Camp News Archives - Page 31 of 35

Now We’re Cookin’!

Posted on June 30, 2015 by PineForest

TOP Cooks began their culinary adventures today with a visit and demonstration by local baker, Marcia Dunsmore. Marcia provides homemade, hand-crafted bread to all of the finest restaurants and gourmet shops in Northeastern PA. Campers really enjoyed diving into dough-making with her guidance.

We had a few more showers in Greeley today, but that didn’t stop the action around camp. We had an intensive soccer clinic for boys and girls, basketball leagues in Hughie Hall, and boys 13 and under hoops practice. We also had sign-ups for the Marvin Black USTA tennis tournament (just in time for Wimbledon across the pond).

Chad unveiled the new “competitive choice” program, where campers who want even more team sports can choose extra play time. Now there are leagues, Intercamps and the all new, competitive choice. Whew! That’s a lot! And it’s not even dinner time yet!

Speaking of dinner, the campers aren’t aware of this before going to print, but there are onion rings on the menu tonight! Oh, and chicken patties, turkey burgers, AND kasha and bowties. Did we mention homemade marshmallow dream bars for dessert? BEST. DINNER. EVER.

Rays of Fun!

Posted on June 29, 2015 by PineForest

The sun came out today and so did the racquets, water bottles, and sunscreen. Superstar Tennis lessons began with Mr. Craig Wallace presiding. Chad announced practice for girls’ 13 and under basketball and 11 and under soccer. Tryouts for the 4^th of July talent show extravaganza were underway, including the formation of our own house rock band. We also kicked off our personal training sessions and horseback riding lessons, and sent our first boats out for waterskiing! Our SAT Prep class met in Greeley Theater which was a WAY better setting than a high school classroom if you ask us. The Junior boys were the first to try out our brand new surf bikes this summer and we’ve only heard rave reviews! Meanwhile, another group was busy perfecting their vanilla cupcakes topped with marshmallow Peeps in cooking, and in girls’ camp, newcomb and dance were big hits. Can you believe that we managed to fit in a fire drill at rest period today amidst all of these activities?

In international news, our Spanish campers arrived from Madrid last night and have already been filled in on our cheers and songs!

Our in-house food critic gave today’s meals two thumbs up! We started with pancakes with whipped cream and fruit at breakfast, moved on to burritos, tortilla soup, tuna hoagies, and Greek salad at lunch, and we will end our Monday with meatballs, penne, garlic bread and, most importantly, fudgsicles. Don’t worry, mom and dad, the salad bar has been a big hit!

Tonight’s evening activity? It’s a surprise!

Let the sun shine, let the marshmallows roast, let the good times roll.

Balloon Tennis in Banana

Posted on June 28, 2015 by PineForest

What an eventful day. We don’t let a little rain get to us at PFC! In one Sunday morning, there was a high-energy game of “Crossfire” going on in Lee’s Rink, an around the world passport creation in arts and crafts, kickboxing lessons in martial arts, human Etch-a-Sketch in Marvin Hall, an athletic screening for basketball leagues in Hughie Hall, and a new interview show in media. But wait, there’s more! There were lemon cupcakes with butter cream frosting warming up in cooking, hip hop dance lessons to Ariana Grande in dance, a peaceful yoga class, rope jumping in fitness, and tumbling in gymnastics. Even with all of these activities going on, the boys in Bunk Banana couldn’t stop talking about a game they invented in the middle of their bunk called “Balloon Tennis.” Apparently, if you tape the floor, blow up a balloon and hit it back and forth with your new camp friends, it’s pretty awesome. Sometimes, even with all that PFC has to offer, it’s the simplest, least planned, homemade fun, that is the best of all. Welcome to bunk life!

All In

Posted on June 27, 2015 by PineForest

We’re here. Wet but happy. All buses arrived on time and rainy day activities were in full gear by mid afternoon. Smiles, high fives and hugs brought sunshine to an otherwise rainy day. Bunks set up, bags unpacked and health checks completed, camp is in full swing. You can hear the laughter, smell the pines and feel the warmth. Pine Forest camp is alive again! Let the 85^th season begin. The best one ever!

Greetings from Camp Health Center!

Posted on June 24, 2015 by PineForest

We look forward to welcoming your children to camp in just a short time. On the first day of camp, as we have in the past several years, our camp nurses will do a health check of each and every camper. Included in that process is a head check for lice.

This summer, to improve the process, we have hired Lice Be Gone, professionals in the field who will do each camper’s head check. They provide this service for many camps and schools. If a camper has lice, Lice Be Gone can treat it directly or our nurses can treat it with a medicated shampoo. The strategy is to find and eliminate it promptly, even before campers settle into their cabins, where it could spread. Of course, if lice is detected we will be sure to call you immediately.

Going this direction will allow camp to be free of lice and to ensure that we all have a happy and healthy camp season. We are doing our part and ask that you proactively check your camper for lice before they head up to Greeley for a summer of fun!

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out.

Healthy campers are happy campers!

2015 Master Classes!

Posted on June 12, 2015 by PineForest

We are thrilled to announce that we’re bringing these exciting special guest instructors to camp this summer for ALL campers!

SOCCER: Gordon Hill, a soccer legend! World renowned former Manchester United star and Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) “A” licensed coach, the highest coaching designation in Europe.

ART: Steven Charny, PFC alumna and former Art Director at Rolling Stone Magazine will create a special mural with campers.

