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On December 9, 10, and 11 the Camp to College (C2C) program spent the weekend at Camp Mendocino. The teens prepared their meals, worked with mentors to further their future goals, and even gave back to Camp! The teens … Continue reading
Camp to College Program
Camp Mendocino has an incredible, one-of-a-kind teen focused program called Leaders in Training – in short, the LIT program. This program offers a variety of teen leadership activities designed to develop and enhance skills like communication, conflict management, time management and basic youth development. Not only does Camp provide teens with 20 days packed with fun activities, including the ropes course, overnight hikes, swimming, archery, boating, and talent shows, but it also exposes them to speciality teen programming such as Career Launch and Money Matters. Participants in the program also work hard throughout the summer assisting cabin counsellors and assistant activity specialists, managing the Camp canteen (Camp’s onsite store) and working in the dining hall.
As a way to stay in touch and keep the LITs connected to the programs and services offered at BGCSF and Camp, we developed The Camp to College Program – a year-round program which links our LIT program to college prep and job-readiness services such as job-exposure events, scholarship resources, high school transition plans and fun professional development activities. We also track and work to improve our teen’s GPA to ensure on-time graduation and grade progression. Most importantly, the Camp to College program creates a support network of peers and staff that help teens prepare for their futures!
Some cool highlights over the last few months included a ziplining excursion over the Embarcadero, transcript evaluations, college research and community building. Next up, teens will meet with the Citywide Director of Education at BGCSF to learn more about the various scholarship opportunities available through BGCSF. We will also be taking the teens back to Camp in December for a retreat to work on goal-mapping with different mentors. What a great couple of months!
Rebecca, Camp Director, said this summer was her best (of three, so far...).
Cross pollination of the tribes is what Rebecca, our Camp Director, will remember the most from Camp Mendocino 2011. Whether it was Cherokee and Cheyenne having a big-brother little-brother night time swim followed by smores around a bonfire. Or Pomo, Iroquois and Shawnee Tribe having a sister night, watching a movie, dancing in the amphitheatre and spontaneously deciding to sleep under the stars on the softball field. “There’s something very magical about these events. It embodies what Camp is all about: bringing children together and giving them space to support each other, and be kids!” said Rebecca.
Debbie, Arts & Crafts Director, said her best thing was the creation of this mural. "Painted with love, by Danielle, during the first session."
Colleen, Cheyenne Tribe Chief also said a spontaneous sleep out, in tribe, was her favorite moment of summer. “We’d just come back from a star hike and a meteor showing was due, so we pulled mattresses and sleeping bags out of the cabins and all snuggled down,” said Colleen. “By the time Leslie finished her Cloudeater story, all the boys were fast asleep. Best sleep all summer!”
Impromptu help from four Pomo girls, made a river hike with Cheyene boys very memorable for Sarah, a Lifeguard. “They took total leadership roles,” said Sarah.
Overnight fires warm spirits and hearts.
Many staff said the overnights stood out as their favorite experience. “It’s when the kids open up and get things out,” said Yaya, LIT (Leader In Training). “You get on a deeper level with them,” agreed April, Iroquois Cabin Leader. “Everyone’s always laughing, it’s great bonding time for campers and staff” added Kendra, Iroquois Tribe Chief.
Ron, or OG as we like to call him, the Dining Hall Captain, said he always loves meeting his LITs every summer. This year, he said, one girl in particular went from “totally closed to really out there and getting amongst it.” Monet wore sunglasses rain or shine, at the start of summer, yet by the end her eyes were shining brightly; no shades required. She was also awarded a Green C.
Every day, during summer, there's an opportunity for kids to challenge themselves.
Helping a Pomo girl leap off the zip line platform was Dupre, a Rope Specialist’s, best memory of summer. “She was hooked up and ready to go, then she started crying,” said Dupre. “I knew how she felt, I was scared the first time I tried too, but I kept telling her she could do it and then, eventually she did, and came straight back and wanted to do it again!”
For some staff, just being in the forest, creates special memories. “I love waking up here,” said Jesse, from Maintenance, who has been coming to Camp since he was a young boy. “It makes me happy.”
It took Nikki, Iroquois Cabin Leader, six years to make it back to Camp, after being a camper, “Just getting to wake up here, every day, that’s my favorite moment. You don’t have to worry about the same stuff you think about in the city,” she said.
Wayne, Director of Operations was happy everyone was safe this summer; this was his 19th. Marty, our chef (and Wayne's Dad) aka 'The King of Food' finished his 14th summer. Way to go Bohlens!
For Marty, our dedicated chef, he joked that cooking the last meal would be his best moment this summer. However, on the last day, a Shawnee girl announced, “Marty, you’re the King of Food!” and that, he said, has become his finest memory.
Seeing kids blossom, or campers make the transition to working teen or staff is also a magic time. Mikee, from Maintenance, said he used to skip stones with a young camper, Kyree, four years ago, in his lunch break. “He’s all grown up now; he got his Red C, was helping out around Camp, and got Chief Camper!”
