This summer we enjoyed great weather, which helped us provide a fun filled season of camp activities, including off-campus day and overnight trips. A new day trip this year was to an indoor climbing wall in nearby Rutland.
Campers worked diligently to advance in various land and water related activities. We sent out two sets of overnight hiking and canoeing trips. Day trips included mini-golf, Village of Lake George, climbing wall, and the Great Escape amusement park for early birds. We held our traditional Blue / Grey intramural sports competition throughout the summer, culminating in Blue winning 9 to 7 after the Apache Day races, while parents spectated. The camp season culminated with lodge initiations, an awards banquet and final council fire for campers and families. This year we welcomed Brooks Eynon, Eli Herrick, Pierce Douglas, Theo Gordon, William Winters and Jackson Leach into Prospect Lodge. Will Ansary, Walter Lundberg, Charlie Zahl and Leo Remsha joined Chocorua Lodge. Spencer Molino and Julian DeNinno were initiated into Wachusett Lodge after completing advanced levels in ten activities, which is a huge accomplishment!
At the awards banquet, activity plaques were given to boys and hung in the dining hall for recognition of achievements over the course of the summer. Leadership awards in Citizenship went to Teagan Wilbur, Ben Davis and Henry Paul; Camp Spirit went to Walter Lundberg, Eli Herrick and Joshua Weinstein respectively in the junior, intermediate and senior age groups. Wachusett's highest honor, the Henderson Trophy, was awarded to Julian DeNinno. The recipient of this award is nominated and voted on by the staff who deliberate over who has demonstrated the highest level of citizenship, camp spirit and leadership among peers. The golden rule is often brought up as measurement of leadership in these areas. Julian has displayed great leadership and achievement over the five summers that he has attended Wachusett.
The summer was finished out with our final campfire and ghost rock ceremony (pictured below).
If you have never been to our camp, were new to camp this past year or are a veteran of past summers, we hope you will give serious thought to joining us for a portion of your summer in 2025 and / or spread the word about our camp to friends. Please visit our website: campwachusett.com for more details. The website will be updated with rates and dates for registration within the next few weeks. Early Bird signup (prior to November1st) will include a tuition discount and a trip to the Great Escape amusement park.
Thank you to all staff, campers, parents and visiting alumni for your part in making 2024 a fun and exciting camp season!
Winter 2024 Update: Bring a Friend
Dear Wachusett Friends:
I hope this winter is going well for everyone. While there is snow on the ground in Vermont, we are busy with preparations for the 2024 camp season. This weekend (Saturday, February 24th) we will be participating in a camp fair at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, Maryland from noon to Three. If you are in the area, please come see us.
Current families already signed up for this summer: Please note that we are offering 20% off the balance of tuition if you recruit a friend to sign up to attend camp in 2024. If you were not an early bird and you recruit a friend, we will add a trip to the Great Escape. Word of mouth remains our best marketing. (See below for further details)
If you are still putting together summer plans, we hope part of summer vacation will include making fun memories at Camp Wachusett.
Best wishes for a safe and productive winter. Unaliyi, Phil
Camp Begins July 7th.
We appreciate your help with spreading the word about our camp!
Here's what you get when you bring friends to camp:
20% off tuition for one friend who signs up and attends in 2024!
Additional 20% off if a second friend signs up and attends in 2024!!
And the motherload of all: 100% off the balance of tuition after deposit if a third friend attends in 2024!!!
A trip to Six Flags Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom in Lake George, NY (includes person recruited)
We had a great 2023 season!
Dear Parents and Friends,
This summer we celebrated our 120th year with a fun filled season of camp activities, including off-campus day and overnight trips. This year we added horseback riding as an activity that took place at a nearby farm with professional instruction.
Despite a lot of rain and associated schedule modifications, campers worked diligently to advance in various land and water related activities. We were only able to send one set of overnight hiking and canoeing trips off the property due to weather challenges. Day trips included mini-golf, Village of Lake George, bowling outing, and the Great Escape amusement park for early birds. We held our traditional Blue / Grey intramural sports competition throughout the summer, culminating in Blue coming from behind to win the Apache Day races, while parents spectated. The camp season culminated with lodge initiations, an awards banquet and final council fire for campers and families. This year we welcomed Finn Chochrek, Henry Gordon, Ben Hecht, Walter Lundberg, Henry Paul, Leo Remsha, Benton Tolley, Boston Wilbur and Charlie Zahl into Prospect Lodge. Spencer Molino and Mack Wells joined Chocorua Lodge. Chase Carpenter and Philip DeNinno completed advanced levels of ten activities, which is a huge accomplishment that enabled them to be initiated into Wachusett Lodge.
At the awards banquet, activity plaques were given to boys and hung in the dining hall for recognition of achievements over the course of the summer. Leadership awards in Citizenship and Camp Spirit were awarded in the junior, intermediate and senior age groups. Wachusett's highest honor, the Henderson Trophy, was awarded to Chase Carpenter (pictured below). The recipient of this award is nominated and voted on by the staff who deliberate over who has shown the highest level of citizenship, camp spirit and leadership among peers. The golden rule is often brought up as measurement of leadership in these areas. Chase has shown great leadership and achievement over the eight summers that he has attended Wachusett.
If you have never been to our camp, were new to camp this past year or are a veteran of past summers, we hope you will give serious thought to joining us for a portion of your summer in 2024 and / or spread the word about our camp to friends. Please visit our website: campwachusett.com for more details. The website will be updated with rates and dates for registration within the next few weeks. Early Bird signup (prior to November1st) will include a tuition discount and a trip to the Great Escape amusement park.
Thank you to all staff, campers, parents and visiting alumni for your part in making 2023 such a safe, fun and exciting camp season!
Unaliyi from "The camp where friendships grow"
Best Regards, Phil
Important 2023 Information
We are looking forward to a Great Summer!
I hope everyone is enjoying their Spring activities and looking forward to a fun packed Summer break. We are very excited to host new and returning boys over the course of this coming camp season. This correspondence covers important information for parents. Feel free to contact me with any questions or clarifications.
Final invoices will be mailed out soon to those who have a balance. The Waiver, Photo Release and Health forms will need to be filled out, scanned and returned to: director@campwachusett.com, or mailed to: Camp Wachusett, P.O. Box 33, Irvington, VA 22480 prior to June 15th. The link button at the bottom will take you directly to the waiver and 2023 Forms. While we feel the Covid threat of the past few summers is behind us, please know we remain dedicated to providing an absolutely safe experience for all campers and staff.
New This Summer:
We will offer week long horseback riding classes for a small group of boys through an off-campus program coordinated by our nurse, Stefanie Wilbur. This program would be a separate fee and a separate contract between parents and the horse farm. Wachusett would provide transportation to and from the horse farm. Boys would likely miss morning or afternoon activities at camp if they choose to enroll. Please contact us for further information.
