Category: Current News

Camp Runoia Creating Harmony

Posted on by Alex

Wow what a week!

Starting with the celebration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr, including the inauguration of a new US President and ending with thousands of women marching to protect their rights in cities around the nation we are definitely holding on for the ride!

It certainly seems like a time of great uncertainty when we are all waiting with baited breath to see what will happen next.  One thing is certain,  Camp Runoia will spend the summer of 2017 like it has for the past 110 years helping girls and young women to grow and learn in a safe place.  We will be separated from the frenetic pace of the outside world, the mass media and the constant stream of communication.

Our companions will be a diverse group of people who may or may not be like us yet we will find commonality through shared space.  We will share time and experiences, solve problems, experience sheer joy and enjoy being surrounded by nature in a beautiful place in Maine where we can just be ourselves.

At Camp Runoia girls will continue to be surrounded by strong role models, have the opportunity to speak out if they feel something is unjust, gain resiliency by taking risks in a safe environment and be free from judgement.

If you are looking for some other inspiring organizations that promote girls to be the best that they can be then check out:

Lit World empowering girls through reading and stories.

(Founded by Former Camp Runoia Mom Pam Allyn)

Hardy Girls Healthy Women (Pam Cobb was on the board)

Girls on the Run

Camp Runoia pledges to continue making a positive difference in the lives of all of the girls and young women that we encounter.  We hope that you will spread the message about camp and be a voice for harmony in your local community.

This Caught My Eye – Anxiety and the Importance of Playing Outside

Posted on by Pam Cobb

While skimming my emails this morning, hoovering over my cup of java, before my mind was fully awake this title jumped out at me. Anxiety may be a household word these days but it wasn’t when I was growing up. Certainly we see more children with anxious behaviors and camp is a great place to help reduce this because of routine, guidance from sincere adults in a community, outdoor play, making independent decisions and sticking to them, trusting others and gaining self confidence through the camp experience. As Dr. Kang describes in her article most children are missing what camps offer daily “Our children today are missing their daily dose of POD — play, others (social connection), and downtime.”* Camp Runoia has unstructured play time, rest hour and playful evening programs as well as structured activity time, meal time and team events. The balance of play and learning, the need for communication and expressing feelings at camp is described by Kang as CQ:

“CQ stands for consciousness quotient. This is 21st-century intelligence. IQ is what we’d consider logical, analytical intelligence, very important in the 19th century when we were memorizing facts and getting information from books. EQ is emotional intelligence and very important. But we need both to function with our whole brain, and that is CQ. There are key skills for the 21st century because our world has changed. There’s communication, being able to express your thoughts effectively and communicate across broad mediums; collaboration, which is the ability to work with and inspire others within a team from very diverse backgrounds; critical thinking, which isn’t knowing the right answer but knowing how to ask the right question; creativity, which has been identified by today’s business leaders as the most important competency for the future; and contribution, which is our connection, our meaning, our purpose.

IQ and EQ are no longer enough to capture these five skills because the world is so technologically driven, so fast-paced, connected, and ultra-competitive.”*

So, while we think of camp as a fun experience, at Runoia we provide children a chance to have an independent experience, build skills in activities, have face to face communication daily, unplugged/zero screen time, try new things without fear of failure, make lasting friendships, create a home away from home, camp is more and more the solution to an over scheduled, high pressure life that many of our children experience today.

*Anxiety and the Importance of Play, American Camp Association Magazine, by Shimi Kang, MD, January 2017

The Gift of Freedom (aka The Art of Tagging Up)

Posted on by Alex

Written by: Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

“How to Raise a Creative Child. Step One: Back Off.” This New York Times article headline was like a slap in the side of my head, a nice wake-up call.

Yes, I am one of those parents. My child arrived in this world with bright blue eyes. They sparkled and I immediately saw her potential. I dream big for her future and the gifts she will offer the world.

From her earliest days, we have taken advantage of library programs, countless recreational classes – from swimming to soccer, and she has had access to a multitude of mediums for her artistic endeavors. I, like so many, have seized the opportunities deemed worthy to fuel my child’s success, but, as I read this article, I began to question some of my efforts.

The words “back off” had punch. They stung a little. Back off? Um, it may be the opposite of how I have approached fueling the creativity of my child over the last 9 years.

As I sipped my coffee, I continued to delve into the contents of this article:

“What holds them (children) back is that they don’t learn to be original. They strive to earn the approval of their parents and the admiration of their teachers…practice makes perfect, but it doesn’t make new.”

And what DID this article note fuels the creative mind? “Children had freedom to sort out their own values and discover their own interests. And that sets them up to flourish as creative adults.”

