BLAIR DEMERS

 

Why did you choose ALC for your daughter? 

I believe that my daughters will do some of their most important learning and growing when not in the company of their parents, and I wanted to find a wonderful environment in which to encourage this necessary development. I felt attracted to the longstanding traditions at ALC and its strong focus on values and moral education.  I was particularly struck by the depth, commitment and character of ALC’s leadership team.  As I became more invested in ALC, my intuition about the camp feeling like an extension of our own family was verified — this is an exceptional place being run and operated by a multi-generation family that has dedicated their lives to ALC.  

 

What is special about ALC? 

We happened to visit our daughter at ALC on a Sunday last year, and stumbled upon the “Sunday in the Pines” tradition.  Silently, we snuck through the trees and watched as the campers sat on logs in a small clearing in the woods, listening to different campers and counselor talk about a specific topic (in this case “gifts”).  We watched, surprised, as our oldest daughter stood before the entire group and gave a personal reflection on the meaning of the word “gifts” to the group.  Her poise, her comfort with the girls all around her, her willingness to share a piece of her self in such an intimate way — ALC provides the setting for this type of reflection, sharing, and security.  That’s just one of so many reasons we think ALC is a special place.

 

What do you like most about ALC as a parent?

I like the traditions that our girls experience at ALC.  The singing, the uniforms, the anticipation of the always secretive “camp birthday” celebration, the beach day Wednesdays, the anticipated peace of each Sunday.  I like the quiet time they get to write letters, play games together, work on an art project. And then the silliness, the goofy time, the drama and dance and spontaneous laughter that seems to infiltrate each day rain or shine, homesick or confident. I like the challenges they face. I like that they feel homesick and then get through that with the help of counselors and friends. I like the individual approach that the camp staff is wiling to take with each camper. One of my daughters loves horses but is a bit anxious when sitting atop one. So the riding staff allow her to come to the stables, take care of the horses, brush them, paint them (yes, they sometimes paint the horses!), feed them, help organize the barn… but there is no expectation that she has to actually ride the horses in order to experience the horses. I love that. And of course, there is the complete and total separation from the media, technology in any form, family dynamics, school dynamics, and the intensity of extracurricular activities that this generation of children seems to be inundated by. What a relief for our girls to spend 3 weeks in such a different setting, where they can take a break from all of the expectations they are exposed to and just be ALC campers!

 

 

What does your daughter (s) like most about ALC?

Well, I posed this question to my girls and this is what they said: 

Everyone’s friendly

I get to make your own choices without it being too overwhelming

Going outside my comfort zone

Tent time

The way we eat all together and sing after each meal

Fulffins  (flat muffins - whatever those are)

The art program

Swimming

Drama

Getting mail!! 

Saturday night theatre

All the food!

Beach day

Free time!

Memories with friends

I like that camp isn’t perfect. There are some difficulties that make everything else so much more fun. You have so many kids and counselors to help you with anything you are going through. It’s amazing!

 

What do you think your daughter (s) gained as a camper at ALC?

To name a few: A sense of self. A sense of accomplishment. Pride in being a GIRL. A break from societies expectations around being a GIRL.  An entire repertoire of camp songs that they break into all through the year. A profound sense of community. Valuable interaction with young adults who are mentors and “big sisters” but not parents or teachers. A wonderful sense of values, generosity of spirit, a focus on what is really important. Opportunities to push their own boundaries, and support and cheer-leading along the way. Leadership skills. Empathy. Camaraderie. And last but not least, a deep deep appreciation for their families and all the comforts of home!