Some General Guidelines
Drop offs on July 9th, July 16th and 23rd should take place after 9:00 am and will last throughout the day; preferably ending before 6:30 pm.
Pick ups on 7/23, 7/30 and 8/5 should take place between 9:00am and noon. Please contact me if your situation falls outside of that timeframe. We will host a final dinner and awards ceremony where parents can be present on August 4th. I will provide more information through weekly newsletters once camp begins.
This year, we will meet certain Southwest Airlines flights between BWI and Albany, NY. On arrival days, we will meet SWA flight: 1700 departing BWI at 9:50 am. On departing days we will provide transportation to Albany for SWA flight 1479 arriving BWI at 1:00 pm. One difference is that on August 5th the departing flight to BWI will be SWA flight 996 arriving BWI at 12:25 pm. We are also happy to meet Amtrak (Ethan Allen Express) trains from NY, Penn Station in Castleton, VT. If interested in these options, please contact me for more details.
To help avoid laundry being mixed up or left behind, please carefully label each clothing item that is packed. To help with that I have included a link to an organization that makes durable personalized laundry labels www.labeldaddy.com.
Cell phones are not permitted, but if you want to send one along, we can hold onto it for safekeeping until departure. We do encourage boys to write letters home and require it at least weekly, so please provide stamped addressed envelopes and associated supplies.
We ask that you not call your boys for the first week. If you would like to call after that, mealtimes are best: Breakfast 8:30 - 9:00, Lunch 1:30 - 2:15, Dinner 6:30 - 7:15. The number is: (802) 273-2880. If you would like to reach me, those are also good times, but I will generally be available at that number or will call you back asap if you leave a message. My cell phone number is (202) 744-7130. Stefanie Wilbur is our Registered Nurse. She may be reached at the camp phone number above or through her cell number (802) 683-9631.
A Reminder About 2023 Forms
In addition to paying the final invoice, please fill out and return necessary forms. You may use the link below or download from our website and return the waiver, health and photo release forms as soon as possible. We know filling out the health form and supporting documents can be time consuming, but it is very important to carefully fill out all instructions for medications and provide needed information in case of an emergency. Please also include a copy of your son's covid 19 vaccination card, if applicable.
You can download the forms on our website at the Summer 2023 Forms Page.
Packing Reminders
Laundry will go out weekly. It is very important to write your camper's name on his articles of clothing. Check out the packing list on our website. For 2023, we will provide disposable facemasks if they become necessary. Please do not pack sanitary wipes of any kind. We will provide all disinfectants and cleaners. Wipes somehow find their way into septic systems and will wreak havoc in waste water systems (even if labeled flushable.) If you would like to send along alcohol based hand sanitizer, feel free, but we have plenty on hand.
This year we plan to continue taking groups on day trips off the property, unless the threat of COVID should become a factor. We will monitor case levels in surrounding areas. We are planning to take hiking and canoeing trips this summer during each session. The recommended camping gear is highly encouraged, but not necessary. Hiking boots with ankle support are particularly useful for our overnight trips. Please do not pack any knives or sharp instruments. Hygiene is very important, please pack shampoo and soap for showering.
Once again, we pledge to provide a safe and fun environment this year for boys to build friendships, learn new skills, and enjoy the outdoors. If you visit our website you will find video clips from previous summers. We are looking forward to seeing everyone this summer! Best Regards and Unaliyi, Phil
2023 Will be our 120th year!
Dear Wachusett Community,
With the exception of a few summers during World War II, Camp Wachusett has been in continuous operation since 1903, which makes 2023 our 120th summer. We were one of only a few camps to operate during the pandemic summers of 2020 and 2021 and thanks to diligent efforts and adherence to protocols managed by our nurse and staff, we were successful in providing a safe, Covid free program.
I am glad to report that, so far, we have an 85% return rate of campers from last summer along with some new faces who we look forward to welcoming into our camp family. More than 80% of staff have committed to returning this summer along with two first year counselors who were junior counselors last summer. Almost all staff have risen from being campers, CIT's and Jr. Counselors, which demonstrates their commitment and dedication to Wachusett. Another interesting statistic worth mention is that the Director, Assistant Director, Program Director and Head Counselor share more than 100 years of involvement at Wachusett. All of these statistics are impressive when compared to other camps and speak to the tireless effort of our staff who love their role of providing unique experiences and fun memories.
We are looking forward to a summer full of land and water activities, clinics that include pickleball, gaga, lacrosse, chess, etc., team sports, free time, skits, campfires, and weekly trips off campus that include hiking, canoeing, field trips, mini golf, etc. We will continue to utilize the flexibility of our small size to provide unique experiences, such as caring for chickens, cows and a vegetable garden where fresh eggs and home-grown vegetables are integrated into our dining experience.
New This Summer:
We will offer week long horseback riding classes for up to eight boys through an off-campus program coordinated by our nurse, Stefanie Wilbur. This program would be a separate fee and a separate contract between parents and the horse farm. Wachusett would provide transportation to and from the horse farm. Boys would likely miss morning or afternoon activities at camp if they choose to enroll. Please contact us for further information.
We have room for this coming camp season if anyone is still in the process of making plans for summer fun. I have had very good meetings with Assistant Director Ollie Martin, Head Counselor Nick "Chief' Avery, Program Director Ross Turkington and other staff members who are all very excited to be returning to provide the best experiences they can while taking advantage our beautiful New England setting.
I hope everyone is enjoying Spring while maintaining busy schedules. We are looking very forward to seeing those of you who will be spending part of your summer with us on Lake Hortonia. The next communication will be with families who have signed up for this summer and will go over specific information relating to the fast approaching camp season.
Unaliyi and Best Regards, Phil
Camp Begins July 9th.
We hope you will join us this summer!
We had a fun filled 2022 season!
Dear Parents and Friends,
This past season we were able to resume many pre Covid activities, including fun off-campus day and overnight trips. We rapid tested on a weekly basis to be certain our population was Covid free. Thank you to all staff, campers, parents and Alumni who visited, for making 2022 such a safe, fun and exciting season!
