CAMPWEKEELAHARTFORD, MAINE - CAMP WEKEELA
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CampWekeela
Hartford, Maine
Overview 2021
HIGHLIGHTS
u One of our goals at Wekeela is our campers’ and their
parents’ happiness. We strive to be partners with our parents
as we help their children grow and thrive. We continue to
build a strong sense of community, leadership and tradition.
CONTACTS
u Wekeela offers top quality instruction within a
Owners/Directors: structured program. Outstanding Counselors and
Lori & Ephram Caflun supervised activities focus on skill progression.
Off-Season: u Our outstanding facilities include a gorgeous
waterfront with a sandy beach and new docks,
8793 Valhalla Drive
Delray Beach, FL 33446-9571 u Camp Wekeela offers a safe, fun and nurturing performing arts theatre, creative and culinary art centers,
Phone: 201.612.5125 environment in a bucolic mountain lake setting. A family new tennis courts, high and low elements ropes course,
oriented program for boys and girls 7-16, led by on-site outstanding sports fields, gymnastics pavilion, basketball
Summer: owners/directors Ephram and Lori Caflun with talented courts, hockey rink, beach volleyball, fitness center, tipis,
Camp Wekeela
instructional specialists and counselors (staff/camper nature trails and so much more!
1750 Bear Pond Road
ratio is 1 to 2.5). Since 1997, Wekeela has been the u The facilities at our spring-fed lake provide
Hartford, ME 04220-5527
Caflun’s summer home. Building community is what unparalleled safety and host our renowned waterskiing
Phone: 207.224.7878
we do best here at Wekeela. Our campers extend these program, water sports, instructional swimming and
Year-round virtual fax:
207.224.7999
skills and values well beyond our shores. competitive swim team.
u Wekeela campers come from 23 states and u Our brand new state of the art dining hall features
17 countries. Camp Wekeela provides children of all delicious home cooked meals. The food at Wekeela
ages with the opportunity to connect with nature, to is simply amazing! We also offer a gluten-free menu,
DATES AND RATES participate in human-powered activities, and to benefit as well as vegetarian and vegan meal options. We are a
Full Season: from personal and primary relationships. nut-sensitive camp. Therefore, no nut products are served.
June 24 - August 10, 2021 u Wekeela is electronics free! Our campers unplug and Each day we provide a fabulous eighteen foot salad bar!
$12,900 (Kids) - $13,900 (Teens) have quality face-time. Camp is arguably the best and u We feature on-site residential nurses in our
First Session: last place for a child to have human interaction. comfortable health center. Wekeela is an AED
June 24 - July 17, 2021 (Automated External Defibrillator) equipped facility.
$7,800 (Kids) - $8,600 (Teens)
Second Session:
ACTIVITIES
July 18 - August 10, 2021 u WATER SPORTS: u TENNIS: USPTA pro instruction, tournaments,
$7,800 (Kids) - $8,200 (Teens) Swimming, sailing, multiple ball machines, and beach tennis.
Rookie Session: waterskiing, u OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: 19 element high and low
(for first-time campers only) wakeboarding, ropes adventure zone, rock wall, climbing wall, team
July 18 - July 31, 2021 canoeing, kayaking, wall, backpacking, trailblazing, campfire cooking,
$4,600 (Kids) fly boarding, stand up rappelling, orienteering and zip lining!
Visitors Day: paddle boarding, u ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: It’s an educational
Friday, July 16, 2021 tubing, pedal boat, exploration
aqua glide, pontoon boat, fishing and water trampoline! of Maine’s
u CREATIVE ARTS: Ceramics, painting, drawing, tie beauty.
dye, pottery, light woodworking, model rocketry, digital
CAMP FEES Private
photography, jewelry making, stained glass and more! nature trails
The camp tuition includes
u PERFORMING ARTS: Musical theatre, electric and alongside
enrollment, room and board,
acoustic guitars, piano, drums, dance: jazz, modern, our exclusive
laundry, individual portrait
hip-hop, ballet, acting, theatre games, improv, radio, babbling brook. Featuring overnight camping in tipis!
