Owner: Rockbrook Summer Camp for Girls Blog URL:http://www.rockbrookcamp.com/blog/ Join Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2007 20:14:59 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: News and information about Rockbrook Girls Summer Camp, a traditional overnight sleepaway camp in North Carolina. Site statistics:Click here
Day Of Celebration 2007-08-09 20:12:58
This morning Rockbrook hosted its very own horse show, and many of the campers participated in the event. Parents were also invited and were able to watch their kids in the show. The show was optional, and some of the campers did some last minute packing instead. The other kids went to their scheduled first and second activity periods. Later in the afternoon the campers went to the gym to see the production of The Wizard of Oz.
For dinner tonight we had a traditional Spirit Fire dinner. The campers and counselors dress up in their uniforms and were recognized for how many years they had been at Rockbrook.Various gifts are given out to designate how many years at Rockbrook they have attended. Spirit Fire was then held a little after dinner. We sang special campfire songs and campers and counselors spoke around the fire. What makes Spirit Fire special is that it is done in such a way as if it were to take place in 1921, when the camp was founded. Each camper is given a candle and is lit
Collect $200 Salary As You Pass GO! 2007-08-08 07:34:08 Today was cabin day and the Senior line took an excursion to Sliding Rock. The temperature peaked at around 98 degrees, so it was a refreshing change for the girls. Sliding Rock is basically a large rock which mimics a gigantic water slide. It is located in the Pisgah Forest, and is just a little ways outside of Brevard. The girls went down a handful of times, and then were taken to the infamous Dolly’s for some ice cream. We were quick to get back to camp, for banquet was about to begin!
There was much anticipation in the air, for the kids were eagerly waiting outside of the dining hall to be called in for banquet. The CAs (counselor assistants) for this banquet were quite prepared, and hosted one smashing banquet! The theme was Monopoly, and the dining hall was set up in as if it were the board game. The posters were painted in various places on the board such as: Go To Jail, Chance, Community Chest, North Carolina Avenue, etc. The 4 of the 5 CAs were dressed up as pieces for Read more:Collect
, Salary
Good News On The Home Front 2007-08-07 22:49:34
Rockbrook has been anticipating the health inspector, and she finally came today! We are happy to report that we earned a 98.5%! We have been keeping the camp extra clean, and all our hard work has paid off.
On another subject, today in pottery one of the classes went on a pottery hike. We took a break from making things from clay, and discovered all the places around camp where pottery had been placed. In front of upper pottery there are 3 boards with pottery collages glued on them from various camp years. We then ventured off to the front of the offices and saw the pottery mobiles. The kids make small ornaments such as smiley faces, hearts and stars to go on the mobiles. Down at lower pottery we then took the kids to see the totem poles, these are the oldest camp pieces that have been made. On the front of lower pottery there is a huge mosaic-like collage that was done in ‘92 by the campers. One of the kids also noticed that one her counselors names was on the collage, she is Read more:Front
, Good News
Tournaments and Sock Hops 2007-08-06 19:15:47
This Monday morning at Rockbrook started with a bang, literally! Three groups of girls were taken to Camp Carolina for Boys to compete in various activities such as riflery, archery, and tennis. The girls were triumphant in riflery, but unfortunately did not beat the boys in archery or tennis. After the tournaments the girls enjoyed a refreshing dip in the Camp Carolina lake. Two of my campers Courtney and Sami participated in the tennis tournament and thoroughly enjoyed their time today. Another one of my campers Cecile participated in the Archery tournament, and had the same sentiments. The sport tournaments are an oppurtunity for a few campers to show their skills against their rival: CCB.
Around lunch time Sarah and Mandy announced a Rockbrook surprise: 50s restaurant night! The dining hall was decorated in various themed posters, such as a jukebox and records. The kids were given a menu to choose their meals from, just like a real restaurant! The counselors played waitress, and t Read more:Tournaments
Camp Cabin Photos Taken 2007-08-03 21:08:32
Today we took our cabin photos for this third session of camp. Each cabin decides where they would like their photo taken, for example at the lake, on a lodge porch, or on the hill. Some are pretty creative, like this outtake of a cabin who took theirs at the senior line showers.
