UCLA Camp
Counselor Retreat Coming off of the high that was Make The Magic, I thought it might be hard to top but once again, the Kesem love outdid itself and went above and beyond at retreat. Everyone jokes about how “awkward” they feel at the first few meetings each spring: newbies are afraid to talk to anyone, returners [...] 
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June 29, 2012 E is for EmpathyThe day started quite early for those who went on the polar bear swim at 6AM in the swimming pool. If you want pictures of that you can ask someone else.
After breakfast everyone gathered under the large tent on the field to watch our special guest performer this year, Wild Wonders. It was a show exhibiting rare animals from different parts of the world, as well as an education on why they are important to our ecosystem and why we should take care to stay green so their habitats don’t get destroyed. Amongst these animals were an African porcupine, an owl, a “honey bear,” an alligator, and many more. If they were picked, some kids even got to pet these animals, although Admin Wonster was the only one to pet the animal that’s fur smells like popcorn (seriously. popcorn).
Once we all thanked Kathleen for her time in showing us her wild animals we had a free rotation until lunch. Kids could choose to go fishing, do arts & crafts, play sports, go swimming, do the ropes course, etc.
Following lunch was again a sort of free rotation, with little hill kids (younger units) having games on the field, and big hill kids having chill time.
Next was the empowerment program; a time where the entire camp gets together and writes or draws what Camp Kesem means to them. Once everyone was finished a handful of campers and counselors shared their personal stories and how much camp has meant to them.
Kids who have lost a parent went to the parent memorial afterwards. Each person was accompanied by a counselor they had asked.
We had a themed “Under the Sea” dinner that night, then a dance party outside that went on until dark. Units were called one by one to the campfire to make banana boats (a banana sliced open, stuffed with chocolate and marshmallows, and baked in tinfoil by the fire). After everyone had had one or two we watched a slideshow of all this week’s pictures from camp.
Units split off to have cabin chats after Closing Circle, then finally fell into bed after a long, heavy day.
Comments |
Thank you once again for sharing with us. This blog has meant so much to the parents.
Margaret | Jun 29, 2012 | Reply
Everyday we parent play “Where’s Waldo” in search of our kids. It is quite fun! Thanks so much for posting the pictures and detailing everyone’s daily activities. Words can not describe Camp Kesem. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you <3 <3
Sunny and Violet's Family | Jun 29, 2012 | Reply
Sounds like this was a really special day and night. Blessings and thanks to all who make this possible for our kids, esp the amazing counselors.
Charles | Jun 29, 2012 | Reply
Thank u so much for taking such great care of our kids and making sure they have a great time.
Julie (Rachel and Helen's mom) | Jun 30, 2012 | Reply
PERRY (JIMMY)
Good luck with the talent show! See you tomorrow!
Chris Monte (Perry's Dad) | Jun 30, 2012 | Reply
What time and where will the bus be arriving tomorrow?
Thanks!!
Mary | Jun 30, 2012 | Reply
how do i say thanks when thanks is never never never enough. for all of you, dearest counselors, admin, ucla…for this wonderful, remarkable program…you brighten our days. you help us remember our loved ones stricken with cancer, those who recovered and those who did not. thank you for taking good care of my one and only feather, for honoring her loss and empathizing with her, for giving her this camp opportunity, so that she knows she is not alone in this terrible loss of the best dad in the world…thank you from the bottom of my heart, feather’s and don’s, too..her dada, the very first love of her life…we love you, don! we love camp kesem!!! thank you, dori, buzz, wonster, cheezy, and all of you, counselors and admin…stay in touch!!!
samantha | Jun 30, 2012 | Reply
Your photos and words have captured the essence of Camp Kesem. What a great time it looks like you all have had! See you manana.
Dian (the photographer Quinkidinc's proud mom) | Jun 30, 2012 | Reply
Fun, fun, fun!!! The counselors seem to outdo themselves each year. Thank you all for loving the kids – it shows.
Maria | Jun 30, 2012 | Reply
Thank you,thank you!!! There are not enough words for what the blog means to us parents. I’m so excited to see hello kitty today and meet all the new friends and hear about her amazing week. Camp kesem warms my heart!
Rachael | Jun 30, 2012 | Reply
Thanks for the great blog. What is “M” for??? We want “M”ore Camp Kesem. Thank you to all the wonderful counselors who make camp happen each year. You are all so very loved and appreciated more than you will know. You “M”ean the world to me. You are all simply amazing! Kesem Love and ((hugs)) to each of you.
Nancy | Jul 1, 2012 | Reply