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There is a new campaign that the American Camp Association has put together called “Because of Camp” and yes you can be a fan of it on Facebook. The idea behind it is to get the word out about camp and all the benefits of camp.

You can check it out: http://www.acacamps.org/becauseofcamp/

Apparently they will be putting up billboards and advertising in airports and all over the place coast to coast!

It’s funny to think they are working so hard to get a message across that we are lucky enough to already know! On the Facebook page it asks you to write your top 10 things you loved and/or learned at camp!

Here’s my top 10: (in no particular order)

10. Because of camp – I have the greatest job in the world and love every minute of every day.

9. Because of camp – I will be attending the wedding of my best friend from camp – we have been friends since we were 9 (that’s a long time ago).

8. Because of camp – I learned that I can be myself and be as crazy and silly as I want – and people love me for it.

7. Because of camp – I learned how to live and work with others – and appreciate everyone around me.

6. Because of camp – I learned how to shoot a rifle and then went on to teach that activity at camp!!! How many others can say that?

5. Because of camp – I learned that even though I can’t carry a tune in a bucket -  singing camp songs around the campfire with my friends is one of the greatest experiences ever.

4. Because of camp – I learned that there is nothing better than the chance to share this experience with everyone else – my job allows me to do just that.

3. Because of camp – I have had the opportunity to work and live with some of the most amazing people I have ever met.

2. Because of camp – My non camp friends all think I am crazy – and probably talk about camp too much – but they know, all of my good stories start with, “One time, at camp…”

1. Because of camp – I have become the person who I am today!!! Thanks mom and dad for putting me on the path of camp!!!

What’s your “Because of Camp?”

People often ask me if it’s hard to go to someone’s home or talk to someone on the phone and try and sell camp to them. Don’t you feel like a salesperson, they often ask. I guess in a way we are in the business of selling – on a basic level – we are selling a service – camp. So I suppose that you could say that part of my job is selling. But – I don’t think of it that way. I don’t think any of us thinks about it that way.

The great thing about Fernwood Cove is that we all believe in it. We believe in what we are doing, and we believe in each other, as directors, and we believe that what we are doing will really have an impact on our campers. We also believe that if our campers can take even a small piece of what we give to them, home with them at the end of the summer, maybe, just maybe, they can make the world a better place.

What does it mean to believe in Fernwood Cove? Every decision that we make is always made with our values in mind – does it fit in with our value of simple living? Does it fit in with our value of respect for the outdoors? And so on. I know that every decision we make falls in line with all of our values and our mission and we make every decision with the best interests of the community as a whole in mind.

But it’s not just that. We are constantly reviewing what we do, asking our staff, campers and parents what we could do to make things better and how we can constantly improve. We want everyone to be a part of making Fernwood Cove a better place each year because then everyone else will believe in it as well.  It’s the constant updates to facilities, equipment, review of rules, procedures, new activities, new programs, etc etc the list goes on. All of this careful attention to detail is how we show that we believe.

But of course it’s not just about the physical camp…nope – it’s about our campers, staff and families. We believe in our campers and staff and we encourage everyone to believe as well. We expect the best in ourselves and we expect the best in everyone else – not because we have high standards but because we want to be able to bring out the best in everyone and have them see the best possible people that they can be.

With the amount that we believe and care about our camp and everyone in our community – this gives us more power and strength to continue believing and caring. Our staff and campers make lifelong friendships – because of the power of Fernwood Cove. No one else on earth gets to see our staff and campers the way they see each other – at camp!

So am I a sales person? Am I trying to convince people – do I have gimmicks? Do I have a sales pitch? Do I talk about deals go to bed at night hoping to make a sale? Nope – none of us do.

You aren’t a salesperson if it doesn’t feel like a sale – we believe and that’s what makes Fernwood Cove – Extraordinary!!

Since last weekend I have been completely addicted to watching the Olympics – I can’t even begin to think about how many hours have been spent watching sports that I never knew were more exciting than watching grass grow!

I have seen alpine, curling, biathalon, short track speed skating, long track speed skating, all sorts of speed skating, luge, snowboard cross, half pipe, pairs figure skating, men’s figure skating, alpine jumping – long jump and short jump, cross country…and the list goes on and we aren’t even half done yet…I assume I will spend many  more hours glued to this once every four years event.

