Western Union: The Official Blog of Timber Lake West Camp

West’s Top Ten Packing Tips

2013-05-22T17:36:27Z

Your friend may be looking at you like you have three heads – “You’re stressing over packing for CAMP already?? Really??” And while they may be rolling their eyes, your neighbor may say to you, “You haven’t labeled the socks yet? Really??” And while they’re rolling THEIR eyes, your kids may be driving you crazy by messing up every pile that you’ve begun so far by pulling out their favorite pair of lacrosse shorts.

If any of the above sounds at all familiar to you, then it’s officially spring and you are officially a typical camp parent. But do not fear, because in partnership with our official camp store, Everything Camper, we’ve created a checklist to ensure that all goes smoothly for you while packing for Timber Lake West for your son or daughter!

1. Figure out your camp apparel needs. Go through West’s Packing Checklist and figure out what you have and what you don’t. If you have a returning camper, go through last year’s camp “stuff” and determine what still fits and what needs replacing for this summer.

2. Find the location in your home to turn into “2013 Camp Packing Central”. No doubt you have a room in your house that is just begging to become a staging area for your child’s camp stuff – clothes, flashlights, stationery, shoes, bathing suits – start organizing and making your piles now! The more organized you are, the easier this process will be!! This is where you should also keep your extra labels (the “no-iron” kind!!) and extra sharpie markers so that you can label as you go.

3. BREATHE AND RELAX! Need I say more? When your lists have lists and you’re not sure whether to drive towards Target or Denny’s, take a few deep breaths and remain calm! Everything WILL get done in time! We promise

4. Complete forms. Make sure you’ve completed the necessary medical and emergency contact forms. You’d be surprised how many parents arrive at the bus stop on Opening Day having ignored this very important duty.

5. The sock fairy. Don’t underestimate the number of SOCKS your child needs. Socks have a way of getting swept under beds, they get left outside on cabin porches after a rainy, muddy day and get taken away by the sock fairy. Plan to bring up some extra pairs on Visiting Day, and don’t be disappointed when they don’t make it home at the end of the summer. Trust us, you’d rather have them left at camp than brought back home for you to look at and wonder if your child ever wore shoes.

6. Extras. Flashlights, extra batteries, stamped envelopes (and pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes for younger campers), zip lock bags, sock bags (for laundry), an extra sharpie marker (for labeling just in case)…ask other parents for “secret” packing items that you (or we!) may not have thought of.

7. My camp bed is my castle. Make a bag with pictures from home, poster, a mini dry-erase board, stuffed animals or cute pillows, a cozy blanket (in addition to a comforter/sheet set)…don’t forget to include all of these items that will make your child’s bed cozy and warm. Remember that your child’s bed is the one place in camp that is his or her own, and you want to make sure that your child feels good and excited about it!!

8. Talk to Jenn, Justin or Cassie. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone if you have concerns, issues or questions. Our camp Directors love to hear from parents because it helps them build relationships with you and prepare successfully for your child. Whether you have bunking questions, dietary concerns, medical issues, …etc. A lot of parents are nervous to make that call because they don’t want their camp directors to think they’re annoying or pushy, but in truth…the more information you provide them and the more questions you ask…the better off everyone will be on Opening Day!

9. Don’t overdo it when it comes to Quality and Quantity. Camp is a place where kids get dirty. It’s a place where they have fun and don’t care if they drip chocolate ice cream or pizza sauce on their crisp new white t-shirts. So if you’re considering sending your son or daughter with a brand new wardrobe of fancy and expensive clothes…RECONSIDER!! Send some older t-shirts and shorts mixed with a few new items and remember that the laundry at camp is NOT your laundry at home. Remember this now AND when you are unpacking duffels at the end of the summer! Camp is also a place where storage space is limited and there aren’t endless walk-in closets and extensive shelving, so plan accordingly. If you pack too much, it will be hard for your child and his or her counselors to find space to put everything, resulting in some of it being packed away in the duffels for their entire time at camp!

10. Finally… Once your child steps up onto that big coach bus on Opening Day, after you shed your good-bye tears and wonder about the counselors and the first day’s activities and the food they’ll be serving for dinner at camp that night, go back to #3. BREATHE and RELAX. Think back to why you chose Timber Lake West in the first place. Smile at your spouse, go for a walk, get yourself to a yoga class… and spend some time thinking about YOU! Enjoy a little peace and quiet and rest easy knowing your child is in wonderful hands and is in for the most incredible summer ever here at West!!

