Canadensis Girls A Capella

Sorry for the lack of updates the past week. It has been a whirlwind week! We said goodbye to the last of our precamp groups. Precamp was a huge success and I can’t thank the precamp staff enough for a wonderful job. They worked so hard, especially with the rain and cold weather.

This weekend is our leadership weekend. All of our activity directors and groupleaders joined us for a fun-filled orientation weekend. What an energizing group of people and it’s awesome to see their spirit and excitement for Summer 2009. Tomorrow morning we welcome the rest of our counselors and support staff for our 1 week orientation until opening day! We can’t wait.

Just to let you know, a new episode of Canadensis Today can be found at http://www.canadensis.com, click on media room, videos, 2009 video clips, Canadensis Today. I hope you will all tune in!

We are thrilled to have assembled another talented team of Group Leaders for Summer 2010! As spirit leaders for campers and role models for staff, our Group Leaders set the tone for a fun and unforgettable summer for our campers. Back for her TENTH summer and 2^nd as JUNIOR GIRLS group leader is RICKI KAHN. Ricki can’t wait to get back to her summer home and “meet my new munchkins!” Parents can expect Ricki to show their children what a magical and amazing second home camp is and they can expect that their children will be “sun-tan lotion and bug sprayed everyday!” Ricki plans to face her fear this summer and try the rock wall. “I will be the shoulder to cry on if they’re upset or a familiar smile they experience the joys of camp,” says Ricki. SARA GOODISON can’t wait to get back to Canadensis as our LOWER INTER GIRLS group leader! “This summer, I am most looking forward to getting to know the wonderful lower inter girls and ensuring that they have the best summer possible.” Sara can’t wait to teach the lower inter girls endless camp cheers that she’s learned over her past 10 years at camp. Sara plans on “having everyone of my camper’s leave with more life long camp friends than they came with and for them to have created a special place in their hearts for their summer home.” UPPER INTER GIRLS group leader, SARAH SMALLEY can’t wait to get back to Canadensis. “Canadensis is full of talented campers and I can’t wait to climb, swim, and cook with everyone!” she says. “Whether they’re jumping in the pool for a swim lesson, or making monkey bread, I’ll be right there with them.” Sarah plans to fully immerse herself in the world of Canadensis. “While I already know many Upper Inters, I look forward to building a relationship with every camper. I want my camper to be role-models for younger divisions.” Returning to the 18325 for her 4^th year is FRESHMAN GIRLS Group Leader, KENZIE GAUTHIER. Kenzie plans on having, “lots of high, positive energy and camp spirit. I encourage my campers to try new things and take advantage of all that camp has to offer them so that they make the most of their 7 weeks.” Kenzie also plans to bring back “SPIRIT WEEK,” which she plans on making bigger and better and “will hopefully involve all of girl’s camp so the boys better watch out!” LAUREN BERRY is back for her 2^nd summer at Canadensis and first as LOWER SENIOR GIRLS group leader. “I am looking forward to the buses rolling in, the kids getting off and the MAGICAL SUMMER of ’10 to begin! I can’t wait to see all the campers and staff and to share the memories of the summer with them,” says Lauren.  Campers can expect “TONSSSS” of energy and excitement about camp and anything to do with camp from Lauren. “I am here for the, to help them and listen to any concerns they have throughout our time here.” “I am really looking forward to the trip to Boston,” says UPPER SENIOR GIRLS group leader, ELANA SHARIR. “Honestly, I am really looking forward to a good summer with Upper Seniors ’10! My main goals are to have a great summer Upper Seniors ’10!” Parents should know that their kids having fun is just as important to Elana as tem being safe here at camp. Returning to Canadensis for her 4^th summer is SUPER SENIORS/CIT GIRLS GROUP LEADER PHEOBE GURR. “I’m looking forward to getting to try each and every activity at camp! I want to help the supers and CITS spread their enthusiasm and passion right throughout camp in the most creative ways possible.” Phoebe brings 4 years worth of Canadensis experience and “am willing to keep learning new and exciting things every day!” Phoebe has been up at camp since May working pre-camp and can’t wait for everyone to arrive in just a few weeks. Back for his second summer is our Junior Boys group leader, TONY DAVIS. “I will use my logic and reasoning to ensure that their kids have a wonderful and memorable, but overall safe, summer!” Tony. “I’m most looking forward do a different group of kids and a different set of challenges.” Tony can’t wait for Summer 2010 and have an ever better “summer than I had in 2009, (which was amazing).” Returning for his 5^th summer is LOWER INTER BOYS group leader, MARSHALL WEINSTEIN. “I am most looking forward to seeing all my camp friends, my old campers and having the best summer possible with the Lower Inter Boys,” says Marshall. Everyone can expect open and honest communication to any questions and concerns they have throughout the summer. Marshall’s main goals, “for campers to have a safe and amazing summer. I want campers to leave summer 2010 feeling like they had the best summer ever and they got everything out of it that they possibly could.” In addition to Marshall’s responsibilities as Group Leader he will also serve as Co-Athletic Director. MIKE LINDQUIST can’t wait to return to lower camp as UPPER INTER BOYS group leader. Campers and parents can expect Mike to put “110% into camp this summer, I will do everything to make sure every camper in my division and in camp has an incredible summer.” Mike’s main goal for the summer is to know the name of every boy camper and at least half the names of girls’ camp by the end of the summer. In addition to Mike’s responsibilities as Group Leader he will also serve as Co-Athletic Director. Returning for his 10th summer is FRESHMAN BOYS group leader PETE SKURMAN. “I’m excited to lead the freshman boys, I know they’re going to have an awesome summer.” says Pete. Pete is no stranger to Canadensis having started here as a camper back in 1999. “Everyone in the division is going to have a great time, whether it’s their first summer or their fifth.” Back for his 3rd summer and serving double duty as our LOWER SENIOR and UPPER SENIOR BOYS group leader this summer is LEVI SMATHERS. “My favorite thing about working at Canadensis is forming and fostering relationships that will hopefully last a lifetime,” says Levi. With the Lower Seniors crossing the bridge, Levi hopes to show them the dos and don’ts of living as a senior. “There is a lot more freedom and I like to think I can help guide them in this maturation process.” As for the Upper Seniors, “luckily I get to work with them for the 2nd straight year and we can continue to get to know each other and try and top the fun we had last summer.” CHRIS PARNO is headed back to the 18325 for his 2nd summer and first as SUPER SENIOR/CIT BOYS group leader. “I promise to all my campers that we are going to rock out this summer and have the best summer of our lives!” Chris is so “pumped” for his first year of being a group leader and working with the great campers in the Super/CIT division. “My goals are to further enhance the bonds I’ve made with counselors and campers and Camp Canadensis, and continue making a fool out of myself at evening activities!”

