By Jess DeQuattro, Summer Activities Director

During Session 3, we will set sail on a swashbuckling adventure as our summer camp celebrates a theme day dedicated to the scurvy dogs of the seven seas – Pirates! The campers will have the opportunity to get dressed in their best pirate gear, from eye patches to bandanas, and are ready to take on the battles of the day (The Battle of the Seas and The Battle of the Lands).

We’ve got scavenger hunts, relay races, and even a “build-a-boat” activity, to see who sinks and who floats. And of course, no pirate day would be complete without a treasure chest filled with gold coins!

But it’s not just about the gold (although, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt). The real treasure are the friendships and memories that we’re making on this theme day. The campers and counselors will have a blast working together in their teams to complete challenges and experience all the twists and turns the day has to offer. We even have a fun shipwrecked-themed lunch planned!

As the day comes to a close, we’ll gather at the Upper Athletic Field to fight in The Final Pirate Battle, against The Kraken; a great beast controlled by the evil Pirate, Captain Skylord. We’re all counting down the days until our Pirate Theme Day, so hoist the Camp Mason colors, me hearties, and let’s set sail for another amazing summer camp adventure!

By Christian Hince, Summer Camper and Counselor

For 10 years I attended a Camp Mason. In my time, summer camp is a place where wonderful relationships and life-altering experiences come easily and quickly, and Camp Mason has proven this to me with the tradition of cabin chat.

Cabin chat happens every night before lights out at Camp Mason with the same general process. A counselor lights a candle and places it on the floor, everybody in the cabin sits around it in a circle, and the lights go off. You can do it outside too, whether it be on the porch, around a fire, or under the stars.

The point of cabin chat is self-reflection and group bonding, so it typically involves a counselor asking at least one question, ranging from goofy hypotheticals to deep, introspective queries.

–

Here are some rules for cabin chat:

• Only one person can speak at a time and nobody can answer questions more than once. This emphasizes respect for the speaker and sets a time limit.
• If you like somebody else’s answer, you wait until they’re done speaking and either snap your fingers or lightly knock on wood. Keeping it quiet allows the subtlety which cabin chat deserves.
• What is said in cabin chat, stays in cabin chat. A tradition which can get highly personal needs to ensure privacy for those willing to be vulnerable. And in that same vein, nobody has to answer. Not everybody will feel comfortable getting deep, and that’s fine.

Once everybody is done answering, cabin chat ends with one person blowing out the candle. This person, either nominated by counselors or their fellow campers, could be someone who acted kind during the day or someone who’s shown great spirit across the entire week. It could be someone who entered camp unsure and perhaps even felt homesick, but came out of their shell. Generally, cabin chat is about ending the day on a rewarding note.

As a camper, this is exactly what it meant to me. Lighter questions like “what would be your favorite useless superpower?” allowed us to be creative and share a laugh, while serious ones such as “what was a time where you felt helpless?” proved how difficult life can be sometimes. There is comfort in knowing we all experience hardship and have each other’s back.

–

Leading cabin chat

When I became a counselor at Camp Mason three years ago, I wanted to model this blend of fun and vulnerability through the questions I asked in cabin chat. “What was a vulnerable moment for you?” always gets campers to speak on dramatic life experiences while “Who’s an important person in your life?” gets kids to talk about beautiful relationships of theirs. Then for goofier nights, I’ll ask the superpower question and “If it could rain anything, what would you choose?”

As someone who’s worked with older boys generally, ages 12 to 16, I’ve heard stories about self-harm, loss at early age, and relationships sadly becoming distant. I’ve also heard about wonderful friends and mentors, times of personal accomplishment, and future aspirations.

–

Why cabin chat is important?

Cabin chat is great because it gives structure to something which is hard to do. Not everybody can casually talk about the most polarizing parts of their life, but cabin chat gives this a time and place which are safe and non-judgmental.

While cabin chat is meant to elevate the experiences of kids just like any activity at Camp Mason, my Hungarian friend Adam is right in saying there’s a selfish aspect for counselors as well. Many times when I’ve asked deep questions to close the day,  I’ve also had some insecurity, trauma, or love which I’ve bottled up for too long. As a counselor, learning how to introspect alongside campers is a powerful thing.

As both a child and adult, Camp Mason has introduced me to unforgettable friends and incredible life moments, and this is in no small part thanks to cabin chat.

–

Christian at camp in 2023 with a camper from his cabin.

Last summer, we made a change to our summer camp schedule based on feedback from campers, their families and our fabulous staff team. Campers were looking for more opportunities to try as many camp activities as possible and we listened! Camper choice was a huge hit last summer so we are excited to see its permanent spot on the schedule moving forward.

What is Camper Choice?