Porch Puzzle Pop Quiz!

2013-05-16T15:28:54Z

Watching the calendar, marking off one day at a time as each day goes by… Only 37 more days until the busses filled with our first round of campers roll through the gates, and we realized that it’s been quite a while since we posted any Porch Puzzles. So, here’s a pop quiz! Comment below when you have them ALL figured out!

Morry’s Swim-a-thon

2013-05-09T16:36:34Z

Once again, this summer Timber Lake West will participate in the “We Swim for Morry’s Swim-a-thon,” and we would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about what it is that we do during this event, why we do it every summer, and why we’re letting you know about it now!

During our annual Project Morry Swim-a-thon, our pool area is filled with music, enthusiastic cheering, voluminous splashing, and heroic efforts as our camp divisions rally together pushing themselves to swim as many laps as they can so that less fortunate children, most of whom our campers will never meet, can also experience the magic of going to camp.

Timber Lake West campers regard this Project Morry event as a staple of their summer. Not only because it’s fun, but because it embodies an integral part of the West spirit – giving back to others. We recognize that it is through a cooperative effort between our staff and our camp families that our campers learn this invaluable life lesson. We appreciate your support in cultivating and instilling this value in our campers.

Because of your support, the past two years have been especially exciting for Project Morry, as they were able to purchase both the property for their camp and a larger year round office. These developments allow them to increase the programming they offer to their well-deserving campers. Your continued support of your child during our Morry’s Swim-a-thon every summer makes it possible for us to help them empower the youths that they serve.

Arielle Lloyd, a Project Morry alum, explains: Project Morry is something more than just a fun place to go to during the summer. It is a place where the people truly care about your well-being. I had the opportunity to have a support system that not only heard what I said, but actually listened. They always encouraged me to try new things and to never be afraid to make mistakes. I was able to take these attributes and apply them to my life at camp and as I went on to college. I would like to thank everyone that has embarked on this journey with me and I have faith that Morry’s dream will continue to thrive and change many lives, as it has forever changed mine.

It is with our heartfelt gratitude that we thank you, our Timber Lake West families, for supporting this organization. They tirelessly work to give the bountiful benefits of camp to children who could not otherwise afford the experience without your help.

Later this summer you will receive a letter letting you know how many laps you child swam. At that time, if you wish to make a contribution to support your child’s efforts, we and Project Morry would be most appreciative. Stay tuned for more information!

Warmly,
Jenn, Justin and Cassie.

Sign-up Now to Visit Us This Summer!

2013-05-02T14:42:38Z

Looking for the perfect summer camp for your child? We know that camp is more than just a nice website with some pretty pictures and a video, and the best way to be sure you’re going to get the sleep away camp experience you’re looking for is to see it in action! To that end, we created our Rookie Day program to give prospective campers and parents the opportunity to come and experience a day at TLW first hand.

Your child will begin Rookie Day by meeting some new friends and joining a group of same-aged campers for a day of activities. They’ll be fully integrated in our athletic clinics, games, electives and swim periods, giving them a chance to truly experience a day in camp.

For parents, Rookie Day starts with a tour of camp, giving you a firsthand look at our facilities and programs. After your tour, we’ll host a Q&A session with our directors, Jenn, Justin & Cassie, to tell you more about our program and answer any questions you may have. We’ll then send you off to lunch (on us!) while your child enjoys the rest of the day at camp. You’ll head back to camp at 3:30pm to pick up your child and hear all about their day’s adventures before heading back on your way home.

Recently, Justin was quoted in a New York Family article about the importance of visiting summer camps while camp is in session. “We’ve heard parents comment that ‘all camps are alike,’ but camp is about more than the basketball courts, baseball fields, swimming pools, and other facilities. Choosing the right camp for your child is about the feeling you get when you’re touring it. Do you see your child fitting in here? Do you feel the warmth, spirit, and traditions? Do you feel comfortable with the directors and staff who will be taking care of your most prized possession—your child? This is why touring is so important for families.”

