News Archives - Page 8 of 9 - Chestnut Lake Camp

LOOKING AHEAD…Chestnut Lake Camp 2015!

October 31, 2014

As the leaves change colors and cold weather is right around the corner, we are already looking forward to the sunshine of the summer of 2015. Below are some exciting camp events and changes we have planned for the upcoming year.

HALLOWEEN CONTEST – We are excited to announce our annual Halloween Costume contest for campers and staff alike! Email Debbi a photo of yourself in costume by November 3rd to be entered in a raffle to win a Chestnut Lake Camp prize pack! The lucky staff member and lucky camper will be announced via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter early November. Looking forward to seeing everyone all dressed up!

WINTER REUNIONS – NEW LOCATIONS!!!
Please join us for friends, food and fun at the annual CLC winter reunions. The winter reunions are the perfect opportunity to reconnect with camp friends as well as welcome new campers to the CLC family! The Head Counselors and Division Leaders will all be at the New Jersey/New York reunions on December 6th and 7th where we will premier the 2014 Video Yearbook.

Save the date for our Maryland reunion on January 25th and our Florida reunion on February 21st!

BRAND NEW CANTEEN – During the summer, there was a lot of excitement over the plans for the new canteen building. As soon as camp was over, we broke ground and began construction. It’s been very exciting seeing the building going up, and we can’t wait to show you the finished product!

Chestnut Lake's brand new movie theater and canteen

canteen

BRAND NEW MOVIE HOUSE – Along with the canteen, the new movie house is also under construction. The movie house will be the headquarters for our videography program where campers will be able to watch and edit the movies they create. It will also be a great location to watch special events or catch a movie on a rainy day. movie theater

Don’t forget to send Paul pictures of your own mini CLC reunions and special events throughout the year and they will be posted on Chestnut Lake’s Instagram, Twitter and Facebook feeds!

We wish everyone a Happy Halloween and hope to see you at the winter reunions.

Discovery Camp at Chestnut Lake

August 13, 2014

Chestnut Lake Discovery Camp is one of our favorite weekends at Chestnut Lake. Discovery Camp offers future CLC campers the opportunity to spend a weekend with us and discover what the Chestnut Lake Camp experience is all about!

This past weekend our Discovery Camp Campers arrived and had the opportunity to experience what it’s like being part of the Chestnut Lake family. Upon arrival, each Discoverer was given a CLC big sister or big brother. Siblings, cousins, friends from home and CLC Big Brothers and Sisters gave them a spirited CLC welcome as they came off the Discovery Camp bus. The first thing they did was visit their bunks and receive their special Discovery Camp t-shirts. Then the CLC Big Brothers and Sisters gave them a tour around camp.

After they had lunch, the Discoverers started in on all the great activities that CLC has to offer. Discovery Camp Campers could be seen around camp flying through the air on the zip line and flying squirrel, making special projects at Arts & Crafts and skimming across the water on the banana boat. After dinner, the Discovery Camp Campers were introduced to the whole camp at line-up. As the guests of honor, they were given the privilege of lowering the flag. Then they enjoyed S’mores at the Campfire site. After S’mores, they were introduced to one of the many traditions at Chestnut Lake, Nancy Tucker. Nancy Tucker is always a huge hit at CLC as she plays her guitar and sings Chestnut favorites such as “Jelly Fish”, “One Meatball” and “To Stop the Train”.

By Sunday morning, the only way you could tell the Discovery Camp Campers apart from the rest of the CLC campers was from their special tie-dye Discovery shirts! They continued their CLC weekend with activities like gymnastics, gaga, swimming at the pool and Outdoor Adventure. After lunch, they participated in a special scavenger hunt led by their CLC big brother or sister.

Discovery Camp, Best Summer Camp, Best Sleepaway Camp, Summer Camp, Summer Camp Experience, 2 Hours from New York City, 2 Hours from NYC, Northeast Premier Summer Camp, Premier Summer Camp, Premier Summer Camp 2 Hours from New York City, Premier Summer Camp 2 Hours from NYC, Premier Sleepaway Camp

After “discovering” what it means to be part of the Chestnut Lake family, the Discovery Camp Campers were all saying the same thing: “We can’t wait until next summer!”

