Category: Alumnae

With Gratitude for our Girls and Families

Posted on by camprunoia

Greetings from Camp Runoia!

The month of November is often associated with gratitude. Like so many, we find ourselves thinking about people, places and things we are grateful for, and we are grateful for you ~ our parents, families and girls that make Runoia the special place it is for all of us.  A “summer camp” is really just some land and buildings until you add the special ingredient… people. We know there are so many ways a girl can spend her summer, and we feel fortunate that you value the camp experience enough to choose Runoia for your daughter. We also appreciate that it can be a bit “nervous-making” to entrust your child to others. We are honored that you have chosen us and trust us to care for your daughter while she is with us in the summer.

We take this trust very seriously and strive to hire the type of counselors that will serve as positive adult role models as they teach, mentor, care for, and have fun with your daughter. We will do our best to create an environment where girls can discover themselves, make positive choices, develop life skills, create deep friendships, have joyous fun, and create memories that will last throughout their lives. We are very lucky to do this special work of camp.

We are so excited that so many girls have already re-enrolled for 2018. Perhaps you know a girl that would be a perfect addition to our community? We do still have a few spots available in all of our sessions, so please share your stories of the Runoia experience with your friends. Camp is a wonderful gift to share.

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and many thanks again for being a part of our Runoia family!

Best wishes,

T

Snail Mail or Online – How do you like “The Log” and Your Runoia News Delivered?

Posted on by Pam Cobb

Since the summer of 1910, Camp Runoia events and news have been recorded each summer and bound into Log Books and stored in the Runoia Lodge. From the traditional “statistics” to the “Lost and Found” and the “Log Dedication”, to the photos of cabin groups and lists of people in camp, the Log encapsulates the summer events, people, places and things (including jokes and First Impressions, Trip Songs and Stories, poetry and campfire themes) and inks it to paper, forever to be held in the annals of history.

The tradition continues to this date and the Logs are enjoyed by campers and counselors in camp, alumnae and their families visiting camp and some adult children of alumnae who come back to see their mother or grandmother’s camp. The Logs are also reference books, holding the history of Blue White team lists, cabin lists and a record of the summer events at camp. You can peruse the Logs from 1910 to 2009 on the Runoia website.

Betty and Phil Cobb started a bi-annual newsletter connecting Runoia alumnae to camp in the 1970s and aptly named it “The Log”. The newsletter captures the milestones of alumnae, celebrates the donors and volunteers of CRAO who support “Betty Cobb Campership Fund”, a President’s Letter and Greeting from Camp. The Log announces alumnae events and reunions and brings news from camp to your doorstep. Here’s the most recent copy of “The Log” Volume XXX issue ii, Fall 2017. The Roman numerals were adopted after the initial volumes but Betty Cobb’s formal-style of numbering the Log is continued to date.

Whether you prefer your issue of the “The Log” in hard copy by snail mail or to read it online, your Runoia news is available twice a year!

 

 

In My Senior Year I Reflect on Seven Summers by Olivia Stein Colby- College 2018

Posted on by Pam Cobb

It’s the fall of my senior year of college and I can’t help but think back on all of the experiences that got me to where I am today. I often find myself thinking of the seven years spent at Camp Runoia in particular. At Runoia I learned the importance of female friendship, having confidence and patience while trying something new, taking time to be goofy and weird, all while discovering my love for Maine and the outdoors.

I had an amazing six summers as a camper, and each school-year was spent counting down the days until I could return to my favorite place surrounded by my summer sisters. I returned as a counselor in training and during that summer our CIT group did a college tour of Colby College in Waterville, ME. It was the first college campus I visited and I remember not being very impressed looking at a bunch of brick buildings on an empty campus. But a couple years later when I was applying to schools I realized how much that visit meant. From the ages of nine to fifteen all of my favorite memories came from camp – the friendships I made, sailing on Great Pond, Junior Maine Guide, Sunday night campfires, peanut butter pie and everything in-between. So, when choosing a college, it just seemed right to pick a school ten minutes from Lucy Weiser Lane where all of my favorite memories took place.

