HOW CAMP POWERS CHILDREN’S GROW TH
Bryan Partridge, Lanakila Director
Depending on where we live, where we grew up, or what our access was to summer camp, we all have our own ideas or images of what a summer spent living outdoors entails If we were raised in the 1980s, perhaps Dirty Dancing is the image we conjure If we know nothing of summer camp, perhaps we imagine people standing around a campfire, swaying and singing (not too far from the truth) Having grown up in the Midwest, summer camp was not part of my parents’ thought process To be honest, when they told me I was going away for seven weeks, I was convinced I’d done something wrong, and this was my punishment Reflecting back, I am grateful that a work colleague of my father recommended the Aloha Foundation and that my parents made it work financially, as it was a significant commitment that pushed them beyond their comfort level
Now, 35 years later, working as a Camp Director at the place I spent ever y summer, I have the privilege of witnessing the profound impact of summer camp on hundreds of children each summer Those who have had the opportunity to participate in a camp experience understand the depth of the friendships created, the connection to the natural world, and how time spent offline provides us with uninterrupted reflective time and space, which is a rarity in today ’ s world
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As the sun reflects off Lake Morey, Lanakila campers and counselors float through the calm and still water, enjoying the beauty of nature surrounding them
CAMP POWERS GROWTH
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What is it that goes into a summer at the Aloha Camps that differs from any other experience? We talk a lot at camp about the “stories we tell ourselves” on a day-to-day basis Too often, the stories we tell about another person or situation are based on what we see, what our past experiences tell us, and the lens in which our lives have defined them for us In reality, we are all walking stories, or stories in motion Our actions and perceptions are orchestrated by and within our narrative We cannot reasonably tell what a person is thinking simply by looking at them, and yet, we tend to default to this mentality regularly
At camp, we strive to open campers ’ eyes to the power we hold in “creating our own stories ” Part of this is creating the conditions where campers learn to see their lives through the lens of possibility Rosamund Stone Zander, author of The Art of Possibility, believes strongly in the concept of “possibility ” and emphasizes the importance of shifting our perspectives to unlock new opportunities Camp serves as a catalyst for this transformation, offering children the opportunity to view themselves and the world around them differently Removed from familiar environments and social circles, campers learn to see challenges as opportunities and setbacks as stepping stones to growth
When we as community members are “ open to possibility,” we approach the world through the eyes of “ yes ” rather than “ no ” We remain open to the gifts that come our way when we focus on the goodness of others, and we celebrate the challenges that come with tr ying to be the “people we want to be ” Staying open to possibility allows us to go beyond our present assumptions into a new realm of thinking, allowing for creativity, joy, imagination, and a deep sense of personal engagement
In truth, from the time we are children, we tend to fall into patterns of measuring ourselves based on those around us as a measurement of success But as Zander asserts, “In the measurement world, you set a goal and strive for it In the universe of possibility, you set the context and let life unfold ” We want to teach campers to set the context and allow them to view their experiences through the lens of possibility This is not to say we stop striving towards set goals What it means is that we don’t allow them to define us, choosing to expand our viewpoint to see a greater scope of what is possible in its meaning
We want to guide campers toward a better capacity to hear the stories they are telling themselves and also learn to acknowledge that two things can be true at any given moment We strive to cultivate an atmosphere where children are encouraged to shift their perspectives and embrace new possibilities Removed from the familiar comforts of home, campers learn to view challenges as opportunities for growth For example, rain at camp might seem bad for us, but it might be good for the water levels of the lakes Not getting on the trip we desperately wanted to go on feels unfair, but it might mean we connect with a person in our unit who loves to play wiffle ball as much as we do Not getting to keep your Snapchat streak alive while at camp might feel like a huge disappointment, but it also opens the door to not being so reliant on our devices The information can be the same, but the framework in which we view it can be different One perspective could see something as hopeless, while another person can see an abundance of possibility
Camp provided me with this opportunity as a ner vous tenyear-old embarking on seven weeks in the woods carr ying a set of stories about how miserable I would be 36 years later, I better understand the power of these stories, as well as how I can better ser ve campers in re-crafting their own stories to embrace possibility
Updates & Announcements To Keep You in the Know
C E N T E RI N G
O N C A M P E R W E L L N E S S
Char Messer vy, Aloha Director
This summer, Aloha continued to explore wellness programming inspired by the success of the previous year ’ s initiatives In 2023, Aloha piloted Wellness Time a dedicated 45-minute time block alternating ever y other morning with assemblies to ser ve as a counterbalance to the lively atmosphere of our morning assemblies Through activities like quiet reading by Wishing Fire, peaceful games like chess, and gardening, campers had a tranquil space to recharge and connect with themselves and their surroundings
This year, Aloha collaborated with a local yoga studio to further enrich the wellness experiences available to campers and offered dedicated time during free and scattered evenings These past two years, engaging in mindful practices that nurture mental, emotional, and physical well-being has produced over whelmingly positive feedback Campers and counselors alike continue to express that these wellness initiatives enhance their overall camp experience
A F O R T N I G H T ( T E N T N I G H T ! ) AT H I V E
Ellie Pennell, Hive Director
This summer, we piloted a 2-week program for new campers to “tr y out” Hive These campers enjoyed all the opportunities given to those staying for longer sessions, such as choosing what activities to do, taking part in special events like Harr y Potter Day and Hive’s Birthday, and making connections with other children their age by being fully integrated into the Lolander and Dolphin units
Each and ever y child left feeling excited to return next summer with this experience under their belt, and families seemed to appreciate the shorter session for their child’s first go at camp Overall, it was a relatively easy lift for the Hive community and a wonderful way to meet the needs of families with younger campers We’re thrilled to be offering this program again in 2025!
