Hello Camp Canadensis!
It’s Friday, April 24, which means a few things: (1) Things here at the Canadensis Winter Office are in high gear (and probably the reason for the delay on this blog…ha ha!); (2) Some of our year-round staff (Eric and Matt) are already up at camp, getting things ready for the summer; (3) A lot of parents are hopefully preparing their camp forms and starting the packing process; (4) Our 2015 CITs are getting pumped for their final summers as campers!; (5) There are 64 days until camp! Woo Hoo!
Lot’s going on here over the past month or so…
First off, congratulations to 2015 Freshman Girl Alexandra Pollak on winning this year’s NCAA Basketball Tournament Pool. This summer at one of our first morning line-ups, Alexandra will receive her prize of some Canadensis goodies. Maybe Alexandra will also share with us her strategy to picking winners!
Congratulations to 2015 Freshman Girl Alexandra Pollak on winning this year’s Camp Canadensis NCAA Basketball Pool!
Just last weekend, we hosted our New Camper Event in Edison, NJ for campers completing Grades 1-4. This was a great opportunity for kids and parents to meet one another, play some games and eat some pizza! During the event, we played get to know you games like Catching Bubbles, Kid Trivia, Freeze Frame, Heads or Tails and Human Knot. It was a fun day and definitely set the tone for Summer 2015!
Lower Girls Head Counselor Melissa Unger playing Human Knot with some of our new Lower Junior Girls for Summer 2015.
In the month of March, our Winter Team made our way down to Atlantic City, NJ for the Annual Tri-State Camp Conference. This conference is attended by more than 3000 individuals from hundreds of different camps. Our camp creativity really gets going as well all participated in a number of workshops, shopped in the vendor hall and networked with other camping professionals, in our relentless attempt to make the Canadensis Summer an unforgettable experience. The conference was highlighted by its final keynote speaker, who was none other than 2016 Presidential Nominee Hillary Clinton. You can watch her entire speech by clicking here.
In March, our Winter Office attended the 3-day Tri-State Camp Conference in Atlantic City, NJ, which included a Keynote Speech from Hillary Clinton.
While in the vendor hall at the camp conference, we saw this ad, featuring camp’s Ice Mountain and a quote from Director Eric Forti!
A few weeks ago, me, Jaime and Emerson made our way up to camp to see all what was going on with many of our off season projects. Here are some cool things to show you…
As mentioned in a blog back in the Fall, the Canadensis Rec Hall is getting a makeover. When done the full stage and decking will encompass one side of the building. It will be used for multiple activities.
A new springboard floor for our Gymnastics Program was just recently added. Padding will also be added very soon to complete this project before the summer.
Deck numbers two and three to our Outdoor Amphitheater and Dining Room Back Deck has new Trek decking.
The Spectrum Hockey Rink will be getting a new floor in the form of a multi-sport Sport Court surface, ideal for Roller and Floor Hockey, Basketball and Indoor Soccer. The floor’s center will also so proudly display our Camp Canadensis Indian Head logo. This is a sample tile of the multi-sport floor that will be installed in our Spectrum Rink.
Summer 2015 is camp’s 75th Birthday Summer and we have heard from so many of camp’s alumni, who will be attending our Reunion on June 14. It’s going to be a great day, reminiscing about past summers and reliving camp experiences. Plans for the day include:
- Our Pool and Lake will be open for your enjoyment.
- Join us for a hike down memory lane, and a walk around the Lake Trail.
- Our campfire and s’mores station will be open all afternoon.
- The climbing wall will be “rocking”.
- Pick-up games of basketball and kickball, and tennis courts will be open.
- Guided tours let you see the “new” stuff at Canadensis!
- 75th Alumni photo session.
- A “taste of Canadensis” food served all day, including BBQ favorites and the “Cornman”.
For all Alumni that have yet to RSVP to this event, please do so by clicking here.
Register for the Alumni Reunion on June 14!