My experiences at Runoia have come to life so often during my past three years at Colby. I make every effort to engage in outdoor activities, to form deep friendships, and to have confidence in my classes the same way I grew confidence solo skippering for the first time. At school, I am a pre-orientation leader for freshman and this year I led a trip to Tumbledown mountain. I couldn’t help but sing a camp favorite “In a little town there is Mount Tumbledown…” over and over until all my freshman could sing along with me. I remembered my experience as a camper so clearly – hiking Tumbledown on a day trip, and feeling so accomplished when we made it to the lake marking how close we were to the summit. Runoia gave me a love of adventure, and taught me to love the rewarding feeling when you summit a mountain even if you’re a little cold, or tired, or it starts to rain.

I’m thankful for Runoia for giving me the confidence to pursue my passions and for instilling the importance of friendship and always supporting and loving those around you. I’ll never forget the countless memories I made at camp surrounded by all the campers, counselors and directors who made it feel like home.

Fine Maine Days at Camp Runoia

Posted on by Alex

It is pouring with rain today in Maine.  The kind of drenching, nonstop rain that comes from a dense, grey cloud that lingers low to the ground.  The day is dark and you need the lights on inside and a rain jacket and umbrella if you venture outside.   It is the first significant rain we have had all month and is a big change from the mild and sunny weather we have become accustomed to.

Wet foliage is still beautiful.

Today’s rain and the significant precipitation that we will get over the next couple of days is however being welcomed.  It brings relief to the dry ground, reduces the fire danger and fills up the water table a little before the hard freeze of winter comes.  We have missed the rain and can tolerate it intruding into our crisp fall days as we relish the benefits that it will bring.

For many years now assembly at Runoia has often included the phrase ‘It’s a Fine Maine Day’ it has become a tradition and a tag line of sorts that we have come to expect.  Some days it may have an addendum that reflects the current climatic conditions, ‘the liquid sunshine will be sure to keep our fields and forests green’ or maybe ‘it’s tropical out make sure you have your water bottles.’  Whatever the weather at camp we make the best of it and we embrace it for what it is.  We can control many components of our days and schedules but the weather is not one of them.  Putting a positive spin on the things we cannot change helps us to develop resiliency, flexibility and confidence that we are in charge of our own mood.  We can choose to waste our day grumbling and complaining or get on with having a blast and enjoying every minute of our time at camp.

There are always positives to be found in the variable Maine summer weather.  A rainy morning may result in a ‘sleep in’ with a later bell and the opportunity for a little extra time to snooze.  Rain may come as a relief from a stretch of baking sunny days that can be exhausting.  A fire in the Lodge is cozy and an opportunity to not have to rush and take time to enjoy reading the logs or a good book.  Rainy day program is often a fun, entertaining and creative switch up from our regular scheduling.

Whatever the weather in your location we hope that you can make it an ‘FMD’, make the most of the opportunities that the day presents and imagine the noise of the rain on the metals roofs at camp.

Maine – the way life should be whatever the weather!

Fall reflections about the summer at camp

Posted on by Alex

As we head into the crisp, clear days of fall it is a great time for reflection and contemplation about the past summer at camp.  Life in Maine takes on a slower pace at this time of year and we are able to take a few minutes to look back on the great moments that happened over the summer season and to figure out if we need to make any improvements for the upcoming year.

Runoia zen

As we connect with parents of returning campers and those potential families that may be joining us next summer, read surveys and talk to staff it is a great opportunity for us to get a variety of feedback.  Summer camp is a fleeting season filled to the brim with experiences, relationship building and a myriad of tasks that fill up our ‘fine Maine days.’