This year we held camp for six weeks. The weather was consistently fantastic, allowing boys to advance in various land and water related activities. The addition of Pickle Ball and GaGa was well received. We provided three opportunities for overnight hiking and canoeing trips off the property, including a white water rafting experience on the Hudson River. Day trips included the Adirondack Museum, Mini-golf, Village of Lake George, Pond Hill Ranch Rodeo, and the Great Escape Amusement Park. We held our traditional Blue / Grey intramural sports competition throughout the summer, culminating in Blue winning the apache day races, while parents spectated. The camp season closed with lodge initiations, an awards banquet and final campfire for campers and families. This year we welcomed Kyle Amouzgar, Will Ansary, Spencer Molino and Mack Wells into Prospect Lodge; and Julian Denino and Philip Denino into Chocorua Lodge. Sam Nester completed advanced levels of activities gaining him initiation into Wachusett Lodge. Activity plaques were given to boys for recognition of achievements over the course of the summer. Leadership awards in Citizenship and Camp Spirit were awarded in the junior, intermediate and senior age groups. Wachusett's highest honor, the Henderson Trophy, was awarded to Sam Nester (pictured above). The recipient of this award is nominated and voted on by the staff who deliberate over who has shown the highest level of citizenship, camp spirit and leadership among peers. The golden rule is often brought up as measurement of leadership in these areas. Sam has shown great leadership and achievement over the eight summers that he has attended Wachusett.
I am hopeful that everyone who attended camp this summer will have a successful school year, and if able, will return next summer and consider bringing a friend. Please visit our website: campwachusett.com for more details. The website will be updated with rates and dates for registration within the next few weeks.
If you have never been to our camp, were new to camp this past year or are a veteran of past summers, we hope you will give serious thought to joining us for a portion of your summer in 2023 and / or spread the word about our camp to friends.
Unaliyi from "The camp where friendships grow"
Best Regards, Phil
Week Five
Dear Parents,
We are entering our final week, which brings with it a bit of mixed emotions, since there is much excitement over the events of the final week, but also a solemn reminder to all that camp will soon end. Today we will be signing up for our final week of activities. We will strive to run as many activity periods as possible this week so that boys may complete tasks they have been working on and to provide as many opportunities as possible for those trying to fulfill lodge requirements in time for initiations later in the week. At this point we believe there are about six boys who will be initiated. We will provide details in the final news bulletin.
Week five was highlighted by overnight trips. Pitcured above is the group putting canoes in at Lake Bomoseen. Nightime evening hits with the boys before heading to bed included a beach-side campfire with s'mores, newer version of Aladdin movie, Log reading skit and games in the main lodge.
On Saturday the culmination of a week long compressed course in advanced camp craft and outdoor survival techniques resulted in an overnight camp out of six campers. The course was taught by Dan Graves, Stefanie Wilbur and Brad Neal, all three are highly qualified in outdoors education and camping. Both Dan and Stefanie (RN) have served in the Army and Brad successfully hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2020. The boys built waterproof shelters and kept a fire going throughout the night. All six passed, which qualified for two Wachusett Lodge accomplishments. We are very proud of these boys and glad that they have such great interest in the outdoors.
The final banquet and awards ceremony will be held this Friday evening. Parents are welcome to visit at any point on Friday and enjoy all activities leading up to dinner and awards, and final council fire. We will have our final Blue - Grey team sports event, known as Apache Day, beginning in late afternoon. The current score of Blue Vs Grey team sports is 4-3 Blue. Dinner will be served at 6:30 in the dining hall, followed by our awards ceremony, where boys will be recognized in areas of outstanding achievements, and trophies and plaques handed out. Plaques will be hung for boys who are not in attendance.
If you are picking up your boys on Saturday, we hope you will consider driving up Friday to join us. There are several options in the local area for staying overnight. Brandon Inn is nearby and one we would recommend (802) 247-5766 www.brandoninn.com.
On Saturday, we ask that boys are picked up by 9:30 am, since our staff will be focused on putting the camp away for the year. Boys flying out of Albany to BWI will be on SWA flight #2519 arriving in Baltimore at 2:45 pm. Please make sure to provide me with confirmation numbers so that I can print out the tickets.
It has been a great summer and we look forward to ending on a high note.
Unaliyi, and Best Regards, Phil
2022 Week 2 Bulletin
Dear Parents,
Week two brought excellent weather and an adventure filled trip to the Adirondak State Park, a six-million-acre park in upstate NY, for an overnight trip which included a visit to the Adirondak Museum and a 20-mile whitewater rafting trip on the Indian and Hudson rivers. Camp activities on land and waterfront were also in full swing during the week. Walter Lundburg passed all needed requirements to get into Prospect Lodge. Initiation for lodges take place at the end of the final week where current members welcome initiates and celebrate accomplishments of the new members.
Other activities beyond daily activity periods included an afternoon on Wachusett Beach with water activities and a fourth of July boat parade, in which we entered out own float. The boys observed the parade from the dock and beach and ended the day with a cookout and campfire on the beach.
Dinner on Friday evening was an all you can eat "wing" night with specially prepared dipping sauces. Evening activities included a trip to Poultney, Vermont to observe fireworks on July fourth and Tuesday was a night of Log reading skits by counselors (always creative). Saturday night's highlight was a trip to Pond Hill Ranch to observe a professional rodeo.
Please remember that the best time to contact boys by telephone is during meal times: breakfast 8:40 - 9:15, Lunch 1:00 - 1:50, and Dinner 6:30 - 7:30.
We are looking forward to a great week number three!
Unaliyi and Best Regards, Phil
Week One 2022 Bulletin
Week one was a lot of Fun:
Dear Parents,
We were fortunate this year to have hosted a wedding in late May, resulting in many areas of the facility being cleaner than usual when counselors showed up June 18th for preseason. During the one-week preseason, staff completed necessary training, and along with a loyal group of Alumni, assembled the pier, made repairs to cabins, and prepared the property for the arrival of campers on June 26th. We had a great beginning day of campers getting checked in, acquainted with new and old friends, and settling into their cabins. In the afternoon all boys assembled at the waterfront for waterfront orientation, where our waterfront director made a presentation of safety rules and expectations for proper conduct around waterfront activities. This was followed by the swim test where everyone passed. Later in the day we tried out our new GaGa pit and found that nearly everyone was familiar with the popular game. We closed out the day with a council fire where I shared the history of the camp, and then head counselor, Nick and activities director Ross hosted challenges. Challenges are a variety of games that take place around the fire, usually involving a lot of chanting and excitement. The camp song was sung followed by lights out. Monday brought sign up, where boys chose activities for periods one and two for the week. After a day full of activities, we ended with "Minute to Win It" games in the main Lodge.
During the week campers concentrated on taking two activities in the morning followed by clinics, where boys sign up for a short period of unique activities offered by counselors before lunch. Examples of clinics might include a letter writing clinic, summer reading clinic, skit rehearsal, lacrosse, chess or knot tying. Afternoons consisted of rest period, store, third and fourth period activities or team sports, followed by general swim. After dinner, boys enjoyed an hour of free time known as "boats and canoes," where they can choose to take out a boat on the lake or relax in the cabin area or on the beach and pier to watch the sunset.
