Hello Canadensis!

I hope everyone out there in Canadensis Cyberspace is doing well.  It’s been a few weeks since my last blog, so I figured I’d put together one of my Mega-Blogs as there is a lot to fill you in on.  And, I’m sure you’ve been chomping at the bit for your daily scoop on all things Canadensis.  Well, here is a double scoop.  Scratch that.  A triple scoop!

Last week, we had a great time at the Camp Canadensis – Philadelphia 76ers Night at the Wells Fargo Center in Philly.  The 76ers organization rolled out its welcome mat in full force and gave our campers and camp families an amazing event!  First of all, our campers were able to get courtside for the team’s shoot around before the game.  After that, the got onto the court for the game’s fan tunnel where they gave high fives to all of the 76ers players as they came onto the court.  During the game, which was a close battle all night long, Upper Inter Boy Adam Aronson even got onto the court to compete in a basketball game during one of the game’s time outs.  In the end, the 76ers came up a bit short to the Dallas Mavericks, but all in attendance had a great time!  Here are some pictures from the evening…

Some real big news hit the airwaves last week when it was announced on a Winter Special Edition of the Canadensis Today Show that our new Lower Boys Head Counselor will be Roy Kaplan.  After a few months of a nationwide search, we are so thrilled to have Roy as part of our leadership team.  Currently, Roy is an elementary school teacher in Utah teaching first grade.  He is originally from Ohio and received his degree in Early Childhood Education from Ohio Northern University where he also played college baseball.  He then went onto receive his Master’s Degree in the same area at UNC-Charlotte.  Roy brings with him some wonderful camp experience as well as he has worked at several private residential camps in both Pennsylvania and Maine.  In his free time, Roy is an avid skier and runner and is even currently training for a marathon before camp.  Roy is excited to get to camp and work alongside Mike Lindquist, Robin Forti, Karen Sharir and Alyssa Thibodeau as part of our Head Counselor Team!  Roy will be at our Annual Open House on June 5 to meet campers and parents.  Here is a photo…

Last Thursday after work, me, Pam and Matt had the privilege to witness the theater directorial debut of our very own Cara Corradetti.  Back in the fall, Cara got a call from her former middle school and they asked her if she would be interested in directing their annual school musical; an opportunity she immediately jumped at.  So, for the past several months, Cara has been in the camp office for half the day and directing for the other half.  Well, last Thursday was Opening Night!  And, I must say that we had a really fun time watching her show “Disco Inferno.”  The basic story is of a struggling singer that wants to become famous.  He eventually makes a deal with the devil to do so.  In the  end, the moral of the story is “be careful what you wish for.”  Seated right in front of us were some of Cara’s sorority sisters, who even had custom-made T-shirts for the event.  Here are some pics…

Now, what would a blog be without updating you on some of our campers?  Of course, I am still getting a chance to see our campers in their homes and they have been telling me about all of the good stuff they have been up to.  In Wayne, NJ, I got to hang out with the Schwed Boys, Freshman Boys Matthew and Alex, who are back for their fourth summer, and younger brother and Junior Boy Ben, who is coming to camp for his first summer.  After some X-Box football (I got my butt kicked), the boys told me all they have been up to this year.  Alex, in the 6th grade, has been playing soccer all year long.  He plays left midfield on his travel team, the Wayne Timberwolves.  In one season, they even went undefeated with a record of 8-0-2.  Matthew, also in 6th grade, played tackle football in fall where he played on both the offensive and defensive lines.  His team posted a record of 6-2.  Currently, he is playing flag football.  When asked about the upcoming summer and what they were looking forward to, both said, “Being away from my parents!”  Ha Ha!  They also can’t wait for Color War and more electives now that they are in the Freshman division.  Ben, who is currently in the 3rd grade, is playing in a basketball league and taking karate lessons.  This summer, he is excited for basketball, photography and all of the activities at the lake.  Here is a pic…