and bunk photos, yearbook,
video, DJ’ing and more! u TRIPS: Professionally led day hikes into Maine and the
transportation for field trips
and rain day trips. Wekeela u CULINARY ARTS: Fun with food. Campers learn to White Mountains. Whitewater Rafting trip available for
provides linens for international bake and cook an eclectic variety of meals and snacks. teens. Surf trips to Atlantic Ocean! Teen Campers go on
campers only. u LAND SPORTS: Aerobics, 3-day trips to Boston, Cape Cod, Acadia, Bar Harbor,
archery, baseball, basket- Vermont and Montréal, CN! (subject to change)
ball, flag football, fitness, ice u HORSEBACK
skating, gaga ball, golf, RIDING: Our
gymnastics, lacrosse, riders enjoy a large
skateboarding, street hockey, outdoor riding
soccer, volleyball, weightlifting, arena and trails
karate, mountain biking and overlooking scenic
cheerleading. Maine mountains.
campwekeela.com
CampWekeela WHERE FRIENDS BECOME FAMILY
When it comes to the PERFECT SETTING for a great summer, all roads lead to Maine.
But only one road leads to CAMP WEKEELA - a premier residential
camp for boys and girls ages 7-16, located on Little Bear Pond in Hartford, ME.
OUR GOAL at Wekeela is to provide a fun, exciting summer experience that helps
your child discover new talents and interests, builds SELF-ESTEEM
AND CONFIDENCE and gives them the opportunity to establish lifelong friendships.What makes Wekeela special are the STRONG, LOYAL BONDS we create.
Our campers become family. Long after camp ends for the summer,
we remain in touch. Year after year, over 85% of Wekeela campers return
to renew the CLOSE FRIENDSHIPS they have made.We’ve developed LEADING-EDGE activity programming that includes
creative, performing and culinary arts, land and watersports, tennis,
environmental education, outdoor adventure and out of camp excursions.
Programs are tailored to meet your child’s needs and we encourage our campers to
MAKE CHOICES, TAKE RISKS and ACCEPT NEW CHALLENGES.Whether it’s learning to play the guitar, improving their tennis game or MAKING FRIENDS with someone from a different state or country, your child will have a summer filled with MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME.
At Wekeela we are fortunate to have former Wekeela campers as staff. Other staff members
come from across the USA. To reach our goal of a RICHLY DIVERSE summer camp and
to introduce different cultures to our campers, we have staff from EUROPE, AUSTRALIA,
NEW ZEALAND, SOUTH AMERICA, ASIA, SOUTH AFRICA and other countries.
Owners/Directors,
LORI AND EPHRAM
CAFLUN have been at
Wekeela since 1997 and their
three sons have grown up here.
Their passion and involvement
in the Wekeela experience is
evident when you meet them.
Lori and Ephram welcome your
inquiries and look forward
to discussing why your family
should become part of the
WEKEELA FAMILY.At this camp, everyone can!
CampWekeela 2021
Dates and Fees
SUMMER SESSION DATES FEES
Full Season - Kids Camp June 24 - Aug 10 $12,900
Full Season - Teen Camp* June 24 - Aug 10 $13,900
Full Season - Teen Camp LIT’s** June 24 - Aug 10 $12,900
First Session - Kids Camp June 24 - July 17 $7,800
First Session - Teen Camp* June 24 - July 17 $8,600
Second Session - Kids Camp July 18 - Aug 10 $7,800
Second Session - Teen Camp*** July 18 - Aug 10 $8,200
Rookie Session - Kids Camp July 18 - July 31 $4,600
* Includes all overnight trips (Inters: Boothbay Harbor, Juniors: Boston,
Seniors: Bar Harbor)
** Includes Montréal / VT and Boston overnight trip
*** Includes whitewater rafting trip
Note: Rookie session is for first time campers. Kids Campers are currently
in grades 1st-6th. Teen Campers are currently in grades 7th-9th.