Putting together a schedule for an entire camp each summer can be challenging. For Summer 2010, Program Director ROY FADEN will once again head up a team of staff to take on this challenge and provide all campers with a schedule that is dynamic, well rounded and fun. He will also be the point person for all programming areas, ensuring that campers are getting the most out of the Canadensis experience. Roy is back for his fourth summer at Canadensis. “I will continue to work hard to coordinate the daily schedules for both campers and staff,” says Roy. Roy’s goal is to make sure that we have a fun, safe, creative and dynamic program that meets the needs of all involved. Once again, Roy’s two children will be joining him at camp. Returning for his 6^th summer is Programming Coordinator JUSTIN WINCH. “Campers can expect to have a varied schedule of fun activities and sports prepared for them when they arrive at camp, including individual electives, bunk activities and divisional leagues and clinics.” Justin has previously been a general counselor and group leader at camp. “I look forward to providing our campers with as many opportunities as possible to participate in the activities here at camp.” We are excited about our new team together and can’t wait to see them in action this summer!

Sports

Batters Up! Keeping our fields moving this summer is DAVE FREEMAN, who is back for his fifth summer. Dave plans on teaching fundamentals to the younger campers while challenging the older boys and girls to improve in areas such as, batting, fielding and throwing. “Increasing camper participation, helping campers build confidence and improving their self esteem, while getting them to understand the importance of coop- eration, teamwork and sportsmanship through baseball and softball,” are very important to Dave. Campers can expect to have a great time on the fields with Dave. Back for his second summer is AUSTIN CROMARTIE who will be heading up our soccer program. Austin is exited to be working with the “world’s best staff, seeing familiar faces, and meeting new ones” this summer. “A high level of energy, enthusiasm, and encouragement for your campers each and everyday” Austin promises to all.  ARUP DUTT, a USPTA Certified Level 1 Pro, and his staff will be joining the Canadensis Family in Summer ‘10 to significantly bolster our already successful tennis program. Arup was on the professional tennis circuit until 1990 and now manages and conducts several tennis clubs in South Florida. With strong teaching experience in several tennis academies all over the United States, Arup and his staff will be in charge of all bunk lessons, private lessons and our Professional Tennis Academy (formerly known as Competitive Edge). Private Tennis Lessons will now go from ½ hour lessons to a full activity period (50 minutes) and will be available in packages of 8, 16 or 24 lessons for the summer. The Professional Tennis Academy (6 days a week, 2 hours a day) will be upgraded with additional instructors as well.