In Syosset, NY, I caught up with Upper Inter Boy Ryan Lefkowitz who will be joined by his brother this year at camp as a Junior Boy Devin Lefkowitz.  In the 5th grade and joining us for his second summer, Ryan continues to be busy playing guitar in his band that goes by the name of c4.  His next gig is scheduled for the spring.  He is also been playing tennis and basketball (his team even made the playoffs) as well as getting together with camp friends.  He wanted to say hello to all of his bunkmates from last summer’s Boys Bunk 6 and wants to let them know that “we are going to have an excellent summer in 2011!”  He is also looking forward to Color War and Rock Band.  Ryan has also started his own blog, too.  You can check it out at:  http://dopolomo.wordpress.com/ .  As for Devin, currently in 2nd grade, he has been playing a number of different sports including flag football, basketball, lacrosse, baseball and soccer.  He also started playing the drums and is involved in a chess club.  He has also started his own blog which can be found here:  http://chessesblog.wordpress.com/ .  This summer, Devin will be active in many different areas of camp and is looking forward to waterskiing, hockey, soccer, cooking, gaga, all the activities at the lake, Color War and hondas / go-karts.  Here is a photo…

I recently got an e-mail from Upper Inter Boy Andy Grossman, who reminded me that no matter where you go, there is always a good chance you might run into camp friends.  While on a family vacation at the Deer Valley Ski Resort in Park City, Utah, Andy was in ski school with a few other kids his age.  When the instructor took attendance, a boy in the group said he was Daniel Goldstein from Westchester, NY.  This immediately got Andy’s attention as it was a fellow Canadensis camper from his division!  In Andy’s words…”What a small world.  Canadensis was well represented.”  Thanks Andy for sharing the story.

As I always like to say to former campers and staff that come back to visit camp in the summer, you can always come home again.  Well, last weekend, I got a chance to go back to an old home of mine.  Me, Jaime and a few of my roommates from back in my college days made a trek back up to our ‘ol stomping grounds of Syracuse University.  We realized that it has been close to 20 years since we first started SU.  The whole weekend long, we reminisced about all of the great times we had, including all of the bad weather (a common joke for those that have been there).  We checked out the new Carmelo Anthony Basketball Center on campus, took in a Syracuse-DePaul basketball game (we won big) and had a dinner at the famous Dinousaur BBQ.  On Saturday and Sunday, I got a chance to meet up with a number of former campers and staff who were on campus.  That list included Rachel Dender, Brittany Kahane, Rebecca Waxman, Jaime Jacobson, Brooke Appelbaum and Josh Gilbert.  Here are some pictures from the weekend…

As you know, now that we are in March, we are closing in on the 100 days to camp mark!  As a sports fan, it also means that we are in March Madness time, one of my favorite sporting events of the year.  Next week, our camp families will be receiving an e-mail for our campers and staff to complete an online bracket, with prizes going to the best camper and best staff brackets.  Hopefully, many of you will play!

Next week, our winter team will be heading down to Atlantic City for the Annual Tri-State Camping Conference, which allows us to attend many camp-related sessions and discussions as well as purchasing a number of different items for the summer.  You can learn more about it here:  http://www.aca-nynj.org/index.php?tri-state-conference .  This is always a great time and a wonderful learning experience for us each year.  Maybe we’ll even put together a video to see what we do down there.

That’s all of the blogging for now.  More to come soon.

Have a great day!  Brian

Eric went to Australia, Eastern Europe, France and Italy in the past THREE months.

How many miles did he actually travel?

E-mail Contest@Canadensis.com with your answers!

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Coming Soon: BRAND NEW Canadensis Today Show from Eastern Europe

Make sure to check out the Australian Today Show’s now ONLINE in the media room

Hello Canadensis…

So much good stuff to tell you about.  For starters, on Wednesday, we had a blast at the Canadensis New York Knicks night!  This was the hottest ticket in town as it was also Carmelo Anthony’s first game as a Knick.  So, it was even more exciting for our campers, who got to be part of the Knicks Fan Tunnel, which means they got to go on the court and high five all of the Knicks players as they came out of the locker room for warm-ups.  One lucky camper, Upper Senior Boy Ben Portnoy, also got to be the honorary co-captain for the evening.  In the end, Canadensis helped rock Madison Square Garden to a Knicks victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.  Here are some pictures from the night’s festivities…