Note: Leadership in Training Program for campers currently in 10th grade
and/or 16 years of age. Please contact Wekeela HQ for more details.
OPTIONAL PROGRAMS
HORSEBACK RIDING (2x per week) Full Season $900
First Session $650
Second Session $425
Rookie (2 weeks) $350
ICE SKATING AND First Session $400
STICK & PUCK (Ice Hockey) Second Session (2 weeks) $275
(2x per week)
SURF TRIP (5x per season, cost per trip) $150
PRIVATE TENNIS LESSONS (7-20) (contact for pricing)
GOLF TRIP (3x per season) (applicable green fees)
TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM CAMP
(does not include luggage)
Boston’s Logan Airport (BOS) one-way/round-trip $180/340
Portland Jetport (PWM) one-way/round-trip $130/250
Rye, NY Shuttle (only 6/24 and 8/10) one-way/round-trip $255/495
METHODS OF PAYMENT
We honor MasterCard and VISA credit cards (American Express is not
accepted), as well as payments by checks drawn on American banks
only, or by travelers’ cheques. The enrollment form provides space
for supplying all necessary charge card information. Please be sure
to include camper’s name in all transactions. Wire transfers accepted
as well for an additional fee of $45. Please observe the following
payment schedule: $2,000 deposit per camper accompanying
completed enrollment forms. Subsequent payments due on
December 1, 2020, March 1, 2021, with balance due by May 1, 2021.Give your children an EXTRAORDINARYsummer!
PREMIER COED
SLEEPAWAY CAMP
u Camp Wekeela offers almost 100 years
of history and a rich camp tradition.
u Youth development experts, nurturing
counselors.
u Located on a beautiful mountain lake
setting in the great state of Maine.
u World-class facilities, staff and
instruction.
u Strong traditions and values.
u Over 400 children, from 22 states and
17 countries, attend every summer and
unplug - making lifelong friendships and
gaining new skills.
FIND THE PERFECT FIT
u Choose from full or short sessions.
u Wide array of activities: land, individual
and water sports, arts, trips of a lifetime.
CAMP WEKEELA
info@campwekeela.com
campwekeela.com
phone: 201.612.5125CAMPER, STAFF & PARENT Testimonials
I’ve attended Camp Wekeela for ten years now, beginning at CAMP HAS BECOME SUCH A HUGE PART OF WHO I AM
the age of nine, when I LEFT HOME FOR THE FIRST TIME and has grounded me in an educational vocabulary. Currently,
AND EXPERIENCED SOMETHING THAT I NEVER KNEW I’m researching the idea of ‘safe spaces’ in the classroom. This
WOULD CHANGE MY LIFE. People at camp are there to enjoy exploration keeps bringing me back to the camp environment.
each other’s company, without the worry of being made fun of, Camp is THE EPITOME OF A SAFE SPACE FOR CHILDREN
but to also step out of their comfort zones and do things that TO DISCOVER WHO THEY ARE IN RELATIONSHIP TO
may not be what they are used to. Not only did I learn from my OTHERS, AND MORE BROADLY, THE WORLD. As a future
campers, but I learned from every other staff member at camp educator, I am so grateful that I have gotten to experience camp
that ANYONE CAN BE FRIENDS WITH ANYONE, whether in order to inform my upcoming work how I approach teaching
you’re from Glasgow in Scotland or Miami, Florida and it’s and learning. Now, how to recreate in the classroom THE
important to surround yourself with people who love the same CAMARADERIE, THAT LOVE, WHICH EXISTS AT CAMP,
things you do. WITHOUT CAMP, I WOULDN’T BE THE is the challenge that I have set forth for myself. Thank you for
PERSON I AM TODAY. - Valerie C. Bethesda, MD the opportunity to work at such an incredible place. Wekeela is
always on my mind. My time as Performing Arts Department
Head was the best hands-on experience with children to date.