This year we are expanding our "Life on the farm" experience at camp. Last year we had a calf, "Princess Leaha" stay with us for a week. This year, we are actively maintaining a vegetable garden, a chicken coop, and Princess Leaha and a newborn calf "Elsie" are residing in our barn. Vegetables and eggs will be collected and prepared for meals. We look forward to boys learning more about farming, and we so appreciate the generosity of the Wilbur family in providing these opportunities for our camp.
On Thursday after periods one and two we traveled to Glenns Falls, NY for a round of mini golf and then to the Village of Lake George where boys toured a Wax Museum, played arcade games and had dinner prior to heading back to camp and bed. Another special trip was to Brandon on Saturday, where we participated in the Brandon fourth of July Parade. Boys were given spending money for Lunch and then went back to camp for afternoon activities.
Nighttime activities included a campfire on the beach with s'mores, an after-dinner flotilla on the lake, movie "Mega Mind" in our auditorium, and on Saturday after an "order from a menu" dinner prepared in our kitchen and served by our counselors, we closed the evening with our weekly council fire, where counselors gave out awards to boys who passed levels of achievement in activities. Counselor reports were followed by challenges and our camp song to finish the night off.
Our progressive levels of achievement in activities are identified as "Prospect," "Chocorua" and "Wachusett" Lodges. Boys must accumulate ten achievements at each level to become a member of one of the lodges. I would like to recognize Philip Deninno and Julian Deninno for passing Chocorua Archery and Philip for passing Chocorua riflery this past week, which are significant achievements in both activities.
As of today, all boys have sent letters home. You should be receiving them in the next few days. Please remember that the best time to contact boys by telephone is during mealtimes: breakfast 8:40 - 9:15 (except Sundays 9:10 -9:45), Lunch 1:00 - 1:50, and Dinner 6:30 - 7:30.
This coming week we will be going to the Adirondack's for a trip to the Adirondack Museum and overnight camping followed by a whitewater rafting trip on the Hudson River.
Here's to looking forward to a great week number two!
Unaliyi and Best Regards, Phil
2022 Summer Instructions
Summer is around the corner!
Families of boys attending the first two weeks will receive an additional e-mail with a waiver that must be filled out and returned for a whitewater rafting trip on the Hudson River, which will be part of an overnight trip to the Adirondack State Park in upstate NY.
We will remain vigilant to monitoring COVID updates and dedicated to providing a safe experience for all campers and staff. Daily morning screening prior to breakfast will be in effect for a to be determined period following the beginning of new sessions. We have procured an adequate number of rapid test kits for our RN, Stefanie Wilbur, to administer to campers and staff three days after arrival and at other intervals during the summer to ensure we are safe from Covid.
Some General Guidelines
Drop offs on June 26th, July 10th, 17th and 24th should take place after 9:00 am and will last throughout the day; preferably ending before 6:30 pm. We will screen and take temperatures of all vehicle occupants upon arrival. Non vaccinated campers must present a very recent negative covid 19 PCR test at drop off. Vaccinated boys must show their proof of vaccination card. We will have a supply of rapid test kits for periodic testing and access to PCR testing if anyone is symptomatic during the course of the summer.
Pick ups on 7/10, 7/17, 7/24 and 8/6 should take place between 9:00am and noon. Please contact me if your situation falls outside of that timeframe. We will host a final dinner and awards ceremony where parents can be present on August 5th. I will provide more information through weekly newsletters once camp begins.
This year, we will meet certain Southwest Airlines flights between BWI and Albany, NY. We are also happy to meet Amtrak (Ethan Allen Express) trains from NY, Penn Station in Castleton, VT. If interested in these options, please contact me for schedules.
Cell phones are not permitted, but if you want to send one along, we can hold onto it for safekeeping until departure. We do encourage boys to write letters home and require it at least weekly, so please provide stamped envelopes and associated supplies.
We ask that you not call your boys for the first week. If you would like to call after that, mealtimes are best: Breakfast 8:30 - 9:00, Lunch 1:30 - 2:15, Dinner 6:30 - 7:15. The number is: (802) 273-2880. If you would like to reach me, those are also good times, but I will generally be available at that number or will call you back asap if you leave a message. My cell phone number is (202) 744-7130. Stefanie Wilbur is our Registered Nurse. She may be reached at the camp phone number above or through her cell number (802) 683-9631.
A Reminder About Health and Photo Release Forms
Please remember to download and return your health and photo release forms as soon as possible. We know it's time consuming, but it is very important to have the health forms carefully filled out. Please mail them to us in VT or email to director@campwachusett.com
You can download the forms on our website at the Summer 2022 Forms Page.
Packing Reminders
Laundry will go out weekly. It is very important to write your camper's name on his articles of clothing. To help avoid laundry being mixed up or left behind, please carefully label each item that is packed. I have included a link to an organization that makes durable personalized laundry labels www.labeldaddy.com. Use the code: WACHUSETT. Check out the packing list on our website. For 2022, we will provide disposable facemasks if they become necessary, but feel free to include disposable of cloth. Please do not pack sanitary wipes of any kind. We will provide all disinfectants and cleaners. Wipes somehow find their way into septic systems and will wreak havoc in waste water systems (even if labeled flushable.) If you would like to send along alcohol based hand sanitizer, feel free, but we will have plenty on hand.
This year we plan to resume taking groups on day trips off the property, unless the threat of COVID should become a factor. We will monitor case levels in surrounding areas. We are planning to take hiking and canoeing trips this summer during each session. The recommended camping gear is highly encouraged, but not necessary. Hiking boots with ankle support are particularly useful for our overnight trips. Please do not pack any knives or sharp instruments. Hygiene is very important, please pack shampoo and soap for showering.
Once again, we pledge to provide a safe and fun environment this year for boys to build friendships, learn new skills, and enjoy the outdoors. On the homepage, you will find the recently added video of clips from last summer, put together by our nurse, Stefanie Wilbur. We are looking forward to seeing everyone this summer! Best Regards and Unaliyi, Phil
Spring 2022 Camp News
Dear Wachusett Community,
Since I last wrote, the ice has receded from the lake and spring is in the air, although unseasonably cold for most of April. I have made two trips from Virginia to camp to prepare for a wedding to be held in late May, and am happy to report that the property looks great, with very few scars from winter.
We have room for this coming camp season if anyone is still in the process of making plans for summer fun. I have had very good meetings with Assistant Director Ollie Martin, Head Counselor Nick "Chief' Avery, Program Director Ross Turkington and other staff members who are all very excited to be returning to provide the best experiences they can while taking advantage our beautiful New England setting. This year we will be adding pickleball and gaga courts to our program.
The state of Vermont has relaxed most requirements regarding Covid guidelines for overnight camps. That could change, but we are looking very foreword to operating a full six week season that will resemble pre-Covid camp programing. Safety remains our absolute priority. A negative test result will be required for those unvaccinated prior to arrival at camp.