And we can’t wait to see them!

Camper Talent Show and Flego

July 18, 2014

We have had a whirlwind of thrilling activities happening at CLC!

Last week, campers were invited to showcase their unique skills at the Camper Talent Show. We saw entire bunk performances, small group acts and there were also some individual performances. This year’s acts included stand up comedy and live vocal performances.

4143bc0a-e1a8-4b8e-8115-c16f158bc277 b4456003-a2a6-467b-b4ad-927221290169

Another big event at camp was Flego. What is Flego? The name comes from the pro Square Dance instructors, Lou and Sue Flego. During staff training, Lou and Sue taught our staff the basics of the exhilarating country-dance. Then they came back to instruct the campers. The staff were available to help out when extra instruction was needed. The campers got to take the learning experience one step further…There was a huge Flego competition at the end! In the crowd of campers there were plenty of pig tails and plaid shirts which helped put everyone in the country- dancing spirit.

And the best part is…. there are so many more amazing activities to come for the campers!

Tribal Campfire

July 9, 2014

One of the most highly anticipated traditions at Chestnut Lake is our Tribal Campfire. All of the returning campers and staff deck themselves out in either green or white, while the new campers and staff anxiously wait to find out which Tribe they will be on.

fd7fe02f-9e97-434d-9110-987604448a08

38dedcf1-0ec5-4b70-812d-18afd1a8a4bd

156d0d05-e2e9-45cd-bc32-8919cc1a434c

bb204536-5991-4f7b-b7ba-f76981d76ddb

But before we officially started Tribal Campfire, we announced our Community Service Award winners. Each week, campers and staff turn in Community Service Nominations for someone in camp who they feel represents everything Chestnut Lake Camp stands for. The campers and staff whose nominations are chosen, read them aloud to the whole camp and then announce who is receiving the award. While the recipient is always thrilled to have their name called, what makes this such a special CLC tradition is that the person who gives the award is even happier!

ce66c63f-7376-4e1f-bcff-cc8f63e2b192

01b7fa3c-433a-4163-bcfa-707cc27d293c

948e8826-06b7-485a-9a9d-c33ff8ef688b

Once the Community Service Awards were finished, it was on to Tribal. The new campers and staff went to the lake and recited the Tribal Oath. When they walked back up to the campfire site, they were surprised to find the Unami and Minsi teams lining both sides of the path. At the campfire, each division was called up, and as they faced the campfire, they received one stripe of their new Tribal team’s color on each cheek. As they waited anxiously, they were told to “face your new tribe”. Every time a new division turned around, their new team was there to welcome them. Now the Unami Turtles and the Minsi Wolves can’t wait for the first Tribal Competition!

0fef6cb1-9448-444e-8be2-e159322fca5e

c2284ae2-18ac-42b7-b8c8-95cdd0cc2d60

3d384c9e-7dc4-4abe-9512-a97120e1d17a

222ec70a-9341-4930-9067-b543a00500e3

4th of July Celebration-CLC style

July 7, 2014

Chestnut Lake celebrated America’s birthday in typical CLC style…with a whole lot of spirit!

2265fe3f-ec21-4709-ba2a-aab506729065

The whole camp was split into Red, White and Blue teams for our annual CLC Regatta. Campers worked together to design and build boats out of duct tape and cardboard. Our Varsity, Kaya and Sani campers created parade floats out of the camp golf carts.

3a867351-cdda-4db1-8131-161ebc0062ce

12404fd8-b8fe-43e9-bc2b-d428bbb3b2b7

71a01933-0133-46a9-9cda-5741b167682b

Then the whole camp lined Chestnut Lake Avenue as the procession of regatta boats and floats passed by. The floats threw candy to the crowd as they cheered them along. Everyone was decked out in 4th of July outfits…Miss Massachusetts, Florida, New Jersey, Idaho, Colorado and Illinois even made a special appearance.