Of course, the past week has put me back on the road to meet more of our Canadensis families.  In Bellmore, NY, I saw Freshman Girl Zoe Hiller, who will be introducing her younger brother, Junior Boy Max Hiller, to camp this summer.  Now is 6th grade, Zoe is preparing for her first hip hop dance competition in March.  She has also been involved with gymnastics and cheer leading.  In the spring, she will be playing softball.  When I asked her what she was looking forward to for her 3rd summer, she replied, “Everything!”  She also can’t wait for her division’s trip to Hershey Park and wanted to give a shout out to the Girls of Bunk 9 from Summer 2010.  As for Max, who is in the 3rd grade, he is busy with a number of different sports.  Currently, he plays point guard on his basketball team.  In the fall and spring, he plays pitcher and shortstop for his travel baseball team, the Bellmore Bulls.  He also likes hockey and playing NBA 2K11 on the X-Box.  This summer, he is excited for all of the sports at camp, the lake and the water trampoline and Summit and Color War!  Here is a photo…

In Dix Hills, NY, I met up with the Greenbaum Family, who will now have a trio of campers at Canadensis this summer, Upper Senior Girl Casey Greenbaum, Freshman Boy Jake Greenbaum and Lower Inter Girl Jolie Greenbaum.  Casey, now in 8th grade, has been preparing for her dance team competition in March, practicing with her kickline team, which is a school club and playing tennis.  Casey also works with the SOAR program, which helps kids with autism.  Casey wanted to say hello to all of the Lower Senior Girls from Summer 2010 and can’t wait to get back to camp for things like the Art Shack, tennis, lacrosse and the Boston Trip.  This is also her fifth summer and Casey is psyched to receive her 5-Year Jacket!  Now in the 6th grade, Jake has been involved with hockey, baseball, basketball and tennis.  He was also voted President of the 6th Grade class in his school’s election.  At camp this year, which will be his third summer, he can’t wait for the Canadensis Hockey League, Zoogle, his trip to Cooperstown and Color War!  Casey and Jake are happy that their younger sister Jolie, currently in the 4th grade, will be joining the camp fun, too!  Jolie is very busy with a number of different activities, including basketball, tennis, hockey, dance and piano.  She is also the Treasurer for her elementary school.  When she gets to camp, she can’t wait for basketball, Zoogle, the climbing wall and zipline, tennis, soccer, cooking and the Art Shack.  Here is a pic…

In Livingston, NJ, I got the chance to hang out with Junior Boy Jake Dennis, who will coming to camp for his first summer.  Jake, who is in 3rd grade, told me all about the sports he has been playing.  To begin, he plays left midfield on his town’s travel soccer team, the Livingston Lava.  Now that it’s winter, he is playing a whole bunch of indoor soccer as well as playing basketball for his team, the Livingston Heat.  In the spring, he will be playing lacrosse.  He also enjoys snow skiing, swimming and art projects.  When I asked him what he wants to do this summer, he enthusiastically said, “Everything!”  But, he really can’t wait to try waterskiing, woodworking, rocketry and soccer.    While there, I also got to meet Jake’s sister Dylan, who will be a future camper at Canadensis and will be joining us this summer for a sibling sleepover at camp.  Dylan loves to draw, act, sing, dance and swim.  Here is a picture…

In Syosset, NY, I saw both Upper Inter Girl Mallory and Junior Boy Sam Kanterman.  5th grader Mallory is returning for her third summer while younger brother Sam, currently in 2nd grade,  is coming for his first year at camp.  I happened to see Mallory a day before her big birthday party (she is turning 11 years old).  She was having a fondue party (Mmmm…) at a local restaurant called the Melting Pot.  Right now, she is playing center on her basketball team but is also gearing up for spring travel and town softball, where she plays shortstop and outfield.  She also plays the flute.  Very soon, she will be singing a solo performance of “To The Sky” at the NYSMA Music Festival.  At camp, she is excited for the ropes course, cooking, softball and basketball.  She wanted to say hello to the girls in her bunk and say to them that they are “so fly like a G-6!”  Sam is also really busy these days.  He plays 1st base, catcher and pitcher on his baseball team, currently hooping it up in the Syosset Rookie Basketball League, takes hip hop dance classes and plays the guitar.  He also loves playing with his dogs, Dori and Kyle.  When he comes to Canadensis this year, he is ready to try glass fusion, baseball, woodworking, the ropes course / zipline and cooking.  He also can’t wait for Color War and to have fun and make new friends.  Here is a shot…