I just wanted to write you both and let you know what AN I have seen my technique- both structurally and flexibility-wise
AMAZING EXPERIENCE ELI HAD AT CAMP. He keeps telling strengthen over the last two years. When I think of home,
me CAMP IS ALL ABOUT TRYING NEW THINGS and that he I will always think of the PA building. WEKEELA HAS
tried so many new things at camp including new foods. ALL OF TRULY BEEN MY HOME FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS.
HIS COUNSELORS WERE SO WONDERFUL. It was so sweet - Kathryn Maslak, Columbia University 2012
to see him with all of them when we picked him up. He formed Harvard School of Education, M.Ed. Candidate
such a special bond with all of them. SOPHIE ALSO SEEMED
SO HAPPY AND VERY MUCH IN HER ELEMENT. She was
so excited for us to meet all of her new friends and counselors. Evan had an AMAZING TIME AT CAMP. WHAT WE HADN’T
- Alyssa S., Aspen, CO (former Wekeela camper, current Wekeela mom) EXPECTED IS HOW MUCH HE WOULD GROW IN FOUR
SHORT WEEKS. We were worried about Evan being homesick
during his first extended stay away from home. He is more
What can I say other than INCREDIBLE! Wekeela has turned “campsick” now that he is back home. Evan bonded with each
out to be ONE OF THE MOST POSITIVE AND BENEFICIAL of his counselors (he described each one as “the best”) and with
EXPERIENCES OF TIM’S LIFE. HE MATURES EACH
all the boys in his cabin. Before we left Visiting Day, they let us
SUMMER MORE THAN THE ENTIRE REST OF THE YEAR.
participate in “rituals.” The boys talked about how they had
He learns how to try new things, get along with others, the art of grown over the summer and their best memories. They talked
personal communication not aided by electronic devices and an about how close they had become as a group, the overnight at
appreciation for other cultures through his amazing counselors. the tipi during which they stayed up late talking, and then they
He gets mentoring from caring and dedicated staff that inspire sang the song that they were going to perform at the campfire
him in ways we never can as parents. WE VIEW CAMP AS that evening. THAT IS AN EXTRAORDINARY GROUP
A LIFELONG GIFT WE HAVE GIVEN TIM THAT HAS
OF COUNSELORS. WE CAN’T THANK THEM AND YOU
IMMEASURABLE BENEFITS. - Timothy S, San Antonio, TX
ENOUGH. He is already looking forward to next summer.
- Hillary D. & Jordan G., Potomac, MD
Mac’s experience at Wekeela THIS SUMMER WAS
TREMENDOUS! We have seen such INCREDIBLE GROWTH
This is our third year at Camp Wekeela and there is a strong
AND INDEPENDENCE IN HIM AND A NEW SENSE OF
level of trust as we send our young children to sleep away camp.
MATURITY, And to think that was only after two weeks at
The counselors have a very important job – to keep the kids
camp!! Mac is constantly talking about his friends and especially
happy and help them grow. Your counselors do that and more.
his counselors. Mac had so much fun, HE REALIZED BEING
THEY MAKE EACH CHILD FEEL EXCEPTIONAL. The time
UNPLUGGED WAS A REALLY GOOD THING. Every night
they take to get to know each child is wonderful to hear about.
