EBR Camps Blog
Camp Equinunk – Final Buzzer!
Thank You all for an incredible summer — we miss you already! Here is a digital copy of our Final CE Buzzer.
All Our Best,
The CE Team
Alumni Day 2015 at CECBR!
Dear Alumni:
Summer 2015 is off to a terrific start and you can rest assure that the tradition is very much alive and thriving. Our PCs and Upper Seniors would make you all very proud in how they have led our camps these last few weeks.
We wanted to reach out this evening to invite you to our Annual Alumni Day on Saturday, July 25th.
Alumni Day begins at 2:00pm on each campus and will conclude with a BBQ at 6:00pm. For CBR Alumni, following the BBQ – join us for singing in the mess hall.
RSVPs are not required.
We look forward to seeing you back home at Equinunk and Blue Ridge!
All our best,
Sheryl, Richie and Adam
Blue Ridge New Parent Meeting Notes
How much sunscreen do I need to send up? How often is sunscreen applied?
We recommend sending up at least two spray-bottles of Sunscreen, the “face-sticks” are also great. We apply sunscreen before swim periods (twice each day) and as needed. For campers who have fair skin and need more than two applications each day, please email Nicki@cecbr.com so that we can make a note for our Group Heads and bunk counselors.
A common theme with many of these questions will be “similar to what you may do at home.” Just as you might do; if your daughter has been spending a lot of time out in the sun, you may re-apply multiple times each day – we will do the same.
What is the camps electronics policy?
This winter we sent out an email addressing our newly updated Electronics Policy for Summer 2014. Any device that has Wifi capabilities is NOT permitted at camp. This includes Kindles and iPod touches. iPod Nano’s and Shuffles are allowed. If you are packing an older generation device that does not have Wifi capability, please remember games and videos must be removed. We also do not recommend that you send digital cameras to camp and prefer that you send disposable cameras. We do not allow pictures to be taken inside the bunk.
Will my daughter have a “Big Sister”?
Of course! All new campers receive a Big Sister on the first night of camp. This person is a role model and someone who can give a little extra special attention to your camper. Big Sisters will participate in activities and some special events together.
Beyond clicking the “Refresh” button in CampInTouch when viewing photos – how do I know she is doing ok?
Your daughter’s Group Head will be reaching out before the summer and you will hear from them (or another member of our Leadership Team) within 24 hours. We want to let you know how amazing the first day has been! Throughout the summer we will be in constant communication with you. Feel free to call the camp at any time 570-224-4121. You will be able to leave a message for your daughter’s Group Head. Remember that Group Heads are often on campus, with our campers and often return phone calls in the evening.
Your camper will also have two phone calls during the summer and as you can imagine will be writing you some good old-fashioned letters (filled with detail!). A phone call schedule will be sent out soon. Please let us know if you need to re-schedule your phone call to a different time.
Should I be sending a letter before camp starts?
YES! Mark down June 23rd on your calendar to mail your first letter to camp. Snail mail may take an extra day or so to reach us in Equinunk, PA so sending this letter the week before camp starts will ensure your son has a letter that first day of camp. We also recommend putting a small “surprise” – such as a note or small stuffed animal in with the trunks for when your daughters arrive at camp.
What is the routine for bedtime?
After a fun filled day at Blue Ridge and a great evening activity, campers will enjoy a snack at “Milk Bar” and go back to their bunk to get ready for bed. Bedtime varies by age group. For our youngest campers, it is around 9:15.
If your daughter uses TV or an iPad to fall asleep – now is a good time to change the routine so there is a smooth transition into camp life. They are welcome to read or listen to music before bed.
How do I send medication to camp? If my camper does end up in the Health Center, how will I know?
Medication should be mailed up to camp the 2nd week of June. Please make sure to label packages and medication properly and ship to Camps Equinunk & Blue Ridge 788 Legends Path, Equinunk PA 18417. All epi-pens, Benadryl and emergency inhalers should be sent up to camp on the bus and given to the Bus Counselor. It is not necessary to send up Tylenol, Advil, etc., since our Health Center stocks those items.
In the event your camper ends up in the Health Center for an overnight stay – you will receive a phone call from our Nursing Staff to make you aware. They will continue to keep you updated during your campers stay.
I am concerned about my daughter’s hygiene, who will help her?