Read more:Cabin
, Taken
Super Hero Day!!! 2007-08-01 21:27:46
It was super hero day today at Rockbrook. We all came up with our own versions of super-heroism and dressed the part! Talk about creativity… it was amazing. There were lots of “Super
Girls” and other “Incredibles,” but here’s a great shot of Whitney as “Feather Girl.” Her arch nemisis was another Hi-Up (Becky) dressed as “Backpack Girl.” You never know what Rockbrook campers will come up with, especially when we have a chance to dress up!
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Camp Rafting 2007-07-30 20:56:43
This week we had a marathon whitewater rafting event. Over three days, we took almost a hundred campers whitewater rafting down the Nantahala river. Rockbrook is one of only two summer camps that have a Forest Service permit to raft this river, so we are able to take full advantage of it using our own equipment and raft guides. We also have an outpost near the river where we can spend the night after (or sometimes before) rafting. What a great time we all had— excellent weather the whole time, plenty of whitewater excitement, and lots of fun with the other middlers and seniors.
That’s Valerie, one of our former Castle Rock Institute students, guiding the boat. Val now teaches at the Portland Waldorf School.
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Painting and Drawing Camp Activity 2007-07-27 22:12:53
Here’s an activity that’s become increasingly popular this summer— painting and drawing. It’s a wonderful time when we get together, often outside (like in this photo), and learn different techniques to improve how we paint and draw. Perspective, compostion, color theory, and shading are just a few of the important concepts we’ve covered. There are some amazing subjects to draw and paint at camp too… things like the mountain view from the hill, the blooming rhododendron bushes, or even something more abstract. It’s a lot of fun, no matter what!
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, Activity
Third Session of Camp Opens! 2007-07-25 22:20:31
Today the campers attending our third session arrived. We greeted everyone this morning (even after picking up a few at the airport), settled into the cabins, and got together in the dining hall for our first lunch. It was so great to see everyone, old and new campers alike, finally at camp. So many great activities and events planned… it’s going to be great!
RBC and the Brevard Music Center 2007-07-23 20:41:37
Here’s a cool bit of Rockbrook Camp history for you. Nancy Barnum Clark Carrier, the founder of Rockbrook (and who by the way is the grandaughter of P.T. Barnum), is also one of the founders of the Brevard MusicCenter
. The Music Center is a summer camp in Brevard for teenage musicians who come to collaborate with professional musicians, practice, perform, and just enjoy the wonderful mountain setting of Brevard. It was originally founded in 1936 at Davidson College and later moved to Brevard in 1945, only a few years after Rockbrook was established in 1921. Mrs. Carrier was also the Music Center’s first president and a director of its board until her death in 1977. Here she is in this great old photo.
It’s Finally Here! 2007-07-20 04:35:55 Finally
, the moment everyone has been waiting for was here…and then gone. Banquet was successful! The theme of the night was “Pixar”, which consists of a combination of four movies: “Finding Nemo”, “The Incredibles”, “A Bug’s Life”, and “Monsters, Inc.” The setup for the big night went very smoothly, and by 6:00, the CA’s were dancing around the dining hall in their various costumes waiting for the party to start. The only hang up was a mad dash for soda late in the day; apparently, “it’s not banquet without soda.” It’s a great feeling to see all of the campers’ hard work come together so successfully, and I can’t say enough how proud I was – the CA girls outdid themselves, to say the least. As a reward and camp tradition, Jerry took all of the CA girls out to Casey Jones after the banquet was over. All of the girls couldn’t stop talking about how fast it went by, how they couldn’t believe it was actually over, and how truly excited
Countdown To Banquet: Less Than A Day!!! 2007-07-19 11:34:01