Mac talks about what he’s missing at camp and is already
The counselors tell us about our kids and THEY GENUINELY
counting the days to when he returns next year. We can’t say
CARE ABOUT THEM. - Caryn C. Davie, FL
enough about how happy we are with Mac’s time at Wekeela
and the staff is a huge reason why. - Amy M., Newton, MAQ A’s w & ith our CAMP DIRECTORS WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE? HOW LONG HAVE YOU OWNED THE CAMP? Lori and Ephram have worked at Camp Wekeela since 1997. Prior to Wekeela, Lori was a school Guidance Counselor and Ephram was a school Social Worker as well as a youth Director at a JCC. They bought the camp in 2008. Currently all three of their children work at Wekeela. Please find out more at the Meet the Directors page on our website. WHERE DO YOUR CAMPERS COME FROM? Currently campers come from 25 states and 18 countries from around the world. WHAT DO THE FIRST COUPLE OF DAYS OF CAMP LOOK LIKE FOR A NEW CAMPER? HOW DO YOU ORIENTATE NEW CAMPERS AND PROMOTE BONDING IN THE BUNK/AGE GROUP? From day one, we have a lot of bunk activities which are bonding exercises to make sure the transition to camp is easy and fun. The campers participate in getting to know you activities to make sure everyone feels welcome and included. The counselors also go over the daily schedule and also discuss their bunk theme for the summer. WHAT IS THE DAILY SCHEDULE? HOW MUCH ACTIVITY CHOICE WILL MY CHILD HAVE? We have a four-day rotation (A-B-C-D schedule) and there are 6 different activities each day. There are three meals with the bunk as a whole and a rest hour. One of the six periods is an elective period where each of the program areas create a fun choice activity. Campers will often have choices within each program area as well. WHAT IS THE CAMPER-COUNSELOR RATIO? WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE OF THE COUNSELORS? WHERE DO MOST OF THE COUNSELORS COME FROM? HOW ARE THE COUNSELORS SELECTED AND TRAINED? There is close to a 2:1 ratio camper to counselor. Counselors are at least a freshman in college and Junior Counselors are seniors in high school as well as former campers. Staff come from the US and around the world. We use agencies who do criminal background checks and in person interviews, and we do interviews of our staff as well. For two weeks before the campers arrive, we have an extensive camp training period. WHAT PERCENTAGE OF CAMPERS RETURN EACH YEAR? Over 91% of campers return summer after summer. WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE? (E.G., TENTS, CABINS, ARE THERE BATHROOMS AND SHOWERS INSIDE THE CABIN, ELECTRICITY, ETC.” HOW MANY CAMPERS AND COUNSELORS LIVE IN EACH CABIN/TENT? We have wood cabins with new bathrooms and real pine wood bunk beds, private showers, toilets, and electricity. On average, there are 12 campers in each side of the bunk. All of our counselors live with and supervise their campers in the bunk. WHAT ARE THE CAMP’S VISITING AND COMMUNICATION POLICY? HOW DOES THE CAMP COMMUNICATE WITH PARENTS (DO THEY POST PICTURES DAILY, HAVE A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT, HAVE A BLOG OR NEWSLETTER)? WHAT IS THE CAMP’S POLICY ABOUT CAMPERS RECEIVING PACKAGES, PHONE CALLS, AND EMAILS? Visitor’s Day takes place at the end of the first session. It’s from 9am-4pm and the campers share with their parents a traditional day at camp. We post daily pictures on a password protected part of our website of our campers in action. Parents get one call for every two weeks of a camper’s stay. We also have Wekeela Notes where a parent can send an email to their camper each day. In addition, the camper can handwrite a letter back to their parents and our staff scans the letter back to their email address. Communication is ongoing throughout the summer. WHAT IS THE ELECTRONICS POLICY? We do not allow any electronics of any type that have access to the internet. Music players are allowed as long as they don’t require WiFi. IS THERE A SERVICE OR WEEKLY CAMPFIRE (RELIGIOUS OR VALUE BASED)? We have a weekly campfire where staff and campers perform - it is always a camp favorite. We have an optional Friday night candles lakeside service. Everyone is invited to participate. We also offer a shuttle to the local Roman Catholic Church for Sunday Mass.
Q A’s continued
&
WHAT ARE THE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS TO/FROM CAMP? CAR, CAMP BUS, PLANE? WHAT
IS THE MOST POPULAR METHOD? Depending on their location, campers arrive at camp in a variety of ways:
parent drop off, chartered coaches from Rye, New York, and select chaperoned flights into Boston Logan and Portland
Airports. If campers arrive via plane, we charter a van or bus to get them to camp.
