Hello from the Realm!

My name is Maren Butler and I am the Shire Group Leader this summer for a group of 22 wild, silly, and camp-loving fifteen-year-olds. It is absolutely unreal to think that just 6 years ago, I was in their exact same position. I can think back to my own Shire summer and picture so many fond memories with my own group.

Now in my fourth summer on staff and tenth summer in the Realm, I have gained a deep appreciation for the steady experience that every camper is lucky to live through each summer at camp. When I was in my own campers’ position back in 2014, I was an older role model for younger campers. I showcased the unbreakable bonds with my camp friends, allowing those younger campers to wish for the day that they would also be a Shire. I looked up to my own counselors, admired their leadership, and dreamed of the opportunity to someday fill their shoes as a Group Leader.

Fast forward six years, and along with the (ridiculously quick) passage of time, suddenly I have filled my counselors’ shoes and have become the Group Leader, the younger children are now Shires, and a whole new set of campers have entered the Realm and are beginning their journey through the magic of camp. I cannot believe how quickly my time has flown by; it feels like yesterday that I was on the stage in the So-You-Think-You-Can-Dance show, in the lake learning how to waterski during intensives, or chatting with my group in a circle with flashlights at night. I am so lucky to currently have the opportunity to give my campers the same experience I had at camp. I’ve realized that this place has shaped me into the person that I am today. It’s the moments through your camper years that give you the most valuable life lessons imaginable.

I hope that one day, my campers this summer will also be Group Leaders, will also realize the power of camp, and may even be able to pass down some of the tools of leadership that they have picked up on at their time at Robin Hood to future generations. Camp’s legacy is unprecedented, and every camper is lucky to have joined the incessant cycle of the powerful Robin Hood experience.

Sweet Dream from The Realm

We had another Fabulous Friday here in the Realm. Everyone stayed in camp today as we intentionally left it open in case we needed to switch our Beach Day due to rain.

All activity areas were buzzing. The ski boats ran non-stop, people were riding horses, making projects at arts and crafts, playing field sports and practicing for our annual show that will take place tomorrow evening in the theater… So You Think You Can Dance! I saw a few of them and they are spectacular! Stay tuned for pictures tomorrow night!

This evening we hosted the largest number of guests ever at our weekly Shabbat service. I love listening to the kids talk about what they are thankful for and reflecting on their week here at camp. The reflection will continue tomorrow as we celebrate Robin Hood Gives Back Day. We will listen to our guest speaker and then help raise money through various events here on camp and we will finish by making some gifts in Arts and Crafts to send to the children affiliated with her charity. I don’t want to give away the theme so I will stop here – you will read more about this in tomorrow’s edition of the Woodchuck. Until then – sweet dreams from the Realm.

Good evening from the Realm! Beach Day is fast approaching and the energy level hasn’t missed a beat.

This morning our two youngest boys groups experienced a mock Green & White break as the boys woke up early, were divided into two teams, and played and participated in various activities to gain their team points. As is Green & White tradition, the teams were silent during breakfast and a few campers were able to participate in a cracker eating contest in front of the entire camp. The teams played a team sport for the first period and then during the second period the teams split up and designed a flag that displayed their team names. Finally, both teams yelled a cheer during lunch while a few campers participated in a spelling bee and trivia contest in front of camp. It was a wonderful way to give the campers a taste and preview of the real Green & White experience which is right around the corner!

In other news, the Shires spent the afternoon go-karting and playing mini golf at Whitelake Speedway while the Foresters played a different mini golf course. Great afternoon of hanging out with friends off camp!

Sweet Dreams from The Realm