It is with deep sadness that I relay the loss of staff member, and previously long time camper, Ben Wills (pictured below). He passed away in April from Covid related causes. Ben brought immense energy to those around him and cherished his time at camp and the multiple friendships he made. As a staff member, he was absolutely devoted to helping where needed and to spending time with campers. He taught sailing and dramatics and enjoyed teaching on the lake and providing laughs and direction on stage. Ben is the staff member I wrote about in the March update who made a sizable donation to the Triplett Scholarship fund instead of receiving holiday gifts. He was inclusive of everyone and truly encompassed all aspects of our motto "Unaliyi" (Cherokee word for a place of friends). Please visit our camp Facebook page for a link to Ben's obituary. His family set up the Benjamin Bowling Wills III foundation. Go to this link for more information: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-benjamin-bowling-wills-iii-foundation?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_campaign=m_pd+share-sheet He was quite an accomplished young man and will be sorely missed.
Also pictured below with Jim Weiss, are two camp alumni, Sam Muir (99) and Bobby Rudzki (19). The picture was taken after a lacrosse game where they played on opposing rival teams. Both boys have been associated with Wachusett for many summers. Bobby relayed that when they were young campers they made a pact that they would attend the U.S. Naval Academy someday. They kept that pact and both will be entering the Academy in the Fall. Congratulations!! We look forward to their visiting camp before heading to Annapolis.
I hope everyone has an enjoyable Spring and summer. We are looking very forward to seeing those of you who will be spending part of your summer with us on Lake Hortonia. The next communication will be with families who have signed up for this summer and will go over specific information relating to the fast approaching camp season.
Unaliyi and Best Regards, Phil
Upcoming 2022 Summer Season
Greetings,
As I write this, the lake is still frozen and snow is on the ground at camp; however, spring is on the horizon and it's time to pass along some camp updates for the approaching camp season.
Over the winter we advertised in camp related media in the Northeast, have our camp listed with agencies who recommend summer programs, and participated in a live "Overnight Camp" webinar with prospective camp parents in New York. Word of mouth from current families and friends is still the most effective way to market camp programs, and we would appreciate any assistance in promoting Camp Wachusett that you are willing to provide as we head into the home stretch toward summer.
I am optimistic and hopeful that this summer will be another leap toward a camp program with fewer pandemic related restrictions. We are very fortunate to have operated the last two summers Covid free, and we will take necessary precautions to ensure a safe environment in 2022. We will adhere to VT state requirements for overnight camps and review and apply relevant CDC best practices. We highly recommend vaccinations and boosters, but are not requiring them. Those not vaccinated will need to arrive with a negative test result and will be administered a rapid test three days after arrival, unless circumstances change between now and summer.
A few notes of interest:
We are planning to meet designated Southwest flights between BWI and Albany this summer, and I will provide further information on that in a few weeks.
I am told that the now cow, "Princess Leah," who many will remember as a one day old calf (see picture above) has grown significantly over the winter and will make an encore appearance at camp this summer.
Staff member Max Weinstein has been hard at work in the off season establishing a camp website store that will offer camp related clothing. A link on our website will be coming soon.
Another great testimony to the dedication of our staff to Wachusett and making it possible for more to experience its mission as "A place of friends" or "Unaliyi" occurred this winter when a current staff member decided in lieu of receiving holiday gifts from his family, he would instead ask that a donation be made to the Triplett Scholarship fund. We so appreciate his genuine love of Wachusett and the resulting generous donation to our scholorship fund.
With all that is going on in the world, I like to think of Wachusett as a safe and wonderful gathering place for boys to interact and celebrate beautiful surroundings, while taking a break from the constant distractions of electronic devices and bad news. We hope you are able to join us for a part of your summer vacation in 2022.
Unaliyi and Best Regards, Phil
We had a great 2021 season!
Thank you to all who helped make the 2021 camp season such a great success. We appreciate everyone's flexibility as we once again had to make adjustments to our program, to accommodate Covid best practices. We hope those who could not join us in 2021 due to the shortened season, will be able to attend in 2022. We are so grateful to our staff, campers, camp families and alumni for everyone's role in ensuring a safe and successful summer. I am looking very forward to 2022 and am optimistic that we will be able to have an even more fantastic camp experience!
This year we held camp for four weeks and were able to do quite a bit more than last year with operating our daily program of activities and team sports, along with two opportunities for overnight hiking and canoeing trips off the property. Boys advanced in various land and water related activities, despite a few rainy days. We held our traditional Blue / Grey intramural sports competition throughout the summer, culminating in Grey winning the apache day races, while parents spectated. The camp season closed with lodge initiations, an awards banquet and final campfire for campers and families. This year we welcomed Julian Denino, Philip Denino and Marcus Sanders into Prospect Lodge; and Chase Carpenter, Joshua Weinstein, Sam Nester, Henry McCullough and Rudy Milliken into Chocorua Lodge. Activity trophies and plaques were giving to boys for recognition of achievements over the course of the summer. Leadership awards in Citizenship and Camp Spirit were awarded in the junior, intermediate and senior age groups. Wachusett's highest honor, the Henderson Trophy, was awarded to Griffin Morse. The recipient of this award is nominated and voted on by the staff who deliberate over who has shown the highest level of citizenship, camp spirit and leadership among peers. The golden rule is often brought up as measurement of leadership in these areas. Griffin has displayed great leadership and achievement over the seven summers that he has attended Wachusett.
We are planning on operating camp in 2022 for six weeks beginning June 26th and ending August 6th, with two, three, four and six week options. Our early bird special will include a 15% discount and a trip to the Great Escape theme park (depending on Covid situation) if you sign up before October 31st.
Our website will be updated for registration soon. If you have never been to our camp, were new to camp this past year or a veteran of past summers, we hope you will give serious thought to joining us for a portion of your summer in 2022.
2021 Update and final Instructions
We continue to look forward to the arrival of boys on July 11th. As the beginning of camp approaches, improvements in COVID statistics are allowing us to take a further look at the guidelines we have set in place for this summer. We will continue to screen all campers and drivers who arrive at camp by personal vehicle and we will continue to be closed to outside visitors during the summer. All of the policies and procedures described below and described on our website in the "Camp Updates" section will remain in effect, including packing of face masks for campers. One area that will change for 2021 is that we will meet the following flights between BWI and Albany, New York for vaccinated boys 12 and older: SWA Flt 6701 on Sunday 7/11, 7/18 and 7/25 departing BWI at 1:10 pm arriving at Albany at 2:25 pm. We can meet a different flight from a different destination on those dates if it is not after 2:25 pm. Please contact me to discuss. We will also take vaccinated boys to Albany for departing SWA flight 4467, leaving Albany at 1:10 pm for arrival at BWI at 2:30pm on 7/25 and 8/1. On 8/7 we will take vaccinated boys to BWI to meet flight 3400 departing Albany at 12:45 for BWI arrival at 2:05 pm. I hope this helps some families. While there will be some older boys on these flights, we are not planning on providing camp chaperones. Arrangements should be made to accompany your child to the departure gate. Parents may acquire a non passenger escort badge using their child's confirmation number. Please be aware reservations for unaccompanied minors (boys younger than 18) should be made over the telephone instead of on line. In all cases, you must let me know if your son is going to be traveling to or from Albany by air, so we can have an accurate count for transportation purposes. I must have a ticket well in advance for all boys departing Albany Please contact me for any further information.