Kyree, Chief Camper, cheering with his tribe.
Kristi, Camp’s Garden Guru, who has just finished her ninth summer at Camp, said she loved seeing Chris Weatherspoon (Spoon) an ex camper turn up to work this year. “I always knew he would be an amazing person, and you can really see the benefit of what Camp has done for him. He was one of our best Cabin Leaders and Specialists this summer.”
Oscar, Apache Cabin Leader said he watched a 13 year-old-boy, Mellow, go from upset – about everything – last year, to really getting on board this summer. He surprised everyone by announcing around a camp fire, one night, “I love Camp Mendocino, I love this tribe, I love all of you!” Nice one, Mellow.
The staff of 2011.
Campers enjoy morning rays on the last day.
The sixth and final session of summer, finished with a compelling awards ceremony in the amphitheatre, where many campers were recognized for their enthusiasm, tribe spirit and contribution to Camp. Green and Red C scarves and Gold C jackets were proudly received with mile-wide grins.
Best Tribe of Session Six, 2011 goes to... Iroquois!
The mighty Best Tribe Award went to Iroquois girls, aged 11 – 12, for the second time this summer. Many staff had commended this amazing group of young women, or Ladies, as they’re known, and the Iroquois staff.
Their team spirit, enthusiasm and cooperation were apparent whether they were waiting to shoot arrows in Archery, dancing, cheering, practicing their routine for the talent show, debating Larry’s famous The Cat Comes Back song or playing Cops and Robbers up the climbing wall. Way to go Ladies!
Buses of satisfied campers departed the following morning, leaving staff to feast one last time, thanks to Marty and the team. Afterwards, silly and serious awards were handed out amidst clapping, laughter and the odd tear.
Specialists including Ropes, Lifeguards and Archery, Tribe Counselors and other individuals were recognized for their outstanding efforts and going above and beyond what was required.
Maintenance got Best Support Team. Kelly, from the office, got Best Support Person. Four coveted Gold C Honors were awarded to: Rebecca, Camp Director, Frank, Apache Tribe Chief, Chris, PK and Maintenance Man, and Megan, Pomo Tribe Chief. Then there was Best Smile, Best Dancer, Best Sporty Spice…. among others.
Keevon, Mikee, Jesse and Ron were amongst a bunch of staff to get tickets to a SF Giants game - as a big thumbs up thanks.
Rob, our President had the final word for staff: “Thanks, to all of you, for making a difference in so many children’s lives this summer. Your actions, words and warmth all summer long, made every camper aware that they were loved. You celebrated childhood and by doing so, you made the world a better place.”
Summer Camp is over for 2011, but the work continues at Camp Mendocino, getting ready for next year. See you there!
Four new Gold Cs... the grins say it all. From left: Chris, Rebecca, Megan and Frank.
Gabriela, 11, collecting her arrows.
Children love the ancient sport of archery – it has a touch of danger, mythical intrigue and pretty much anyone can achieve some level of success with a bit of concentration.
Archery has been at Camp Mendocino for decades and with five bows, five targets and a bucket load of arrows, all campers get to shoot.
Helen, our Archery Expert, is from Scotland, where bows and arrows have been used since 4040 BC. Her Scottish brogue adds a suitably medieval feel to the activity.
Taylor, 11, moments before a bulls eye.
During the last session of summer, the pressure was on Iroquois girls to beat the record of seven bull’s eyes, held by Apache boys. They tried hard and got two. But it’s not all about the bull’s eye, mostly it’s learning to hold the bow and arrow properly, aim, and hit the target. And many children do.
The great thing about archery is that kids may start off feeling unconfident, yet after an hour, they can walk away with the swagger of learning a new skill.
Naomi, from Iroquois, hit the target.
Apache and Cheyenne Tribes chanting, 'Boys Rock The World'
When the boys were alone in Camp last night, they practiced their cheering. Oscar, Apache’s Co-Tribe Chief yelled, “C’mon, we don’t want the girls to beat us, do we? Louder, louder!”
Little did he know, within 24 hours the girls would most certainly beat the boys. They were thrashed in the tug-o-war on the final Field Day of summer.
Cherokee Tribe tugging hard. But not hard enough.
For the last two sessions, Shawnee girls have beaten Cheyenne boys, both 8 – 10, so nobody was surprised when they did it again. Iroquois girls also aced Cherokee boys, aged 11 – 12, to serious amounts of whooping.
When Pomo girls destroyed Apache boys, aged 13 – 14, the crowd exploded. However, a disqualification for overstepping the rope called it off, so Apache valiantly fought back and won.
When it was the LITs (Leaders In Training) turn, the girls beat the boys again!
The pressure to restore manliness was left to the male staff, and fortunately for them, they won their war. All was not lost.
Overall though, it has to be said, girls rock the world today at Camp Mendocino.
