Dancing is a common occurrence at camp. It can be scheduled, like when campers boogie in Dance class, when counselors host a dance party at Twilight, or as a wake-up energizer during Morning Assembly. But more often than not, breaking it down happens at all times of the day, regardless of the setting– and we wouldn’t have it any other way. You’ll see campers moving and grooving to and from activities, you’ll witness Hi-Ups jumping around in the dining hall while setting and clearing meals, and you’ll even notice counselors incorporating dancing into their activity lesson plan to spice things up.

One challenge counselors sometimes face when conducting a dance party is making sure the music is appropriate. Unfortunately, the Top 40 isn’t always RBA (Rockbrook Appropriate), so it can be difficult to cultivate a playlist that’s RBA and also a crowd pleaser. But have no fear, counselors! Below you’ll find 10 lyrically appropriate and acoustically awesome songs that are sure to be a hit with campers this summer. Get dancing!

1. Carly Rae Jepsen- “Call Me Maybe”

2. One Direction- “What Makes You Beautiful”

3. Kelly Clarkson- “Stronger”

4. Calvin Harris- “Feel So Close”

5. Taylor Swift- “Eyes Open”

6. Rihanna- “We Found Love”

8. David Guetta ft. Sia- “Titanium”

9. Demi Lovato- “Give Your Heart a Break”

10. One Direction- “One Thing”

11. Beyonce- “Love On Top”

Hello Staff! Camp is just a hop, skip, and a jump away! We’re taking a break this week from introducing our staff to send you a few tips about how to prepare for camp. Enjoy!

1. Exercise  and stretch your face muscles daily. You will smile and laugh so much this summer that if you neglect to train for this giggle fest, a build up of lactic acid may occur causing muscle soreness around your lips.

2. Vibrate your vocal cords  and breath deeply into your diaphragm every other day. With all the camp songs and tunes, your lungs and larynx are sure to be showcased this summer, so practice makes perfect!

3. Between french braiding, games of tether ball, high fives, thumbs up, and writing snail-mail you’re going to want to get those hands in tip-top shape. Start working them out now.

4. And point and flex and point and flex and point…Foot strength is critical here! Your feet will spend the summer jumping, dancing, running, kicking, sloshing through the mud, hopping, skipping and trekking along a mountain side. Let your tootsies know they are in for a treat!

5. Last, but certainly not least, RELAX! You (and your face, voice, hands, and feet) and are about to have the time of your (and their) life!

Rachel Simmons is the founder of the Girls Leadership Institute (GLI), a national nonprofit organization that develops leadership qualities in young girls. The GLI offers programming that engages adolescent females in healthy relationship practices, emotional intelligence, and assertive and confident self-expression. Simmons recently spoke at a TED conference about the incredible importance of positive female-to-female relationships among girls at an early age. A startling trend has been discovered: as girls grow into adolescence, their self-esteem reduces greatly. Girls begin to internalize societal pressures to be passive, modest, pleasing, and liked. With those as guiding core values, Simmons notes that young women hit a psychological glass ceiling that carries through their development. To quote Simmons, this produces a situation where “if [women's] college applications are stamped with 21st century girl power, and they are, we also see their psychological resumes lagging generations behind.”

We as a greater society need to instill young women with the confidence, drive, and assertion they need to live successful and fulfilling lives. This change begins at an early age and it begins in healthy female-to-female relationships. Girls need to be coached, supported, and guided to this empowered state of being, and as a counselor for young women, your impact could not be more influential. As Simmons notes, “Relationships with peers and adults offers [young women] opportunities to learn how to advocate for themselves, negotiate, and compromise.” Camp is the perfect place to put girls on a path towards fulfilling friendships, positive self-image, and healthy self-expression. Watch Simmons’ video, highlighted by high schooler Claire Sannini’s personal testimony of relationship struggles, and get inspired about all the potential this summer holds.

Introducing Shelby McGinnis, Jillian Merkel, and Victoria Norris… Welcome ladies!

Shelby McGinnis: On belay! Sure to make the climbing tower a blast, Shelby joins us from Appalachian State University where she is studying Moral Welfare and Recreation.  While belaying, Shelby’s focuses primarily on safety and teamwork. One of Shelby’s favorite things to do is spend time with her 6-year-old brother. She also spent last summer as a nanny for two extremely active and vivacious boys ages 6 and 9.  Summer just can’t get here soon enough!

Victoria Norris: Also joining us from Appalachian State University is Victoria Norris. Victoria is working toward a teaching degree so that she may one day work as a choir teacher. While in high school, Victoria spent her afternoons giving piano lessons and practicing for her school choir. Step Aside Hunger Games! Victoria will be teaching archery this summer. Rockbrook hit a bull’s eye with her!

Jillian Merkel: Studying Journalism at Texas A&M University, Jillian can’t wait to help with the camp paper! Jillian loves cheer leading, volleyball, and can tell you all about that latest friendship bracelet trends with her experience working at a jewelry shop in Texas. Working in her church nursery and spending as much time as she can with her nephews, Jillian loves kids and is so excited to meet our Rockbrook Girls. Welcome!