In Norwood, NJ, Pam and I had a the opportunity to hang out with Jordan Plant, who is coming to camp for her first summer and will be part of our Junior Girls Division.  Jordan, a.k.a. DJ JJ Rock, is in the 2nd grade and is someone that will definitely be seen on the Canadensis Stage this summer.  She has been in eight musical performance so far and has had roles such as Merryweather in “Sleeping Beauty,” Corella in “101 Dalmations,” and Veruca Salt in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”  She also does cheerleading and yoga and plays soccer and softball.  But, that’s not all as she is also involved in a Brownies Troop that meets once a month as well as taking a fun class called “Food Art.”  When at camp this summer, she is looking forward to seeing just how long the zipline is, the parts available in the camp shows, glass fusion, the lake and waterskiing.  Here is a picture…

In Tenafly, NJ, Pam and I also met up with 3rd grader and Junior Girl Julia Ginzburg.  Julia told us that she is someone with a lot of energy and is really looking forward to all of the activities at camp including the foam pit, arts and crafts, fashion design, photography and glass fusion.  She is also looking forward to making a whole new bunch of friends.  In the fall, winter and spring months, she loves art and is taking a screen printing class.  She is involved with soccer and cheerleading, loves to listen to music and dance.  She loves to play board games with friends, too.  Here is a photo…

As is always the case with Brian’s Blog, if you send me a picture of camp get-togethers, family trips, reunions or whatever, I will post them here.  I was happy to get two e-mails from parents of 2010’s Boys Bunk 6 of a few recent winter get-togethers / sleepovers.  Turns out, Upper Inter Boys Eric Miller and Zach Minion had a sleepover recently.  And, the Lefkowitz Family (campers Ryan and Devin) met up with the Liebman Family (campers Justin and Lauren) at Woodloch Pines in the Poconos.  Here are pictures from each..

So, as you can see, there has been a lot going on over the past few weeks.  All great stuff!  In my next blog, I will have much more to report on as well, including our Canadensis Trip to the 76ers game on March 1, a special trip up to camp and the introduction of a new Camp Canadensis Head Staff Member.  Plus, we want to start getting more ideas for the upcoming summer from campers and staff.  All that in future blogs.

Until then…Have a great day!…Brian

Here are some pictures from our adventures so far…

Make sure to be following the Twitter for updates from @Canadensis & @WhereIsForti

Hello Canadensis!

I hope this blog finds all well with everyone in the Canadensis Family!  I just got back this weekend from an amazing trip up to Camp Canadensis in the dead of winter.  Jaime and I, along with my camp friend Alan and his wife, went up for a Valentine’s Weekend in the Poconos and we had a blast.  On Saturday, we walked through camp as best as we could as there is somewhere between 2 and 3 feet of snow on the ground.  And, I got to do something that I had never done before…I walked across a frozen Lake Lenape right to the center.  It was a very strange feeling.  I took some video footage of it and will see if Jay Cal can add it to a future Canadensis Today Show for all to see.  Camp sure looks strange in the winter.  So quiet and very, very cold.  We got to see some of the great projects that Tom and Jimmy have been working on and we will unveil in the upcoming months.  Of course, what would a trip to the Poconos be without a stop to Callie’s Pretzel Factory.  We loaded up on some great pretzel goodies.  On Saturday night, we went to the Mount Airy Casino and Lodge for dinner at one of my favorite restaurants up there called Red Steakhouse.  For any parents looking for a great place to eat before or after Visiting Day, I would highly recommend this place.  Then, we went to the casino and had some fun playing the slots.  To be honest, none of us are big gamblers, so after we lost about $40, it was time to call it a night.  On Sunday, we hit Alpine Mountain for some snow tubing.  It was so much fun!  If you are in the Pocono Mountains this winter, definitely check it out.  Here is a photo…

Of course, this time of year means more and more visits with camp families.  I love the time I get to spend with campers, their siblings and parents talking about my favorite topic…Camp Canadensis!