Anyway, so as I was sitting there last night watching Lindsey Vonn take the gold and the Shawn White catch more air than any human should, I starting thinking to myself, why am I so compelled to watch this – why I am so addicted to it?

And then it hit me – the Olympics…it’s just like camp!Let me explain!

Sitting there, watching the Olympics makes me feel like I am a part of it – like from my couch, I am part of Team USA…it’s really cool feeling like I am a part of something bigger than myself – that is exactly how I feel about camp. All of us at camp are a part of something bigger than ourselves – it’s pretty great feeling knowing that fact!

Ok but beyond that, what are the comparisons…well let’s start with the opening ceremonies…that’s like the first day of camp, ok we don’t introduce countries but we introduce bunks…and we even have a torch presenting moment where we present the torch to our seniors!

What else…well the campers – they are like the athletes, they have many goals they want to achieve by the end but without their coaches, or in our case – the staff…they wouldn’t be able to get where they are or achieve these goals.  Our campers rely on our staff just as much as the athletes rely on their coaches. Ok so I have campers and staff…so where do I fit in? Good question – and don’t worry, I have an answer. I think that I am one of the producers of the TV portion of the Olympics – so you won’t see me on TV and my name won’t be up in lights, but I am the reason that everything is running so smoothly and why we are able to get all the bits that make up the Olympics on TV and for the viewer to see exactly what he or she wants to see. I would put Alicia in that category as well. So Jim…Beigette…who are they? Clearly they are the master of ceremonies…or in this case, they are the Olympic Committee…the IOC – they are the brains behind everything and the reason that we are all there!

Have I taken this too far yet? There’s more. Watching all the different events and having so many things going on at once – that’s like us at camp. We have tons of activities going on at the same time and there is always a story to be told someplace…it’s a controlled chaos in a way. But we love it.

I seriously could go on…but I think you are starting to see the comparisons and probably coming up with some of your own.

What I am now realizing is that in the Olympics – we can find comparisons of what we do at camp…the feeling of being a part of something that is bigger than all of us, the great sense of accomplishment when our campers achieve their goals, and as the athletes are all good friends…so are we …that sense of community, that sense of family – we feel it at camp just as it can be felt at the Olympics. But more than anything, I think I am glued to the TV becuause I long to be back at camp – I am tired of the cold and the snow of winter and just wishing the summer to come sooner. I want to have that feeling that we get when we are at camp, sooner…I am ready!

In the Olympics they said,  “Let the Games Begin!” Well I say,  “Let the Summer Begin”

Bring on the Games of Harrison 2010!!!

-Marran

It seems like the planning for the senior ski weekends started so long ago and now it’s all over. I just returned from our 5th annual Fernwood Cove Senior Ski Weekend! If you aren’t sure what I am talking about, let me explain…

5 years ago, Fernwood Cove implemented a tradition of inviting our incoming seniors up to camp for a weekend of skiing, hanging out at a snow covered Fernwood Cove, and talking about what it is to be a senior. In our first year of ski weekends we had about 8 kids, now we have about 15…or typically half of the age group. We have two separate ski weekends for our 1st and 2nd session seniors, of course.

Having just completed 5 years of ski weekends I can tell you one thing – this is one of the best traditions that I have had the honor of being a part of. I love every minute. The ski weekends give me a chance to really just hang out with the seniors and get to know everyone just a bit better. And I think the seniors think it’s really funny to see me in my pajamas. I might be the Assistant Director, but I still wear cute pajama pants, same as I did when I was 15 – just like them.

So – if you are a future senior at Fernwood Cove, or a parent of a future senior at Fernwood Cove – I encourage you to check out the pictures from this year’s ski weekends and when the time comes for your ski trip (or your daughters ski trip) – send her up to us – no matter where you are from. This wonderful experience allows the girls to see each other in the winter, see camp covered in snow, go walking on the frozen lake, go sledding at camp…and in general is one of the most amazing bonding experiences they can have! It’s worth the trip! Trust me. In past years we have even had girls come all the way from Texas, Florida, Chicago, and London…not to mention many many other cities in between…this is truly a unique experience.

So check out the pictures…become a fan of Fernwood Cove on Facebook…and we will see you at your ski weekend!

-Marran

Hi Everyone!

