CHOICE-BASED PROGRAM

One of the unique qualities of the ALC program is that campers have the opportunity to make decisions about what activities to try every day. Each camper makes choices within the schedule to meet her needs (with the guidance of her tent counselor and the support of the entire counselor staff).  For each activity period, campers will have three to five activities from which to choose.  They do not need to sign up ahead of time (with few exceptions), but rather learn to make choices based on their thoughts and goals for each day as it comes.  A camper may find that she prefers to plan out her whole day in the morning – looking at the schedule posted in her tent, she may write her schedule out and stick it in her pocket for reference.  Another camper may feel comfortable choosing her activities as the day rolls along – looking at the schedule for her age group at the end of one activity as she prepares to move to the next period.  This is an important life skill!  We encourage campers to try each activity at least once, and lessons in swimming and riding (if they choose to ride) are scheduled at assigned times.  Over the course of a summer, some campers will spend some time in a wide variety of activities – taking in all that Alford Lake has to offer – while others will focus their energies on a smaller group of activities where they will seek mastery of the skills taught in those departments.  Most activities appear on the schedule at least two times a day. Giving campers choices is one of the hallmarks of the Alford Lake Camp program.

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ACTIVITIES OFFERED

Campers arrive at Alford Lake with a wide range of skills and experiences in our activity areas. Campers of all ages may participate in all activities at ALC. Counselors work to help campers challenge themselves and set goals for what they’d like to accomplish. Campers feel safe at ALC and often enjoy trying new activities they’ve never done before.  Choices are offered by age groups, so generally, they will be at activities with other girls their age, allowing appropriately tailored instruction.

 

• Swimming: All campers have required Red Cross lessons 4 days a week where they work to pass the Red Cross Levels and improve their skills. Counselors are certified as Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors. Campers also love Free Swim where they can enjoy time in the lake just swimming with their friends, swimming laps or getting some extra help learning to dive or improving their strokes.

• Canoeing, Kayaking & Paddle Boarding: Campers learn skills required to safely use these crafts on the lake. With the option to pass levels, campers can also work towards being invited on an Out-Of-Camp canoe trip.

• Sailing: Campers start with learning the basics in our classic O'Day widgeons. As campers pass levels and develop their skills working towards learning to skipper, they enjoy sailing the Widgeons as well as our JYs and Laser.

• Sports: Each morning, the Sports counselor announces what sport they will play that day. Popular options include soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, volleyball, basketball and other games.

• Drama: Campers participate in theater-focused games and exercises, and if they choose to be in the Saturday Night Theater, they learn about playwriting, acting and directing. Once each summer, full season campers present a larger musical production for Visitors’ Weekend. First and second session campers are able to participate in a special performance at the end of their session.

• Art: Choices of activities at Art include basket-making, drawing, sketching, ceramics, pottery, weaving, floor-cloth painting, cut glass mosaics, woodworking, paper and fabric mâché, sewing, spinning and dying, making knitting needles, jewelry design, printmaking and more.

• Dance: Campers learn a variety of forms of dance and have the opportunity to choreograph and perform for the whole camp.

• Gymnastics: Campers develop tumbling, balance beam, bars, vault and rhythmic gymnastics skills.  If a camper wishes to perform, she has the opportunity to demonstrate her skills in a performance for the entire camp.

• Library: Campers can choose Library when they want a quiet time to read, write letters, or play games with friends. Some campers enjoy creative writing.

• Tennis: In addition to lessons, campers can pass levels and sign up to participate in the camper-counselor and camper-camper tournaments. The “Wimbledon” tournament at the end of the summer is a highlight where the whole camp gathers to watch the final match.

• Outdoor Explorations (ODE): Campers learn wilderness skills necessary to successfully travel outdoors on our Out-Of-Camp hiking and canoeing trips. These skills include setting up tents, learning weather forecasting, tree identification, building fires, and map and compass work.  We also emphasize “Leave No Trace” principles and talk about the environment and our impact on our world.

• Adventure: Campers have the opportunity to challenge themselves on our low ropes course, high ropes course and climbing wall.  Certified counselors teach campers how to safely experience each of these elements.   

• Riding:  Campers who choose to ride will have lessons scheduled at set times. Whether a beginning or advanced rider, our staff and horses are ready for all campers. Full season campers may be invited to participate in the traditional “Drill Team” and Horse Show on Visitors’ Weekend.

• Community Service: Campers are excited to sign up to volunteer for a number of community service opportunities.  These may include helping at the local animal shelter, working on projects in camp, working on a local farm, or visiting a local elder care facility.

• Archery: Campers learn to shoot a bow and arrow, aiming at various sized targets and from different distances as they gain experience. 

 

OUT-OF-CAMP WILDERNESS TRIPS

ALC offers an extensive trip program for campers of all ages.  Campers have the opportunity to sign up and be selected for day or overnight canoeing, hiking or community service trips.  Our overnight trips are out for 1-5 nights depending on the age group and the trip.

 

S.O.A.R.

Strength, Ownership, Achievement, Responsibility, or S.O.A.R., is a program designed for our older campers who are looking to take on a leadership and teaching role or a mastery of a specific activity.  Campers choose a counselor mentor who guides them through SOARing in the specific activity chosen.  This intensive program challenges the camper and is designed to push them in ways over and above our normal activity programs. As an interdisciplinary program, campers spend time learning skills in a variety of activities that support their learning in their chosen S.O.A.R. activity.

 

GLOBAL CHALLENGE TRIPS

Our Global Challenge trips include sailing in Nova Scotia, hiking the Appalachian Trail, and hiking in the French, Swiss and Italian Alps.  These exciting trips are available to our older campers (8th and 9th graders) by invitation only. Select trips are co-ed and boys completing 8th and 9th grade are encouraged to contact us to express interest in these programs.  All trips incorporate community service as part of the experience.

 

COUNSELOR TRAINEE / INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Our counselor trainee programs incorporate the best and most important aspects of what we value at Alford Lake Camp; leadership and being a responsible citizen.  The young women who are invited to take part in these programs will be asked to stretch their vision of themselves, work hard, and take on major leadership in camp, while being overseen by capable and professional leaders.

 

JR. CTs

This is a professional training program with courses in Red Cross First Aid and CPR, Lifeguard Training, advanced canoeing, philosophy in camping, child development and community skills, and supervisory experience with campers.

 

SR. CTs

This is an apprentice teaching internship. Senior CTs are immersed in hands-on leadership training while mentored by department heads and the directors.