In New York City, I met up with the Pearlman Brothers, Jones and Ozzie.  Jones is returning for his second summer at camp and will be a Lower Inter Boy while Ozzie will spend his first summer in our Junior Boys Division.  Both boys have very busy schedules when not at camp.  Jones plays in the Dribble Basketball League in the city, has been sledding a lot with all of the snow we’ve been having in Hippo Park as well as plenty of ice skating.  He also loved seeing his bunkmates and friends at the recent Camp Reunion.  When I asked what he is looking forward to this summer, he emphatically replied, “Everything!”  Specifically, he is excited for GaGa, Newcomb, all of the activities at the Lake, especially Waterskiing, Hondas and Color War.  As for Ozzie, he is busy with a lot of sports, including Lacrosse, Basketball, Football and Baseball.  He also told me that he just recently helped out with his school’s winter coat drive, in which the school donated over 100 coats.  Awesome!  At camp this summer, he is ready for Color War, Basketball, Archery, Newcomb, the Lake activities, Go Karts and Hondas, Glass Fusion and Lacrosse.  Here is a photo…

Also in New York City, I met up with 4th Grade Boy and Lower Inter Zach Sher, who will be coming to camp for his first summer.  Zach has an extremely wide range of interests and is really looking forward to camp this summer where he will be able to try so many different activities.  In the fall, winter and spring months, he is a yellow belt in his Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) class.  He also takes a film making course and plays the piano.  He plays sports like basketball, football and soccer and can be found rooting for his favorite teams, the Yankees, Jets and Giants.  He loves snow skiing and has skied at places like Hunter Mountain, Windham and Mountain Creek.  He is also a big fan of the WWE and his favorite wrestlers are the Undertaker, John Cena and Randy Orton.  This summer, he is so ready to try The Summit, Hondas, Cooking, Every single Water Activity and Fishing.  Younger brother and Future Canadensis Camper Ben Sher told me that he likes video games and reading and will be sure to write his big brother letters while he is at camp.  Here is a photo…

Onto Lower Gwynedd, PA where I hung out with the Rapoport Brothers, Blake (Lower Senior, returning for his Five Year Jacket) and Max (Upper Inter, returning for his 3rd Summer).  Both boys have been heavily involved in sports.  Blake played his first season of football in the fall and is now playing basketball on his middle school team.  Max is also currently playing lots of basketball, but really can’t wait for lacrosse season in the spring.  Both are so excited for another summer at camp and want to see how we can top last summer’s Color War break.  Here is a pic…

In Woodcliff Lake, NJ, I saw first time camper and Junior Girl Sydney Schair.  Currently in the 3rd Grade, Sydney loves animals, especially dogs and more particularly, her own dog Sasha.  She is also involved with Horseback Riding lessons, Karate and Basketball.  When not at all of these activities, she can be seen hanging out with her friends.  When she comes to camp this summer, Sydney can’t wait for a lot of the activities including Waterskiing, Swimming, Archery, Horseback Riding, the Ropes Course / Climbing Wall, Basketball and Gymnastics.  Here is a pic…

Driving to Glen Rock, NJ, I got some time with Freshman and 6th Grade Boy Alex Aronson, who will be joined at camp this summer by brother Ben Aronson, who is in the 3rd Grade and will be in our Junior Boys Division.  Alex told me that he has really been enjoying his transition into Middle School and is liking many of his teachers.  He told me that he has been involved in competitive Cross Country Running and will also be going out for the Track team in the Spring.  Alex has also been spending a lot of time snowboarding and skiing.  He told me that he just cannot wait for camp and said that “camp is a relief from school.”  Entering his 4th summer at Canadensis, he looks forward to seeing his bunkmates and friends as well as things like Taco and Grilled Cheese lunches and the Corn Man.  He wanted to give a shout out to the boys of Bunk 10 from Summer 2010 and had a message for them…Low Shower Bar!  Ben has been very busy with his Ice Hockey Team, the Glen Rock Panthers, where he plays both Center and Wing.  He also likes to ski and snowboard in the winter as well as play Golf and Lacrosse when the weather is nice outside.  This summer, he looks forward to going Waterskiing, the Hondas and Go Karts, the Corn Man and making many new friends.  Here is a picture…