N ’S H O S P I TA L
At Hulbert Outdoor Center, we ’ re always striving to create impactful and meaningful experiences for all our participants. Our recent collaboration with Boston Children’s Hospital’s Department of Otolar yngology and Communication Enhancement stands out as a prime example of how we can adapt our programs to meet the specific needs of diverse groups, in this case, middle school students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Our core pillars of Leadership Workshops, Project Sessions, and Teambuilding were instrumental in shaping this unique program In the Leadership Workshops, students learned that leadership is not an innate talent, but a set of skills developed through knowledge and experience These workshops focused on practical techniques and strategies, helping students build confidence in their leadership abilities
During the Project Sessions, students explored the intersectionality of government, businesses, individuals, and nonprofits within their communities They researched nonprofits that aligned with their interests and needs, particularly those advocating for people like themselves in traditional school settings They shared their findings with their school communities and organized a community day to support these nonprofits, putting their leadership skills into action
Teambuilding was a crucial part of the program, allowing participants to practice what they had learned This component gave students the confidence to work together, overcome challenges, and assume different roles within a group The experience of collaborating and problem-solving as a team was invaluable for their personal and social development
The first year of the program was successful, with students gaining a deeper understanding of advocacy and leadership
Building on this success, the following year we prepared the students to lead activities for incoming participants This shift offered them practical leadership experience and the opportunity to support their community in a meaningful way
Our ability to tailor programs to specific needs sets Hulbert apart Our Program Coordinators worked closely with Boston Children’s Hospital to understand the unique requirements of this group and design a program that would meet their goals An essential, yet often unspoken, benefit of our programs is the social learning that occurs Without the distraction of phones, students formed deeper connections and gained a greater understanding of themselves and others For the Boston Children’s group, being in an environment where their hearing needs were understood and shared by others created a supportive and inclusive community, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support
This collaboration with Boston Children’s Hospital exemplifies how Hulbert can create tailored, impactful experiences that empower students to lead, connect, and make a difference We are proud to continue this work, helping the next generation of leaders thrive through our comprehensive and adaptable programs
Interested in bringing a group to Hulbert? We’d love to discuss the possibilities with you! Contact Ross Cannon, Hulbert Director ross cannon@alohafoundation.org
THE ALOHAS HAVE SECURED OUR ACA ACCREDITATION for another half-decade, and we have so many camp and foundation staff to thank for it.
The culmination of this effort found four fellow camp professionals from the ACA touring six different programs on five separate campuses (on two different lakes!) on a single day in mid-July, during the height of camp! Tori and crew were able to host, direct, and speak to each of our programs seamlessly switching from one to the next and back to the first knowledgeably and expertly fielding questions about the intricacies of camp
When asked about her takeaways from the experience, Tori said, “I was excited to demonstrate how much we were already doing For example, there were new standards for mental health this year Our programs have been focused on providing that support for years As grueling as this process can be, it’s never that we ’ re scrambling to bring anything up to speed; we ’ re really just pulling back the curtain to show the work we ’ re already doing ”
While the certificates are not yet ready to hang on the wall, The Alohas have secured our ACA accreditation for another half-decade, and we have so many camp and foundation staff to thank for it We appreciate the time and attention of our industr y colleagues who volunteered for this process with the ACA: Tim Nielsen, Executive Director of Brookwoods, Pat Clare and Larr y Davis of Camp Pemigewasset, and Br yan Martineau of the ACA Ever yone involved in this process has contributed to the safety and quality of this essential experience we call camp For that, we offer our most sincere thanks
Times six.