So, if you’re considering Timber Lake West for Summer 2014, now is the time to register for Rookie Day, or to schedule a tour. This year, we’ll be hosting two Rookie Days: Sunday, July 7th and Saturday, July 27th. You can download the registration form and get more information here. Space is limited, so register early!

If those dates don’t work with your schedule, we’re also happy to schedule a tour of camp for your family! Contact the office at 516-656-4210 to set it up!

Our Spring Reunion Was Spectacular!

2013-04-26T16:57:28Z

We’re gearing up for camp this summer, and having just spent an amazing day last weekend with some of our returning campers entering 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grades, it’s even more difficult for us to hold in our excitement!!! Campers, both new and returning, reunited at Downtown Sports in Mahwah, New Jersey for fun & games!

The day worked on a rotating schedule, where our campers played basketball, knock out, kickball, whiffle ball, and soccer and of course a little bit of Coke & Pepsi! After all that fun, we built up such an appetite we had lunch, too: pizza, salads, and chips were served along with juice and water.

What makes our get-togethers so great is not just the opportunity to see our campers, but to also see our staff as well. The connection that our staff have with their campers is so special. To see everyone come together again before the summer starts is a sight to be seen. Along with Jenn, Justin & Cassie, other staff members on-hand were Brett, Double V, Adam, Caddy, Andrew, Teri, Alex, Amanda, Kristina, Julie and Stacie.

Following the gathering, our leadership team met to discuss some of this summer’s exciting plans! Have we got some surprises for you!

Onward to the continuing countdown until Summer 2013 begins – only 57 days until 1st Session and 85 days until 2nd Session!!!

Supporting Children Year-Round!

2013-04-19T18:15:18Z

The TLC Foundation for Children (supported by Timber Lake West, along with our sister camps Timber Lake Camp, Tyler Hill Camp, North Shore Day Camp & School, Hampton Country Day Camp, Southampton Racquet Club & Camp, its full-time employees and the Jacobs Family) is dedicated to promoting the health, education, welfare and betterment of children throughout the world.

Jay Jacobs, Executive Director of the TLC Family of Camps said “The Timber Lake Foundation was established in recognition of the value of the camp experience to children fortunate enough to benefit from it. The goal, initially, was to share the benefits of that summer camp experience with children from disadvantaged communities. Since its inception, the Timber Lake Foundation has enlarged it mission from providing camp experiences to funding programs that help children with a whole host of needs. We’re proud of the programs we have been able to initiate and participate in and we are grateful for the support of members of our camp family – parents, campers and staff – who have joined with us.” To date, the TLC Foundation has donated in excess of $4.5 million to several worthy causes!

Most recently, we attended SCOPE’s (Summer Camp Opportunities Promote Education) 2013 Benefit Dinner which helps to fund “camperships” at resident camps where children beneﬁt from a positive, safe and healthy summer camp experience. Andy Siegel, Director at Tyler Hill, stated “Each year I’m amazed at the generosity of the camping community. Having been a board member of SCOPE for the past 10 years, I’m inspired by the children whose lives are changed by their participation in SCOPE.”

Another stand-out program we support is Project Morry, which is a year-round youth organization that provides each child a multi-year commitment anchored by an amazing residential summer camp experience. Jennifer DeSpagna, Director at Timber Lake West explained “Each of our camps host a swim-a-thon each summer on behalf of Project Morry. Through the dedication of all of our campers and the wonderful generosity displayed by our camp families, we have helped send a lot of children to camp. We believe strongly in teaching our campers the importance of giving of oneself to help others who are less fortunate.”

To see a full list our Philanthropic Activities in 2012, click HERE. We are very proud to know we have made a difference in so many children’s lives. In the words of Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

I had to Double Down!

2013-04-11T15:39:02Z

Favorite Color = Light Blue
Favorite Book = Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher
Favorite Song = Fifth Harmony and Demi Lovato

Hi I’m Emily (2nd from left) and I live in Syosset, New York. I’m 13 years old and I’m in middle school in the 8th grade. I live with my sister Allie, my mom, my dad, and my two dogs Stella and Charlie. But when I think about “family,” I can’t help but to think of my summers at Timber Lake West, and all of my family members there too! As much as I love spending time with my friends and family, I still countdown every day until I’m back home at TLW! (72 days!!!)

