Don't Take My Word...

I often write and speak about the amazing benefits that Camp offers Children.  But you don't have to take my word for it...check out this great article from Cigna about the Benefits of Summer Camp!

Summer Health: Benefits of Summer Camp

See you at Camp!!

UPDATE FROM A SNOWY MEADOWBROOK

Yes, it is snowing at Camp!  This is different from our normal Blog Posts.  Before we end our day, we wanted to briefly update everyone on a few things going on at Camp as we prepare for the best Summer ever!

For our youngest Campers, we are now offering a mini-day program for entering pre-school Campers.  The day will end at 1:30 and include lunch and swimming twice each day.  Let us know if you would like more information on the program for you or a friend.

We are always focused on improving our facility, and this year we seem to have more projects than ever in progress.  We are about ½ way through our bunk renovation project.  We are also working on completely re-building our Sun Mountain building area, including going from 2 bathrooms to 6 and adding a program room for some new activities we are working on.  We are also working on building 2 new GaGa pits, a new Gymnastics area under our big-top tent, new high elements at our Challenge Course, and lots more.  We are also busy on plans for a new Field House targeted for the Summer of 2014. 

For our YA Campers, we have added a new elective-type activity called Clubs.  We are busy looking to hire outside specialists for activities like Magic and Martial Arts.  We are finishing the building of our first regulation size ping pong table.  Once we have it perfected, we will build a few more before Camp starts.  They will be located in our new After Swim area called The Ridge.

For our Travel Campers, we will be adding Co-ed Sports Leagues, a Camper favorite from their YA days.  We will also have a few days of all choice for Travel Campers spread throughout the Summer based on the trip Schedules.

All of this is in addition to the ongoing projects that our office and facility staff work on all winter, every year.  We already have our 8 Weekly Special Event Themes and are busy planning schedules, Special Events, and Bus Activities.  We have had many Staff members from last Summer come to Camp to re-interview for the Summer of 2013.  We have reviewed hundreds of surveys from last Summer and are working on the many suggestions.  And of course, we are working on finalizing the 2012 Video Yearbook that we hope to mail soon so we can relive the Summer of 2012!

We have already hired about 70% of our great Staff, but we are always looking for more great mentors and role models for our Campers.  We are especially looking for a few Adult Group Leaders, Art Specialists, and Phys Ed Teachers.  We are also looking for some Lifeguards, Ropes Staff, Whispering Woods Staff, and College Athletes.  All Staff MUST be available to work all 8-weeks, no exceptions.  Anyone interested should give us a call in the office.

Finally, make sure to stay on top of everything happening at Camp.  We post lots of information on both our facebook page and our blog.  Make sure to check them out and like/subscribe to both so you don’t miss anything.

Stay safe during the snow…and think Summer…only 143 days ‘til Camp!!

- Roz, Jed, Rich & Marty

Meetings Meetings Meetings

Lot's of meetings this week, and it is only Wednesday. So far, we've met with Chris our painter to review what needs to be freshened up before summer. Frankie was in yesterday looking at all the property for stone, blacktop, grading, etc. We also met with our AV expert, also named Chris. Planning on a new sound system for the lunch pavilion and goat theater. He will also redo our morning assembly sound system and add to the rec barn system so rainy day karaoke will be even more fun! Finally, Char was here inspecting our ropes course and making some minor repairs. He checks everything....every rope, every buckle, every connection. Ongoing maintenance helps keep everything in tip-top shape.

Last night the full Leadership Team got together. Worked on orientation activities and training ideas. And always great food....working at Meadowbrook is never having to say you are hungry! Also met with Casey yesterday. She is one of our Special Events Directors. Time to get all of those bus events planned so we can finalize our '09 Special Events Calender. Today our 3 RN's come in to meet with Roz for their first group pre-summer meeting. And tours everyday for new families who want to join the Meadowbrook Fun.

Only 96 days 'till camp!

Back to Camp

Today we return to camp after almost a week out of the office. We visited another Day Camp in NJ (thanks Andrew) to share ideas and then spent several days at the Tri-State Camp Conference in Atlantic City buying, learning, and sharing.

What do we do now with 98 days to camp? Today is catching up on lots of phone calls, emails, and enrollments from last week. Also a few tours for prospective families. New stuff? Our challenge course gets its annual inspection this week. We already know we are replacing a few elements on our low course. So today we put in a new pole for an anchor. We also need to finalize some tri-state purchases: more foam for our bubble machine...some funky new "sand"...and getting to work on everything we need to buy for our new salad bar (more about that another day), just to name a few.

Please give us your feedback on the expansion our presence in social media. This entry will appear in a few different places. Let us know what works best for you as we try and "figure it all out!"