Author: Brian Kooperman

Another bright sunny day in Bridgton, Maine! Barely any clouds could be seen in the sky and another full day of doing sports!

All the campers woke up excited for the day and ready to have some fun! They started their day out with BSL with all the groups having fun playing kickball, handball, Spike Ball, and dodgeball. All the games were getting very intense because all the campers brought their A game.

Everyone had a great first and second period with majors and minors. The hockey players in both the older and younger group focused on 1 v 1 games and passing. Each group had an obstacle course they had to do as well. They had to go around cones, jump over a stick, duck under a stick, transition, and skate backwards. During the younger session of hockey, there was a station where the campers were passing to each other. One camper helped out his partner by showing him how to pass the correct way while the coach was busy helping another camper. We were happy to see campers helping each other out!

For lunch, we had tater tots, pasta, and chicken caesar salad wraps. Most campers were very happy to have the tater tots. After lunch, was our rest period where everyone went back to their dorms to rest or play quiet games. This was also great for counselors because they were able to rest with the campers.

During the third and fourth period, some campers had archery. For one camper it was their first time trying archery and he got a bullseye on his first try! Then 2 more campers got bullseyes as well! Overall it was a great day for archery! Some campers had waterfront activities and went tubing. The water was very choppy today, but that did not stop the campers from having fun! There were two campers on a tube and one was just about to fall off, but the other camper grabbed his wrist and pulled him back on the tube too so he could grab his handle and stay on! We also had two campers who never knee boarded before who got up on the board their first time! It was a very exciting day at the waterfront!

The camper’s favorite part of the day is Choose Up because they can choose any activity outside to go to and play. Many went to the waterfront to swim as it was a very nice day out. The Gaga Pit was very full as usual, and there were many campers on the field as well. A lot of the lacrosse majors and minors were out there practicing their shot, and one of the counselors was helping them out as well. A big game of Spike Ball happened again, and there were some baseball players out practicing catching and batting.

During Line-up, there were 2 jokes that were said and the first camper got the first pass of the summer! The next camper was not as lucky as he got the bucket of water dumped on him.

The joke that got the camper the bucket of water:

Where do you shop to get dog leashes?
-At the retail store

The campers had a very nice dinner of barbecue chicken, mashed potatoes, rolls, and peas. Not to mention the salad bar and pasta bar. After dinner, is free time until bedtime so many campers will hit the Gaga Pit, street hockey arena, the pickleball courts, basketball courts, soccer field, and baseball field to have some fun. Once it gets dark outside, the campers come inside to play pool, or ping pong before heading to bed.

I have to say that today was a very successful day at Bridgton Sports Camp and that we are excited for many more!

Thank you for taking the time to read the blog and I hope you had a fun day!

Talk to you guys soon!
-KC

We woke up to cloudy skies today, but that quickly changed to a sunny, bright, beautiful day! It got up to 80 degrees today! All the athletes on the turf and baseball fields were working very hard through the heat, but they were getting multiple water breaks to help!

Once again the campers had BSL in the morning with their different teams after breakfast. All the teams did a great job competing and all had good sportsmanship.

After BSL, many campers had their majors and minors. Some campers went to the waterfront for waterskiing, wakeboarding, and kneeboarding. The campers found the water a bit chilly, but that all changed when they were in the water having fun. They each were on the boards for a long time riding the waves and getting used to being back in the water.

For the second period, the campers had their majors and minors again. The soccer players were having fun passing the ball around and doing a scrimmage, the lacrosse players were doing a drill to help them get better at shooting on net, and the hockey players were split up into a couple of groups doing different stations such as shooting on the goalie or becoming better skaters. In weight training, they focused on abs and legs today, and the campers pushed themselves to be better. It also helped that the two counselors running it were supportive and motivated the campers to keep pushing themselves.

After lunch, we had a rest period where many of the campers went and took a quick nap or they played some board games. The Rookies had a lot of fun playing Battleship, Uno, and Sorry with their counselors and fellow Rookies. They were having tons of fun playing and relaxing together!

When the third period came, the campers went back to their majors and minors. The hockey players had a big scrimmage where there were some great goals, both goalies played very well making some awesome saves, and plenty of communication between the players.

During the fourth period, there was a van that took some campers to a driving range down the road. All the campers doing golf had a blast hitting some line drives and trying golf for the first time. There was so much improvement from the start to the end of the session because a counselor was helping them.

We did have Choose Up today where the campers have to choose an activity or go to different activities outside. Many campers like to go to the water especially on really hot days. A lot of the campers went to Spike Ball where they would team up and play the team that won. There were 2 counselors who kept winning, so everyone wanted to beat them. Those 2 counselors lost their streak to another set of counselors.