89574752-ed1b-4834-b0c9-a7a09019be79

Then it was time for one of Chestnut Lake’s favorite traditions: CLC Regatta. Each team and division chose their own captains to paddle their boats across the pool to victory. There were many various designs. Some worked and some didn’t, but everyone had a blast cheering their boats on!

1ecbf6bd-cc20-4de0-b8d3-bc956c005282 We capped the day with a very special performance by the Yazhi and Ciqala. They reminded the CLC family what Independence Day is all about and performed a few patriotic numbers. The grand finale of the show was an amazing display of fireworks that everyone enjoyed.

Chestnut Lake Camp Staff Talent Show

July 7, 2014

Three words can be used to describe the main purpose of Chestnut Lake Camp, and those words are. . .

BRING IT OUT!

This catchphrase aims to encourage campers to try new things. Participating in activities they’ve never tried before can bring out a whole new side of a camper!

Our staff firmly believes in the “Bring It Out” philosophy. Each year within the first few days of camp, the staff put on a talent show. They put on the show to encourage the campers to not be afraid to get involved.

931f4c83-b91b-4ff0-8ccd-59f2cd47994f

Counselors and division leaders perform silly parody skits, lip syncs, dances, and anything else they want to showcase.

6761121b-6f96-4e87-a990-0eb7f3d90298

Later in the summer, campers themselves are able to participate in the annual camper talent show!

484bba5e-e27e-4e1e-8318-d330403ef02b

Chestnut Lake Camp 2014 Officially Kicks Off!

July 3, 2014

July 03, 2014

Summer Camp kicked off as the buses started rolling in at Chestnut Lake. Excited campers were greeted by Debbi and Paul as they stepped off the bus. Then they ran through the counselor tunnel where their counselors and friends were waiting for them on the other side!

The day was filled with fun activities as returning campers reunited with old friends and welcomed new campers into the CLC family.

The official start of 2014 was celebrated with Opening Campfire. It’s always exciting to see the campers and counselors gathering at the Campfire Site. CLC spirit was on full display as the campers and counselors laughed and sang together. Chestnut Lake Camp has a very special tradition that signifies how the spirit of every camper carries on from summer to summer.

Each division contributes a plank of wood that every camper and counselor signs. These planks are stacked on top of the campfire before it is lit. The youngest campers (Ciqala had the honor this summer!) dig up the ashes from the previous summer’s Closing Campfire. The ashes are sprinkled on the planks, and then the fire is lit. At the end of this summer, the ashes from Closing Campfire will be collected and buried so that the spirit of CLC 2014 and every summer before will carry on to every future Chestnut Lake Camp summer.

Catching Up with Chestnut Lake’s Boys’ Head Counselor: Dan Craig

June 29, 2014

Hello Chestnut Lake!

Seeing the staff and meeting new families a few weeks ago at Spring Fling only intensified the desire for camp to start! It was a wonderful weekend that allowed us to get a little taste of what the summer of 2014 at CLC has in store. After 10 summers with Trails’ End and now 4 with Chestnut Lake, the excitement doesn’t lessen as Opening Campfire approaches.

It has certainly been a busy year. Teaching high school English is always a rewarding experience, and I am so proud of my students this year. They are truly one of the most dedicated and passionate groups of students I’ve had the pleasure to teach. This year, I was also able to coach my son Sean’s soccer team to another winning season. Sean has also had another amazing year in school and we couldn’t be prouder of his progress. Our younger son Matt also started his first experience playing soccer this spring and it has been a wild ride. Laurie and I are preparing for Matt to take the big plunge into kindergarten this fall! In addition to our busy schedule, we managed to squeeze in some great hikes along the Appalachian Trail, swims at the Jersey Shore, and some vacation time with the grandparents in Virginia.

With Staff Education Week coming to a close we are excited about all the things we have planned for boys’ campus. We can’t wait to see all the boys back on campus welcoming those new to Chestnut Lake. Until Opening Campfire. I look forward to seeing you on Visiting Day!

Only 68 More Days Until Opening Campfire…Helping You Prepare For Camp!

April 23, 2014

With less than 70 days until Opening Campfire, it is officially time to start packing and preparing for the upcoming summer. It is also time to finalize some of the important details that might still be on your “to-do” list.