Once the chaos of back to school has settled and we are into our more relaxed off season routines mid-October is a perfect time to chat.  We love conversations with parents about the changes they have seen since their daughter came home from camp, growth she has made or just the stories she had to tell about her camp experiences.  When reach outs about enrollment result in ‘she wouldn’t miss it for the world’ or ‘she would be so mad if I missed out on signing her up’ we are gratified that we produced another great Runoia summer for our girls.

View from the Runoia boathouse

In order to fill those few remaining spaces that are open the fall also allows us time to refine our marketing strategy for the upcoming season .  In a world of photo shop and fake news we try to accurately sell the product that is a Runoia summer.  We market what we can produce and hope that our happy customers will keep coming back for more.  With attention paid to any feedback that helps us to continue striving for excellence, we feel like we can really create an evolving product that stays true to our traditions and camp culture.  As we talk to new families not only about the generic benefits of a sleep away summer camp experience we also ask them to reflect on the type of place that would best suit their child.  We want our campers to feel like Camp Runoia is truly their home away from home and to be able to meet the goals they may have set themselves for the summer.

While we continue to reach out to our community we also invite you to share your thoughts about Runoia and help our reflections gain substance.  We are certain that the summer season of Runoia 2018 will be here before we know it and we are already excited for our 112th season on Great Pond.

 

Camp Runoia – beautiful in the changing season

Posted on by Alex
The view from loon point

We love the changing seasons in Maine and the fall is filled with ‘fine Maine days’ that may start out a little chilly but are typically warm and bright.  While it is quiet around camp and the end of season clean-up is coming to an end there is still plenty of rustling in the leaves as the wildlife takes over.  Runoia has an abundant supply of oak tress which keep the chipmunks and squirrels scurrying around gathering acorns for the long winter season.  Leaves gently fall from the trees and shack porches that are no longer being swept on a regular basis catch the brilliant colors.  It looks a little messy around the place as the paths and lawns become buried under the falling leaves and there are no feet treading routes through them.  The bell is quiet.

We often lament about the fact that these gorgeous fall days would be perfect for camp.  Can you imagine going apple picking and taking a hay ride for trip day and carving pumpkins with your shack? Glenn has certainly raked up plenty of leaves for jumping into which would be great fun.  As it is now going dark long before E.P. is over, star gazing would make for a great activity.  We would certainly have to bundle up to make it through the chilly evenings and the fire in the Lodge would surely be kept burning.  As Halloween approaches there are a myriad of potential costume choices just waiting to be discovered in the drama clothes.  The lake is a bit chilly for a swim but perfect for canoeing and kayaking with the foliage reflecting beautifully on the calm, clear water of Great Pond.  Oh what fun we could have with our camp friends if summer camp lasted into October.

We hope that whatever your family fall traditions are and whatever the climate is where you live that you are getting outside and having a great time enjoying all the beauty of the season.  If you are looking for ideas of fun things to do check out our Fall Favorites Pinterest board!

 

Wedding Bells Ringing at Runoia

Posted on by Pam Cobb

It’s not just White Coral Bells “upon a slender stalk, lilies of the valley deck my garden walk…” ringing and singing at Camp Runoia these days!

Choosing to have your wedding at camp takes a certain kind of kinship and a unifying soulfulness between two people. Camp is an extraordinary place to get married with sweeping views of the lake, sunsets, the fields and woods, the piney paths and glorious ferns. It also rustic and country feeling, it’s down to earth and honestly, it can be downright chilly in the early weeks of the summer or later in the season.

However, for some people, camp as a wedding venue could not be more perfect. The sounds of the screen doors slamming as people merrily go from building to event, the call of the loon, the way the music of the reception band hangs in the air like it is floating. The smell of the sweet ferns, the vivid colors, the heron who flies by as you’re taking your vows, lakeside on the beach.

