a place where you are valued Archives - Page 8 of 15

Camp Runoia – finding your tribe

Posted on February 21, 2018 by Alex

Have you found your tribe?

At our workshop last week we were invited to find a group with only random volunteers standing up as the group leaders. The task was to be accomplished without speaking and with no other direction other than ‘find your tribe.’ There was no knowledge of what we were to accomplish in the found group or how long we were committing ourselves to those that we chose. Reluctantly people moved to join a group, glancing around to see where others were going and apprehensively acknowledging those that came to join them. It felt strange to make a choice with little information and based mostly on an impression of the volunteer group leader.

Finding your tribe has become a buzz of the current blog and social media world, sometimes is happens organically and sometimes you have to put effort into finding your people.

Our first task in our new group was sharing why we had chosen to belong there. Answers ranged from the simple and thoughtless ‘it was near to my seat’ to more complex stories about previous connections, commonalities and a feeling that it would be a good place which had swayed their decision making.

In our lives we have many groups that we belong to, some through choice others through situation. We all seek a place to belong, for like-minded people who we can share experiences with and who we can feel our best selves among. Being a member of a group of people in which we feel like our true selves and are loved and accepted as we are is a comforting place where we can relax and engage without hesitation. We naturally have a desire for unity in the communities in which we live, work and play.

We are glad that these women found their tribe back in 1907 and founded Camp Runoia.

Camp Runoia provides campers and staff with the opportunity to have a ready-made tribe of people who come from a variety of places to be the Runoia summer family. The group forms and reforms with new members joining and old ones moving on. We remain connected by our commonalities and often bound by our differences. We enjoy the belonging for the moment of time that is the summer season and sometimes keep the bonds through the years. We regroup again the next summer. Having a place and a group of people to be a part of is empowering and reassuring.

We can’t wait to be back on the shores of Great Pond with our Runoia 2018 tribe! If your daughter is still looking for a place to belong this summer you can sign up here.

Camp Runoia continues our professional development

Posted on February 14, 2018 by Alex

This week: Diversity and a continued commitment to youth development

Another week and yet another opportunity for professional development right here in Maine with a another amazing, national level speaker . This weeks workshop was presented by Maine Summer Camps, the consortium of Maine camps that comes together to ‘support and promote meaningful developmental, educational, environmental, and recreational experiences for children.’ Camp Runoia is a long time and active member of this group and is always keen to participate in any opportunities that promote further growth and learning.

Unlike many industries the Maine summer camp community is invested in working together to provide the best camping opportunities for all children. We are a diverse group for sure so it was particularly fitting that our workshop speaker was Niambi Jaha- Echols.

An expert in ‘cross cultural agility’ Niambi’s focus was about inclusion, diversity and our unique position as an industry to create diversely rich communities that value everyone equally. We were lucky enough to work with Niambi last year at our Runoia staff training and this was a great reminder of our commitment to all girls and to creating a truly diverse community where everyone is valued.

It is always interesting to network with other camp professionals, to discuss common factors and also learn from our differences. There are so many different ways to provide the camping experience and there truly are camps that best suit the needs of every child. By opening our doors as widely as we can and staying true to our goals and missions we can build relationships and connections among groups of people who may never come into contact.

Highly recommended is the ‘Seeing White‘ podcast series that challenges our perceptions and calls us to true action.

At Camp Runoia we try our best to challenge ourselves to grow and develop, to meet the needs of the changing world that we work and live in and to provide as many girls as possible with an exceptional overnight camp experience. We are always open to hearing comments and opinions of others, to rethinking the way we approach things and to recommitting to our goals and mission.

‘No More Mean Girls’

Posted on February 7, 2018 by Alex

Monday night, I was lucky enough to be able to attend a lecture by psychotherapist and author Katie Hurley. Her latest book ‘No More Mean Girls – the secret to raising strong, confident and compassionate girls ’ delves into the realms of relational aggression and how it is starting among girls at a younger age than ever before. In her research and collaboration with experts from around the world it is clear that young women are facing greater challenges in their social interactions which is having a negative impact on mental and emotional health.

Hurley’s latest book is an excellent read for parents and educators.

The increased use of technology and the ease with which cyber bullying can occur are prevalent factors in the social interactions that most girls experience today. A rumor or photo once shared with a quick click can become instant public humiliation and a destroyer of lifelong friendships. Exclusion from the social group is one of the biggest and most damaging forms of social aggression that our girls are facing. Girls are often left to flounder alone in an environment that can instantly become dangerous and emotionally damaging.