For dinner, we had fried chicken, cooked broccoli, and potatoes along with the pasta bar and salad bar. After dinner, the campers have free time, but today we decided to do a campfire to roast marshmallows and have fun together as one big camp.

Thank you for taking the time to read the blog, and I hope you have an awesome night!
-KC

We did not get much sunlight today as it was cloudy and rainy all day but that did not stop the campers from having fun and making the most out of the day!

In the morning the campers were able to participate in BSL (Bridgton Sports League) with their teams. The Seniors and Pros either played kickball, dodgeball, or handball while the Rookies played spike ball, handball, or in the Gaga Pit. The campers had a lot of fun competing against their friends and roommates.

After BSL, the campers went to their first period of majors and minors. The lacrosse majors learned how to do a three-man weave, baseball majors were able to do some batting practice, and hockey majors were playing some mini-games on the ice.

During the second period, the basketball majors had a great warmup which was passing the ball to a counselor and doing a layup. After doing that they grabbed 2 balls and dribbled with both hands doing different drills lead by 2 counselors, and learned some new ones as well.

When the campers were eating lunch, they were told that all afternoon/evening major and minors were canceled because it was going to start raining. But they were very excited to hear that rest hour was extended! All hockey majors still went on the ice for their sessions though. Instead of going to their activities we had the three groups rotate going to the gym for some dodgeball and other fun games, arts and crafts, and the Humanities building which holds the fun games campers like such as pool and ping pong. We also had the Women’s FIFA World Cup and the Incredibles 2 playing.

For dinner, we had our world famous tacos where the campers could choose between a soft and hard shell. Everyone seemed excited for Taco Tuesdays again.

After dinner is the big dodgeball game against another local camp. This is the first time this summer we are going against them.

Wish us luck!

Thank you for taking the time to read the blog and I hope your day was sunny and bright!

Until tomorrow
-KC

Today was a very successful first day of camp! The sun was out, there was a slight breeze, and smiling campers and counselors.

Once everyone woke up and had breakfast, the campers went to their major. Everyone was excited to hit the ice, court, and fields for some fun and to tune up their skills. The lacrosse campers were learning how to pass the ball using their left and right hand, the soccer campers learned how to change direction and some new footwork, and the baseball players met the coach for either the first time or again.

Before lunch, all the campers did their swim test down at the lake. The lake was a bit chilly, but they still had fun swimming and treading water. With the help of the amazing waterfront counselors, and the head of the waterfront, Jake Bookspan, everything ran smoothly and the campers had fun.
After lunch, many of the campers went to their various minors such as soccer, lacrosse, fishing, waterskiing, and many more. The hockey players were able to get on the ice and practice. They focused on edge work and getting used to being on the ice again.

During lineup, a camper told a joke and if the campers did not like the joke, water would be dumped on his head. His joke:

Why is dark spelling with a K and not a C?
-Because you cannot see in the dark.

This resulted in the camper getting soaked with water while the rest of the campers were laughing and having fun.

For dinner, we had steak, rice, grilled vegetables, and rolls. Don’t worry, many of the campers had the grilled vegetables! We also had the pasta bar and a salad bar as usual. For dessert, we had a popsicle.

Now, the campers are enjoying their free time at the Gaga Pit, street hockey, up at the field, or in their dorm.

All the campers are looking forward to getting more time doing their majors and minors tomorrow, and possibly changing their minors as they are exploring different sports and finding out they like them!

Thank you for taking the time to read the blog and I hope you had a great Monday!

Until next blog!
Keara Chaperon

Today marks the first day of Bridgton Sports Camp’s first session!

All the campers came in excited and ready for the summer! With the help of their parents and other counselors, the campers unpacked, made their beds, making Bridgton their home for the next 3 weeks.

After unpacking, many campers went to the Gaga Pit for some fun and to catch up with their friends from last summer. Some campers were even able to try out and play in the brand new street hockey arena we have! While others went to play soccer and basketball to keep up their skills.
Many campers came to greet their friends off the bus. After bringing all their belongings to their room and unpacking, many joined the campers at the Gaga Pit for one big, fun game.

Before dinner line-up was called where the director of Bridgton Sports Camp, Brian Kooperman, spoke to all the campers and counselors, then we split into our age groups and did some fun activities. Rookies played a game of intense kickball, Pros played ultimate Frisbee and kickball, and Seniors played handball.

For dinner, we had chicken fingers, fries, salad, and ravioli and not to mention brownies! After dinner, everyone had free time and a chance to have some down time before Monday comes.

We are very excited for the first week of camp and to see the campers’ progress on and off the field/ice!

Thank you for taking the time to read the blog and I hope you have a great day!