In my free time I love to compete in dance competitions and to hang out with my friends! My sister, who will be a Teen 2 this upcoming summer, had started camp one year before me. When I came to see her on Visiting Day and saw how much fun she was having, I never wanted to leave. That’s when I knew TLW was the right place for me. The summer of 2008 (which was right before I went in to 4th grade) I finally got on to that camp bus for the first time. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew I was ready for whatever was ahead of me. I was in the youngest division on camp, and I was so nervous!!! But I ended up having the most amazing summer of my life! I can’t imagine spending my summers anywhere else!

This summer will be my 6th summer at West, and I will be a Collegiate. Although many campers go to West for just 1 session, I couldn’t get enough of it. So I am fortunate in that I go to camp for both 1st and 2nd sessions. People who were once strangers have became my family, and it’s so hard to be away from them for 10 months. I love everything about TLW from the counselors and campers who make you feel at home, to Color War, the Art Barn, the prom, to just sitting in the bunk talking and laughing with my friends. I’ve made the most amazing friendships that will last a lifetime. West is truly my summer home.

Whenever I’m together with my camp friends, we never stop laughing no matter what were doing. My camp friends always know how to put a smile on my face. Timber Lake West has honestly changed me and made me the independent, friendly, outgoing person that I am today. Whenever I’m at home I talk about camp 24/7, and even though it drives my home friends nuts, I laugh every time I think about the crazy times that I’ve had at West. Seeing the buses roll down the hill and everyone crying their eyes out on the last day is the worst feeling. The only thing that gets me through the school year is knowing that I will be back at my summer home soon, ready for another unforgettable summer!

Living Eleven Months for One!

2013-04-04T17:23:06Z

Hi! I’m Amanda (the one in the middle up above and also here with my brother!), or as many of my camp friends call me, Pandi, and I’m from Jericho, NY. I have an 18 year old brother, Matt, who was a camper and is now a counselor also at West. My brother and I share our love for TLW and we count down the days until we both return! I also have an adorable little 6-pound dog, Sweetpea! During the year I am usual busy with my schoolwork, but I I also make time for many extracurriculars such as being the vice president of my grade, on the girl’s volleyball team, and I dance for about 5 hours a week. But what keeps me going is knowing that I will be back home at West come the summer time! One of my camp friends was spot on when she said, “We live 11 months for one.”

I first started camp when I was a sophomore and now my Teen 2 summer is soon approaching. I cannot believe that this will be my last year as a camper! Back when I started, I didn’t think sleepaway camp would be for me. I was scared to go, with nobody I knew, other than my brother. But I decided to be brave and follow in his footsteps, despite my fears. Undoubtedly, it was the best decision of my life.

Camp has provided me with so many experiences that I otherwise would never have been able to experience. Whether it be simply living away from my family for a month, becoming a waterskiing pro alongside my friend Rachel, staying up in the Art Barn all night during Color War (one of the many advantages of being in upper camp!), and so much more; the good times are endless. A true testament to my love for camp is in the days following my return home, I can never sleep in my quiet room with my big, comfy bed because I miss my bottom bunk, with the sound of my friends sleep talking and the crickets chirping outside in the mountain air.

My favorite people in the world are my camp friends. There is nothing that can compare to the lifelong bond I share with them. The phrase “best friends” doesn’t even do them justice, they are more than that to me; they are my sisters. Throughout all the good and bad times in my life, my camp friends have been there for me through it all. There is no other group of people I’d rather spend every waking minute of my summer with than them! I have matured tremendously throughout my summers at camp alongside them and everything about Timber Lake West has shaped me to become the person who I am today.

Thinking about the moment this coming summer, when I am sitting, arms linked, on the social hall stage, singing the words of my last ever girls sing song, already brings me to tears. There are not enough words in the English dictionary or lyrics in any alma mater to fully express my love for Timber Lake West. I wish I could freeze time and go back to past summers and relive all the amazing times I’ve had at West. One of the last days of camp last summer, the teen girls and I participated in what was called friendship web. As cliché as it may sound, we all sat around in a circle with a huge roll of yarn. You throw the yarn to someone and say something special about your relationship with them and by the end a web is created, filled with all our amazing memories. Despite the fact that I was hysterical crying before the first toss was thrown, this hour was truthfully one of the best in my life. Right in front of my eyes was the love each and every one of us had for each other. When I look back on my life, my most treasured memories will be the years I spent at West and just the mention of camp will forever imprint a smile on my face.