Big Dipper in Ursa Major (the Big Bear).
The overnight camp outs are magical in the forest. Lying in a toasty sleeping bag on the ground, flanked by 100 foot Redwoods, and gazing up at Big and Little Dipper, Polaris the North Star and Vega, the bright blue star of summer, adds inspiration to dreams.
Of course, all the campers say they’re looking forward to is the marshmallows, and it is fun finding the right stick then melting the gooey ball over embers. By the next morning, however, just about everyone agrees “sleeping under the stars,” and “bonding with the tribe,” is what makes overnights so memorable.
Shawnee girls singing 'Don't Stop Believing' by Journey.
Today, it was the girls turn to sleep out. After cooking burgers over the BBQ, all three tribes had good old fashioned pow-wows. Shawnee, the youngest, performed ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ around their camp fire, practicing for the upcoming talent show. Further up the hill in Iroquois, the girls aged 11 – 12, were also plotting how to rock the talent show with a dance.
Pomo girls aged 13 – 14, sat around their fire sharing what they appreciated about each other and staff. “We needed something to bring everyone together,” said Megan, Pomo’s Tribe Chief. It certainly did that as the girls burst into spontaneous chants and singing immediately afterwards.
Apache Tribe writing thank you letters to Camp donors. 530 letters will be sent out by the end of summer.
While the girls played up the hill, the boys completed special service projects in Camp: collecting wood for tribe fires, getting the pit ready for a vigorous game of Gaga (Israeli dodge ball) and writing thank you letters to all the bighearted people who donated money to Camp this summer.
Boni doing a fabulous demonstration of Leave No Trace.
The global philosophy of ‘Leave No Trace,’ has been embraced by Camp Mendocino this summer. Every session Boni, our Ropes Instructor, and Leslie, our Environmental Ed Guru, run through the seven principles at flagpole:
1. Use existing trails, of which there are many around Camp.
2. Keep boisterous activities to areas where there is no vegetation, i.e. the soccer field or volleyball lawn. And often, in our case, the river.
3. Dispose of trash properly. Our compost and recycling programs this year are awesome. We’re hauling in over 2500 pounds of compost per session – the weight of a 1996 4 cylinder Toyota Corolla.
4. Respect fellow animals, including humans, and keep noise to a minimum when others are around. There are some Camp activities where this is tricky, like the Disco Duck. It’s loud, stompy and boisterous, so all our critters – squirrels, chipmunks, moles, mice, snakes, foxes and three wild turkeys – roll their eyes and take off for a few hours.
5. Leave what you find: rocks, leaves, cones and artifacts. For the younger boys, it’s particularly hard to leave stuff, so we say ‘If it’s dead, like a stick, then
it’s OK to pick.’
6. Never feed forest creatures and give them space. Sometimes, when Boni talks about these principles, one of Camp’s new baby squirrels peaks its head out from the deck behind, making campers laugh.
7. Plan ahead and be prepared. This last one is especially important today, as the boys are heading out on their overnight camp out to sleep under the stars – one of the best things about staying in the forest.
Jorge, Jemma, Shayla, Sergio, Isabel and Marty (Ivonne and Mariel were hiding in the fridge)
When you’re cooking for nearly 300 people, across breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s hard to keep it interesting, yet somehow Marty and his trusty kitchen team do a brilliant job.
Marty Bohlen, Uber Chef, has been volunteering his time at Camp Mendocino for 14 years. He never tires of stirring, whipping, roasting and dazzling tasty dishes; his generosity is incredible. The kitchen crew this year is quite global, with three Mexican women, two Colombian chaps, one American and one English lass. None of them knew each other before arriving but they’ve all bonded well over hot stoves and monster chopping boards.
Pizza, the team agreed, is the easiest meal to make, which happened to be for lunch today; it’s home-made and delicious. Surprisingly, Sloppy Joes, is the hardest. “It’s all the stirring,” said Mariel. The crew will make about 48,000 meals over the summer.
Thanks for the great nosh.
Thanks to some wonderful donations, Camp Mendocino photography department is slick this year. With seven cameras and three computers installed with Photoshop, campers can really explore the magical world of photography.
“I’m surprised how many kids choose photography over biking or swimming,” admitted Chloe, Camp’s Photography Expert.
Two girls from Shawnee posing and snapping.
For many campers, it might be the only chance to use a high quality camera for a couple of hours. “The girls love photographing each other,” laughed Chloe. “Or close up flowers.” And boys love action, like trying to capture the splash from a rock landing in the river.”
Not that it matters what they shoot, as long as they experience the delight of being creative, framing a scene and seeing the result. During evening flagpole Chloe presents the best photo taken that day.
Here are some of the best shots of the summer:
Ketwan, from Cherokee, took this shot during session five.
Mykaela, from Pomo, took this in session six.
Celeste, from Iroquois, was exploring the world of black and white when she took this during the first session.