No don’t worry – I am not talking about Brendan Faser’s terrible movie from 1999….I am talking about this past week counselor Gez Evans came back to the States for a visit and we got to see some Fernwood Cove folks from past years! It was a terrific time!!!

Gez came here to see camp in the winter – something he has always wanted to do. You can check out a ton of his photos on the Fernwood Cove Facebook page!! Other than enjoying a week in Maine fishing and hunting with Jim, Gez and I had the opportunity to see some old FC faces.

We saw 2004 counselors Kelly Melcher and Kim Hampton, as well as 2007 senior Julia Hermann, 2006 senior Sam King, 2008 CITs Emily Mitchell and 2008/2009 CIT Maddie Rudman!! We also got to see 2009 counselor and former camper Caroline Glovsky! It was a terrific visit!

It’s always fun to see current and past FC folks! Let me know if you are ever around for a visit – you too may make the blog!

Happy Winter!

-Marran

Hi Everyone!

I just spent a wonderful 4 days in the DC/Baltimore area and I wanted to share it all with you and let you know who I saw! If I had been more on top of things you would have seen pictures…but you will just have to imagine how awesome it was!!!

THURSDAY

This was my first day – so it started with an early flight out of Boston and then picking up my rental car in Baltimore. I thought I was getting an SUV…but no…I got something else that I can’t pronounce. Oh well – it worked! Thursday night was fantastic, I had dinner with staff members Burt Stanko, Carrie Bacharach, Hope Snodgrass, Krisia Jones and Abby Himmelrich! It was great – we went to Thai Derm – someplace Burt recommended and we spent hours talking about camp!

FRIDAY

I actually got to sleep in on Friday before heading to Rockville to hang out with former camper and cit Ayla Gudelsky and her mom! We had a blast. We had lunch at Panera…which turns out to be 2 minutes from Ayla’s house…but I didn’t know that so we drove…only for Ayla to tell me – she doesn’t walk. Ha ha! If she comes back to camp, we better keep that golf cart locked down!

Friday night I left Rockville and headed slightly south to Chevy Chase to have dinner with Session 1 families – Annie and Maya Small, Abby Alpern-Fisch and Jessica Mason – and all of their parents! It was friday so do you know what we had for dinner? Pizza Pizza Pizza…every friday night…and yes we sang the song!!! The table was even decorated with little pink flamingo confetti in honor of 2010 Senior – Annie Small! Oh and we had ice cream sundae’s for dessert – YUM!!!

SATURDAY

This is what I call – Bethesda Day – I spent ALL day in Bethesda, MD!!!

It started with a fantastic breakfast with session 2 – Bella Godes and her cove pal and 2009 senior Lilly Mudge! We had so much fun – Bella showed us her Wii skills and I think Lilly may have scored a babysitting job!!

Next on the list was afternoon hot chocolate with second session Meredith Bergman! It was so much fun. Turned out Meredith had been at a Bat Mitzvah earlier that morning and ran into her FC friend Rachel Ordan…who I was going to see later in the day – what a small Fernwood Cove world!!

Later on Saturday I went to visit session 2 former campers 2005 senior Ellie and 2007 senior Alex Rogers and 2010 senior Emily Rogers at their house with many others! I had a chance to see session 2 campers Rachel Ordan, Hellen Warren and Grace Steinwurtzel!! I also got to see former session 2 campers 2005 senior Nicole and 2008 senior Natalie Berkman! We had so much fun! After everyone left it was just me and the Rogers and I have never laughed so hard while eating dinner…which by the way was thai food – if you have ever had the thai mango salad…not so good – thanks for that suggestion Berkman! Rogers – thanks for allowing me to see a true Roger’s House dinner!!!

SUNDAY

This day started off driving to see session 1 Gabby Eng! I had a terrific breakfast of waffles…and even got to see Jackson the dog come back into the house carrying a deer foot…yup – yuck! After breakfast we played a game of Qwirkle – BEST GAME EVER!!! Gabby is going to bring it to camp. Oh I won – maybe that’s why I liked it so much.