I wish the summer lasted forever and I never had to leave West. Roscoe, NY is truly paradise to me. An escape from the outside world to a place where I am surrounded by nothing but happiness and those I love. I will always have a special place in my heart for my summers at my second home and all the outstanding people who I am lucky to have as a part of my life forever! Thank you, Timber Lake West, for everything you have given me.

Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Song: TLW Alma Mater
Favorite Quote: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
Favorite TV Show: The Bachelor (guilty reality show addict!!)
Nickname: Pandi

Camping Professionals Come Together

2013-03-28T19:51:20Z

For many of us in the camp community, the Tri-State Camp Conference is the big event that signals that camp is right around the corner. It’s an opportunity to meet and share information and trends that we are seeing for the upcoming summer and always encourages each of us as camp professionals to learn together and broaden our skills.

The conference had over 150 educational sessions with something for everyone: owners, directors, head counselors, program heads, support staff, volunteers, board members, as well as teachers, after-school programmers and other youth development professionals.Jay Jacobs, Director of our sister camp, Timber Lake Camp and Executive Director of the TLC Family of Camps, was a featured speaker, leading a session where he spoke about taking a fresh look at camp business decisions and ways to measure their true impact. He spoke about all areas of camp – everything from camper supervision to programming, services and facility management.

Another highlight of the week was when Jennifer DeSpagna, one of the directors of very own Timber Lake West, was awarded the 2013 Tri-State Camp Conference Award. The award is given every year at the conference to someone that exhibits commitment and dedication to camping in our region. The award recipient is recognized for demonstrating personal integrity and noteworthy contributions to the advancement of camping.

The Keynote Speaker was Jonathan Kozol, a legend in public education and a New York Times bestselling author. Mr. Kozol has devoted nearly half a century to the complex and urgent issues facing public education and focusses on providing equal opportunities to every child regardless of race or economic level. Mr. Kozol also spent many of his childhood summers at camp and more recently has worked with summer camps throughout the country that work with low-income children. With his vast knowledge, it was inspiring to hear Mr. Kozol speak. Those of us in the summer camp profession know that summer camps make a positive difference on the lives of all children as we help them aspire to a promising future.

Through conferences like these, and sub committees of the American Camp Association such as EPIC (Emerging Professionals in Camping), the power of knowing how to find and use information, generate ideas, develop deep understanding, share stories and create positive human connections is invaluable… It challenges us to immerse ourselves in a dynamic experience. Just like at camp, we ended each day exhausted and yet invigorated by all that is available to us – from the insight and ideas of the presenters, to the camaraderie and expertise of our other fellow camp professionals. And with less than a hundred days before camp starts, we’ve got our work cut out for us!

Director Jenn Wins Award!

2013-03-27T19:13:08Z

Congratulations to one of our Directors, Jennifer DeSpagna, for winning the 2013 Tri-State Camp Conference Award. The Tri-State Camp Conference Award is given every year at the conference to an individual for demonstrating personal integrity and noteworthy contributions to the advancement of camping. Who better to represent these outstanding qualities then our very own Jenn DeSpangna!

Although Jenn didn’t go to camp as a child, she got her first taste of residential camping working at the Cape Cod Sea Camps after her freshman year at Michigan. She held several positions there during her four summers: Waterfront Counselor, Assistant Pool Head and Assistant Head Counselor for the CIT program. After graduation, Jenn was hired by Lincoln Farm Camp as an Administrative Assistant, and in 1987 she became the Associate Director of Timber Lake West and ultimately one of the Directors here at camp!

Jenn initially became involved in the Tri-State Camp Conference working on the Hospitality Committee and ultimately expanding her role as Chair of the committee. Jenn has served on the ACA Board, been a member of the Joe Krueger Planning Committee, and sits on the Public Guidance Committee in addition to being a Tri-State presenter, volunteer and now award recipient! She enjoys the camaraderie of working with fellow volunteer members of the conference and the like-minded thinking the camping community has about their work with children.

With all these accomplishments, we couldn’t be any prouder of Jenn and wanted to share with all of our camp families about this amazing achievement. Congratulations Jenn!