In Tenafly, NJ, I caught up with Dylan Carruba, who will be back at camp for his second summer and be in our Lower Inter Boys Division.  Now in 4th grade, Dylan plays on a town rec Basketball team, the Hawks, who were off to a 3-2 start to begin the season.  He just recently finished up his Wrestling season and perfected his finishing move he calls the “Ball and Chain.”  Dylan is a true student of the game of basketball, too, and can be found following his favorite teams, the Knicks and Lakers, all season long.  At camp this summer, he looks forward to many more games of Zoogle and continuing a game that he and his bunkmates created last summer called Mennis.  Dylan also wanted to say hi to his Bunk 4 bunkmates from Summer 2010.  While at his house, Dylan and I played an intense games of Nok Hockey (who won that game again?) and Bey Blades.  Here is a photo…

In Plymouth Meeting, PA, Pam and I got a chance to see Junior Girl and first time Canadensis Camper Jenna Nurick.  Currently in the 3rd Grade, Jenna has been very busy with her dance classes of Hip Hop and Kicks, Jumps and Turns as she prepares for her recital in the Spring.  She has also been involved in an acting class at Arden Theater where she has been writing her own character sketch.  She loves hanging out with her friends and even just had a sleepover party that had fellow Canadensis camper Sage Snyder in attendance.  Finally, Jenna let us know that she loves to listen to music.  When she gets to camp this summer, she is excited to try the Ropes Course, Zipline and Climbing Wall, all the activities in the Art Center, including Ceramics, Glass Fusion and Photography and she will be involved in the Canadensis Theater Production.  Here is a pic…

Looking forward to seeing a lot of our camp families next week at the New York Knicks Canadensis night.  More blogging to come…

Have a great day…Brian.

Hi All,

Quick blog post to remind everyone that Where in the World Part 2 begins tomorrow! I will be heading overseas once again and hiring some of the best staff for Summer 2011.

Back here in the US, things have been busy. Well when you are “home” for only 2 weeks in between world trips, a lot happens! Things have been busy in the winter office sending out camper mailings, visiting with first time campers in the evening, and working with Matt Unger on purchases for 2011, to name a few things. Speaking of home visits, I have had the chance to meet tons of new families and I hope to see many more in the coming months.

Besides all that, I was honored to attend Max Vorcheimer’s Bar Mitzvah, spend a little time with my wife, visit my Great Aunt, and drive my mom to JFK for a 3+ week trip to Australia and New Zealand. See, the Forti family never rests and I am so excited for my mom to be on the trip of a lifetime. Of course, it would have been nice sponsored by Oprah, but Australia is Australia!

So stay tuned to twitter (www.twitter.com/whereisforti) and the facebook page entitled Camp Canadensis- Where in the World is Eric Forti for updates over the next few weeks!

See you on the other side of the world.

Hello Canadensis…

So, I am looking out my window right now and I all I can see are pellets of ice flying into the glass!  Call it a February Freeze!  Usually I like to always say that summer is just right around the corner, but it sure doesn’t feel like that at all right now.  I hope our campers have been enjoying some of the snow days that have come their way with some good sledding or snowman building.  Or, maybe you are just staying inside logging onto to www.canadensis.com to read our blogs or watch videos from the summer.  Anytime the weather gets me down, that always seems to help.

I have been able to get out on the road more and more to see campers and camp families.  A few weekends ago, I got the chance to see 2011 Upper Inter Oliver Shaw and his Montclair School of Rock perform Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” in it’s entirety.

The two hour concert, which featured Oliver on bass and vocals, was absolutely amazing.  In fact, I learned that Oliver is now part of a band that calls themselves “Going Dark.”  They have even released their first EP entitled “I Am,” which can also be found on i-Tunes.  To hear the songs as well as see videos, visit their myspace page at:  http://www.myspace.com/going-dark .  Apparently, the band recently just played a Battle of the Bands competition in Asbury Park, NJ.  No word as of yet on how they fared.

Speaking of rocking out, I got to see another of our campers, 2011 Upper Inter Ryan Lefkowitz, up on stage playing his guitar with his band that calls themselves “C4.”  At the Crash Mansion in New York City, the band performed as part of their music school’s annual Big Gig and played Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock-N-Roll,” Rhianna’s “Umbrella” and Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.”  Here are some pics…

I must tell you that seeing both Oliver and Ryan on stage was just so awesome!  There is no doubt that both will be major contributors to our Rock Band program this summer.  Maybe even I will get up on stage and sing with them?  Ha Ha!