Freedom. Discover interests. Flourishing.

Yes, I want this for my child as well!  How can we – as parents – find the balance?

All through the school year, we help to plot and plan our children’s lives. Oh yes, they help select those activities, but some things are also just a given.  They are expected, and, I also know…they are needed. The daily routines and structure we set to support our children’s growth and development provides them with opportunities to learn and grow, but are they also stifling their creative minds?

What will fuel them with spark and perseverance in working towards their passions? How do we find balance between driving our child’s interests and skills and helping them develop the skills to think, grow and act independently…be driven by their joy and passions?

Last summer, as a parent of a Runoia camper and a staff member of the Runoia camp, I gained a unique perspective. As a staff member, I became part of the process of helping to create, oversee and implement diverse, quality, safe and FUN summer experiences. As a parent, I watched my daughter and many other girls immerse themselves in these opportunities.

There are numerous activities for girls to explore at Runoia: art, equestrian, high ropes, farm and garden, tennis, ceramics, swimming, drama, riflery, wood working, and the list goes on and on…

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And the beauty of the structure of these activities? There is FREEDOM. There is CHOICE.

And with this, GIRLS FLOURISH.

If you’re a Runoia girl, you know all about “tagging up.” Last year, I watched the excitement of each morning as campers were called in for this tradition of choosing their daily adventures. I watched Alex as she talked with every camper, every day, about what choices THEY wanted to make about their day. I watched girls relish in their freedom of these choices. I listened to their excited chatter as they stood by the tag board and eagerly waited to “tag up” for THEIR day. The multitude of options and THEIR FREEDOM to make those choices is a gift to these girls each summer.

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I know – as a parent too – that through the year, my child makes choices about her activities, but those choices are then long-term commitments – weeks, sometimes months – of routine. Yes, those commitments yield benefits. But the opportunity to then provide a summer of explorations, a summer of choice also nets many rewards. The chance to try something new, even daily…to engage in a new endeavor. To not have to be the expert, but to find joy in learning something new…to have the time to challenge oneself…

“What motives people…passion – discovered through natural curiosity or nurtured through early enjoyable experiences with an activity or many activities.”

“If you want your children to bring original ideas into the world, you need to let them pursue their passions, not yours.”

 

This is summer at Runoia and it may be one of the greatest gifts we can give our girls.

Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year.

Making memories with traditions at home and camp

Posted on by Alex

Hopefully during this Holiday season you have found the time to be present in the moment and enjoy special family times and traditions with those that you love the most.

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Whether you have favorite recipes that you cook together, a gingerbread project that everyone works on or a special place that you visit it is often the routine of tradition that is of most value to our kids.  The fancy wrapped packages have been unwrapped and the anticipation of the moment has now passed but the activities that you do together will cement the great feeling of the season.

Hopefully you can take time to just hang out, play games, go for a walk and just relax together.  We would love to see your  photos of the family fun you have had over break.

At camp our girls love the times when they get to connect with each other, when they do something that they can only do at camp or that only happens once a session.

Maybe over the school break your daughter  can take the time to write a real mail letter to a camp friend.  Make a connection, start a tradition.

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As the year ends the official countdown to summer 2017 is on. We still have spaces for our 2017 season sign up here!

The Gift of Camp Keeps Giving

Posted on by Pam Cobb

When connecting with alumnae we hear them say how camp “changed their lives”, “made them the person they are today”, “was a profound experience in their childhood”, “camp friends are their best friends”. Here’s a little more information from sources that help us truly understand why camp is the gift that keeps on giving!

Research about how camp helps build self esteem through American Camp Association’s study on camp outcomes is compelling: http://www.acacamps.org/press-room/aca-facts-trends provides significant data that camps help build self esteem in children.

The “growing up” experience explained in Michael Thompson Ph.D blog on PBS showing the independence campers feel when they overcome homesickness and learn how to be away from home: http://www.pbs.org/parents/experts/archive/2011/05/helping-kids-beat-homesickness.html

How the camp experience helps people master transitions – a life skill that is needed as a child, a teen, a young adult, an adult, a senior: http://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/camping-magazine/time-our-lives-how-summer-camp-tames-transition-trouble

These are just a few links to substantiate the case of “why camp” and how camp is a gift that builds lifelong skills. As we mention on our Partnering with Parents page: https://runoia.com/families/partnering-with-parents/

“Camp’s ability to develop 21st century skills from face to face collaboration to team work and group problem solving help children build life skills. Camp is more than just clean air and fun these days – camp is a profound life shaping experience. We are honored to be part of the growth of your children and we take the responsibility very seriously. Not only that, but we love what we do and we are passionate about youth development and being part of helping prepare your daughters for life. Thank you for sharing your daughters with us!”

