Greetings from Freedom, NH and the end of a another warm, sunny and wonderful day in The Realm of Robin Hood.
We are winding down Day #5 and I feel like the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Camp is off to its usual energetic beginning – the dining hall is bursting with energy as the girls sing, the boys chant and everyone dances. 16 laps have been completed and our beautiful waterfront is in full gear. The arts departments are busy and are the perfect activities after your children have participated in land sports or water activities. One of my favorite things to witness in the first few days of camp are old friendships reuniting and new campers making friends and joining the CRH family. A sense of belonging and community is an important part of the Robin Hood experience. While we do have some homesick campers, it is generally dissipating as they become more comfortable with their surroundings.
What has been interesting to observe is the evolution of our Intensives Program and individual instruction. We are a traditional, general camp with a focus on independence, confidence and relationship building. Over the past several summers, a few parents have asked us to help prepare their children for fall sports and/or extracurricular activities. From that came Intensives and then a few private lessons. Today at rest hour, children were receiving private instruction in Field Hockey, Basketball, Soccer, Dance, Gymnastics, Volleyball and of course Tennis. We had a camper working with our personal trainer, who also taught an abs class before dinner. This afternoon, our children who play ice hockey at home attended an open skate in North Conway.
Although only a handful of campers participate in private instruction, I have never believed children need to stay home or attend specialty camps to prepare for fall sports or to improve in their chosen endeavors.
We thank you for sharing with us your fabulous children. We are focussed and committed to making this summer safe, fun and one from which they will have lifelong memories.
Sweet dreams from The Realm,
DC