I will let you know who will be meeting flights in Albany in advance of departure. So far, I can confirm that Maria Weiss will be the camp representative meeting the July 11th flight in Albany. A junior Counselor, Reed Nester will be on that flight from BWI.
The information that follows this section is the same as was sent to current parents last week.
Some General Guidelines
Drop offs on July 11th, 18th and 25th should take place after 9:00 am and will last throughout the day; preferably ending before 6:30 pm. We will screen and take temperatures of all vehicle occupants upon arrival. Non vaccinated campers must present a very recent negative covid 19 test at drop off to be in compliance with Camp Wachusett and VT guidelines. You may source your own PCR test or utilize the suggested Vault health test (see below). Vaccinated boys must show their proof of vaccination card. We will have a supply of rapid test kits for periodic testing and access to PCR testing if anyone is symptomatic during the course of the summer.
Pick ups on 7/25, 8/1 and 8/7 should take place between 9:00am and noon. Please contact me if your situation falls outside of that timeframe. It is becoming more likely that we will host a final dinner and awards ceremony where parents can be present on August 6th. I will provide more information through weekly newsletters once camp begins.
Cell phones are not permitted, but if you want to send one along, we can hold onto it for safekeeping until departure. We do encourage boys to write letters home and require it at least weekly, so please provide stamped envelopes and associated supplies.
We ask that you not call your boys for the first week. If you would like to call after that, mealtimes are best: Breakfast 8:30 - 9:00, Lunch 1:30 - 2:15, Dinner 6:30 - 7:15. The number is: (802) 273-2880. If you would like to reach me, those are also good times, but I will generally be available at that number or will call you back asap if you leave a message.
A Reminder About Health, 2021 Waiver, and Photo Release Forms
Please remember to download and return your health, 2021 Waiver, and photo release forms as soon as possible. We know it's time consuming, but it is very important to have the health forms carefully filled out. Please mail them to us in VT or email to director@campwachusett.com
You can download the forms on our website at the Summer 2021 Forms Page.
Packing Reminders
Laundry will go out weekly. It is very important to write your camper's name on his articles of clothing. Check out the packing list on our website. For 2021 please include a minimum of four cloth face-masks. Two or more may be bandannas. Please do not pack sanitary wipes of any kind. We will provide all disinfectants and cleaners. Wipes somehow find their way into septic systems and will wreak havoc in our waste water systems (even if labeled flushable.) If you would like to send along alcohol based hand sanitizer, feel free, but we will have plenty on hand.
While we will most likely refrain from going on day trips off the property to populated areas due to the continued threat of COVID, we are planning to take hiking and canoeing trips this summer. The recommended camping gear is encouraged, but not necessary. One exception is we do require hiking boots with ankle support. Please do not pack any knives or sharp instruments. Hygiene is very important, please pack shampoo and soap for showering.
Once again, we pledge to provide a safe and fun environment this year for boys to build friendships, learn new skills, and enjoy the outdoors. If you visit our website later this week you will find a new video of clips from last summer. We are looking forward to seeing everyone next month!! Unaliyi, Phil
Winter 2021 Update for Camp Opening
Dear Wachusett Friends,
I hope this letter finds everyone well and engaged in daily routines to the extent possible given the continued threat of the Covid virus. Covid 19 plus variants have certainly out stayed their welcome and are taking a toll on our society, while also presenting obstacles to the development of our youth. Camp Wachusett is dedicated to opening in 2021 to provide a safe and needed environment for boys to interact and enjoy comradery in a beautiful New England setting.
We have made the decision to shorten the camp season from six weeks to four weeks, due to the fact that Covid has not dissipated to the extent we had hoped and recent news that many states are discussing an extension of the school year. The plan is to operate from July 11th to August 7th. Please contact me if this change affects you and hopefully we can adjust your dates.
Before we finalize our own policies for operation this summer, we must hear from the state of Vermont regarding the 2021 State guidelines for operating overnight camps with out of state populations. It is expected that the state will have their guidelines in place much sooner this year compared to early June of 2020. It is very likely that we will be required to self quarantine for a period and be tested before traveling to VT and that travel will again be by personal vehicle instead of public transportation. We will also continue daily screening of body temperature and symptoms along with hygiene, hand washing / sanitizing and elevated infection control in and around buildings. Vaccines for older staff will be encouraged. The Weiss's and I have been vaccinated. Preseason will serve as a period of staff training for best practices as recommended by the CDC, Vermont Camp Association and State of Vermont Agencies.
The picture of the trophy above was sent from Ohio by a man whose grandfather Isaac C. Hull, from Rhode Island, attended Wachusett and won the "Camp Spirit" award in 1921. This discovery is very significant, since not only is this trophy 100 years old, but our records for Camp Spirit only go back to 1936. We now know that the award has been given out for at least 100 years, except for the years the camp was closed during WW II.
Also, please see the link on our Facebook page to a recent news segment on WCAX Channel 3 in Vermont, about the rising demand for summer camps during the pandemic in which Camp Wachusett was featured!
At this time enrollment for 2021 has been strong, and we are especially happy to see that many families that were new to Wachusett last summer have already signed up for this year.
I will be certain to keep everyone informed as new information surfaces regarding guidelines for camps to operate in Vermont. Thank you for your support and patience.
With Kind Regards and Unaliyi, Phil
2020 Wachusett Log Dedication and Introduction.
Please see a peak of the 2020 Wachusett Log below. The Log book is similar to a yearbook for the camp season and will be mailed out to families of boys who attended this past summer. The dedication is given to a Staff member who has shown exceptional dedication and loyalty to Wachusett. The introduction is written by the editor of the log. We would like to thank editor in chief: Ross Turkington for his hard work in assembling this year’s log.
Dedication
The 2020 shortened camp season was a great success due to the incredible efforts of our staff and campers to adhere to strict guidelines of safety, infection control and physical distancing. We could not have made this happen without the support and cooperation of our camp families. We are so grateful for everyone’s role in ensuring boys were safe and able to enjoy themselves under the ever present challenging circumstances. I am hopeful that we will revert to simpler times when we return in 2021!
