will it be a place for families whose kids are in their teen years?

(How can Ohana stay relevant, so families don’t “age out”?)

Question from John Suter (age 54), Karen Suter (age 49), Jack Suter (age 16), and Will Suter (age 15) Rick: My hope is that I can help foster a community where campers young and old will have the opportunity to truly embrace and recognize the “Aloha Spirit.” Through age-appropriate games, events and crafts, bringing in counselors as important role models, and continuing to introduce new and exciting activities that will hopefully engage all campers would be my approach! Speaking personally, that’s what kept the “Aloha Spirit” alive for me and my friends as teenagers and beyond at the resident camps.

An evening program is offered every night at Ohana for family campers who wish to join in. Options include events like campfires, dances, storytelling, amateur talent shows, expert talks on cultural or natural history, and music making.

Located on a stunning property on Lake Fairlee, Ohana offers weeklong sessions from June through August for campers of all ages. The program brings families and friends together to refresh and celebrate their ties, and build new ones with others who enjoy living simply for a time in the out-of-doors and sharing all that nature has to offer.

Choose your own adventure when you visit Ohana’s waterfront on Lake Fairlee: swim, kayak, paddleboard, sail, canoe, row, play water games, read, chat, or try out the cool swings!

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By Katie Knowles, Education Director

Challenge & Creativity at Hulbert Adapting to meet the most pressing needs of students and teachers

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is at the forefront of our minds right now.

It is the top priority. —Head of School As we pass the two-year mark since schools (and Hulbert) closed their doors due to the pandemic, we are increasingly hearing versions of this sentiment expressed by schools and parents. They are anxious to return to learning, make up lost ground, and “get back on track.”

Many teachers and psychologists are turning a good deal of that focus to social and emotional learning, knowing that when students are stressed, distracted, and disconnected, they cannot learn effectively.

Our goal at Hulbert has always been to provide programming that helps students, teachers, parents, and adults to work better together, connect with each other in different ways, communicate effectively, and build community.

The pandemic, combined with political and social unrest, has driven people farther apart and created an even stronger need for programs that can help groups relearn social skills and redevelop connection after months of increased isolation and stress.

In response, over the past two years, Hulbert has strived to creatively adapt our programs to accommodate COVID restrictions, meet school needs, and reach out to local schools with whom we did not previously work. During the 2020–2021 school year while we were mostly limited to working with Vermont schools, we focused on weekly visits with three schools (both at Hulbert and at the schools). This regular contact with students allowed for deeper connection and learning, including curricular tie-ins and increasingly challenging activities. Overnight programs were not possible at that time, but we leveraged our endowment

funds to offer day and after-school programs to local schools and adapted teambuilding activities to allow for social distancing.

As regulations eased, Hulbert staff went on the road in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut bringing programming to groups that could not yet visit us in Fairlee. Uncertainty around future restrictions made our calendar unpredictable and resulted in several months of very limited programming.

However, we are seeing light on the horizon with a sharp uptick in requests for day and overnight programming for schools. Full-time staff have filled many different roles and seasonal staff have enthusiastically jumped into programming and embraced support work in lean times. We are grateful for the creativity and dedication of our staff, as well as the teachers and principals who continue to work tirelessly to bring Hulbert opportunities to their students.

We imagine there will be more bumps in the road, but for now we are diving into a busy spring and looking ahead to full fall schedule.

The pandemic, combined with political and social unrest, has created an even stronger need for programs that can help groups relearn social skills and redevelop connection.

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Our goal at Hulbert has always been to provide programming that helps students, teachers, parents, and adults to work better together, connect with each other in different ways, communicate effectively, and build community.

Self-Management

Self-Awareness

Managing emotions and behaviors to achieve one’s goals

Recognizing one’s emotions and values as well as one’s strengths and challenges

Social Awareness

Social & Emotional Learning

Responsible Decision-Making Making ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behavior

Showing understanding and empathy for others

Relationship Skills Forming positive relationships, working in teams, dealing effectively with conflict

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News & Updates Births Kara Klenk (former Aloha camper, counselor, and Hulbert staff member) and Jared Logan welcomed Oscar Jacob Logan into the world on May 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. Oscar joins sister Rosalie (3) who has already learned many camp songs and looks forward to her days at “Ha-loha.” The whole family is looking forward to Hulbert Family Camp this summer!