We hope that many of our camp families will be making it up to camp for our Annual Open House on Sunday, May 31 from 1-4 pm. The day is a structures one that allows for campers (particularly new campers) to meet one another, the chance to meet some of our amazing staff, a BBQ Lunch, Swimming and Lake Activities, Tennis, Basketball, Soccer, GaGa, Climbing Wall and Art Projects. For parents, we will have Camp Parenting 101 session as well.
Pam leads a get to know you activity at Open House last year.
Since my last blog, there are many home visits to update you on. Here we go…
In Livingston, NJ, I saw 4th grader Ben Weinberger, who will be joining us for his first summer at camp as a Lower Inter Boy. When I saw him, Ben had just finished up his basketball season on his team, the Wildcats. This Spring, he will be playing both baseball and on his travel soccer team, where he plays both goalie and defense. Ben really also enjoys fishing and swimming. Or as he told me, “Anything to do with water.” When at home, he likes to play X-Box games like FIFA, football and basketball. He is also a fan of the Eagles, Phillies, 76ers and Nets. At camp this summer, he is looking forward to all of the activities at the lake, waterskiing, the hondas / quads and making new friends. Here is a photo…
Me and Lower Inter Boy Ben Weinberger.
In Port Washington, NY, I hung out with Jake Bretstein, who is currently in the 3rd grade and will be an Upper Junior Boy in 2015. Jake plays in Flag Football and Basketball leagues. This Spring, he will be playing pitcher, short stop and second base on two different baseball teams. He also likes to play hockey. When at home, you can find him playing games like NHL ’15 and FIFA ’15 as well as rooting for teams like the Mets, Giants, Rangers and Nets. Jake also told me that he is known for wearing different colored socks. For his first summer at camp, Jake is excited to try waterskiing, the quads and the sports leagues as well as participating in activities like canteen and Color War. Here is a picture…
Me and Upper Junior Jake Bretstein.
In Merrick, NY, I spent some time with Maxwell Galdamez (1st grader, Lower Junior Boy) and Morgan Galdamez (4th grader, Lower Inter Girl). Maxwell told me how he is currently and orange belt in his Tae Kwon Do classes and that he also played in a basketball league. This Spring, he will be playing in a baseball league. Maxwell filled me in on one of his new favorite things called Google Cardboard, which is like a virtual reality projector. He also likes to listen to music. In his first summer at camp, Maxwell is eager to try basketball, tennis and waterskiing. As for Morgan, back for her second summer at Canadensis, she is been busy with her Dance Arts program, preparing for a recital in the Spring in which she will be performing a jazz number to a “Little Shop of Horrors” song. She is also involved in gymnastics. Morgan wanted to give out shout out to the Girls of Bunk 5 from last summer and said that she has her “confused face” on. That must be an inside joke. Morgan has had some camp sleepovers this year and can’t wait to see all of her camp friends in June. Here is a pic…
Me with Lower Junior Boy Maxwell Galdamez and Lower Inter Girl Morgan Galdamez.
In Melville, NY, I met Max Penzer, who is currently in the 4th grade and will be a Lower Inter Boy this year. Max is in a really cool Engineering Club, where he was recently participated and won a competition where he had to build an apple cart out of Legos. Max also loves to go rock climbing. When at home, he really enjoys taking care of his new pet ferret named Lucky, reading books like “Harry Potter” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and collecting stuffed animals. In his first summer at camp, Max told me that he will be very excited for activities like archery, all the lake activities, rock climbing, canteen and Color War. Here is a picture…
Me and Lower Inter Boy Max Penzer.
Also in Melville, NY, I saw David Abrams (2nd grader; Lower Junior Boy) and Sarah Abrams (7th grader; Lower Senior Girl). David is a very big Minecraft player. He is also very into Science and told me that he plans to be an inventor one day. When watching TV, his favorite shows are Lab Rats and The Thundermans on Nickelodeon. David is an avid reader and enjoys books like “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” For his first summer at Canadensis, he is really looking forward to waterskiing, all the lake activities, fishing and rocketry as well as spending a summer with his big sister once again. As for Sarah, who is returning for her 5th summer at camp, she has had several get-togethers with camp friends throughout the year. She wanted to give a shout out to all of the Lower Senior Girls for Summer 2015 and the Girls of Bunk 14 from Summer 2014. This year, Sarah has been running Cross Country and doing several short distance events on her Track team. At camp, she is pumped to get her 5 Year Honor Jacket, being on Senior Side and being away from home. Here is a snapshot…
Me with Lower Senior Girl Sarah Abrams and Lower Junior Boy David Abrams.