O h a n a P o r t ra i t
Sandy Roche
Ever y summer, Ohana Family Camp blossoms into a lively community where families reconnect, refresh, and celebrate togetherness Among the many cherished campers, Sandy Roche shines brightly, embodying the camp ’ s enduring spirit
Growing up in Brooklyn during the Great Depression, Sandy spent her summers by the seashore, nurturing a lifelong love for nature and community
As an adult, Sandy ’ s career in early childhood education flourished, highlighting her dedication to nurturing young minds
Sandy ’ s connection to Ohana began before the Family Camp was established Her first visit was with a women ’ s Elderhostel group, where she was captivated by the campus ’ s beauty and potential despite its rough conditions When Family Camp launched in 2008, Sandy knew it was the perfect spot for her family A tradition was born, and for well over a decade, her family has gathered at Ohana ever y summer
For her family, Ohana is more than just a summer retreat; it’s a vital time to renew and strengthen their bonds With her children and grandchildren spread across the countr y, Family Camp offers a cherished opportunity to come together The shared experiences and the sense of community enrich these reunions, making them even more special
Over the years, Sandy has witnessed Ohana’s evolution while maintaining its core spirit “Ever y year, there’s some great new improvement, whether it’s the pavilion at the waterfront or the beautiful art barn But what we most value are the things that stay the same the beautiful setting and the beautiful spirit of Ohana,” she reflects Sandy Roche’s stor y is a testament to the enduring connections and joyful memories that Ohana Family Camp creates, year after year Welcome back, Sandy!
K I T C H E N C AT C H U P
DAN TOOHEY, D
We’re constantly striving to enhance sustainability and improve our carbon footprint while providing healthy, delicious meals for our campers. In response to the growing demand for fresh, locally sourced food, we ’ ve introduced several initiatives aimed at making our dining ser vices more eco-friendly
One of our most significant changes has been transitioning to an in-house composting program Previously, we relied on external ser vices, but as our enrollment grew, we decided to manage composting ourselves Our beautifully designed compost receptacles, managed by our Buildings and Grounds department, now handle the increasing amount of food scraps from our fresh meal
preparations This initiative aligns with Vermont’s state regulations and underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship.
We’re proud to say that our menus feature more fresh, locally sourced food than ever before We partner with Vermont-based suppliers like Black River Produce and Upper Valley Produce to ensure that our ingredients are as fresh and local as possible This not only reduces our carbon footprint by cutting down on food miles but also supports local farmers and provides our campers with the highest quality meals
In addition to featuring fresh produce, we ’ ve replaced plastic utensils and containers with compostable alternatives for unit cookouts These compostable materials decompose within 2-4 months, significantly reducing our plastic waste and its impact on the environment.
& U P D AT E S
Weddings
Births
Reunions
Ross Cannon (Director of Hulbert Outdoor Center) & Tori Sumner (Aloha Foundation Operations Manager) celebrated their special day at the Assembly Yard in Fremantle, Western Australia, on March 1st, 2024 in front of family and friends including many camp friends! We love hearing from all our former campers and counselors when they tie the knot, and we re especially thrilled to announce the nuptials of these two current Aloha Foundation staff members We send our heartfelt congratulations to Ross and Tori as they begin this new chapter together
“To know Tori and Ross is to know love, both in how their relationship has grown since meeting at camp and how they approach everyone and everything they do, especially here at the Aloha Foundation - with love. We were fortunate to travel to Australia to celebrate their wedding this past March It’s a true testament to them as people and the many ways they have impactful friendships that over 20 camp folk flew to Australia to celebrate and share in the love and community that they create everywhere they go ” – Gretchen
Cyros & Sara Liptrot
Two lifelong friends and former Lanakila campers and counselors, Trip Wileman and Allen Symonds, recently embarked on a memorable adventure, hiking parts of Vermont’s Long Trail together Their friendship started at a summer camp in 1976 and endured through their years as campers, from their first year as Bridgers to eventually becoming counselors together for multiple years Their bond kept strengthening long after their time at camp had ended
This past September, Trip and a friend set out to hike the Long Trail, with Allen joining them for the final 61 miles from Stowe to the Canadian border The friends captured unforgettable moments on the trail, including a picture-perfect moment on top of the Mt Belvedere fire tower, standing proudly in front of the Northern Terminus sign, and even posing on the US/Canadian border These photos capture not only the beauty of Vermont’s wilderness but also the enduring spirit of friendship and adventure fostered at Lanakila
Jessica Nickerson (former Hive counselor) and Ben Cohen welcomed Isaac Ellis Cohen to their family on September 29, 2023
NEWS TO SHARE?