Camp is more than a summer of fun. Camp is a significant experience. At Camp Runoia, we believe that camp is the gift that keeps on giving!

Happy gifting!

Love,

Aionur

Camp Was My Hogwarts – Guest Blog by Jamie Cluchey

Posted on by Pam Cobb

jamie-and-josieThis afternoon, I was doing some pre-winter organizing and came across my “camp box” in the basement. This box — full of letters from camp friends, letters that my mom saved from my camper days, special crafts, and the best childhood memories any girl could hope for — is literally busting at the seams. Over the course of 4 housing moves in the last 10 years, I’ve tossed old school memorabilia, clothes, and so much of the other “stuff” that accumulates over the course of a childhood. But this box has stayed with me. Each time I’ve packed my things, I’ve stumbled on this box and thought about how much fun it will be for my future children to sort through these memories when they’re about to embark on their own camping experiences. I still remember rainy days spent with my mom, reading through her old Runoia autograph books, singing from her song book, and hearing stories inspired by the pictures and notes that she keeps close to her heart.

My love of camp started young…possibly in utero. I was raised on camp songs and attempts to re-create the perfect congo bar. When I first read Harry Potter, I completely related to how he felt when he found out that he was going to Hogwarts, because that is exactly how I felt when I learned it was time for me to start camp. Camp was my Hogwarts. And, honestly, it still is. I’ve been to many camps during the last 20 years, and have worn many hats. I suppose there must be something in that box from every one of those camp experiences. But 18 months ago, I put on a new camp hat — that of a future camp parent.

I had a daughter. This little girl, full of spunk and sass and an independent spirit, has given me such a new perspective on the importance of camp. I can’t wait for Josie to go to camp (granted, right now going away for a weekend gives me angst, so there’s some growth on both our parts that needs to happen in the next 7 or 8 years). I can’t wait for her to live on her own in a cabin with friends, to learn new activities, to develop her leadership, communication, collaboration, problem solving skills. But most of all? I can’t wait for her to have counselors in her life. These young women, still developing their own beliefs and life paths, are truly what makes the camp world go ‘round. I can tell you first hand that 90% of the people I still, to this day (at 33 and 11/12 years old), want to be like when I grow up are my camp counselors. The exhilarating feeling when a former counselor likes my post about parenting — I feel so (possibly unreasonably) proud to know that they think I’m doing a good job!

A week or two ago, I was on social media and came across a conversation between two veteran Runoia counselors. They were talking about current events, and clearly both felt great passion about the subject. I’m not sure that I can even pinpoint what it was about their discussion — the respectful tones they used, their ability to truly “listen” to each other and respond in a way that honored the observations of the other, or just the fact that these intelligent, strong, thoughtful young women were empowered enough to share their views in a public forum — whatever the reason, this conversation brought tears to my eyes. The thought of my daughter one day developing relationships with role models just like these two incredible women…there is truly nothing greater I could ever wish for my girl.

As her mom, it is my responsibility to prepare Josie as best I can to face all of the good and bad that life throws her way. I cannot think of a better way to arm a young girl to tackle the world than to surround her with the strong, positive, spirited role models that she will find in her counselors at camp. So the box remains in the basement because one day it will be very fun to look through it with my daughter. But the memories? The hundreds of relationships that have endured? I keep them right with me. And I can’t wait for the day that my daughter will be able to go to camp and create her own.

Thanks Alumna, Jamie Cluchey, for being our guest blogger this week! If you would like to share your Runoia experiences, memories or writing, please go to our alumnae page: https://runoia.com/alumnae/about-crao/ and scroll to the bottom and click on the email to contact our editor, Aionur!

The gift of Camp Runoia

Posted on by Alex

‘Tis the season for giving

gifts

When you gift your daughter a season at Camp Runoia she gets….

The legacy of Miss Weiser and Miss Pond

The beauty of Great Pond

Friends from all over the world

Summer in Maine

The chance to make independent decisions

Sisters for the summer

Free time to play

Caring adults

Choices

The chance to succeed

The smell of pine trees

Blues and whites

Sugar cereal Saturdays

A place to be creative

The sound of loons at night

Life skills

A lifetime of memories

A home away from home

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Enroll now

Filling the Holiday with Less – Runoia Ideas

Posted on by Pam Cobb

Ah! Those days of unplugged summer are 6 months behind or ahead of us as we are deep in the busy holiday season.

Merry. Joyful. Happy.

Sometime it’s hard to muster the thought!