Bodhi Shelawala was born on February 18, 2022 to Lizzy Shelawala (Trustee, former Hive/Aloha camper, Hive counselor) and her husband Amit, joining his sister Nisha (age 2).

Weddings

Andrew Dickison (former Lanakila counselor) and Emily Nelson eloped on October 13, 2021 at Loveland Pass in Colorado at 7am in negative temperatures. Their reception was held on November 20, 2021 in Broken Arrow OK. They have two children, Rylie and River.

Tommy Reynolds (former Lanakila camper, counselor, Hulbert instructor) and Ally Dudman were married in Rangeley, Maine on September 25, 2021. Tommy grew up paddling Mooselookmeguntic as part of the 5-day trips, and Ally’s family grew up spending summers up there at a family home. Ridge officiated the ceremony out on the dock as a large crowd of camp friends and family looked on. Nick Wood, Ross Cannon, James Dickison, Luke Galford stood by Tommy as groomsmen.

Shawn Farnham (former Horizons camper, volunteer, Assistant Chef at Hive) and Michelle Davis (Horizons counselor, Hulbert instructor) were married in the barn at Hulbert on February 12, 2021. It was a magical winter wedding!

STAY CONNECTED STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR FAVORITE ALOHA PEOPLE AND PROGRAMS ALL YEAR LONG

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In Memoriam Kathleen Griffith (former Hive counselor and camp parent) died of cancer on March 3, 2021, in her home in Belmont, MA. She worked at Hive with her sisters Nancy Mayo, Margot Mayo, and Connie Mayo. She is survived by her daughter Sara Laber Young, grandsons Nicholas Young and Lucas Young as well as her stepdaughter Katherine “Kat” Griffith and step grandchildren Sav Hauge, Bjorn Hauge, and Pei Biorn-Hansen.

Thetford. She is survived by her two children, Cassidy Mason and Storm Budzyn.

Christina Wu (former Aloha camper) passed away on September 27, 2021. Christina never forgot her time at Aloha. She is survived by her son, Albert, a daughter Alice, and four grandchildren, Alexander Clark, Adriana Clark, Samuel Wu, and Oliver Wu.

Mary Louise Bayles Wyckoff (former Lanakila and Aloha parent) passed away on November 14, 2021. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Ferdinand “Fred” Wyckoff; her children Linda Johnson, Stephen Wyckoff (Trustee), John Wyckoff, and Jeff Wyckoff; and her grandchildren.

Corinna Magalhaes passed away on October 20, 2021. Corinna was a much-loved member of the Horizons community and their Head Chef for ten summers. In addition to her incredible work at Horizons, Corinna also served as the Bradford Elementary School food service director. When students transitioned to remote learning during the first weeks of the pandemic, Corinna invested many, many hours to design and coordinate a lunch program that provided some 750 meals every day to recipients in Bradford, Newbury, and

Janet Stebbins (former Aloha and Lanakila counselor) died peacefully in her home on October 28, 2021 surrounded by family. Janet is survived by her husband, John Storrs Stebbins; her daughters, Hope Duncan and Anne Cooley, and grandchildren Isabel Linzer and Zachary Linzer.

Elizabeth Gray (former Aloha camper) passed away November 19, 2021, in her home surrounded by family. She is survived by her three children John Carter Stewart Gray, David Anderson Gray, and Laura Hollinsworth Gray as well as her grandchildren.

Robin Prescott (former Aloha camper and camp parent) died on November 27, 2021.

Robin often talked about her memories of Aloha Camp in Fairlee, VT. Of all her education

and summer experiences, she said that being a camper at Aloha was the most formative and enriching experience of her life. She is survived by her three children Ann, Lyle, and Robert as well as her seven grandchildren.

Julie Tuttle (former Aloha/Hive camper) of Chagrin Falls, OH passed away on December 3, 2021. Beloved mother of Andrew Tuttle, William Tuttle Jr., and grandmother of two.

David Bassett (former Lanakila camper, Lanakila counselor, and Hulbert instructor) passed on December 11, 2021. He was a dedicated community member and spent much of his life advocating for passage of the World Peace Tax Fund Bill (later called the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund Bill and the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Act). He is survived by his children David Bassett, Joanna Bassett, Helen Bassett, as well as his grandchildren.