We keep a close eye on our camper’s hygiene and make sure that they are showering, brushing their teeth and hair, and wearing clean clothing. Counselors assist younger campers in brushing and putting up their hair.
Where will my daughter put all of her “stuff?”
Our counselors unpack our lower camp campers prior to camp. There are three drawers under each bed for underwear, swimsuits, and pajamas. All additional clothing is put in the back room area – where each camper has a cubby and small closest space. We recommend that you show your child what has been packed for them so that they are aware of what is coming to camp with them! Please consult our packing list for what items to send to camp, it is not necessary to send additional items since there is not space!
Equinunk New Parent Meeting Notes
What sports equipment do we need to pack? Does my son really need Rollerblades?
Please pack a Tennis Racquet, Baseball Glove, and Shin Guards for soccer. While we have plenty of sports equipment at camp (lacrosse sticks, hockey sticks etc.), many campers like to bring their own gear and that is something that we encourage.
Rollerblades are very much recommended. For those campers who do not know how to rollerblade, our staff will work with your son to learn. Nearly all campers bring rollerblades to camp.
Now that you know what sports equipment to pack – you must be wondering where do you put it all! We recommend trying to pack these items in your trunk(s). If they won’t fit, a sports duffle bag is appropriate and should be sent up prior to the start of camp along with your other bags. If your son plays Spring Sports and you are not able to ship this bag prior to camp with our Trucking Company, you may place the duffle under the bus.
How much sunscreen do I need to send up? How often is sunscreen applied?
We recommend sending up two spray-bottles of Sunscreen. We apply sunscreen before swim periods (twice each day) and as needed. For campers who have fair skin and need more than two applications each day, please email scott@cecbr.com so we can make note for our Group Heads and bunk counselors.
A common theme with many of these questions will be “similar to what you may do at home.” Just as you might do; if your son has been spending a lot of time out in the sun, you may re-apply multiple times each day – we will do the same.
What is the camps electronics policy?
This winter we sent out an email addressing our newly updated Electronics Policy for Summer 2014. Any device that has Wifi capabilities is NOT permitted at camp. This includes Kindles and iPod touches. iPod Nano’s and Ipod Shuffles are allowed. If you are packing an older generation device that does not have Wifi capability, please remember games and videos must be removed.
Will my son have a “Big Buddy”?
Of course! Your son will get a big buddy on the first night of camp. This person is a role model and someone who can give a little extra special attention to your camper. Big Buddies will participate in activities and select meals together. However, it’s the unplanned time that makes this relationship so special. Buddies are chosen by the Head Counselor, Camp Directors and Group Heads.
Beyond clicking the “Refresh” button in CampInTouch when viewing photos – how do I know he is doing ok?
Your son’s Group Head will be reaching out before the summer and you will hear from them (or another member of our Leadership Team) within 24 hours. We want to let you know how amazing the first day has been! Throughout the summer we will be in constant communication with you. Feel free to call the camp office at any time 570-224-4121. You will be able to leave a message for your son’s Group Head. Remember that Group Heads are often on campus, with our campers and often return phone calls in the evening.
Your camper will also have two phone calls during the summer and as you can imagine will be writing you some good old-fashioned letters (filled with detail!).
Should I be sending a letter before camp starts?
YES! Mark down June 23rd on your calendar to mail your first letter to camp. Snail mail may take an extra day or so to reach us in Equinunk, PA so sending this letter the week before camp starts will ensure your son has a letter that first day of camp.
What is the routine for bedtime?
After a fun filled day at Equinunk and a great evening activity, campers will enjoy a snack at “Milk Bar” and go back to their bunk to get ready for bed. The counselors may have a fun story to share about their experience at Equinunk or a small activity to recap the day. Bedtime for our youngest campers is around 9:15.
If your son uses TV or an iPad to fall asleep – now is a good time to change the routine so there is a smooth transition into camp life.
How do I send medication to camp? If my camper does end up in the Health Center, how will I know?
Medication should be mailed up to camp the 2nd week of June. Please make sure to label packages and medication properly and ship to Camps Equinunk & Blue Ridge 788 Legends Path, Equinunk PA 18417. All epi-pens, Benadryl and emergency inhalers should be sent up to camp on the bus and given to the Bus Counselor. It is not necessary to send up Tylenol, Advil, etc., since our Health Center stocks those items.