This is usually the most stressful time of the summer for my 15-year-old campers, because as banquet planners a day before the big night, there are usually a million more things to do and a million more reasons to stay up 24 hours straight. Thankfully, we were given a break from all of the intense preparation today. Around 11:00 AM, Jerry approached the CA’s with an idea for a hike, and shortly after, we all loaded on to the buses and headed into Pisgah National Forest. After a vigorous drive over narrow, winding dirt roads, we stopped at a pull-off and commenced our hike. Once we made it to a clearing that had a perfect view of Looking Glass, we had a long talk about what the girls were going through, how they were handling CA responsibilities, and we were able to spend some quality time together and relax away from camp. Furthermore, not only did we go for a hike, but we stopped at a swimming hole on the way out of the forest. The drive home was quiet, but I haven’t heard the e Read more:Countdown
, Banquet
“Drumroll, please…” 2007-07-18 22:41:38
“Evening program tonight is going to be counselor impersonations!!!” And the crowd goes wild. Since the second day of camp, my campers have been slyly saying two words, “counselor impersonation”, every time they caught me doing something out of the ordinary or weird or funny; I wasn’t sure if I should take it as a threat or as just a simple reminder that they would remember that moment when they really needed it in a few weeks. That moment was tonight, and there is definitely a reason why counselor impersonations is everyone’s favorite evening program skit to perform and watch. By the end of the night, I had tears in my eyes because I was laughing so hard, and I know I was not alone. Although some of the counselors were nervous at the beginning, we have all spent so much time together now that we can all laugh at ourselves as the campers imitate different phrases and accents we use, individual techniques we have for waking campers up in the morning,
Jump On The Springboard - DIVE IN!!! 2007-07-17 19:27:19
Something pretty great happened to me today, down at the lake in the mid-morning hours: I joined the 440 Club. In order to join this prestigious Rockbrook organization, you have to swim 100 laps across a certain distance in the lake, and once you complete those 100 laps (440 meters), you get to go to Dolly’s as a reward. Honestly, who wouldn’t attempt the 440 for a chance to go to Dolly’s? Which is why I was accompanied by about 7 other campers and 2 other counselors desperately trying to complete the 440 before the deadline tomorrow afternoon. Not only is it another one of those Rockbrook traditions that campers come back to each year, but it’s something to work hard for, something to accomplish, and it’s hard to understand how satisfying it feels to see those stars filled in on your personal 440 card unless you are actually completing the distance yourself. I spent some quality time with the lake today, which I haven’t done in awhile, and I now understand why tons of cam
Rockin’ Cardinal - tweet tweedly deet 2007-07-16 10:02:04
Hey! I’m Katie Cheney, a C.A. counselor here at Rockbrook Camp, and something kind of sad happened at lunch today: we sang “[6] More Days Of Vacation”, a sly countdown of the days left at camp incorporated into a song, and I realized that we have only a week left. It’s never an easy feat to say goodbye to the campers after such a great summer like this one, and I can only look forward to what I know will be a great last week of camp.
Tonight for dinner, we all donned our poodle skirts, hair ribbons, and James Dean-esque white T-shirts for a 1950’s diner-inspired Restaurant Night. This event has always been one of my favorites, ever since I was a camper - for once we get to order our own meal, whether it be the spaghetti and meatballs or fried fish and hush puppies. The counselors turned into waitresses, which the campers really enjoyed, and furthermore, they got to decide between cake and ice cream sandwiches for dessert. It was a great night, to say the Read more:Cardinal
Birthday Fun at Rockbrook 2007-07-14 23:06:04
Many girls are lucky enough to celebrate their birthday at Rockbrook, but last night, everyone got to be the birthday girl! On Birthday
Night, campers and counselors sit at the same table as those who share their month of birth. For every month there is a deliciously decorated cake to feast upon, complete with candy and sprinkles. So much cake, yum!
Tonight is the dance with the boys from Camp Carolina. Nothing quite compares to the reaction from the campers when the much-anticipated dance is announced at dinner. All week long my campers have been trying to figure out when it will be, so I know they will have a blast tonight!
It’s the Friends at Camp 2007-07-13 20:03:55
One of the many reasons I love coming to Rockbrook is all the different types of people I get to meet, from all over the world! In a typical day here, I talk to girls from France, Mexico, Hungary, and even the Czech Republic. It’s amazing to find out about all the different cultures that come together here.