This time of year also means more home visits to campers old and new.  In Syosset, NY, I hung out with first year camper and Junior boy Jack Lagnado.  Jack, who is currently in 3rd grade, told me that when he is home, he enjoys baseball in the fall and spring and plays both catcher and shortstop while he is also active taking tennis lessons.  He is also a big fan of the WWE and his favorite wrestler is John Cena.  This summer, Jack can’t wait for the special events like Color War and Rope Burn as well as evening activities like Crazy Night.  He is also ready for all the sports at camp including hockey.  Of course, he can’t wait to make a whole new bunch of friends.  Here is a picture…

In Melville, NY, I got to see 3rd grade girl Sarah Abrams, who is also coming to Canadensis for her first summer.  Sarah, who is in the 3rd grade, has been busy practicing for an upcoming talent show at school in which she will be singing and dancing to the popular song “Freak the Freak Out.”  A lot of her time has also been donated to dance classes and preparing for a recital in May.  On top of all that, she loves gymnastics, tennis, arts and crafts and having sleepovers with friends.  This summer, she promises a lot cartwheels at camp (out of nowhere, she added).  She also wants to be in the camp shows, do all the activities in the Art Center and jump on the water trampoline and all the other things to do at the lake.  Here is a photo…

In Huntingdon Valley, PA, I met up with 2011 Freshman Girl Rachel Cebula, who will return for her third summer at camp, and will be introducing her brother and Junior Boy Adam Cebula to the world of Canadensis.  Now in 6th grade, Rachel plays tennis and soccer, loves hanging out with friends and apparently is obsessed with the show “Pretty Little Liars.”  She wanted to give a shout out to all of her camp sisters from last summer’s Bunk 8 and said, “I love all of you guys.”  She also had an inside joke to tell them and says, “OZEN to everyone.”  As for Adam, who is in 3rd grade, he plays basketball, tennis and indoor/outdoor soccer.  He likes to collect sports cards, play X-Box (and beat Brian in Madden football), watch ESPN and art.  When at camp, he looks forward to basketball, flag football, tennis, soccer, baseball, glass fusion and hockey.  Here is a pic…

In Roslyn, NY, I got together with Upper Inter Girl Jaymie Gilady who is returning for her third summer and will now be joined by brother and Junior Boy Avery Gilady.  Now in 5th grade, Jaymie has started a Harry Potter Book Club with her friends and have already had a number of Harry-themed parties.  Like many campers at camp, she has read all the books in the series.  She is also active in horseback riding, dance, zumba and lots of reading.  This summer, she is excited once again about playing jacks, the lake, the trip to Dorney Park, A/C Shack, Color War, Crazy Night and Ms. Canadensis.  She is also hoping there will be a Harry Potter type of activity this summer.  As for brother Avery, currently in 2nd grade, he has been playing in a rock band at the School of Rock and recently had a concert where he played guitar and bongos.  At the show, his band performed the Rolling Stones “Sympathy for the Devil” and The Troggs “Wild Thing.”  He is also currently playing basketball and also plays baseball, football and hockey.  When he comes to camp this summer for his first time, he looks forward to all the lake activities, Color War, evening activities, Dorney Park, sports and the food.  Here is a shot from the visit…

In Jericho, NY, I met up with the Leib sisters.  Older sister Alex Leib, who will now be a Lower Senior Girl and returning for her five year jacket, will be welcoming her younger sister and Junior Girl Jessie Leib.  Now in 7th grade, Alex is active with tennis, softball, dance and working out at the gym.  She has also been busy attending Bat Mitzvahs of camp friends.  In Summer 2011, she can’t wait for her big move to Senior Side, looking to defend the bunk’s divisional MTV Night crown and Color War.  She also wanted to give a big shout out to last year’s Girls Bunk 12 and of course, Hillary (she said that Bunk 12 would know what that means).  Younger sister Jessie, who is in 3rd grade, loves basketball and is currently playing on a team called the “Chillers,” is busy with dance and rehearsing for her recital in the Spring, playing tennis and softball, playing the viola and spending time with friends.  This summer, she is excited to play GaGa, softball, basketball and tennis as well as go waterskiing, make amazing things in cooking, Color War and being in a camp show.  Here is a photo…