Runoia has had a handful of weddings over the years and hopes more people will take advantage of the beauty, the rustic feeling, the depth of history and the fun of camp. You can enjoy a barbeque and a s’more or have a farm-to-table 5 course meal. You can make it as country or as sophisticated as you’d like as we have the best wedding planner and an array of caterers to fit your wants and needs. Spread the word! Weddings at camp can be just as magical as the camp experience Runoia has provided for campers for 111 summers!

“… oh don’t you wish that you could hear them ring?  That will happen only when the fairies sing.”

Simple Pleasures of Camp

Posted on by camprunoia

Recently, I was visiting with a mom and her daughter who are thinking about Runoia for next summer. It was a great conversation with lots of questions, and afterward I replayed some of it in my mind. Something that stuck in my thoughts was one of the words I used to describe Runoia. That word was simple. So, while I have a picture of what that means to me, I realize that “simple” could be heard in many different ways. Our buildings are lovely but are also simple. We dress simply. We aren’t caught up in technology or the latest movie or music. Our days are full but not frantically busy. We’re more in tune to the rhythms of nature. These are all parts of camp being simple in a good way.

Another piece of the simplicity is wrapped up in simple pleasures. These are moments and experiences that are so much more present to us at camp then in the rest of our lives.

Some of these simple pleasures that come to mind are…

…Sunshine sparkling like diamonds on the lake… walking barefoot in the cool, green grass… lemonade… the sounds of raindrops pattering on the roof… the call of the loons… a perfect s’more… singing together… hearing counselors read stories to their campers… the smell of wood smoke… saying goodnight to the girls… a cool breeze from Great Pond… sitting in the shade under a tall tree… joyful laughter… the “thwack” of an arrow hitting the target… sitting cozily by the fire on a cold, wet day… horses grazing in the pasture… a ringing bell helping us keep track of time… morning and afternoon snacks… seeing new friends chatting happily… drifting off to sleep to the night sounds of the forest… playing school-yard games… milk and crackers before bed… picking blueberries… the smell of sawdust in the woodshop… random topics being discussed around the dining hall table… emerald green moss-covered rocks along the shoreline… the tangy scent of balsam on a foggy morning… the hush that falls over camp at rest hour… seeing everyone in uniform on Sundays… the lake turning purple, pink and orange as the sun sets… feeling contentedly tired at the end of a full day… hearing girls say, “I tried something new today”.

There are so many more but I think you get the picture. While each of us will have different simple pleasures on our lists, the pleasures all have something in common. To make the most of such moments takes our time and attention. And Camp Runoia gives you the time and space that is hard to come by the rest of the year, to do just that. Appreciating simple pleasures is a gift for the mind, heart and soul.

 

Closing Camp for the Season (What do you folks do the rest of the year??)

Posted on by camprunoia

Throughout the 30 years that I’ve been a camp director I am frequently asked, “So what do camp directors do for the REST of the year?”. The short answer is, “This is actually a year round job. There’s actually a lot that needs to be done between seasons”. Well, like what? The list of tasks is long and people aren’t surprised once I point out that, well, just for starters, somebody has to… recruit new campers, check in with families about the summer, staff and plan the ever-better programs for next summer – oh, and close up the site for the winter. It starts as soon as the camp season ends and it continues until campers arrive next summer. (I wish we could say that we just hang out on a beach in the tropics but alas, that’s not to be).

One very important piece of seasonal work that is happening right now is the physical closing up of the camp for the season. So what does closing Camp Runoia involve? Well, typically it starts with a list, a very LONG list, and under each header lurk many detailed items that need careful attention. The main headers look something like this…

  • Clean all buildings and shutter the cabins
  • Inventory and pack supplies
  • Move boats into storage and take down docks
  • Shut off the water
  • HORSES

And… there are also three items that aren’t on the written list, but definitely happen throughout this whole process:

  • Smile at wonderful camp memories
  • Dream about next summer
  • Remember that it is only 9 months until campers arrive for 2018

Looking forward to seeing you next summer!!