For a couple of girls, I know it was very hard for them at first to be here from another country - not only because of the cultural differences, but also because they knew very little English. During the first day or two, they seemed so bewildered by all the crazy songs we sing and silly skits that are performed each night, and I was worried about how well they would be able to adjust to camp life in a foreign country. The great part about camp, though, is that you don’t have to speak the same language to have fun. It didn’t take long for these girls to make new friends and communicate with their counselors and cabin-mates. Now I see them making new friends every Read more:Friends
Cabin Day at Rockbrook 2007-07-10 23:02:21
It’s Wednesday at Rockbrook, and on Wednesdays, we do things a little differently. During the middle of the week we have a special day appropriately titled “Cabin
Day,” for it is a time set aside to spend with your own cabin. Today, for example, middler cabins four and seven will be participating in an extreme shaving cream battle down at the Landsports Field. Other ideas for Cabin Day include hiking to Rockbrook Falls, decorating cupcakes, having a “spa day”, or making a plaque for your cabin. Last week, my cabin played soccer and set up an obstacle course. I always look forward to Wednesday because you get to be creative and come up with your own plan. Plus, it is a great opportunity to bond with your campers and co-counselor!
P.S. That’s some seniors on their cabin day trip— going down Sliding Rock!
Pirates Rafting and Hiking !! 2007-07-09 09:25:09
Hello, faithful readers! My name is Emily, and I am a middler counselor reporting to you the latest happenings at Rockbrook for the week. This past weekend included such festivities as Pirate Day, Carnival, and a four hour hike to Kilroy’s Cabin. Today was the final day for all of our mini-session campers. Last night we celebrated by having a mini-banquet (which I believe was Luau-themed), followed by the traditional Spirit Fire. We will miss our mini-session campers dearly, but eagerly await the arrival of the campers for second mini-session!
There are two rafting trips going on today, a day trip and an overnight, both on the Nantahala River. Mandy and Nurse Jenny braved the white water rapids with the overnight group, complete with campfire and s’mores. Tomorrow they shall return - with a lot of interesting stories, I’m sure. Tomorrow, Lindsay Firestone and I will lead a different group of girls down the river for another day trip. I can’t wait!
All in all, t Read more:Rafting
, Pirates
, Hiking
POW! WAM! KABLAMMO! 2007-07-06 21:56:34
Pull on your tights, strap on your capes, and prepare to save the world- it’s Super Hero Day! Instead of concealing our secret identities in our usual disguises, we busted out as our alter egos and had a supper of super proportions. Tonight we’re flying into the Dining Hall for Auction Night!
This morning at Castle Rock, some campers showed their super hero strength as they climbed to the top. It rained this afternoon, but we hope to get more girls up the rock face after it dries. Also, some out-of-camp trips are in the works. In the words of one of our favorite heroes, “To infinity, and BEYOND!”
Summer Camping Birthday Party 2007-08-14 21:23:38
Tonight was birthday night at camp, but a few girls were heading out for an overnight backpacking trip and would have to miss the celebration back at camp. Rather than go without, however, Jessi made arrangements to bring a few party things with the hiking group. Yep, they had their own birthday party out in the woods, complete with balloons, streamers, and an awesome cake! It was a lot of fun, and a big surprise for everyone.
Read more:Summer
, Camping
, Birthday
, Party
, Birthday Party
1-Week Summer Camp Session Opens! 2007-08-13 15:07:15
Our final camp session of the summer has opened and we’re very excited to have all of the campers arrive. This session is unusual because we’ve got mostly new campers and it lasts for just one week. Everyone is so enthusiastic, it’s going to be great fun to introduce Rockbrook to these girls, and with everything we’ve got planned, it’s no doubt going to be a great session.
Read more:Summer
Scary Bugs and Other Critters 2007-08-20 09:30:34
Saw this series of sketches over at the New Yorker and thought they were funny. Of course, none of the critters exist at Rockbrook, but they’re fun to imagine nonetheless.