Bob Owens (camp parent and grandparent) passed away on February 22, 2022. Bob was an active civic volunteer and passionate about politics. He is survived by his wife Biddy (Trustee Emerita), his daughters Lizzie, Maggie (Trustee), Julie, and his grandchildren Esme and Will.

SHARE YOUR UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION

Do you have a new email or mailing address? Let us know so we can stay in touch.

Email Cheryl Olson: colson@alohafoundation.org.

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What’s New at Horizons Horizons Day Camp is for children in grades K–7, with a two-year Apprentice (CIT) program for 8th and 9th grade graduates alohafoundation.org/horizons

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This summer, over 400

campers will enjoy Horizons Day Camp’s dedicated, amazing counselors,

11 activity departments, beautiful waterfront on Lake Fairlee, 150 acres of fields and woodlands, hot lunches, yummy snacks, and much more!

In 2021, Program Director Stuart Fairbairn and his staff rose to the challenge to adapt some camp activities and routines because of COVID-19 safety protocols, while keeping the fun and connection Horizons is known for. The unexpected benefit? A chance to introduce some new program elements.

Campfire Horizons staff’s long interest in creating a community experience to cap off each session, was realized last summer with the first Horizons Campfire.

Campers and counselors gathered in a special spot in the woods to reflect on their experience. Campfire is an opportunity to slow down from the busy pace of the camp routine and come together as a community. A story is told by a counselor, songs, music and thoughts from community leaders are shared, and achievements are recognized. Over time, we expect the space to evolve with the addition of built-in seating for the community.

Units Horizons piloted a unit structure in 2021, consisting of 25-50 campers and counselors. Units gather in the morning, after lunch, and before afternoon pick-up. Designated unit areas establish a tangible zone where campers feel safe and empowered to explore, they foster friendships outside of their activity

groups, and enable opportunities for choice and free play. Last year our 5 units helped manage COVID pod numbers, this year Horizons will have 4 units, Woodlands (K–1st), Treetops (1st–2nd), Meadow (3rd–4th) and Big Sky (5th–7th).

Tracy’s Trail Created in honor of former Horizons Director Tracy McFadden, Tracy’s Trail begins at the main house and creates a one mile loop around campus. Tripping counselors Beth Randall and Tim Bucklin (with a host of helpers) finalized the perfect trail route, discovering treasures such as a natural spring, old stone walls, vernal pools, and a high spot overlooking the lake. Former camper and counselor, Kathryn Brennan, transformed the route into a true trail by clearing vegetation, blazing trees and even creating beautiful bespoke signage as part of her Eagle Scout project. This fantastic addition to Horizons will be enjoyed by campers, counselors, and visitors for generations.

Apprentice Program In 2021, Horizons’ Apprentice Program grew from one-year to a two-year experience for 8th and 9th grade graduates. Year 1 is a two-week session during which apprentices learn the basics of how counselors teach, support campers, work through challenges, and create the fun of camp, while undertaking projects to benefit the whole community. Year 2 is a four-week experience, expanding on year one concepts and giving apprentices opportunities to assist in activity departments and camper groups whilst extending skillsets and pedagogical approach. A dedicated senior staff member leads the program, providing individualized support and adapting to group needs.

As we plan for 2022 we are excited to see these new elements continue to bring fun, challenge, friendships, and excitement to Horizons campers.

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2968 Lake Morey Road Fairlee, Vermont, 05045

Non Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Manchester, NH Permit No.724

Summer 2022 Dates Ohana Family Camp Season 6/19–8/17 | Residential Camp Season 6/24–8/10 | Horizons Day Camp Season 6/27–8/12 Residential Camp Visiting Weekend 7/16–7/17 | Hive and Aloha Reunion 8/12–8/14 | Hulbert Family Camp 8/14–8/20

In this messy and hilarious game at Lanakila, campers volunteer to complete a challenge: Brooksiders (youngest campers) stand behind Lakesiders (oldest campers) to act as their arms and feed them an entire bowl of cereal.

Prefer Digital?

Would your family like us to email you the digital version of Reveille instead of a hard copy? Let us know! Contact Cheryl Olson at colson@alohafoundation.org.

Reveille, Scamp Spirit (Aloha), The Buzz (Hive), Lanalog (Lanakila), and Fun Times (Horizons) can also be found on our website here: alohafoundation.org/newsletters.