After my killing at Qwirkle I headed to Reisterstown to watch the Patriots/Ravens game with session 1 former camper, current counselor Abby Himmelrich and her sister former camper 2008 senior Molly Himmelrich. Also there was counselor Krisia Jones and former camper/current counselor Carrie Bacharach and her sister former camper 2008 senior Laura Bacharach. But how can I forget the Shapiros – yup current camper Rebecca Shapiro, her sisters current CIT Leah Shapiro and former camper/cit, 2007 senior Rachel Shapiro were there with their parents. We had a blast, although the Ravens put the smack down on the Patriots!!! It was a terrible game for me – but a great day hanging out with my FC friends!

Following the game – it was off to Annapolis to hang out with session 2 camp nurse MJ Eckert and 2010 senior Libby Eckert! I arrived to their house before MJ – so I had the chance to help out Libby with her math homework! We had so much fun I think we both LOVE geometry now! Thanks for letting me help! After a wonderfully home cooked meal – it was some more hanging out until it was time for bed!

MONDAY

This was the sad day – I had to leave my friends in DC/MD – I hopped on an early flight out of there and got home in time to take a nap and recover from my fantastic trip! Now it’s off to do laundry!

Thanks for the fun times! I can’t wait to see everyone back at camp – or next year when I return to the area!

From all of us at Fernwood Cove we would like to wish you a happy, safe and healthy holiday season to you and your families!!

Enjoy the holiday season! Fernwood Cove will be enjoying it as well, our offices are closed for the holidays and will reopen on Monday, January 4th, 2010!!

See you next year!

Hi Everyone! I found this poem and thought I would change some words and share it with you all…I promise I did not write this!

Twas the holiday month of December…
So much to do, so much to remember!

For months the campers have been gone
The Feeder and Chick no longer filled with song

Snow has covered camp’s tree lined path.
Missing the noises from campers and staff

On Facebook walls you all have posted
To last year’s great season you have all toasted.

We are patiently waiting for the warm summer season
Counselors and campers, to return, I know you don’t need a reason

We hope you enjoy this holiday time
And of course enjoy this very clever rhyme.

We can’t wait to see you all at Fernwood Cove in 20-10
We hope that you think of us again and again!

Happy, Safe, and Healthy Holidays to All!

Right now, as I sit here and write this blog my outside temperature thing (thermometer) is reading 9 degrees…yes 9…that’s not in Celsius. It’s freezing! It’s hard to imagine at this time of year that we are working hard on camp for next summer and planning for a time when the temperature will be WAY higher than it is right now. It’s hard right now to imagine the green grass, the sunny sky, and all of our campers running around camp in their green and whites!

But that’s the job of a camp director – and it’s probably what gets me through this cold weather – thinking about camp, the fun times and most of all, the warm weather!

People always ask me, what are you working on this time of year? Well, with the big New York reunion behind us, last years staff starting to let me know if they are able to return, our enrollment almost full…now it’s time to think about what we can do to make camp even better than it was last year. Let me tell you, we already have some fantastic ideas and some great things planned!

As of now, we are currently building a brand new state of the art culinary arts building – I hope to have pictures soon! This will allow so many more campers to take cooking classes – this will also allow us to do more cooking mini courses and use this building for many other things! Hey – someone save me a cookie!

We also have our infamous and very popular senior ski weekends coming up next month. We have so many seniors coming on this – it’s going to be fantastic!

We are working on programming – how to make sure everyone gets all the activities that they want…we are working on once again hiring the best staff that we can…we are working on some brand new evening programs – which trust me – they are AWESOME!!!

There is a lot to be done with camp even in this cold weather and a lot more to do before we start up in June. While we do take a short break for the holiday season, you can be assured that we are working hard, we have some great ideas…but mostly – we can’t wait for the warm weather again!

So to all, happy holidays!

Hi Everyone!

This past Saturday (December 5th) was our annual camp reunion in New York! Although the weather was questionable that day – yes there was snow, a sure sign that the summer is over and winter is upon us…it was a fantastic day!

There were so many FCers there in each session, it was so great to see everyone reconnecting, hanging out with friends, ice skating…eating pizza (even though it was a Saturday and not a Friday) and eating some REALLY good cake!

Yeah that was pretty much the day…we did some ice skating (well not me, but everyone else – even Sylvie), hanging out, we ate pizza and cake and talked a LOT about camp!!

I hope everyone had as awesome of a time as I did! It made me want the summer to come even quicker so that we could all get back to camp together!

I am going to try and post some pictures of the event!

-Marran