The many obstacles we had to address and overcome to open and operate camp as a safe and functional environment, have made it impossible for me to single out one person as this year’s recipient of the log dedication. While this dedication genuinely goes out to all of our staff for the roles each took on to bring us to a safe conclusion this season, I would like to give special recognition to two longtime Wachusett leaders.
The key leader in adapting our program, to not only meet the guidelines set forth by the State of Vermont but to make alternative programming actually fun-is Ross Turkington. In addition to stepping into the role of Assistant Director, he is also the Log’s chief editor. Ross would likely not have been able to return to Wachusett this summer had it not been for the pandemic putting extreme limitations on his acting options. We are grateful that his plan B was to spend the summer with us.
Ross has spent eleven summers at Camp Wachusett, many of those on staff. His high energy and wide range of theatrical talents, ranging from Shakespeare to opera to extreme comedy, provide the ingredients for his unique way of connecting with campers and being able to figure out creative ways to make camp activities fun under current restrictions. His presence and leadership made this season a much needed respite for all of us from the stresses of the outside world.
The key “behind the scenes” leader to making this summer a success is 15 year veteran Matt Oxley. He absolutely took on and coordinated every essential task to ensure the kitchen and dining areas were spotless and disinfected to the highest extent possible. His non stop pursuit of areas of the camp property that needed attention was exhaustive. He motivated staff members with free time to help reorganize and clean areas in and around buildings, repair cracks, sealcoat and reline the basketball court, and bushwhack hiking trails through the woods to provide campers with hiking and camping experiences. He took this to a higher level by coordinating with our nurse, Stefanie Wilbur, use of her farmland to provide additional overnight trips during week three. We can not thank Matt for his dedication to Wachusett without making mention of his loyal K-9 sidekick and nighttime running partner, “Samson” who plays a major roll as honorary staff member.
Thank you Ross, Matt and others for always doing what it takes to make Wachusett a better place.
UNALIY, Phil
Camp Wachusett - Summer of 2020
Camp not only survives, it thrives.
When Phil reached out to me earlier this year expressing his interest in opening camp for the summer, I must admit I was taken back. I had already accepted that camp simply would not be able to open for the summer due to current circumstances, and though bummed, I understood. I didn’t quite realize at that point, the labor of Phil Williams. Phil had already been working tirelessly, researching statistics, gauging interest, accruing staff, and most importantly, working miracles. I was in from my first phone call with Phil, as camp is truly my home away from home, and there is no place I’d rather be in a tumultuous world, than the peaceful cove of Camp Wachusett.
Though the camp season may have looked different this year, the Wachusett spirit never changed. The staff couldn’t gather in large groups, and faced additional training during our setup week, but our mutual love for camp kept morale at a high, only to be rivaled by our excitement for the 2020 arrivals. We were more than pleased to find that our campers shared our enthusiasm, and thus the season was off. The summer was filled with fun, as our staff innovated to ensure campers were busy, safe, and of course, happy. At that, the boys certainly were busy, as the summer was marked with an impressive number of campers achieving our three lodges: Prospect, Chocorua, and Wachusett. In addition to improving on old skills, campers developed new ones, as some fired their first shots at riflery, took their first lap around the lake waterskiing, and even took their first night out in tents in the woods. On the health side, we succeeded in keeping a happy and healthy camp, and beneath our masks, I know there were smiles all around camp.
Behind the scenes, I believe to have witnessed the most hardworking and committed summer by a staff to date, but all fails in comparison to the labor of Phil. His undying passion for camp is what permitted the 2020 season to happen, and happen it did. He has a love for camp unlike any I’ve seen, and he truly appreciates what this place can do for its attendees. Phil put himself on the line this summer, and he spent his time appreciating the work that others put in, but all things considered, he is deserving of all the praise. Camp lives within Phil, and it lives because of him. The 2020 season was a major success, and I hope to see familiar faces, and new ones come the 2021 summer when the world it is a little more “regular.”
I pray all the Wachusett families near and far have good health, good cheer, and the Wachusett spirit be with them. “Till we meet again”
-Ross Turkington
Happy Thanksgiving!
Little Squam Lake in the fall from old Camp Wachusett property.
Dear Wachusett Friends,
I hope you and your families are able to safely enjoy comradery during this special time of thanks. We are very grateful for all who have been a part of our community throughout Camp Wachusett's long history. We are particularly thankful for the staff, campers and families who helped this past summer be successful in light of all of the obstacles in our pathway. I hope 2021 will be an easier journey and am grateful that things are looking promising with the development of a vaccine. Camp is scheduled to operate for six weeks beginning June 27th and ending August 7th, with two, three, four and six week options. If you sign up between now and December 15th you will receive 10% off of tuition. Deposits must be received by December 15th to take advantage of this offer, and are fully refundable until May 15th.
Since we are not able to travel to camp fairs or meet with prospective families in person, more people are learning about camps by looking at camp websites. I thought a nice addition to our website would be to provide a "Testimonials" page where people could hear directly from Wachusett friends and families about their feelings about our camp and the experiences they or their child enjoyed through our program. If you are interested in sharing, please send an e-mail to director@campwachusett.com. I will collect them and post them to a dedicated section of our website. This would be much appreciated for our marketing of camp and will be anonymous.
In a few weeks, we will be sending out our 2020 camp "Log" book to boys who attended this past summer. The Wachusett Log is a day by day account of the summer with pictures and other enjoyable features and resembles a yearbook. It is currently at the printer. Many thanks to Ross Turkington for being this year's Editor. I will post the Deification and introduction to the Log to this "Camp Updates" section of our website.
We are looking forward to resuming off campus trips, hopefully as soon as next summer! I hope everyone remains safe and healthy over this Thanksgiving holiday.
Best wishes and Unaliyi, Phil
Week Three was a great Culmination to the Summer of 2020.
We had a great 2020 season!
Dear Parents and Friends,
The 2020 shortened camp season was a great success due to the incredible efforts of our staff and campers to adhere to strict guidelines of safety, infection control and physical distancing. We could not have made this happen without the support and cooperation of our camp families. We are so grateful for everyone’s role in ensuring boys were safe and able to enjoy themselves under the ever present challenging circumstances. I am hopeful that we will revert to simpler times when we return in 2021!