IS THERE A PARTICULAR ACTIVITY OR DISCIPLINE THAT YOUR CAMP SPECIALIZES OR EXCELS IN?
We are a traditional sleep away camp and have a varied and amazing schedule of programming in water front, water ski,
outdoor adventure, tennis, landsports, creative arts, performing arts, culinary arts, and environmental education.
HOW DOES THE CAMP INTERACT WITH OTHER CAMPS? ARE THERE INTER-CAMP GAMES,
SOCIALS, OR BROTHER/SISTER CAMP EVENTS (HOW OFTEN WILL GIRLS AND BOYS SEE EACH
OTHER), TOURNAMENTS? We have inter camp sports games against other camps in Maine and NH several times
per summer. Since our camp is co-ed there is a good mix of activities with both boys and girls all day long.
HOW WILL MY CHILD EXPERIENCE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE? HOW OFTEN AND WHERE DO THEY
GO ON TRIPS? ARE THERE OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCES AS WELL? We have an outstanding Outdoor
Adventure program on campus with a climbing wall, rock wall, high and low ropes, zip line, fire building, and hiking. In
addition we have off campus daily hikes and overnight trips for our campers.
WHAT MAKES YOUR CAMP UNIQUE? HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE OVERALL CULTURE,
PHILOSOPHY, AND VIBE OF THE CAMP? We are unique in that we are a family run, co-ed camp which bases
its philosophy on kindness, problem solving, nurturing, and fostering independence. We believe in inclusion, having
fun, and just being a kid. We are not over-the-top competitive or pretentious. We have amazing children from awesome
families where lifelong friendships are made and become part of our family.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL TRADITIONS LIKE COLOR WAR OR OLYMPICS? We have a College Weekend
competition in the first session and a Color War in our second session. In both of these traditions, the campers are split up
into teams (either colleges or one of our colors) and participate in a variety of activities that are athletic, silly, and creative.
ARE THERE TEAM TRYOUTS? No, we believe we’re in the business of building kids up, not cutting them down.
Everyone who wants to participate is encouraged to do so.
WHAT ARE THE MEALS LIKE AT CAMP? ARE THEY FAMILY-STYLE, BUFFET, OR BOTH? DO
CAMPERS EAT WITH THEIR BUNK OR SWITCH AROUND WITHIN THEIR AGE GROUP? HOW DO
YOU HANDLE FOOD ALLERGIES? We have a very experienced groups of chefs who prepare by hand all of the
meals. We have family-style meals where everyone eats as a bunk with their counselors and bunk mates. We have table
service and an enormous salad bar at every meal with appropriate choices for the time of day. We also have special theme
meals throughout the summer. We can handle all allergies and are a nut free camp.
WHO ARE YOUR MEDICAL PERSONNEL (E.G. ROTATING DOCTOR, 24 HOUR NURSES,
CONSISTENT DOCTOR ON CALL)? WHAT ARE THE ONSITE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES LIKE? HOW
CLOSE IS THE LOCAL DOCTOR’S OFFICE, HOSPITAL, DENTIST, ETC.? We have a doctor on call 24/7,
nurses, EMT’s, and student health professionals on our staff at camp all summer. We have a full-service health center and
have two leading Maine hospitals nearby.
WHAT IS SECURITY LIKE AT CAMP? We have electronic gates at our entrances and patrols very late into the night.
