Posts Tagged ‘first year at overnight camp’

Bedtime at Camp Starlight

Tuesday, May 30th, 2017

Every day at camp is packed with fun, adventure, socialization, physical activities and character building, which can really wear a kid out! For many campers, falling into bed each night is a welcome rest from their busy day, and most campers are so exhausted from a fun and busy day that they are practically asleep before their head hits the pillow.

 

Bedtime at camp, like everything else, comes with its own set of traditions. It’s so much more than “lights out,” it is a final time during the day for campers to connect with each other, to reflect on their day and to make memories. When everyone is in their pajamas and calming down for the night, campers enjoy hearing their counselors read stories, singing songs, and sharing their favorite moments about the day. As the lights go out, flashlight time allows campers to bond with cabin buddies. This quiet time also gives counselors one extra opportunity to check in with each camper individually and ask about their day and address any specific needs they may have.

 

Campers love bedtime because it’s like having a sleepover with your best friends, every single night of the summer! There are so many lifelong memories created around the silliness and fun of bedtime at camp. Campers have alone time to read, journal, or just have some quiet time before they go to sleep. Campers get excited about the “down time,” and some are so tired from a fun-packed day that they’re asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow. Veteran campers will attest that bedtime is a bonding time and that many deep, important conversations happen during this time that serves to strengthen relationships between them.

 

If anyone can get kids and teenagers excited about bedtime, it’s Camp Starlight. Campers get a good night’s sleep and are well rested and in the morning, are ready for another day of swimming, biking, climbing, dancing, laughing, playing and experiencing the best summer of their lives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catching up with the Junior Girls

Tuesday, July 24th, 2012

The Junior girls have had a very exciting year so far.  In addition to Wayne County and Camp Starlight leagues, they’ve also had Spirit of Starlight, their camp show as well as the all camp show, a gymnastics meet, a dance competition, and more incredible evening activity and S-Day fun than we can mention in this blog.  This year’s Junior girls are a spirited group who showcased their Junior pride very well when Junior girls bunk 6 won the 2012 MTV Night competition.  They’re a spunky crew, lead by Division Leader Dena, that is always ready for a new day’s adventures and can’t wait to try everything! We recently spoke with one of them about her experience so far.  She was happy to give us some insight into an exciting summer.  Here is what Danielle S. of girls bunk 4 shared with us:

CS: What is your favorite camp activity?

Danielle: Dance.  It’s so much fun and we learn a lot of cool dances.

CS:  What has been your favorite S-Day so far?

Danielle: Alice in Wonderland.  I liked square dancing with Lou & Sue, swimming, and making shrinky dinks.  It was a really fun day.

CS: What has been your favorite evening activity so far?

Danielle: SWF and the Fourth of July fireworks.

CS: What is your favorite Option and Super 6th activity at Camp Starlight?

Danielle: Creative Writing for Option.  I’ve gone three times.  And Tie-dying for Super 6th.  I really like tie-dying things.

CS: Do you have a favorite camp meal?

Danielle: Chicken nuggets and fries and cookout.

CS: What is your favorite part of camp?

Danielle:  The first day because you have the WHOLE summer!

CS: Are there any activities that you tried for the first time at camp and now LOOOVE?

Danielle: Yes!  Tubing, waterskiing, and paddle boarding.  They’re all awesome!

CS:  Are you on any Wayne County teams?

Danielle: Yes, I’m on the dance team and also the soccer team.  The Starlight dance competition was so much fun.  There were so many dances.

CS: To what are you most looking forward during the last few weeks of camp?

Danielle:  The pickle ceremony cookout (aka “The Anniversary Party”), banquet night, Skate Estate with all of my friends, the dance competition on Wednesday, and making smoothie recipe cookbooks in Creative Writing.

Danielle also assured us that even though she’s had an amazing time at camp so far, she’s really excited about everything coming up within the next couple of weeks.  She said that she’s sure her least favorite day of camp is going to be the last day because that means there aren’t any more days of camp left.  We agree, Dani!