Until tomorrow!
Keara Chaperon

BSC Parents,
We’re ready! I am very impressed with the young men/women that over the past week have been in orientation preparing for your children’s arrival tomorrow. It always amazes me how quickly our large returning staff integrates with the new counselors. Over the course of orientation they all realize what BSC is all about. Of course they all have talent and are eager to help your children improve in their major but just as important, our staff is ready to take care of your child and give them an incredible 3 week experience. always please call/email with any questions or just to check-in.
Let the 2019 camp season begin!

As I sit at my desk with a few minutes to kill before our 5th day of orientation begins, I wanted to share a few thoughts on our staff. I am so impressed with the group of young men & women that we have on our team this year. Over the past few days we have had many sessions on various topics relating to your children and preparing for camp. We had organized group activities and team building exercises led by our experienced division leaders. All of these events allowed our staff to understand the basic values we live by at camp. I always say that a camp is only as good as its staff, and I know that we are excited & ready to go for our campers to arrive tomorrow!

As always, we will be posting daily photos, a few videos, and blog posts on CampMinder. Don’t ever hesitate to call/email anytime with questions or just to check in.

Can’t wait for Sunday,
Koop

As the end of the school year draws near, so does the beginning of summer camp experiences. Child development experts say that summer camps offer more than just fun; they present opportunities for emotional, social and psychological growth and development.

“Summer camps provide children with a sense of community where they can feel safe and learn through first-hand experiences, said Stacie Gottlieb, director, Bullis Summer Programs at Bullis School in Potomac, Md. “Within this setting, campers develop a sense of independence as they try new adventures in an environment different from the norm.”

Children benefit from the nurturing structure of a summer camp in a way that is different from the structure they get during a school year, says Jim Supple, associate dean of students and director of Summer Programs at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School in Alexandria. “Summer camps allow children to be children,” he said. “They allow them to make new friends, try new things, and learn how to be part of a group. These are attributes of camps that will promote not only healthy interaction among peers, but also building a healthy image of what type of child they want to be.”

Opportunities to explore new interests and devote intense focus to activities of particular interest to them at camp help build a child’s self-confidence, says Gottlieb. “As children explore, caring adults serve as responsible role models who help to nurture the campers by providing a safe, supervised environment of inclusion,” she said. “Children gain self-confidence as they learn new things, develop social skills, expand their friendship circles and build character through planned activities. Summer camps give children a unique, fun environment to discover more about themselves and their passions.”

A summer camp where children engage in new and memorable activities will sow seeds for learning during the upcoming academic year, said Shannon Melideo, Ph. D. associate dean of the School of Education & Human Services and associate professor of education at Marymount University. “For example, if your child’s summer camp takes a field trip to a historical site that your son finds fascinating and then during the school year, the teacher introduces [the] same historical events and location, he has schema for the lessons. He is more likely to participate, learn more, be better prepared to read his social studies textbook, and even perform better on the exam.”

Summer camp experiences that combine academic challenges and physical activity can offer fun while preventing the loss of academic gains made throughout the school year, says Melideo. “Summer slide is the resultant learning loss students experience without educational activities outside of the academic school year,” she said. “Research shows such academic regressions can be quite significant and parents have the ability to help prevent the summer slide by providing educational experiences such as high quality summer camps.”

“Summer camp can be a terrific opportunity to grow your child’s sense of competence and mastery over something that they love,” added Carolyn Lorente, Ph.D., professor of psychology, Northern Virginia Community College. “By picking a camp where your child has an interest, they can be mentored in a passion in ways that a typical school day often can’t.”

WHEN SELECTING A CAMP, Melideo advises parents to consider a complete picture of their child. “For example, while your daughter, Sophia loves softball, find a summer camp where she can refine [her] batting and pitching skills and engage with books, perform in skits, play math games, and try something new,” she said.

A child’s social skills can be boosted at camps which provide children with opportunities to make new friends or nurture existing friendships, says Colleen K. Vesely, Ph. D., assistant professor of Early Childhood Education and Human Development at George Mason University. “Developing new social and cognitive skills outside the physical walls and social boundaries of school can help promote healthy self-esteem in children, while spending time in nature can boost children’s overall health and well-being.”

Camps offer an opportunity for children to gain skills that lead to independence. “For older children, over 8-plus years old, typically, sleep away camp offers opportunities to develop independence and self-reliance by providing children with space to navigate daily life away from the directing of parents but under the guidance of trusted adults,” said Vesely.

For some parents, there are mixed emotions around enrolling a child in camp. “Sometimes working parents feel guilty for enrolling their children in summer camps because of the need for child care during the work day,” said Ivy Beringer, Ed.D., professor of Early Childhood Education and Dean for Social and Professional Sciences at Northern Virginia Community College. “However, children are usually very excited to attend summer camps. This is especially true if the children have input into the camp selection.”