BASEBALL: Frank Decembrino, Head High School Baseball Coach and Former Associate Scout for the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club will host his Elite Baseball Clinic.

CHESS: Danny Kopec, International Master Chess Champion and teacher and Director of TOP Chess Camp.

SELF-DEFENSE AND FITNESS: Eugene Gershman of Krav Maga Centers of America

SPORTS BROADCASTING: Jeremy Treatment, TV play-by-play, color announcer and reporter. Campers will learn and practice the art of sports broadcasting.

ULTIMATE FRISBEE: Philadelphia Spinners Team Members.

DANCE: Kelli Moshen, Owner/Founder of Moshen Dance Project, performer and teacher. Back by popular demand!

And there are even more to come. Stay tuned!

Official Charn-Barn Dedication at 85th Anniversary Celebration

Posted on June 11, 2015 by PineForest

Charn-Barn

Last week, the Hoops guys, camp friends from the 1970s and 1980s at PFC, quietly dedicated the red barn at the entrance to camp in memory of their dear friend Ricky Charny who passed away this year. They installed a small metal plaque that reads:

“In brightest day, in blackest night
No evil shall escape my sight

Let those who worship evil’s might
Beware my power, Green Lantern’s light.

Beam on.”

Rick would chant these words while on OD at camp and then turn on his flashlight to surprise campers and counselors to their delight and to his.

Rick Charny was a bright light for anyone who knew him and he will forever be a beacon of goodness, courage and joy at Pine Forest and in our hearts.

Join us on the 85^th Anniversary Weekend when we “officially” dedicate the red barn in his memory.

New Family Weekend 2015: Check!

Posted on June 9, 2015 by PineForest

Wow! What a weekend! Pine Forest Camp was filled with new families, new friends and fun for the overnight New Family Weekend. The sun shone on a glorious two days at camp. It started with bunk assignments, introductions at Netsy Playhouse, and then families went off for a tour of camp and activities were in full swing. Campers and their brothers and sisters climbed the climbing wall, canoed to Blueberry Island and even inaugurated the boys’ pool, with a splash.

Later in the day, Moms and Dads had a chance to meet the camp leaders at a question and answer session about getting ready for camp, while campers played games and practiced for the talent show campfire.

Barbara served a delicious barbeque chicken dinner with homemade apple cobbler and ice cream for dessert. We all saved room for s’mores at the campfire, and what a campfire it was! Songs, jokes, skits, karate demonstrations, Rubik’s cube feats, and even yo-yo tricks by Chad. At the end, both new campers and old, Moms, Dads, and even grandparents, linked arms and sang for the first time this year, the songs that we have been singing around that same campfire for 85 summers, “Taps” and “Friends.”

The next morning, everyone looked settled into camp life in their pajamas as we met for breakfast and goodbyes. It won’t be long before those new campers are back for the real thing. Hopefully they will be more confident and secure than ever as they arrive at their summer home. The best is yet to come!

Thanks to all for a spectacular New Family Weekend! See you on opening day!!

Things to ponder this holiday weekend…!

Posted on May 22, 2015 by PineForest

Who will the Counselors be in bunk Daisy?

Why are the boys in Bunk Banana always so wild and crazy?

Who will the fastest ‘man’ & ‘woman’ in camp be on College Day?

What new additions will Barbara add to the camp menu?

What will this years 85th Color Days themes be?

Who will win the 2015 5K Camper Scamper?

What will be the summer song of PFC 2015?

What riddle should Lisa tell at the first line-up?

What will be the schools in this years College Day competition?

What will the camp shows be?

Who will win the ‘much anticipated, often imitated, but certainly never duplicated’ Junior Skeeter Swift?

Will Craig Wallace’s hair still be blonde?

Will I finish a whole bottle of shampoo?

Are there really blueberries on Blueberry Island?

Will the ice cream truck break down?

Will ‘Dusty’ still be there?

Will I find a salamander?

Will I be in a Color Days skit?

Who goes up on the 10-Year Tree this summer?

Does the sky really begin at Pine Forest?

Do the stars shine brighter there?

Are we there yet?

What’s new in 2015!?

Posted on May 20, 2015 by PineForest

Here’s something to talk about this Memorial Day weekend. What’s new and awesome at PFC this summer!

– Most bunks will have new sinks, new vanities and…fans!

– Pool makeover – Expect some colorful umbrellas, beach chairs and landscaping at both the girls’ & boys’ pool. Ya Mon!

– New stage at Netsy Playhouse!

– Boys’ camp game deck for our knock-hockey fanatics! Score!

– Sports Broadcasting Clinic! Who’s the next Howard Cosell? or better yet, Zach Gelb!?

– New movie theater seating in Greeley Theater!

– An additional LAUNDRY RUN! WHAT!?!?!?!?!?!?! #GAMECHANGER!

– New paving & landscaping around camp! A facelift, if you will…!

– Kelli Moshen is back! Hip-Hop Boot Camp!

– Night at the Ballpark (RailRiders AAA Baseball) for all upper campers!

– Surf Bikes at the lake! THEY’RE BACK! Bigger and better.

– Another wood-burning pizza oven! That makes two! We love Pizza.

– TOP Baseball. No extra charge. Available to all players interested. Gonna be a home-run!

– All-camp Survivor Day!

– Special Krav Maga Clinic!

These are just some of the things we’re working on in the Pine Forest Camp Laboratories…

Category: Camp News