Memorandum
Date: August 29, 2008
Re: Camp Closing Procedures
To: Staff
I’d like to thank everyone for another successful summer at Camp Blandings. Besides the usual transition issues, the summer seemed to go well. In general, the maturity of the campers seemed slightly better than last year. We can only hope this continues to be the trend, but as we phase in a teen-agers over the next two years it’s best to not be too optimistic.
In order to be better prepared for next year’s campers I am recommending the following:
- A consistent policy on swim team. The responsible party needs to be clear, either campers are always expected to go practice or practice is completely optional and attendance is determined by the whim of the camper, generally based on who will be there and what kind of snacks might be provided. This year’s counselor was greatly influenced by her own level of interest and energy which was based on who would be there and what snacks would be provided. We need stronger leadership in this area.
- It might be helpful if next year’s counselor were a little more willing to spend time outside. It is hot and it is buggy, but a more positive disposition might be in order.
- While archery and marksmanship are not part of the regular curriculum, perhaps we should explore their addition to the schedule next year. There seems to be a high level of camper interest in shooting, spearing and wrecking things. Along this line, I believe pyrotechnics would be a popular offering.
There are a few general maintenance items that need to be wrapped up as well.
- The sofa pillows in the mess tent are trashed. While each camper claimed, “I didn’t do anything!” all pillows are literally coming apart at the seams. Please see they are repaired by the upholsterer immediately.
- We are missing roughly 47 balls, the breakdown being something like this: 24 baseballs, 7 playground balls various sizes, 6 lacrosse balls, 8 golf balls and two tennis balls that were mainly used for playing with the camp hound. Before restocking for next year please check all window wells, flower beds (especially the hydrangea and azalea bushes) and neighboring property. They didn’t walk away by themselves, folks.
- The piles of books by campers’ beds must be re-shelved. Keeping campers supplied with books was often challenging, but I think we did a fine job. Still, cabin floors need to be cleared so one can at least, well, walk through the room.
The policy of keeping the session free of worksheets and study guides seemed to work well for campers and counselors alike. I recommend next year’s staff replicate this year’s staff’s encouragement of brain deterioration and spotty retention.
Thank you, again, for your help with a wonderful summer session. As we say every year, “It went so fast.” We hope to see you next year.
Image, above, a view of the sunset on the inlet in Sag Harbor from the patio of our big city friend’s home. It is all that it appears.
How do I sign up for this camp. Sounds like the "life of riley" there. Are there arts & crafts offered? I can certainly contribute to the camp…especially with a view like that.
This summer did indeed fly by! Very cute! Thank you for the wonderful posts and your “Hunters and Gatherers” articles in Spaces KC Magazine.
While my “camper” days are somewhat past…this brings back memories of the joy of summer with children.
just brilliant ! thank you for your joyful west coast wake up- and….happy school daze …!
HI-LARIOUS!
this is why your blog has risen to the top. GREAT writing.
Patricia – were that only my everyday view! Arts and crafts? Of course! You’d be more fun to have as your interests would be broader than Star Wars battles and sports team logos.
Megan – thanks so much, and no, no “raw” jello anymore. Wonder why that passed?
What a creative post to close out the summer! Loved your comment about doing away w/the worksheets and study guides. My kids haven’t done them for years. My son will now attend the high school my husband teaches at and their progressive principal has banned the “summer packet assignments.” They still consistently rank in the top 100 public high schools in the nation. As always, enjoy reading your blog.
You are sooooo funny. I love it.
Wonderful, Mrs. Blandings! Really clever too!
Happy Labor Day!
What a hoot! Seems like “camp” will be quite organized next year. Or not.
Mrs Blandings,
The balls have somehow ended up in Omaha. Not sure how.. maybe on your vacation. I also have a very worn black Nike sweatshirt size 2T and a pair of purple soccer socks. Do these belong to your campers as well?
Thanks.
This is so cute! What a great way to look at summer with three young boys. I’m sure they will have wonderful memories of Camp Blandings!