Have you placed your camp clothing order yet?

Camp orders must be placed by April 25th in order to guarantee delivery in time for trunk pick-up. If you have not placed your order yet, please click here to view the packing list and place your order. If you have questions regarding the packing list, please call Debbi at 516-221-8800 ext. 22.

Have you scheduled your trunk pick-up?

Camp Trucking will provide baggage service for Chestnut Lake families. Baggage service can be one-way or round trip. The enrollment deadline for first session families is May 9th and the deadline for second session families is June 6th. Once the bags arrive at camp, Chestnut Lake staff will unpack them to make sure everything is in order before the campers arrive. If you have not scheduled your pick-up, click on the link on the left for more info on the Camp Trucking service. Please read through the packing reminders carefully to find answers to frequently asked packing questions.

Have you RSVP’d for Spring Fling?

Spring Fling is a day of fun and excitement for our current camp families. Your child will meet other campers in their age group, spend time with their Division Leader and Head Counselor and take a tour of camp. While the campers take part in fun activities, parents can attend our parent orientation program in which Debbi and Paul help prepare you for the final days leading up to camp. We will also have activities available for younger siblings.

Please e-mail Corey Peters at corey@chestnutlakecamp.com by May 9th with your RSVP. Click below for more Spring Fling information.

MyCLC

MyCLC is your online portal to everything you’ll need to prepare for camp and the best way to stay connected throughout the summer. MyCLC contains all the important forms and documents you’ll need to complete prior to camp. The Forms and Documents section not only contains online versions of all forms and documents, it also lets you know when they’re due and whether you’ve already completed them. MyCLC is also where you can enroll for Specialty Camps, e-mail your child during camp and view pictures and videos of your child during the summer.

We are so excited for the upcoming summer, and we can’t wait until the buses arrive and we reunite with our summer family!

Olivia Marshall Discovers Chestnut Lake Camp

March 15, 2014

For one weekend every summer, prospective campers have an opportunity to take a journey through the life of a Chestnut Lake camper and experience all that CLC has to offer. Discovery Camp is a two day adventure for current 1^st-4^th graders which will give them the opportunity to see and feel the warmth and spirit of Chestnut Lake Camp. We spoke to Olivia Marshall, one of our 2013 Discovery campers, to find out how her weekend experience helped prepare her for her upcoming summer at Chestnut Lake.

Olivia Marshall

Hi! My name is Olivia Marshall. I am 9 years old and I am in 4^th Grade in Howell, New Jersey. I do not have any brothers or sisters but I do have a whole lot of cousins and a beagle named Buddy. I like to sing, dance and act. I also like to play school, the clarinet and Mine Craft. When I grow up I would like to be a teacher.

Describe your Discovery Camp Experience: My Discovery Camp experience started when I got off the bus. I went through the tunnel and at that very moment I knew that I was part of the Chestnut Lake Family. Everyone made me feel welcome and special inside. I was very nervous in the beginning but I was assigned “Big Sisters” and they were always by my side. I knew I wanted to come back to CLC. When it was time to leave after Discovery Camp I got very sad and didn’t want to leave. As soon as I got in the car I told my mom and Dad..”I HAVE to go back for 3 weeks! Pleeeeeeease!!!!”

What was your favorite thing about Discovery Camp: I can think of lots of favorite things about Discovery Camp. I liked hanging out with new friends, going on the blob in the lake, having Big sisters, S’mores, activities at night and the games you play in your bunk before you go to bed. Actually, I liked everything.

olivia marshall-arts

Favorite Band/Musician: Selena Gomez

Favorite Song: Slow Down by Selena Gomez

Favorite Book: Dork Diaries Series of books

Favorite Foods: Pasta-with butter and garlic, salad, pizza, macaroni & cheese, mozzarella sticks, raspberries, Ramen noodle soup

What is one thing that you are looking forward to the most about your first summer at CLC: Doing theater and seeing my counselors, swimming in the lake and playing games in the bunk at night before bed. (sorry-couldn’t pick just one)

Click here to watch the Discovery Camp Video.