IS THERE A CAMP UNIFORM? We are not a uniform camp, but we do ask that campers purchase Wekeela Wear
from our store to be worn on arrival days as well as any time we leave campus. We find that many of our children wear
their Wekeela clothing with pride throughout the calendar year. There is a packing list with specifics on our website.Top Ten Magic Tricks at Wekeela Something you cannot fully explain, but you know that it’s amazing and exceeded all your expectations of what you thought was going to happen at Camp. This is how I try to explain Wekeela to those who have never been. The unexplainable MAGIC… 1. CONFIDENCE u The trick of being confident. Although school, parents and friends have tried, it is camp’s ability to bring out a child’s inner confidence that is truly magical. Children foster their independence at camp. They learn to problem-solve, make social adjustments to new and different people, learn responsibility, acquire new skills to increase their self-esteem, gain self-confidence, and build upon their self-worth. 2. LOYALTY u The trick of being loyal. It’s the magic of friendship that camp teaches children. Your bunkmates quickly become your family and your loyalty to them is extreme and it is real. 3. RESPONSIBILITY u The trick of learning responsibility. The magic of camp is that children grow up more in those short 7 weeks than they do throughout the whole year. It’s no longer a nagging parent that instructs a kid to do their duties (brush her teeth, clear his plate, make her bed), rather it is the child who takes on responsibilities to take care of him or herself, to take care of his or her belongings, and so much more. 4. BRAVERY u The trick of being brave. Getting on the bus that first day requires a new level of braveness that children have yet to experience at that age. Once at camp, being in this magical place, kids are able to conquer their own fears of touching the bottom of the lake, going down the zip line, trying out for the soccer team, or even just trying new foods. 5. TEAMWORK u The trick of teamwork. Camp is a magical community and doesn’t function without the happiness, spirit, and personalities of each camper. Whether it is partnering up with a new friend, working together on a color war team, or just sitting by the lake, the bonds in this community are unlike most others. 6. SECOND FAMILY u The trick of creating a second family. Living in a place where you are surrounded by hundreds of people who genuinely want you to be your best self is magical. Camp creates a second family in which children find role models to look up to, people who look after them, and a place where kids learn the great life skills and values from great people. 7. ACCEPTING OTHERS u The trick of accepting others. Camp is a place where being called “weird” is one of the biggest complements one could accept. Children learn to open their eyes to people similar and different from them. Camp teaches everyone to find the magic that is within each other. 8. SPORTSMANSHIP u The trick of sportsmanship. Camp allows you to value the journey, not the destination. At Wekeela, we emphasize the process of playing a sport over the product of winning it. Camp teaches the magic of focusing on the positives of every situation. You can ask any coach, teaching sportsmanship is not an easy task, but somehow camp counselors have mastered this. Children actually cheer on the opposite team as much as they cheer on their own. Now that’s MAGIC! 9. LIVING IN THE MOMENT u The trick of learning to live in the moment. In this day and age children are surrounded by technology, electronics, and are always diving into the “next thing.” At camp, life slows down. Each day, children learn the magic of embracing the moment, making the best of each day, and being outdoors and in nature. It is not about doing an activity so you can Instagram or Snapchat; it is about doing an activity because it is fun. Camp brings back the magic of the world that is not based around technology. 10. HAPPINESS u The trick of happiness. Some parents have asked us if we put something special in the water at camp that makes every kid so happy. Camp makes you smile a little wider, makes your adrenaline rush a little harder, makes your nose crinkle a little more from laughing too hard, and truly makes your heart beat a little faster. If that isn’t magic, then I am not sure what is.
Using Lessons From Camp to Foster Independence at Home
been called in to treat them with band-aids. When children are on
SLEEPAWAY CAMP COMBINES FOUR
their own, they learn how to feel success and cope with challenges
FACTORS OR INGREDIENTS: for and by themselves. They develop grit and resilience, and those
1. Community Living are the skills they will need in the 21st century and beyond! Those
are the skills that they develop when they are confident and safe
2. Being Away From Home in their own hands.
3. Beautiful Natural Setting
While home is very comfortable, it can also be filled with
4. Recreational Premise anxiety and pressure of friends, community, siblings and parents’
expectations. As many children head back-to-school, how can we
continue to nurture self-confidence, independence and character
These factors pave the way for a child who spends a summer away from the home front? Here are some suggestions, using the
from the comforts of home to show their parents how they can approaches that work so well at camp:
grow emotionally and physically. After all, summer camp is one
of the few places left in our world where children can “unplug” u Respect that your child is a work-in-progress. Give them
and connect with their peers and adults in the purest way; a place opportunities to try new things that may challenge and push
where they can become more responsible, take care of themselves, them out of their comfort zones. Be open to their feedback.