“Summer camps allow for continuous learning that extends beyond the regular school year [and] provide a relaxed atmosphere that stimulates their brains for creative learning without the assessment anxiety that often accompanies school classroom learning,” said Beringer. “[Summer camp] enhances self-esteem by offering special interest learning in small group situations and often with a lower adult-student ratio in school settings.”

“A mother recently called me with a concern that her son only wanted to attend soccer camps this summer and she felt this was too limited of an experience,” continued Beringer. “My response to her was that if he was interested in improving his soccer skills she should view this in a positive light. After all, he will be outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine everyday, exercising his body, and enhancing skills in a sport he loves. What’s not good about that choice?”

Marilyn Campbell

January 23, 2017
Tom Rosenberg, President/CEO

Spring semester is now in full swing; so, if you are a college student, you may already be thinking about what internship position you want to secure for the summer.

But instead of an internship, consider taking on a different kind of summer job – one at camp.

If you are unsure whether that is the right choice for you, here are three reasons you should take a summer job at camp.

1. At camp, you are responsible for more than just yourself.
When you work at camp, you get to work as a mentor, role model and hero to children ages 6-15. Your campers’ parents are not there, so you must act in a parent-like role for a group of children who will rely on you for almost everything during the time they are there. You are there to ensure that your campers are happy, have their individual needs met and have the time of their life. You’ll also be a part of the staff team and will be encouraged to give of yourself to your group and to the camp staff team more than you ever thought possible. At camp, the more you invest yourself in everything you do, the more you will get out of the experience.

2. You get to work in an inspirational environment.
At an internship, you may spend more time in front of a copier or coffee machine than developing valuable skills that will truly prepare you for the workplace. That will not happen if you work at camp. Instead, you will hone your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, all in a beautiful setting. You will manage yourself and the campers under your care. You will get to try new things and push yourself out of your comfort zone.

3. You can develop professional skills to take with you throughout your career.
The Partnership for 21st Century Learning (P21) emphasizes the following essential life and career skills: flexibility and adaptability; initiative and self-direction; social and cross-cultural skills; productivity and accountability; and leadership and responsibility.

A job at camp will help you develop these skills – and so many more. You will learn flexibility and adaptability, as you work with a variety of people ranging from children to camp directors. You will show initiative and problem-solving when any unexpected circumstances arise. You will be exposed to a multi-cultural community of both campers and counselors and understand what it means to build a caring, supportive community. You will demonstrate accountability as you work to keep children safe and happy. But more than all of this, you will gain a sense of self-fulfillment as you see your campers try new activities, reach their goals, and grow in confidence.

It’s exciting to watch camp staffers become inspired to work professionally with children and youth as social workers, teachers, outdoor educators, psychologists, and clergy. Work at summer camp prepares you for a myriad of careers. I have had the pleasure of working with camp staffers who have gone on to work in the White House, in medicine, in academia, as movie producers, as entrepreneurs, and more. Working at camp expands your career possibilities far more than you might imagine.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to meet with a variety of professionals, ranging from business to the nonprofit sector, education to religion. The common thread of those conversations, more often than not, is camp. And, to be honest, I’m not surprised. The skills developed and the experiences gained through a job at camp are universally in demand, regardless of your ultimate career path. So before you hit the submit button for an internship application, consider camp. I guarantee it will be the most impactful workforce development experience of your life.

After each camp season I spend a few days unwinding, relaxing & thinking about highlights from the past summer. Two highlights that are always close to the top for me are the opening & closing campfires. We don’t photograph or video these events and I think that’s one thing that makes them so special. You have to be a part of camp to experience them.

The opening campfire is always very short. I talk to the campers about how quickly 3 weeks goes by and how they should take advantage of everything that camp has to offer. After a few other talks from admin we roast marshmallows and call it a night. The magic happens after 3 weeks during our final campfire. Everyone gets up in front of the entire camp (very few could imagine doing this at the opening fire) and talk about what the summer and what BSC has meant to them. The younger boys talk about making friends and getting better at their major sport. The older ones go more in depth about what camp has meant to them and the friendships that now carry on throughout the year. I am always so proud at this final fire for two reasons. One, I know that I wouldn’t have been as comfortable as these campers are to get up in front of a group to share my feelings and two, they get it. Our campers understand exactly what camp is all about and the reasons that BSC is a special place for so many people.

I want to thank Carol, Adria & Max for the blog posts & pictures. We hope that the blog/pictures were able to give you insight into what your children were experiencing at camp on a daily basis.

Have a great rest of the summer and can’t wait to see everyone back at camp in 2017!

Koop