Pool and Lake

Our Waterfront and pools will be both fun and safe in 2010 as we are excited to announce our team of professionals in charge of theses areas. Keeping the pools safe and fun this summer is ERIC ROSENAUER who can’t wait to return to the Canadensis family. Eric promises to “create a pool environment that is both fun and educational” this summer. Campers can expect to learn advanced knowledge of safe and competitive swimming as well as basic stroke techniques. PETE LINDE is looking forward to “meeting lots of new people and see them having fun on the lake” this summer as our new Lake Director. “I love water related sports and hopefully I can pass on this enjoyment to others while they are at camp,” says Pete. Pete is hoping to teach lots of different water activity skills to enable campers to feel confident on the water. “We’ll provide a safe environment for campers to learn these skills and hopefully have a laugh with them along the way.”

Outdoors

We are proud to introduce our team of talented and skilled outdoors staff. Back for his 6th summer is HOWARD WAXMAN, our Honda and Go-Karting director. Howard’s main goal is “SAFETY.” Our older campers will continue to learn clutch bike riding while our younger campers will learn the basics. “The campers will enjoy quality instruction with many initiatives being satisfied before the rider gets to challenge their skills by riding one of our many trails.” Parents can continue to expect a long tradition of quality instruction as well as “safety being emphasized at all times throughout the summer.” “Making sure the kids challenge themselves to do things they didn’t do last summer or ever before,” is High Ropes & Climbing Wall Director LUKE HOLTEN’s main goal this summer. One of his main goals is to raise awareness of the campers surrounding and to help conquer fears and build confidence in the campers. “The kids will be safe and secure every minute they’re at the high ropes and wall,” says Luke who can’t wait for the summer to begin. ANDREW ROWAN can’t wait to join the Canadensis Family this summer as our Mountain Bikes director. “I will be someone your campers will respect and admire; leading them in participating, sharing and enjoying the benefits of outdoor activities.” Every camper will learn something from “me this summer, guaranteed,” says Andrew. We are excited to welcome Andrew to the team. “I can’t wait to see the spirit of camp and the beauty of it’s surroundings, I keep reading all these amazing things about the place and the great children and staff that are all apart of it,“ says JULIE HERBISON, our new Horseback Riding director. Everyone can expect, “a fun filled and structured program full of hands on experiences and challenges, but ultimately action packed and rewarding time for all.” We are excited to welcome Julie to the team.

The Arts

The Art Shack will most certainly be a place filled with creativity, uniqueness and excitement with the return of KERI BERNSTEIN. Keri returns for her fifth summer in the Art Center. Kerri is in charge of all things art from our Arts and Crafts, Sewing to Glass Fusion. Campers can expect to “enjoy learning new crafts, make wonderful projects and have a blast!” This year the art shack is going to be filled with lots of new and exciting projects. “We will be making recycled art, glass beads, jewelry, gumball machines, and so much more Kerri will be joined once again by her three children. GARRETT FULLER can’t wait to arrive at camp and start snapping pictures as our new Photography director. “I hope to inspire and create a memorable experience for campers in a setting where they can feel free to let their inner most creative natures loose.” Garrett can’t wait to pass on his love for photography to the campers, in the hopes that they may one day inspire others. “Whether you carry a camera with you wherever you go, or you have never picked up a camera in your life, you will fit right in.” Back for his second summer is Woodworking director, JAMES RICHARDSON. Parents can expect their children to have a more ‘hands on’ experience in the woodshop, learning new skills that can be useful throughout life. They can expect a project that the kids will use, and that was actually made by thier children. “Campers can expect to really get a ‘hands on’ project for woodshop. They will get to have input into the design and will get to use many of the tools.” James can’t wait to get in the woodshop and welcome the campers back to their summer home. Back for her THIRTY-NIGHTH summer is Canadensis favorite, JOJO HOFFERMAN who will be back in the Kitchen all summer long. “One of our biggest goals for the summer is for campers to learn lots of recipes from appetizers to desserts and be able to make at home what they learn at camp,” she says. Campers can expect fun and delicious food with an emphasis on cooperation with others. “Campers will learn that the set up and clean up of the cooking rooms is just as important as making and eating the food.” The cooking rooms will smelling better than ever this year with all the new recipes and fun planned!