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In Memoriam
Barnes Boffey dedicated over 55 years to Lanakila as a camper, counselor, and camp director
During his 24 years as director, Barnes shaped countless summer experiences, asking campers to reflect on the kind of person they wanted to be He believed that actions and thoughts could influence both feelings and physiology, leading campers to their highest goals Barnes’ leadership left an indelible mark and a
legacy that encourages us to continually do our best for each and every member of our beloved community
Barnes passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024 He will be missed tremendously by his two sons, David and Adam, his former wife, Sharon, and grandson, Jackson He is also survived by his brother, Peter, sisters-in-law, Ophira, and Michelle and nephews, Mercer and David
Lake Fairlee the idyllic backdrop for Horizons, Hive, and Ohana Whether it s a morning paddle, a hike through the woods, or a quiet moment by the shore, the lake’s serene presence makes even the simplest activities feel enchanting
How do YOU apply skills you learned at camp in your career today?
Julianna Jarabak Johnson | Internal Operations & Customer Success, PrologMobile
I suppose it’s best to begin my stor y with, “How in the world did an Indiana Girl, after spending the Summer of 1991 on the shores of Lake Fairlee, end up in Boulder, Colorado?”
So, as the stor y goes, upon graduation from Butler University, I hopped on a train from Indianapolis to Boston, then caught a bus to White River Junction, having absolutely no idea what was in store for me especially all the ticks, mosquitoes, and rain! Yet, completely unbeknownst to me, what would ultimately become one of life’s biggest challenges AND the most life-rewarding (and changing!) experience to this day The Lolander Unit Head, what on Earth is that?!?
I was absolutely unprepared for the next two+ months of physically, mentally, and emotionally charting new territor y Still, I hopped on the bee’s wings, conquered any self-doubt, and found a confidence I never knew existed And, of course, I was starting
graduate school in the Fall, so what did I really have to lose? By the 4th of July Lanakila Bonfire, I had the epiphany that I applied to graduate school for all the wrong reasons (fear!), and by the last round of Aloha Oe on that ver y special starr y August night, the night the lake sparkled, I deferred my enrollment and headed West and never looked back!
What the Summer of 1991 gave me, in addition to lifelong friends, cherished memories, summer love, and a new appreciation for tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches in the rain, nonetheless, was the ability to truly trust myself Trust myself to make good decisions, especially decisions that directly impact others It also helped me tie knots, which is of the utmost importance!
I’ve carried so many valuable lessons from that beloved summer into my adult life, personally and professionally The ability to lead yet not micromanage, listen, trust, collaborate, and communicate Time management, conflict management, safety, patience, encouragement, and guidance Empathy and sympathy, and understanding the difference between the two To be honest, to be fair, and to be really, really fun! Let it be known I’ve started nearly ever y team meeting for 30+ years with a rousing game of WAH! Truth
Confidence, commitment, and never giving up! I can assure you that ever y possible camp song was flowing through my head (and out loud!) with ever y grueling step along the John Muir Trail, the Colorado Trail, and even the Camino de Santiago! Aloha has carried me and continues to do so with all I face and all I do
Thank you, Hive and all the Alohas, for helping to mold me personally and professionally To this day, being the young, naive Lolander Unit Head was the toughest job I’ve ever had, yet I still love it the most!
2968 Lake Morey Road Fairlee, Vermont, 05045
2 0 2 5 D AT E S
Hulbert Outdoor Center
Family Camps
New Year ’ s 2024: Dec 27-Jan 1
Summer 2025: August 17-23
School Vacation Camps
February Vacation: (1) 17-21;(2) 25-27, 2025
April Vacation: (1) 14-18; (2) 22-24, 2025
School & Leadership Programs, Facility Rentals & Retreats: Sept-June
Ohana Family Camp
Memorial Day Family Camp: May 23-26
Military Families: June 23-27
Session 2: June 28-July 5 (7 nights)
Session 3: July 5-12 (7 nights)
Session 4: July 12-19 (7 nights)
Session 5: July 19-26 (7 nights)
Session 6: July 26-August 2 (7 nights)
Session 7: August 2-9 (7 nights)
Session 8: August 9-16 (7 nights)
Session 9: August 16-20 (4 nights)
Facility Rentals & Retreats: May- Oct
Residential Camps
Aloha, Hive & Lanakila
Club & Bridge: June 23-August 13
Full: June 27-August 13
1st: June 27-July 20
2nd: July 22-August 13
Hive & Aloha
2-Week Program: July 22-August 5
Visiting Weekend: July 19 & 20
Horizons Day Camp
1st: July 1-12
2nd: July 15-26
3rd: July 29-August 9
4th: August 12-16
1st Yr Apprentice: July 15-26 OR July 29-August 9
2nd Yr. Apprentice: July 15-August 9
“At Ohana this summer, I challenged myself to turn off my phone for the whole week Knowing the phone was off and stashed away helped me focus on the special time with my kids undistracted. I don’t think I’ve had my phone turned off for more than a few hours in at least ten years. I didn’t miss it at all I’m sure my kids noticed the difference in the quality of my attention too. Thanks Ohana!” Josh Adler