In Wayne, NJ, I caught up with another sibling duo and spent time with the Halpern boys, Josh and Sammy.  Older brother Josh, now in his third summer at Canadensis, will be a Freshman Boy while brother Sammy, coming for his first year, will be in the Lower Inter Division.  In 6th grade and now starting middle school, Josh plays basketball and soccer, plays Call of Duty on his X-Box and has been loving all of this snow we’ve been having.  This summer, he is excited for his trip to Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame as well as having Hondas and Cooking as electives.  Sammy, who is in the 4th grade, is a really active guy and plays soccer, basketball, baseball and flag football.  When at camp this summer, he can’t wait to try the Hondas as well as all of the lake activities, especially the water mat and waterskiing.  Here is a shot of us…

I know the month of February will bring more great visits with camp families.  If you would like a visit from either myself, Eric or Pam, give us a call.  We are always more than happy to come out and see you.

A great camp get-together was had on Saturday, January 30 as 2011 Lower Senior Boy Max Vorcheimer celebrated his Bar Mitzvah.  Max was joined in celebration by a large number of his bunkmates as well as some campers from other bunks.  Of course, younger sister Samantha (a.k.a. Sammy V) also helped her big brother party down.  Max’s mom Stephanie, who is also the Camp Mom in the summer, invited several camp people to the affair.  We had a wonderful day and Max certainly made his family and all of us in attendance so very proud of him as he did so well leading the service.  Afterwards, Max threw a New York Giants tailgate themed party for everyone (which of course, made me feel right at home).  I even finished in third place during the party’s Coke & Pepsi game.  Unfortunately, I was very sore afterwards.  Ha Ha!

I forgot to add a picture in a recent blog.  But, as you might have read, the day before the reunion, our leadership team had a full day of meetings at the local Marriott Hotel.  Look who was also there…

Finally, what would a February blog be without a mention of the Super Bowl?  In my opinion, it’s a National Holiday.  In fact, I think I wake up Super Bowl morning much like people that celebrate Christmas on Christmas Morning.  As is usually the case, I throw a Super Bowl Party.  This year’s menu includes Steak Tips, Chicken Wings, Pigs in a Blanket, Shrimp Cocktail, Clam Dip, Veggies and Dip, Baked Brie, Hummus, Pulled Pork and Prosciutto Pinwheels.  In the hours leading up to the event, I always like to watch my favorite Super Bowls of years past, including Super XXI, XXV and XLII.  Can you figure out why those?  I’ll give you some hints:  22 of 25, Norwood Wide Right and the Helmet Catch!

This year’s game should be a really good one as the Packers and Steelers both have great defenses and offenses that can put points on the board.  Right now, I’m picking a Packers victory by a score of 23-20.  That should make Shawn Bolton feel good!  For the camper or staff member that e-mails me with the winner and closest score, I will send you a camp prize.  E-mail me at brian@canadensis.com .

Well, in the time that it has taken to write this blog, the ice is still tapping on my window.  However, with all these good thoughts about camp, it is warm here.  Until the next blog…Have a great day…Brian

Hello Everyone!  I really need your help!

I want to start a new blog segment that will run every Monday, and it’s based on my favorite memory from summer 2010.  One day before any of the campers arrived, I was working in the pre-camp office with Cara Corradetti, and when she picked up her guitar to entertain us during a break, pure genius came out.  She wrote a song for my dog Annie, and called it “Annie the Dog”.  Check it out…

BeckyJ was also working with us in the pre-camp office, and Jason “JCal” Calabretta came up every weekend, so we all started to add verses to the “Annie the Dog” song during the weeks before camp started, and now we want to bring YOU in on the fun! This summer we’ll be making an “Annie the Dog” music video, and we want your help!

It’s very easy to do…each Monday, I’ll post a cute photo of Annie and you can add your rhyming lines as a comment below. Here is the photo for this week…Annie on a hike in Arizona

From JCal: Annie the dog on the hiking trail…
Annie the dog opening the mail

From Cara: Annie the dog hiking a mountain,
Annie the dog sips from a fountain!

From Pam: Annie the dog, walking on the trail…
Annie the dog, just a-wagging her tail!

From BeckyJ: Annie the do walking on the trail
Annie the dog learning braille