LAURA PAINE BEEBE

 

When my daughter was born I was thrilled to know that Alford Lake Camp might be in her future. I raised her on the songs of ALC and began taking her to family camp when she was young. Then we waited until we felt the time was right. At 10, Eliza headed off to ALC for her first of five summers as a camper. My own experience at ALC as a camper and counselor had been so excellent that we never even contemplated looking at other summer camps. Choosing ALC for our daughter was one of the easiest decisions we’ve made as a family.

 

ALC is special because girls grow there in a loving community surrounded by a beautiful, natural setting. The camp has changed in necessary ways over its 100+ years but has maintained all of its best qualities: a close-knit community, a simple living philosophy including wearing uniforms and sleeping in canvas tents, and a wide variety of healthy and fun activities.

 

As a parent, I love knowing my daughter is living amidst adults who care about her and that she is well beyond the reach of today’s pressures which come in so many forms. Having a break every summer from media influence, electronics, popular culture, and school has been critical to her well-being and self esteem. Upon pickup at the end of camp, she is always full of stories which take days and weeks to unfold and is aglow with joy, pride, and contentment.

 

My daughter loves the people, the lake, blueberry muffins, and rain on the tent. She has made the best friends of her life there with whom she is in touch often. ALC is for her a safe, loving place that feels like another home.

 

In addition to increased self confidence and happiness, my daughter has gained forever friends, life skills, independence, a love of singing, and reverence for a place. For our daughter, ALC has been everything we hoped it would be. We are grateful for our family’s connection with this exceptional community.