Camper Bug Report
Read more:Scary
, Critters
Final Campfire of the Summer 2007-08-18 06:12:00
We’ve had our final closing spirit fire for the summer, and we can’t help but remember all of the wonderful parts of the summer. We’ve made so many amazing friends, seen so many beautiful places, and enjoyed so many fun activities. As we’re busy with everything each day, it’s easy to forget how much Rockbrook means to the campers and counselors that return each summer. It really is true. Rockbrook is their camp. It’s a place for them to explore nature, meet new people, try new things, and essentially relax and enjoy being themselves in a friendly and welcoming environment. It’s also a place where we all grow and discover amazing talents and other aspects of ourselves. Camp is a very special place, and we’re all very grateful for being a part of it. Thanks to everyone for such a fantastic summer. We’ll miss you… until next summer!
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, Summer
Camp Archery Program 2007-08-16 21:21:48
Archery is another huge hit with the kids at Rockbrook this summer. Girls really enjoy learning about archery at summer camp. There’s something classic about it. Nocking an arrow, pulling the bow, taking a breath, holding still, and releasing the arrow toward the multi-colored target. Of course, we’re aiming for the center of the target, and when we hit it, we get a certificate proving we’re in the “Bullseye Club.” No matter how old you are, it’s not easy at first, but with practice it doesn’t take long to improve and hit the target more and more perfectly. Hey, there’s Griffin!
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Rock Climbing Summer Camp Trip 2007-08-15 20:33:50
After breakfast we hike up the hill in camp to reach Castle Rock. Locking carabiners, harnesses, helmets, rock climbing shoes, and ropes… everything in place for a day on the rock. Put on the gear and tie into the rope with a follow-through figure eight knot. Wait for the belayer to get set and begin the commands. “On belay?” “Belay is on,” she says. “Climbing?” “Climb on,” you hear, and you’re ready to go. A left foot up and you’re off. Lean to the right. A foot switch. A little tricky spot, but you get it. Amazing view at the top. A quick rappel and you’re down. Great job!
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, Rock Climbing
What Summer Camps are About 2007-08-30 09:41:02
Here’s another interesting bit of reading about summer camps, this time from Harper’s Magazine (September 2007 issue). Rich Cohen, in “The Summer
of Our Discontent: An Ode to Sleepaway Camp,” writes about his childhood experience at Camp Menominee in Wisconsin, and brings to the article a good deal of research about summer camping in general. There’s lots of good stuff to be found (subscribers can read more here), but I wanted to simply pass along a summary quote.
“Life at camp was changing— the nature of the kids and counselors, the very sense of what camp should be about. In the 1800s, it was about religion; in the early 1900s, it was about preserving a spark of frontier spirit; in the mid-1900s, it was about the barracks and preparing a generation for the coming war; now it’s about preparing kids for school and work, speeding them through the meritocracy.”
Yes, “being prepared” is still a big part of camp, but at Rock
Summer Camp History 2007-08-28 11:43:39
We came across this interesting book, History
of Organized Camping: The First 100 Years by Eleanor Eells. It discusses the earliest camps, the people who founded them, and the first motivations behind summer camping. While the ideas of how camp is beneficial to children have changed over the years (from providing exercise, to acquiring specific knowledge, to training for social service), one thread has remained. These benefits derive from “getting away” from the ordinary modern world… out into nature, away from family and the social pressures of urban life. Camp was a respite, an antidote many parents understood as valuable. We’ve discussed this before, but certainly the same can be said today.
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Scary Bugs and Other Critters 2007-08-20 09:30:34
Saw this series of sketches over at the New Yorker and thought they were funny. Of course, none of the critters exist at Rockbrook, but they’re fun to imagine nonetheless.
Camper Bug Report
Read more:Scary
, Critters
Final Campfire of the Summer 2007-08-18 06:12:00
We’ve had our final closing spirit fire for the summer, and we can’t help but remember all of the wonderful parts of the summer. We’ve made so many amazing friends, seen so many beautiful places, and enjoyed so many fun activities. As we’re busy with everything each day, it’s easy to forget how much Rockbrook means to the campers and counselors that return each summer. It really is true. Rockbrook is their camp. It’s a place for them to explore nature, meet new people, try new things, and essentially relax and enjoy being themselves in a friendly and welcoming environment. It’s also a place where we all grow and discover amazing talents and other aspects of ourselves. Camp is a very special place, and we’re all very grateful for being a part of it. Thanks to everyone for such a fantastic summer. We’ll miss you… until next summer!
Read more:Summer
, Final
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