Camper Choice is a period at summer camp right before lunch each day. Campers choose an activity to try right then and there from a list of choices. They do the activity once and then can sign up for it again the next day or try something completely new. There’s a different offering for junior and senior campers to ensure there is a wide variety of age appropriate activities. Campers can see the day’s options at breakfast and then come to sign ups ready with an idea of what they want to do in mind. Once they have signed up, they are whisked off to get stuck in and have fun at their activity. Campers could try mountain biking, crafts, archery or the climbing wall among so many others including some silly, creative ones that you could only find at Camp Mason! 

Choice matters

A lot of the time children and young people follow along with adult choices and plans, it’s the society we all live in. When we can make it happen it’s important for kids to have some say in their own schedules and about how they spend their time. At camp, we build in three periods a day where campers can decide what to do themselves. Camper choice is in the morning and there are two activity periods after lunch. Choices like this give kids the chance to try new things, learn what they do and don’t like, make mistakes and feel accomplished too, especially when things go to plan! 

Learning to make choices and weigh up the options is a life skill that kids need as they develop into adults. Choices at camp give kids space to learn this skill in a safe environment with fairly low stakes! The worst scenario is that archery is full that day and they’ll have to wait until tomorrow to get to the range. And in the meantime, there’s the garden, mid ropes or candle making to try instead!  

Guiding campers to make decisions

We know that decision making is tough.

Should I pick the activity you really want? Or should I go with my friend and try their first pick? What if I need a second choice? Will I like it? Can I make it up the climbing tower? What if I can’t? Am I scared of heights? Does that matter?….

The questions keep on coming and our brains can go into overdrive. There are social elements at play and a lot to consider! So we make sure campers know the options ahead of time, get fair chances to choose their activities first and support them as they make their decisions. If somebody looks lost or needs extra help, the counselors are there to help. When someone is having a tough day and needs a boost, we might help them get to an activity they like or with in one with a staff member they relate to. All of these things are happening as campers sign up for a fun activity at camp. 

Camper Choice is fun

At the end of the day, this is what camp is all about – having fun outdoors as a part of a safe, welcoming community. Being able to do an activity each morning, simply for fun is a good thing! Life is busy and hectic, and full of pressures. Kids love to get stuck into fire building, go on a nature hike or play soccer for an hour before lunch with no big end goal. They don’t need to master a skill or get to the top of the climbing tower during Camper Choice, so long as they are having fun and trying their best. That’s what Camper Choice gives campers – time to have fun doing something awesome!

Read this post about Free Time and learn more about our camp day. Each part of the day is intentional and well planned to be fun and help kids learn and grow throughout. Then make sure you’ve saved you spot for the summer, it’s shaping up to be an incredible one! Register here.

By Anna Bilton, Summer Camp Director

Many of you will know I spent a few summer’s away from Camp Mason before my return for Summer 2023. And let me tell you, I’m glad I came back! Summer Camp is still awesome! Here are some of my favorite re-discoveries about summer at Camp Mason.

There is no fun like camp fun!

Now, this is no surprise because we all know camp is supposed to be fun – talk about stating the obvious! Bear with me though, I’m talking about next level fun, the kind where you laugh so hard your face muscles hurt by the end of the day and no one blinks when you walk into the dining hall dressed like a LEGO character! The kind where a skit at campfire has 300 people of all ages in stitches and where a game of dodgeball requires a zombie invasion and neon face paint.

Daily life outside of camp is busy, and often hectic. To see kids and staff relax into camp life, embrace silly activities and songs, and laugh together without hesitation is a joy. Our pressure-free environment gives kids room to feel comfortable in their own skin and thrive. Camp is a safe space for self expression, different ways of thinking and good old fashioned fun!

New ideas and tradition go hand in hand at summer camp

Our world is ever changing and there is always something new to eat, try and experience out there. It’s not always easy to balance the old and the new, but at camp we have it down pat.

Staff and campers brought new ideas and activities to camp this summer that brought lots of joy (and laughs)! Consider the diabolo for example, where a camp counselor taught their skills to campers who then went home, shared their excitement with their friends and family and continued practicing. Or this summer’s paper airplane academy, Barbie night or Skyview Village LARPing afternoons, all new ideas that gave campers space to play, learn and enjoy themselves.

What I love about Camp Mason is that all of these different things sit so well alongside the old school offers like archery, campfire songs, nature hikes and canoeing on the lake. There’s a perfect blend of the old and the new on the schedule. There is something for every person, time and mood at camp. We keep old traditions alive and try new things each and every day too.

Nature heals

I know that I personally benefitted from a summer in the woods surrounded by natural beauty, as did my own children. Their curiousity about the natural world blossomed and they loved the freedom of running without the need to cross a road, stop for traffic or being out of sight.