In the event your camper ends up in the Health Center for an overnight stay – you will receive a phone call from our Nursing Staff to make you aware. They will continue to keep you updated during your campers stay.
Reserve A Number On The Countdown To Camp!
What Thursday Evening Is All About
As I sit down at my desk and prepare for a busy week I wanted to take a moment to reflect on why our event on Thursday evening is taking place.
Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge is more than just a summer camp. We are a community filled with caring, compassionate, and loving people who believe in the values that make our camp family so special.
#WELIVEFORTHIS, A Night of Giving Back is not about us. It’s about three deserving youth-based organizations who are improving the lives of children, and one message.
Before the summer of 2013, two Equinunk campers approached Adam and me with an idea for a run to support a cause they cared deeply about – The Wounded Warrior Project.
Amazed with their excitement and desire to give back we embraced it and “The Fun Run” has become a CECBR Tradition that our campers look forward to. Through their participation in the run we give back to those who have given up so much to defend our freedom around the world.
After announcing our Night of Giving Back, we were once again approached by a Blue Ridge Camper who was inspired and wanted to find an opportunity for CECBR campers to also give back. CECBR Spins was born and is 100% camper-run.
It’s moments like these – that sparked our Night of Giving Back.
We have such a tremendous platform, as a camp for children to embrace and promote the act of paying it forward. Lets hope that Thursday evening, along with The Wounded Warrior Run at camp and CECBR Spins can inspire more ideas like them from campers in our community and beyond.
Camp is all about building a better self. Why not build a brighter future too.
We hope to see you on Thursday March 12th to support Zander Neuhaus Memorial Fund, SCOPE, Simon’s Fund and this mission to inspire more acts of kindness.
All The Best,
Scott Rosenbluth, CECBR Assistant Director
Simon’s Fund – Checking Hearts, Saving Lives
Simon’s Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to raising awareness about the conditions that lead to sudden cardiac arrest and death in young athletes and children.
Simon’s Fund raises awareness about the conditions that lead to sudden cardiac arrest and death in children through prevention, education and innovation. Under the leadership of Phyllis and Darren Sudman, Simon’s Fund helped make Pennsylvania the first state to pass a law that prevents sudden cardiac arrest in student athletes. Since, the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act has been passed in five other states too.
This year, the organization is launching a first-of-its-kind national youth cardiac registry of seemingly healthy kids. HeartBytes will promote research and help standardize the heart screening process. “Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare,” Phyllis states. “I don’t want another mother to lose her child to a detectable and treatable heart condition.”
Nicki and Lizzy Contribute To Camp Navigator Magazine!
Camp Blue Ridge Assistant Directors, Nicki Alpern and Lizzy Lean wrote an article for Camp Navigator Magazine about selecting the perfect residential camp experience for your daughter.
Read The Article By Clicking Here!
Alexander Neuhaus #54 Memorial Scholarship Fund
Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge is proud to support The Alexander Neuhaus #54 Memorial Scholarship Fund at #WELIVEFORTHIS, A Night of Giving Back on March 12th in New York City. Support The Cause at CECBR.org
Alexander Neuhaus (Son of Equinunk 2012 and 2013) – “Zander” — was a gifted student, multi-sport athlete, son, brother, and friend. Although Zander’s life was way too short, it was full. He was an amazing, compassionate, loving kid with an infectious smile who touched everyone he encountered. We want to carry forward the lessons and ideals we learned from Zander through The Zander Neuhaus Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit student athletes.
Through team sports, Zander learned the importance of intense effort, sportsmanship, and teamwork. His participation in sports, helped him to mature, to develop tolerance and empathy, and, most importantly, gave him joy.
In team sports, individuals learn to accept, appreciate and trust their teammates without regard to differences in their cultures, color, nationality, or economic backgrounds. These are the qualities that forge a group of individuals into a team. These qualities, broadly applied, make a life well lived. These are the qualities that Zander was developing through his participation in team sports.
It is the mission of the Zander Fund to create opportunities that would otherwise not be available to deserving, young athletes to learn the lessons and experience the joy of team sports – just like Zander.
Tickets Are Available By Visiting CECBR.org
Learn More About Our Items Up for Auction at Our Night of Giving Back