Shelby McGinnis

Victoria Norris

Jillian Merkel

We can’t wait to  pick right back up where we left off last week. It is our pleasure to introduce four more counselors who will spend their very first summer working in the heart of a wooded mountain.

Parker Hodges: Parker has spent the past year amidst sunshine and palm trees at Florida State University where she is studying accounting. After  completing two NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) courses, Parker has decided to share her love of the outdoors with the girls at Rockbrook. Parker is  also extremely proud to say that she is…drum roll…a triplet! Parker prides herself on leading by example and we lucky to have her join our staff this summer!

Leslie Hylton: Leslie will be joining us from Brevard College. A mathematics major and the president of the math club, Leslie loves using her mastery of this subject to tutor local middle and high schoolers. She hopes to one day become a high school math teacher. Leslie loves her cat Whiskers and can tell you a thing or two about choosing the best outfit for your stuffed animal from her previous experience working at Build-a-Bear Workshop. We can BEARly hide our excitement for Leslie’s arrival.

Meggie Lasher: Meggie, a native of Weaverville, NC, will be a wonderful addition to our staff this summer. Meggie is contemplating a future in Library Science and loves to read. A huge proponent of snail mail and the great outdoors, Meggie is no stranger to summer camp. She spent seven years of her childhood attending girl scout camp and looks forward to working in a positive, all-female environment once again. You may find Meggie bopping around the Rockbrook Readers this summer.

Kate Lasher: Surprise! We also welcome Meggie’s twin sister Kate to Rockbrook! Upon graduation, Kate aspires to work as a teacher. She loves cooking, hiking, and Yoga. Kate also speaks Spanish and can converse in basic French. Hola!  Kate describes the perfect counselor as someone who can play the role of “a friend, mother,  protector, teacher, guide, nurse, confidant, and a listening ear- just to name a few.” Welcome aboard Kate!

Meggie Lasher

Kate Lasher

Leslie Hylton

Parker Hodges

We welcome you to Rockbrook Camp! We are so lucky to have many old friends and familiar faces returning to camp this summer. We also are beyond excited to extend a big, warm, Rockbrook welcome to our counselors who will spend their very first summer in the heart of a wooded mountain. Each week we will introduce a few new friends, so keep your eye on the staff blog for all the new smiling faces. This summer is going to be a great one!

Jessica Bamford: We are about to jump out of our skin with excitement to introduce Jess. She is currently a freshman at Appalachian State University where she is studying Elementary Education. Jess grew up in Brevard and knows these mountains well. When Jess is not overseeing the safety of the waterfront you can find her hiking, paddling, and eating bagels from The Sunrise Cafe!

Tessa Edwards: Straight from Kansas City- introducing Tessa Edwards! Tess has a huge heart for animals. She has spent the past two years working with a Kennel in Missouri where she cares for puppies and dogs alike. Tess hopes to work as a High School Physical Education teacher and Soccer Coach when she graduates from Missouri Western State University. We can’t wait to have a Midwesterner join us down south this summer!

Emma Erwin: We are jazzed to welcome Emma Erwin to our staff! A spunky and energetic field hockey player from Houston Texas, Emma is sure to bring some good ol’ fashion PEP to camp this summer. Emma has done it all- tutored chemistry, coached field hockey, and spent her summers life guarding at her local pool. You’re sure to spot her hiking around camp in just a few short months!

Amber Farmer: Lights, Camera, Action! From Brigham- Young University we are proud to present Amber Farmer. Amber aspires to become a High School Choir teacher upon graduation. Amber comes to us with experience working on a ranch, so she is no stranger to the outdoors. Amber is also an aunt to 14 nieces and nephews! Amber is sure to  be a crowd pleasure!

Emma Erwin

Jessica Bamford

Amber Farmer

Tessa Edwards

Camp is a wonderful place to practice doing for others- cheering your friends on, refilling the mac-’n- cheese, letting a cabin mate borrow a sweatshirt.

Here’s a way to use next week to practice your giving skills:

Monday: Hold the door for five people.

Tuesday: Pick up trash.

Wednesday: Put extra change in the vending machine for the next person who comes along.

Thursday: Bake a sweet treat to share with friends and family.

Friday: Take on a new chore at home.

Saturday: Offer to carry someone’s groceries to their car.

Sunday: Walk a neighbor’s pet.

At Camp You Will Not…

1. Wear high heels
2. Feed a Monkey
3. Complain that the AC is making you cold
4. Eat caviar
5. Get stuck in traffic
6. Lay bricks
7. Shovel snow
8. Fall asleep in front of the television
9. Take an elevator
10. Window shop

Have the time of your life!

At Camp You Will…

1. Sing at the top of your lungs
2. Wear silly costumes
3. Be someone’s hero
4. Smile brightly
5. Meet some of your very best friends
6. Soak up the sun
7. Learn from a child
8. Practice thankfulness
9. Laugh until you cry
10. Have the time of your life!