Performing Arts

This summer we are proud to announce that the Canadensis Theater Department will put on are Oliver and Intro the Woods. LORI MANNETTE will head up our theater department and bring her love for theater with her to camp. “I’m most looking forward to rehearsals, of course, because nothing makes me happier than being in a theater. I am very excited to bring 2 shows to the camp that haven’t been done here before, and hopefully integrate everyone into the world of song and dance.” Campers can expect to thoroughly enjoy every second they spend in the theater this summer. “Ideally, I’d love to see every camper become involved in the theater somehow. That’s a lot of people, but there’s room for everyone!” says Lori.

Hey All,

The weather has broken and FINALLY the sun came out! Not sure for how long, but it’s out. This weekend we had an orientation session for some of our staff members who won’t be able to attend our regular orientation due to high school graduation, proms, etc. Will did a terrific job working with them on Saturday and Sunday and it was great to see energized counselors who are excited for the coming summer!

This afternoon, Will, Sam, and I cleaned out the Head Counselors office. From vacuuming the light fixtures to cleaning the windows, we did it all and now it’s ready for summer time! Our head staff/groupleaders arrive this coming Wednesday night for orientation and then we are in full swing by the weekend. I am really excited as this is the start of a great 8 weeks.

Time to go to dinner, but for now enjoy the entertainment provided by Cara Corradetti. Thanks Cara!

precamp-video

How do these 3 words go together?? See below!!

Woah. Camp is 2 weeks away. REALLY?!?!?!?!

This is too crazy for me to handle! Our staff start arriving for orientation as early as next Wednesday, and by next weekend all of our counselors will be in attendance… this is WILD!

So much has been going on in the office. Today I sorted and checked all the 5, 8, and 10 year jackets to make sure they are set and ready for Visiting Day! I returned a lot of  phone calls and have been putting the finishing touches on our trip information. Earlier this week, Terri and I took a road trip to do some research for one of the new trips this year… I can’t say too much more about it, but I’ll post some pictures soon…

Last weekend was our annual Open House, and while I know Eric wrote lots about the beautiful day we had, I’m going to leave you with some pictures of the staff party we had the night before! The theme: 90’s Television Stars:

Getting ready for 90's TV Jeopardy

The Magic School Bus Arrives!

Steve Erkel and Topanga

Alex Mack and Kimmy Gibler

Baywatch!

Everyone!

Hey all!

This is Will Armon.  Eric Forti, as always, is busy with pre-Camp so I will be blogging for him this afternoon.  The story from Camp at the moment is rain.  It’s been raining on and off all day; the lake is way up, and we are all wet.  We had a Middle School group from Wissahickon leave this morning.  As they left, buses from PS1 and PS2 were rolling in.  So, the fifth graders have been playing in the rain all afternoon.

We unfortunately closed the Low Ropes Course this afternoon because the various obstacles were getting too slick.  So instead, Pete Tarnoff, Lauren Berry and I played a game with the kids in the Rec Hall.  It was a group jump roping game.  We took a forty foot piece of old climbing rope and the kids had to jump through it in pairs.  We then went to triples.  And by the end, we had fifteen kids jumping through the rope at the same time.  It was a simple activity, but I think that they liked it.

Other than working through the rain, there isn’t a whole lot that’s too exciting going on at pre-Camp.  I’ve been busy working on Counselor Orientation.  Believe it or not, our Group Leader Orientation starts in less than a week!  Counselors get here soon after that, and I think we all know who gets here next!

I will say this, Camp has honestly never looked better.  As I drove in three weeks ago I noticed it, and I am still noticing it today: Camp looks great!  I’m not sure what it is.  The pre-Camp staff is of course working hard, but they do every year.  Regardless, I’m looking forward to another beautiful summer at Canadensis.

Well, I guess I’ll leave it there for now.  I’m sure I’m be logging in to blog again before too long.  I hope that you enjoyed the first episode of Canadensis Today, which is posted in the Media Room.  I’m really looking foward to filming the show this summer.  Eric’s been pretty excited about it.  He ordered mugs and mousepads with the Canadensis Today logo.  Let’s face it, Forti was built for the camera!

Alright, Canadensis, I hope all are safe and anxiously awaiting the Summer of 2009!  Take care…