In Livingston, NJ, it was great to get to know Sami Heumann better. Sami is currently in the 3rd grade and will be an Upper Junior Girl in her first summer at Canadensis. Sami is a very busy girl, participating in a wide range of different activities from lacrosse to gymnastics to piano to arts and crafts. She is also rehearsing at Michelle’s Dance Studio for her recital in May, where she will performing jazz and hip hop routines. When at home, Sami is known to roast marshmallows (getting ready for the summer) and listening to music, some of her favorites being Maroon 5 and Meghan Trainor. At camp in 2015, Sami is ready for things like the dance team, banana boat, making new friends, learning new things and no parents (ha ha!). Here is a photo…
Me with Upper Junior Girl Sami Heumann.
In New York City, NY, I was with 3rd grader and Upper Junior Boy Ryan Lamendola. In the Winter, Ryan played in a basketball league and this Spring, he will be playing baseball. Ryan and his family enjoy skiing in Vail as well. He likes Science, build and invent new things when at home. Furthermore, Ryan is an avid swimmer, likes to bike ride and even has a new found interest in baking. In his first summer at camp, Ryan is looking forward to the Special Thursdays at camp, COALS, the quads / hondas and all the activities at the lake, including Ice Mountain. Here is a pic…
Me with Upper Junior Boy Ryan Lamendola.
In Tenafly, NJ, I got together with Ava Selver (3rd grader; Upper Junior Girl) and Max Selver (5th grader; Upper Inter Boy). This Spring, Ava will be playing on a travel softball team, the Tenafly Tigers. This Winter, she played in two different basketball leagues. Currently, she is also rehearsing for her hip hop and jazz routines as part of an upcoming dance recital. On top of all that, Ava takes art classes, figure skates and loves going on Instagram. When she gets to Canadensis in her first summer, she is ready for all of the lake activities, the dance team, Color War, making new friends and being away from her parents. As for Max, who is back for his 3rd summer at camp, he plays defense all year round on the Englewood Field Club Ice Hockey Team. Max also takes painting classes and has recently been inspired by painter Ann Neely in his recent work. Very soon, he will be starting a DJ class in New York City. Max takes tennis lessons as well. He has been in touch with his camp bunkmates and wanted to say “Taco Cat” to all of them (an inside joke apparently). This summer, he is once again excited for activities such as the CHL, private tennis lessons, Color War and the pottery wheel. He is also excited to have his sister at camp with him. Here is a picture…
Me with Upper Junior Girl Ava Selver and Upper Inter Boy Max Selver.
In Merrick, NY, I met up with Dylan Lipman. Dylan is currently in 6th grade and will be in the Freshman Boys division at Canadensis this summer. He really enjoys skiing in the Winter and travels a lot to Windham Mountain. Dylan is also very active in the STEM Education Program. When older, Dylan envisions being a pilot and he showed me a flight simulation game he plays often, where it feels like he is actually flying a real airplane. On top of all that, he likes many different aspects of technology and likes to make his own movies. When he comes to camp in June, he is very eager to go on the hondas and banana boat and try activities like cooking, pottery and the rock wall. Here is a photo…
Me with Freshman Boy Dylan Lipman.
In Merrick, NY, I also saw Justin Baron, who is currently in the 6th grade and will be joining us for his first summer as part of the Freshman Boys division. In the Winter, Justin plays in the Merrick-Bellmore Basketball League as well as on a travel basketball team. In the Spring and Fall, the he plays on a soccer team. On top of that, he plays lacrosse for the Long Island Jesters. Justin also enjoys hockey and roots for the New York Islanders. When there is snow on the ground, you will find him skiing and snowmobiling. When at home, Justin is interested in technology, airplanes and cars. At camp in 2015, he is ready to meet new friends and have a great time! Here is a picture…
Me with Freshman Boy Justin Baron.
