Big Camp Changes in 2014

Change is good. Without it, everything would just be so stagnant all the time. Change is what gives life pizzazz and keeps us on our toes every day. It’s what drives innovation and invention. As our slogan goes, GROW WITH US, or, really simply put, change with us. And in 2013, we made the commitment to GROW WITH YOU at the same time.

Change is what our summer 2014 is all about at Camp – but not just willy nilly change without rhyme or reason. No way, no how. In 2013, our Camp Board made a commitment to determining the ways we could make Camp even more wonderful than ever before. We talked and surveyed our campers and parents for how we could improve. We kept our ears open to counselor suggestions, both from this year and previous years. And we’re proud and excited to announce some major changes to MCC this year.

THE KICK-OFF OF OUR BRICK CAMPAIGN

Haven’t you always wanted to leave your mark on Camp? Well, beginning this year, now’s your chance! We’re initiating a capital campaign to raise funds for certain projects around Camp, which you can help participate in by buying a brick that’ll be laid on the Camp property. Not only will you memorialize your place in camp forever, but you’ll also get that warm feeling inside knowing you’re really making a difference in sustaining Camp for this generation and many to come.

Want to learn more or buy a brick? CLICK HERE.

WE’RE NOW ALL INCLUSIVE WITH PRICE

Well, almost. Camp now costs a flat fee for everyone to sign up – we won’t be charging extra for cores like Wall or Rocketry with the only exception being Horse (which we couldn’t cost-effectively include in the inclusive rate – sorry). That means now every camper will have the chance to participate in any of the cool programs we offer week-to-week. We want our campers focus on what they can do at camp, not on what they wish they could do.

COMPLIMENTARY ALL-CAMP PHOTOS

Clear off your mirrors and fridges to remember your amazing experience at Camp. Now, campers receive an all-camp photo included in the cost of attending. We want everyone to remember the amazing time they had at camp to keep in their hearts and scrapbooks for many years to come. You’ll still need to pay for your specific cabin photos, though, but that price has stayed $10.

DISCOUNTS, DISCOUNTS, DISCOUNTS

This year, we really wanted to encourage new campers to come to camp, in addition to returning campers to get an added incentive to stay longer and bring friends to enjoy. That’s why we are piloting new discounts for this year for new and returning camper alike. Here’s a brief summary of what they are:

1) EARLY BIRD: Register before April 1 and receive $10/week or session
2) NEW CAMPERS: Take $25 off your 1st week of Overnight Camp!
3) RETURNING CAMPERS: Bring a friend who has never attended MCC before and you’ll BOTH receive $25 off!
4) MULTI-WEEK: Attend MCC for two weeks and get $25 off your 3rd week!

To learn more about our camp prices and discounts, including restrictions and limitations, VISIT THIS PAGEon our website.

ZIP LINE WILL BE UP AND READY FOR 2014

We tried our very best to get the zip line up for last year’s camp season, but unfortunately just didn’t have the manpower to execute the project. This year’s different. This year our camper’s will be able to get the high-octane thrill of the zip line just by signing up for our Climbing Adventure core. We can’t wait to see everyone flying over our upper field!

THE RETURN OF LASER TAG…TWICE

Due to popular demand, we’ll be hosting not one, but TWO sessions of Laser Tag this summer at Camp. Simply put, our campers just LOVED the thrill and the amazing set up of this fun activity so much so that we just needed to bring it back for more.

We may even have more changes on the way, but we hope that our campers and parents enjoy what we have in store for them this year. If you have any questions about any of these changes, please CONTACT US and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Interview with Camp Director Stephanie Sinesi

We’re very exciting to have Stephanie Sinesi back this year for our Camp Director. After 4 years as a director and over a decade on staff, Steph sure knows a lot about our Camp. As such, we wanted to pick her brain and see what she thinks and feels about this upcoming summer.

1.)   You’ve been our Camp Director for the past three years now – wow! Why did you choose to return to Middlesex County Camp this year?

The decision was not difficult; my love of camp came first. I can’t imagine my summer anywhere else. The campers are what keep me coming back. Watching these kids over a decade grow is nothing short of phenomenal. I should also tell you I started off in the Kitchen at Middlesex County Camp. My time with this outstanding community has been ten years. I cannot imagine my life without camp.

2. What has been the rewarding part of molding our staff not only into great counselors, but also incredible young people?

Oh my gosh, there are so many thing over the years that have come to mind. My first thoughts are that at camp we are a family. With a family this large, my counselors are my kids. Each and every one is my own. Professionally I treat them as co-workers, but with an iron fist. Yes, they are my friends, but, in the end, they are employees.

Counselors bond during our staff training, happening the week before camp starts. Each year we go through a vigorous week of teachings and certifications to ensure that everyone is up to par for the safety of the campers. Whether it be for our climbing wall or CPR, we work together to have the correct safety measures put in place while having fun and getting to know one another.

Each year my staff has called me “Mom.” I hold this with high regard and I know, through thick and thin, I will be there for my staff on any matter that bothers them. I have seen these my staff grow and change over the years, and I am happy to know that I have helped to nurture them into becoming outstanding citizens for now and many years to come.

3. As a parent who’s seen three of your own children grow up at MCC, what would you say to a parent to make them excited to send their children to Camp?

How can you not want to send your child to Middlesex County Camp? Living in the city of Brockton, Massachusetts, I can tell you firsthand camp has a lot to offer an inner city kid. Where else can you learn archery, about nature and wilderness survival?

My children are now 20 and 17. My oldest is now in the Army and he loved camp. My daughters also have camp in their blood. After ten years of coming to camp and with two years of CIT training, they will be joining me on staff. How incredible is it to spend summers with your family?

4. For a camper who has never been to MCC before, what would you say to him/her to make them excited to give our camp a try?

Middlesex County Camp is the most accepting place on earth. For the child that feels that they do not fit in—regardless of how they look or their background—you will fit in at MCC. It truly is the place for you.

5. What are you most excited about for the 2014 camp season?

I can honestly say that I most excited to see how the kids have grown and flourished over the year. Next would be the programs. With the watching the zip line going up last summer, I know the kids were the most wound up over that. I know that they watch the process and that made them even more excited to want to try it.

Because I have been around for few years, I would like this year to be the best. I want the kids to have the best week/summer they have ever had. I want for them to have nothing short of EXCELLENT memories and the BEST friends they could ever dream of making.

Thanks a lot, Steph! We’re excited for 2014, too!

Camp Testimonials 2013: The Food

THE FOOD

Camps worldwide have the reputation of serving less-than-awesome food, so much so that it’s a constant worry for the parents of our campers. Rather than assure you ourselves about how great our food is, here’s what parents and campers from 2013 had to say about their dining experiences at camp:

1. The girls loved trying new foods, which they don’t do at home. I liked how they had duties like serving other campers when it was their night to help out.
2. The food choices were numerable and healthy. My son loved interacting with the kitchen staff while serving.
3. Food was very good, definitely above average when compared to similar camps. My kids were very happy with the quality of the food.
4. [My Camper] LOVED the food… which is huge!
5. My son had nothing but wonderful things to say about the food.
6. She said the food choices were excellent and she really enjoyed everything!!

So there you have it! If you’re considered MCC for your summer camp, you’ll have nothing to worry about concerning your culinary options here!