And then there’s the next level power of nature that blows me away every time, such as the camper who found a calm in their surroundings at camp to focus in a way they find impossible in a school classroom. Or the camper who had lost a close family member in the past year and was finally able to pause, away from the noise of day to day life and come to terms with their emotions on an adventure trip. The calm of the river gave them room to think, breathe, feel ready to talk and start the healing process.

There are plenty of other stories like this from the summer where campers and staff members grew at camp, in no small part because of the magic of being in outside in a natural environment.

The power of people

From listening to the news most days you’d be hard pressed to discover the good in people and it’s easy to forget that people are amazing! It doesn’t take long when you walk onto camp to remember this. From the staff team culture to our campers and their families, camp reminds you that people are inherently good. It starts with a warm welcome on opening day and doesn’t stop all session long! Sometimes it is the small things, like a teenage camper reaching a ball out of a tree for one our youngest. Or a camper offering their spot in a full activity to someone who hasn’t had a turn to try it yet. And at other times it’s huge such as a camper contorting another and offering support when life throws them a tough hand.

Our community is kind, inclusive and positive. We look forward, and yet take the time for us all to learn and understand as we move. it’s rare to find a place like this, and I for one am thankful it exists. Now, if only those world leaders would take note!

Learning never stops

This wasn’t my first summer, and thankfully it won’t be my last. Yet, I still learned a lot over the season and so did our year round team, seasonal staff and campers. I walked away with some exciting ideas and strategies to try for next summer and am ready to do it all again, armed with the knowledge we gained in 2023. Each summer we add something new and tweak things to continually improve. As we register campers, hire our team and plan the schedule for Summer Camp 2024, we remember the achievements and lessons learned from previous summers. This way, we build strong and give campers their best summer each and every year!

See you soon for another summer of organized chaos and fun in the woods! Save your spot here.

By Anna Bilton, Summer Camp Director

Summer is fast approaching and it is time to prepare for camp! Some of this advice may be old hat to returning families, but it’s still worth a read to get camp ready. For new families, these tried and tested tips from Camp Mason recent and returning families will help you and your camper/s get ready for this summer. 

Plan a sleepover

Organize a sleepover with a friend or family member you trust and that your camper/s know well. This is especially helpful if campers have never spent the night away from home before. It gives them a taste of being apart from you overnight and builds confidence and independence ahead of the summer. 

Pack together

Spend some time with your camper/s and go through their packed bag. Make sure they know what’s in there and where to find it. It really helps campers and counselors when kids know where to find their toothbrush and what clothes they have to wear. Now, we will always help campers when needed, don’t worry, but it does make kids feel good to be able to find their things themselves. You can find our suggested packing list here.

Take a hike

We spend most of our time outside at camp in our wooded natural environment. It’s a great idea to take a hike or two as a family before you arrive at camp so your camper/s know what to expect and feel comfortable outdoors. Now, this is not to say you need to go far afield, this can be an adventure in your local park or neighborhood. It’s all about getting outside and moving. 

Talk about the communication at camp

Parents can send one way emails to their campers (which we deliver within 48 hours) and send physical mail. Campers can write letters to their family and friends. Campers cannot make or receive phone calls while they are at camp and we are phone/tablet/smart watch free camp. It’s beneficial to talk together with your camper/s about how you will communicate while they are at camp. It means you are all on the same page and can picture how it will work. 

Attend an in-person or virtual welcome event 

We still have one final in-person Open House on Saturday May 13 you are welcome to attend. Contact us to schedule a private tour if this date doesn’t work for you. There is a Virtual Open House Slideshow to watch here. And, due to popular demand we have added one more New Family Welcome Call on June 10 at 11am EST. Returning families are welcome to join this call too if you’d like a refresher on all things camp. You can find the details for that here.

Missing home

It’s normal for campers to miss home when they are at camp. Many of us miss home a little when we are away, even as adults, so it’s easy to relate to this feeling. We cover how to support campers when they miss home in staff training. Plus, we have a lot of experience within our leadership team to support staff and campers with this throughout the summer.

Talk to your campers and let them know it’s okay to miss home and feeling this way is common at camp when everything is different to their regular day to day. It’s actually a good thing, it means that there are people, pets, places and ways of life that you care about and love. What’s important is that they know that after the first couple of days, most campers settle into camp life. And while they still may miss home a little, they will be so busy having a great time that it’ll fade into the background!

Campers quickly learn they can be independent, take on new challenges and have a blast with new friends at camp. 

Get in touch as you prepare for camp

As always, please get in touch with any questions so we can guide you through the process. It’s a big deal to attend camp for the first, second or even tenth time and we are here to support you. 

You can only imagine how excited we are to welcome you all to camp very soon. We are doing everything we can to plan, prepare and get ready for our best summer yet!