As we race around trying to “get ‘er done” and “just survive” here are some ideas for getting more out of less. From child centered events that make the holiday season special to mindfulness exercises for children, organize and take a moment to have a merrier time. Also, let’s realize adults aren’t the only ones that get stressed. The mindfulness exercises and/or body scans for children are a great way to help children decompress and allow them to enjoy what they have rather than wishing for what they don’t have!

Among the many parenting blogs, MommyPoppins.com has a decent list of holiday events from Channuka to Christmas. Go to Mommypoppins.com and choose “By Area”. Not to stress you out, lol, but tree lightings are happening around the US in the next few days. For example, here’s Westchester area listings:

https://mommypoppins.com/kids/tree-lighting-celebrations-to-kick-off-the-holiday-season-in-westchester

Before and after you plan your excursions, craft projects, secret gifting and more holiday fun, spend some time on the Mindful site at mindful.org. There are simple and fabulous ideas for winding down to get more enjoyment and civility (!) among siblings and in the family:

http://www.mindful.org/category/living/at-home/

and specifically try a body scan:

http://www.mindful.org/body-scan-kids/

So! Learn from Runoia’s #lifelongskills and be like a #runoiagal:

Relax, Plan and Enjoy

Warm wishes as the 31 days of December are upon us!

Love,

Aionur

Giving Thanks

Posted on by Alex

Gratitude – by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

It is here. It is the time of year when we are expected to take a deep breath and stop and consider why we are thankful. Why are YOU thankful?

I, like many, will pause and reflect on my health, my family, the fact that I have a safe place to dwell, food on my table and my freedom to worship as I choose and to speak my mind freely.

As a mother, I easily turn my thoughts to my 9-year old daughter as well.

Raising a child is certainly an adventure that, most days, we are grateful for. The ability to see the world through new, energized, optimistic eyes…the ability to know that our child may further impact the good work in the world which each of us sets out to do.  These things make parenting a wonderful, tiring, awesome, enthralling adventure.

As we delve into the holidays and the darkness of winter and cold that often accompanies these days, it is with fondness that I remember my gratitude for experiences like Runoia and its significance on my daughter and the other girls who find a second home in Belgrade Lakes, ME, each summer.

For 7 magical weeks of summer, there is a place where girls can go and be surrounded with the good of the world that will only make them grow stronger, supporting them in becoming the best people which they can be. Rich in the tradition and history of its camp founders, Miss Weiser and Miss Pond, Runoia provides the support, respect and confidence needed for girls to develop and grow strong.

There are abundant opportunities for girls to take risks – to take flight – from water skiing for the first time to archery to overnight excursions. There is independence within a safe, supportive setting.  There are caring adults ensuring physical health. There are ample opportunities for physical explorations which promote health and wellness. And food? There are fresh vegetables and fruit, sprinkled with the sweetness of birthday cake which is delivered with song and smiles.

As the sun sets on each day of opportunity, there is time for reflection as girls connect about the day’s successes and those things which they will strive for again tomorrow. And as darkness falls, there is calm and quiet – except for the loons. As good nights are said and cabin lights dim, there is always a presence of gratitude.

Runoia is place which exudes gratitude for life.

Wishing you and yours a blessed day of thankfulness.

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The Highlight of My Year

Posted on by Pam Cobb

I have a good life. I travel, meet interesting people and my job is never boring. Last summer I spent a weekend at Camp Runoia, celebrating its 110th anniversary. Now THAT was the highlight of my year and I know now, that one day I will be a camp counselor again.

I spent twelve summers of my formative at Camp Runoia in Belgrade Lakes. In those days, the program was eight weeks, camp was like a bigger and more diverse version of my own family and I loved every minute of it. It is where I understood the real meaning of living with other people, discovered lasting friendships and the value of respect. So, a whole weekend with a group of women whom had been my role models, my teammates and my friends growing up was a treat.

To the observing eyes, in this case those of my husband, the years had not taken their toll on our enthusiasm for our camping days. But most importantly, there was an invisible bond that time had left unbroken. No words needed. We knew that we could count on one another at any given time just like we used to when the lake got rough on a long canoeing trip or on the quest for a sympathetic ear.

What I realized going back to camp after so many years was that the happiness I felt and the sense of belonging driving through the Runoia gate, was just as strong as it had been 30 years ago, it was like coming home. So it came as no surprise to my husband when I told him we would be stopping by the real estate office in Belgrade Lakes on our journey back.

Runoia Alumna and Guest Blogger, Marie-Claude Francoeur

That’s me in the wetsuit… I had a much better time on the swim to Oak Island (and back) than this picture portrays!