This year we held camp for three weeks with all campers arriving on July 19th after a week of self quarantine and a negative test result. Boys arrived by personal vehicle and stayed for a duration of either two or three weeks with no new arrivals after the 19th. We remained on the property and took advantage of water and land activities. During week three we made an exception on two occasions when we took a day hike up nearby Eagle Rock, which is a private trail that ends with a challenging vertical climb and beautiful view of our local area. We also sent out junior and senior overnight trips to a nearby 180 acre farm, owned by our nurse Stefanie Wilbur and her family. The seniors were able to canoe to their campsite and the juniors hiked to their campsite from the dairy farm, where they enjoyed a short tour of the dairy and visit with the cows. The camp season culminated with lodge initiations, an awards banquet for campers, and Blue Grey Apache day where the Grey team proved victorious for the season. This year we welcomed Henry McCullough into Prospect Lodge, Jack Verdery and Duncan Weiss into Chocorua Lodge and Reed Nester and Griffin Morse into Wachusett Lodge. Wachusett's highest honor, the Henderson Trophy, was awarded to Reed Nester. This award is voted on by the staff who deliberate over who best displays a combination of friendship, camp spirit and citizenship, and encapsulates our mission of practicing the golden rule.
We are planning on operating camp in 2021 for six weeks beginning June 27th and ending August 7th, with two, three, four and six week options. Our early bird special will include a 15% discount and trip to the Great Escape theme park if you sign up before October 15th. Should the camp schedule change as it did this past year, we will honor the 15% discount with any date modifications.
If you have never been to our camp, were new to camp this past year or a veteran of past summers, we hope you will give serious thought to joining us in 2021.
Unaliyi and Best Regards, Phil
2020 Week One
Week one was a success:
Dear Parents,
We appreciate all of the effort that went into getting the boys tested and up to camp on July 19th. This marked the end of our one week preseason with staff, who did an excellent job of preparing our facility to meet health department guidelines while also participating in daily educational sessions covering Vermont guidelines and CDC best practices. We had a great beginning day of campers getting checked in, followed by waterfront orientation. The evening was capped off by a council fire where counselors described the activities they teach, while I shared the history of the camp, and further elaborated on guidelines for safety such as mask wearing, social distancing and infection control. The camp song was sung followed by lights out. Monday brought sign up, where boys chose the activities for periods one and two for the week. For the first week, activities were divided into two groups. Seniors would take waterfront activities first period and juniors would take land activities, so that we could keep senior campers and junior campers divided into separate pods. Those groups would flip flop in subsequent activity periods. This was also true for meals, cabin arrangements and use of other common areas of the property.
During the week campers concentrated on taking two activities in the morning followed by clinics, where boys sign up for a short period of unique activities offered by counselors before lunch. Examples might include a letter writing clinic, summer reading clinic, skit rehearsal, lacrosse or knot tying. Afternoons consisted of rest period, store, third and fourth period activities or team sports, followed by general swim. After dinner boys enjoy an hour of free time known as "boats and canoes," where they can take out a boat on the lake or relax in the cabin area or on the beach and pier to watch the sunset.
Blue Grey teams were chosen, which divides campers into two teams where participants compete throughout the summer in a variety of events. The first such event occurred on Tuesday in the form of (social distanced) soccer for seniors and kick ball for juniors. Friday also saw Blue Grey teams competing in riflery, archery, and relay races on land and over the lake. At this time Grey leads Blue 4 to 2. That can easily swing the other way this week. Night time activities included a camp fire on the beach, consisting of two separate fires with marshmallows for the senior and junior pods. Casino night, Bingo night, and cabin skits were also big hit during evenings of the first week.
Our progressive levels of achievement in activities are identified as "Prospect," "Chocorua" and "Wachusett" Lodges. Boys must accumulate ten achievements at each level to become a member of one of the lodges. I would like to recognize Reed Nester for passing Wachusett Water Skiing this past week, which was very significant since it was the last requirement for him to become a member of Wachusett Lodge.
Weather has been on the sunny and hot side with the exception of Thursday when we experienced two torrential downpours and adjusted our daily activities accordingly.
All boys have sent letters home at this point. You should be hearing from them in the next few days. Please remember that the best time to contact boys by telephone is during meal times: breakfast 8:40 - 9:15 (except Sundays 9:10 -9:45), Lunch 1:00 - 1:50, and Dinner 6:30 - 7:30.
We would be glad to accommodate anyone signed up for two weeks who would like to extend their stay for the entire three weeks. Otherwise, two weekers will depart on Saturday, August 1st. This would again be a situation where we will meet your car at the Headquarters building for screening, and a counselor will load luggage into automobiles for departure. Pick up should occur between 9:00 am and noon. We can make exceptions to accommodate later pick ups during the day.
We are looking forward to a great week number two!
Unaliyi and Best Regards, Phil
2020 Week 2
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Week two was filled with adventure:
Dear Parents,
We had a great week of good weather for activities and two overnight trips on the premises. Thanks go out to Senior staff members Matt Oxley and Ross Turkington for bushwhacking the woods to connect some trails and create two different camp sites for hiking trips for junior campers. On Tuesday afternoon the Hawk's nest went to the archery range and followed a trail through the woods down to the waterfront to take canoes out on the lake, then hiked back up to their campsite in the woods and cooked dinner over an open fire consisting of baked beans, hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. Later they toasted marshmallows, told stories and went to bed. Tipi, Lions Den and Bears Den campers did the same, except they hiked the entire perimeter of the 42 acre property and gained elevation to the place where they camped out. Both trips returned in the morning in time for breakfast. Senior campers did not go out on a trip, but they all went out on the lake after dinner for a flotilla that lasted until dusk. Later in the week a talent show was held for all cabins to compete in. Braden Giroux sang and Reed Nester played the guitar to win first place for their rendition of the song Wonderwall. Other activities beyond the daily activity periods included more Blue Grey competition events to bring the current score to Grey 7 and Blue 5. The week ended with an afternoon hike up nearby Eagle Rock on Saturday after two weekers had left.
This coming week will be very busy with boys trying to finish up achievements in activities to complete requirements for Prospect, Chocoura and Wachusett lodges. Initiations will take place toward the end of the week. We are also planning to take two overnight hiking trips to a nearby 180 acre farm, which has many trails and a pond.
Unfortunately due to concerns over potential spread of Covid-19, we will not be able to host a parents weekend with a large banquet meal and awards ceremony this year. We will have a nice departing dinner for our campers Friday evening, coupled with handing out of awards and a final council fire where ghost rocks will be placed around the fire. Ghost rocks are rocks about the size of a fist that campers find and paint their name and years attended on and place around the camp fire pit. It represents their spirit after they leave camp. When campers and alumni return they often go the the council circle in search of their ghost rock.
Please remember that the best time to contact boys by telephone is during meal times: breakfast 8:40 - 9:15, Lunch 1:00 - 1:50, and Dinner 6:30 - 7:30.
Departures will occur on Saturday, August 8th. This will again be a situation where we will meet your car at the Headquarters building for screening, and a counselor will load luggage into automobiles for departure. Pick up should occur between 9:00 am and 11:00 am. Please let me know if you will not be able to meet that time frame for pick up.
We are looking forward to a great week number three!
Unaliyi and Best Regards, Phil