Posts Tagged ‘last year at summer camp’

Senior Spotlight #4

Monday, July 18th, 2011

Hello, my name is Kyle S and I’m currently sitting with my friends Carly and Sylvie and we have decided to render on the past times of Camp Starlight.  Throughout the past seven summers here, the meaning of camp has transformed tremendously.

Arriving on this beautiful campus seven summers ago, I came as a stranger, not knowing what to expect.  Would I make friends?  Could I last seven weeks away from my parents?  Will I be able to play sports several hours of the day?  Questions similar to these flooded my eight year old mind but within that same summer I had made my best friends and now, in 2011 those girls have transitioned into my sisters.

As an Upper Senior I can laugh at the questions plaguing my young junior mind.  My friends are my sisters, seven weeks isn’t enough time away from my parents and I wish there were more hours in the day to do the things I enjoy so much!  Camp has easily been the best thing I have ever experienced and I am so thankful for my time spent here.

Senior Spotlight #3

Saturday, July 9th, 2011

As the sun set on the glistening lake, the fact that this would be my last summer as a camper finally came to fruition. We were finally Upper Seniors. Eight years of an exciting part of my life were finally leading up to a huge climax. Goosebumps lined my arms just at the thought of spending my 8th summer at camp. As every one of the Upper Senior Boys came out of the bus to experience their best summer yet, they were greeted by warm smiles and out-stretched arms. We were finally here, we were finally Upper Seniors. Being an Upper Senior meant a lot to us as a division and we were excited to get the summer well under way. Over the course of the two weeks that have transpired at camp, memories have already been created and friendships have been strengthened. We came to camp as friends, but we have already become brothers. The thought that this will be the last time our entire division both boys and girls, will be together is extremely upsetting. The friendships that I have created at camp and the bonds I’ve made with both staff and campers are held very close to my heart.  Camp Starlight is basically my childhood. I have come to this camp for as long as I can remember, and the thought that this could very well be my last summer is quite sad. I have grown up in this camp and learned many lessons along the way.  My friends and I have laughed and cried together, we have shared in moments which will stay with us forever, but most of all we have become a family together.

With thanks to Jonathan S for writing this blog.

Senior Spotlight #2

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

Today Alexa M, Allix C and Hannah G share with us their feelings about entering their last summer as a camper at Camp Starlight.  Thank you ladies!

Being an Upper Senior is a big spot to step into as the oldest campers at Camp Starlight. One of the most important roles Upper Seniors must take on is to be role models. It is important to remember that the younger campers look up to the older ones, so being spirited, optimistic, and responsible will help to make these seven weeks even better than the year before. This summer, to probably each and every Upper Senior camper, will be most memorable. Some activities that are exciting to us include Camp Rules, Olympics, our big trip to Cleveland, Ohio, sleeping in the Lakehouse/Lodge, and many more. The summer is bittersweet because as we enjoy all of the great activities camp has to offer, we also must say goodbye to some friends that may not come back to camp in years to follow. In the Upper Senior girls’ “song” that they sang at the opening campfire, the lyrics say, “We have had the time of our lives, and I will not forget the faces left behind.” Camp Starlight creates memories and friendships that will last a lifetime, and every summer gets better and better as we have the “times of our lives”. Each camper is loving camp so far, and is anticipating the rest of the summer that has yet to come.

Senior Spotlight #1

Monday, June 27th, 2011

The 65th summer at Camp Starlight is going to be extra special for one group of campers in particular.  For the Upper Seniors this will be their last year as campers and it’s invariably going to be a rollercoaster of emotions.  The blog this summer will therefore dedicate a whole section to what it is like to be a Senior at Camp Starlight – thoughts and feelings, reminiscing about summers past and looking to the future.  Please join us on this very special journey.

Opening Night Show here reminds us of the core values of Camp Starlight – Spirit, Tradition, Adventure, Family and Fun.  From the very first day our Seniors joined us they have learned how camp enriches their lives and they were keen to lead by example in the show.  The boys presented the banners representing the values of Camp Starlight in an opening ceremony and the girls took part in the very moving tradition of the passing of a candle from a CA to one of the Upper Senior girls that have been at camp the longest.  The girls all then sang the “Alma Mater” by candlelight and it must be said that there were a few teary eyes.  The annual opening night camp sing-a-long is where the Seniors came into their element with “Singing in the rain” on stage with David and Allison being a real highlight. 

Being a Senior at Camp Starlight really is something special.  They are already young leaders, eager and ready to pass on the gift of camp to younger children.  Let’s make this summer the best one yet!