On The Ropes with CF

The Camp Friendship Ropes Course is a very popular and important part of camp. The ropes course is used for vital team building activities for staff and campers, it offers challenging events both physically and mentally. Campers are able to participate in both low and high ropes course activities in the summer where they are presented with challenges to help them learn to work as a team and achieve specific goals.

This past Thursday we had a little refresher ropes course training ourselves. It was a great opportunity to work on our very own team building exercises. While not all of the CF year round staff were able to participate it was a great exercise for all who did. All staff who work for camp year round not only work hard in their specific areas but even help out with groups and other facets of camp. Our Ropes course is a big attraction for many of our visitors and this means we need qualified staff on hand. So our resident expert and Camp Director Ray Ackenbom took a few of us out on the course for a little refresher for those already trained, and beginner training for others. As always it was all good fun.

Alina shared some photos of the event with me since I was unable to attend. I have this silly need for having my feet firmly planted on the ground as often as possible. That’s not too say I haven’t entertained my tree climbing inner child in the past but that time has passed. Anyway I have some great photos to share of Zee, Ray, Alina, Robin, and even Sheri our registrar on the ropes just click the images for to enlarge and to see the rest.

See you soon,

Cris

ICF: Report From Quebec City

Camp Friendship’s owners Chuck and Alina Ackenbom have returned from Quebec City, Canada after 4 days participating in the International Camping Fellowship Congress. Please read below for a quick and formal update about the goals of ICF and the sessions and great learning experiences that took place this year.

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The International Camping Fellowship is a worldwide assembly of camping professionals interested in sharing their enthusiasm, knowledge and commitment to the camping experience. It was founded in 1987 amidst the energy of individuals gathered around the dream of a better world through camping and it is rooted in the belief that we can make a difference by “bringing together the world of outdoor experience.”

The ICF is committed to coordinating the exchange of news and information between individuals, camps, outdoor experiences and organizations in different countries in order to encourage and facilitate bilateral and multilateral exchanges and to stimulate efforts to achieve international understanding and global living, leadership, and ecological action through organized camping and outdoor experience and to encourage the organization of regional and national camping associations.

Every 3 years camp professionals from around the world gather together to share their knowledge on camps and camp programs. Chuck and Alina Ackenbom, owners of Camp Friendship in Palmyra participated in 8^th International Camping Congress in Quebec City, Canada held on October 4-7, 2008.

More than 600 delegates from Canada, Russia, Japan, France, Mongolia, USA, Ukraine, China, Mexico, Venezuela, Australia, Colombia and many more spent together four wonderful days packed with workshops, sessions, entertainment programs, and sightseeing tours.

One of the highlights of the congress included opening ceremony led by Max “One-Onti” Gros-Louis, Grand Chief of the Huron-Wendat Nation, also known as the founder and director of organizations dedicated to the culture and rights of First Nations (Indian tribes). Some of the other events presented at the Congress included evenings with McGill Conservatory Youth Choir, International Dance Troop Mackinaw and reception by the Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports of Quebec Province.

Delegates were very pleased to attend the general session led by Peg Smith, CEO of American Camp Association, Georges Brassard, Member of the Quebec and Canada Order, the highest distinctions of the country and the person who’s life story was reflected in the movie “Blue Butterfly” as well as other prominent speakers from around the world.

Chuck and Alina both serve on the steering committee of International Camping Fellowship representing camps from the USA. They admit that the Congress once again proved the important role that summer camps, year round camps and camp programs play in the lives of children and adults. By attending camps children learn social and life skills through play in a natural environment. They gain self-confidence and respect of others and make unforgettable memories and friendships lasting through their lives.

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Building Social Capital

Today I find myself lucky enough to have discovered my Camping Magazine, the Sept./Oct. issue, under a pile of papers on my desk. It’s always nice when one discovers those small little surprises during the day. Just like finding a few dollars in your freshly washed jeans! So I took a moment to read through the issue since I will most certainly loose it again somewhere on my desk. While reading I discovered a rather interesting article called “Camping Alone” by Steven Wallace, M.S. Ed. The title immediately captured my attention; it just doesn’t make much sense to me to go camping alone. It seems Mr. Wallace and I are in complete agreement.

The article goes on to talk about the considerable decline in social capital in America and how summer camps combat this decline by building communities, friendships, and respect for each other. Mr. Wallace goes on to cite certain examples and quotes from the likes of Michael Eisner, Robert Putnam author of “Bowling Alone” and some research studies on the subject.

Here’s an excerpt borrowed from Steven Wallace’s very own website. www.stevenraywallace.com

Eight years ago, Harvard University Professor Robert Putnam published a book, Bowling Alone, chronicling the demise of connection in modern-day American society and warning that the precipitous decline in “social capital” (the collective value of all social networks and the inclinations that arise from these networks to do things for each other) impoverishes our lives and communities. As evidence, Putnam cites plummeting rates of membership in PTAs, unions, and clubs of all kinds; long-term declines in blood donations, card games, and charity; and drops of 40-60 percent in dinner parties, civic meetings, family suppers, picnics . . . and league bowling.

Like many of our camp families already know camp is not just about having a good time in the summer but about building relationships, friendships, and social skills. Camp Friendship works hard to create this kind of positive atmosphere at camp and we are very proud of our 42 years building social networks. This article by Steven Wallace highlights one very big benefit of camp that we should all be a part of.

To read the entire article please visit http://www.acacamps.org/campmag/issues/0809/wallace.php

See you soon

Cris