In Westfield, NJ, I got to hang out with Josh and Jack Singer. Both are joining us at camp for their first summer at Canadensis. Jack is in the 3rd grade and will be an Upper Junior Boy while Josh is in the 2nd grade and will be a Lower Junior Boy. Throughout the year, both boys play a lot of different sports including flag football, ice hockey, basketball and baseball. Both enjoy playing video games, too. Jack’s favorites are NBA 2K15 and Madden while Josh likes NHL and Minecraft. Josh and Jack both like to read. When it comes to their favorite sports teams, Jack roots for the Jets, Knicks, Yankees and Devils while Josh is a fan of the Flyers, Phillies, 76ers and Eagles. When Jack gets to camp, he is looking forward to the hondas / quads, climbing wall and COALS while Josh is eager to get involved in the climbing wall, zipline, COALS, hockey and football. Here is a pic…
Me with Upper Junior Boy Jack Singer (center) and Lower Junior Boy Josh Singer (right).
In Potomac, MD, I spent time with Caitlyn McCabe, who is currently in the 6th grade and will be joining us as part of our Freshman Girls division in 2015. Currently, Caitlyn is playing attack on her lacrosse team. Recently, she just finished up playing in her basketball season. She is also extremely busy rehearsing routines in hip hop, jazz, street jazz, lyrical and ballet for dance as part of her Impact Performing Arts Company, where she is on a competitive team and performing in an upcoming recital. She joked that she could be found “spinning around the house” to rehearse as well. Caitlyn likes to take photos and is a self-admitted shopaholic who is obsessed with shoes. Her other obsession is Nutella. When she gets to Canadensis in her first summer, she can’t wait to meet a whole bunch of new people. Here is a snapshot…
Me with Freshman Girl Caitlyn McCabe.
Also in Potomac, MD, I was with Liam Klein (4th grade; Lower Inter Boy) and Jessica Klein (6th grader; Freshman Girl). Liam plays baseball in both the Fall and Spring months and plays a wide array of positions, including second base, shortstop, third base and pitcher. In the Winter, you will also find him training for baseball at indoor facilities, but during those months, he also plays on two basketball teams. When the weather is nice outside, you can also find him fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. Liam is a fan of the Red Sox, Nationals, Giants, Celtics, Wizards and the University of Michigan teams. At camp in his first summer, he is really excited for the hondas, rocketry, fishing, baseball and playing in the CBL, basketball, waterskiing and Color War. As for Jessica, she has been on a championship run as her Soccer Team, the Hoover Middle School won their second divisional title in a row. Jessica played goalie on the team. In Basketball season, she won a championship again with her Hoover team. Over the holiday season, Jessica danced “The Nutcracker” as part of the Washington Ballet. Jessica wanted to give a shout out to all of the girls in Bunk 11 from Summer 2014. She can’t wait to have an awesome summer again, which will be her 4th at Canadensis. She is looking forward to her Hershey Park trip and having her brother at camp. Her is a picture…
Me with Lower Inter boy Liam Klein and Freshman Girl Jessica Klein.
In Brookville, MD, I stopped by to see the Hesse Family where I got to see Ben Hesse, Lauren Hesse and Emily Hesse. All three are very busy with their sports seasons. Currently, Ben is playing high school baseball and Lauren and Emily are playing softball. In Summer 2015, Ben will be joining the ranks of our staff as a JC (Junior Counselor) while Lauren and Emily will be in the Upper Senior Girls division. All three Hesses are returning for their fourth summers at Canadensis. Here is a photo…
Me with JC Ben Hesse and Upper Senior Girls Lauren Hesse and Emily Hesse.
Finally, you know camp is coming soon when even the Empire State Building is lit up in Camp Canadensis Blue and Gold!
Thanks to the Fromer Family, who sent us this picture of the Empire State Building lit up in camp colors.
Well, that completes my Friday Blow Out Blog! Thanks for reading! See you soon!
Have a great day!
-Brian