Adults need to teach, model and help girls to navigate the relational world that they live in. Helping girls to understand the concepts of empathy and kindness and how they can be incorporated into their social interactions both in person and online are crucial to the development of healthy relationships. Educating girls about what mean behavior looks like, how they can not be part of the problem and helping them understand steps to being a solution will help strengthen their connections.

Hurley claims that girls can be the change in their own social worlds by:

Being the ‘upstander’
Refuting the rumors
Meeting negative comments with positive ones
Saying something nice to the victim
Involving adults

Fortunately overnight camp provides girls with the opportunity to develop face to face relationships, to be tech free for a few weeks, to work through hard social situations with the support of caring adults and to continue to grow their self-esteem and self-worth. We must commit to helping girls navigate the complex social world that they live in, help them to not be the ‘mean girl,’ recognize when relational aggression is happening and stand up when they can.

For more from Katie Hurley and a ton more great articles check out her website

With Gratitude for our Girls and Families

Posted on November 15, 2017March 29, 2018 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,

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

Posted on October 31, 2017October 31, 2017 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 October 25, 2017 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.

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!

Camp Runoia – beautiful in the changing season

Posted on October 11, 2017 by Alex

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 October 4, 2017 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.”

Camp Runoia summer 2017 is here!

Posted on June 28, 2017 by Alex

Planes, trains and automobiles – getting to Camp Runoia

It’s almost time for our girls to arrive and we seriously can’t wait to open the gates and start our 111^th season of overnight camping on Great Pond. Our week has been filled with wrapping up staff training, putting the finishing touches to the campus, ordering food and supplies and talking about what makes Runoia special. We have learned songs, practiced schedules and routines and helped each other learn the intricacies of how our community works. A new generation of staff has been amazed at our history, are in awe of the amazing women who came before us and are ready to fill those big shoes.

We know that for our girls it has been a week of packing and repacking, finding lost song books, cramming an extra stuffie into trunks and generally preparing to be away from home for a couple of weeks. Some families have pre camp rituals, a special dinner out or a vacation with everyone before the separation of camp. For others just wrapping up school, camp is an oasis of calm growing ever closer.

Getting everyone here on time and safely is quite the task. Girls will drive up with their family, fly in from faraway places or enjoy fun with friends on the camp bus. They will be met by new friendly faces wearing Runoia shirts and will quickly settle in to their home away from home in Harmony Land.

We cannot wait until we have everyone safely tucked into their camp beds on the first night. When the names on a cabin list become real children the work of the entire year becomes reality.

We are ready to welcome in the 2017 summer season at Runoia may it be filled with adventure, guided challenges, new friendships, great food, long summer days and most of all harmony.

Tag up time at Camp Runoia -independent decision making

Posted on May 31, 2017 by Alex

It is almost time for Camp Runoia on Great Pond in Belgrade Lakes, Maine to open for its 111^th season.

As a camp where girls are encouraged to be themselves and grow as individuals one of the greatest legacies that our Runoia founders left us was that of camper led decision making. From the time Camp Runoia was founded girls and young women have had choices. Morning ‘tag up’ after breakfast has become a staple of how girls make decisions and plan their own days at camp. With around twenty different activity choices for each period there is something that appeals to everyone. Check out the choices!

In a world where many of our campers are in very academic school programs and spend their after school time running from one pre-scheduled activity to another ‘tagging up’ allows for freedom and individuality of choice. As parents of toddlers we are coached on giving choices to develop independent behavior but as children get older their decision making autonomy decreases.

There are no parents involved in how girls make choices at Runoia. The great news is that you don’t have to commit for a semester or a 10 week block and if you like something you can do more of it or if you don’t like it all that much you can choose something different next time. Youth involved decision making is a building block for developing life skills.

When girls make their own activity choices at camp or chose what they would like to do in their free time they can focus on themselves and their own needs and wants at that given moment. While some girls come to camp with a master plan for their choices others enjoy a more flexible schedule and choose based on their goals, their mood that day or even the weather. For some the challenge of choosing may initially be overwhelming, for others the days are too short to fit in everything that they want to try or work on. There is no right or wrong way to ‘tag up’ it’s just your own way!

Every camper has her own individual schedule that changes daily.

However a Camp Runoia girl makes her choices she is supported by caring adults who provide encouragement. Campers are reminded to set and aim for goals, try new things, stick with projects that need finishing, be an independent thinker and of course maximize the opportunities that camp provides.

In our over scheduled, busy lives, ‘tag up’ provides structured freedom of decision making in a safe place.