learn new skills and make new friends. But what parents soon So what if they don’t like it? So what if they fall? They will learn
realize is that when you give your child the gift of independence, just as much from what they don’t like, as from what they do
even bigger changes occur. But why? like. If you put them in a box or label them “the tennis player,”
“the dancer,” “the artist,” “the picky eater,” or “the shy one,”
As parents, we spend so many countless hours carefully managing it will only hold them back.
every detail of our child’s lives. We craft the perfect schedules,
make play dates with all the kids that we prefer our child spend u Listen to what they are saying. Not just how they are saying it.
time with, cheer them to victory from the sidelines, care for their Sometimes children flex their independence and challenge us with
cuts and scrapes when they fall and answer their many questions. attitude or emotion. But when you scratch the surface, you see
We are their crash mats, their rescue squad and their pep squad. something deeper. Before you jump on their words,
But what happens when you take that all away? You let them find meaning behind them.
experience life in their own hands.
u Put them to work. Chores are great lessons for shared
At camp, kids learn how to wait in line for their turn, how to responsibility. Have them continue to make their beds, even if
participate in an activity that may not be their favorite and how time is short. Have them set the table and clear dishes like in
to try something that is out of their comfort zone. They learn the old days. And give out allowance for regular jobs done well.
self-discipline, respect and confidence. They learn how to relate to
u Hold them accountable. Say no when appropriate, let them
each other and to coexist and not hide behind technology. They
make mistakes and feel the consequences of their actions. Hold
try new foods that they never would because mom is not there
back the desire to quickly “fix” everything.
as a short order chef. And most importantly, when parents aren’t
there, kids are given the chance to step into their independence. u Stay strong. Don’t let them push your buttons and manipulate
They learn how it feels to be able to say, “I did it!, ” without their to get out of doing things. Stay tough – the firmer you remain,
parents’ assistance, coaching or persuasion. the less they will complain and get the job done quicker. Kids
thrive with rules and structure.
When children are away from their parents they can own their
success. Have you ever noticed that when kids play sports in No one said parenting is easy. Like our children, we are a work in
town, they are focused on the sidelines... looking for a thumbs up progress and can always learn more. A few of our favorite books
from mom or dad when they hit a line drive into left field instead are The Blessing of a Skinned Knee and The Blessing of a B Minus
of experiencing the joy and pride of that moment for themselves? by Wendy Mogel, Ph.D. as well as Homesick and Happy by
Or what happens when they round third base, trip and fall? Michael Thompson, Ph.D. They have inspired us, and so many
Before they can dust themselves off and run home, the EMT has of our camp families, to “let go” to let them grow.4th of July on Camp Wekeela’s Little Bear Pond
Camp Wekeela WINTER
8793 Valhalla Drive
SUMMER
1750 Bear Pond Road
campwekeela.com ~ info@campwekeela.com Delray Beach, FL 33446 Hartford, ME 04220
Ephram and Lori Caflun, Owners/Directors Tel 201.612.5125 Tel 207.224.7878One of life’s great challenges is CHOOSING WHICH BRIDGE TO CROSS.
At Camp Wekeela, we offer an experience that not only
ENRICHES the lives of children and teens, but also remains with them FOREVER.
This bridge leads campers over the Hayford Brook onto the Nature Trail, Lenape Village and the New Territory at Wekeela.
Camp Wekeela WINTER
8793 Valhalla Drive
SUMMER
1750 Bear Pond Road
campwekeela.com ~ info@campwekeela.com Delray Beach, FL 33446 Hartford, ME 04220
Ephram and Lori Caflun, Owners/Directors Tel 201.612.5125 Tel 207.224.7878You can also read
