Check out Director Adam Baker’s feature in New York Family Magazine! Hear how we measure a year at camp and what goes on behind the scenes! #WELIVEFORTHIS
EBR Camps Blog
The Buzzer: Fall 2016 Newsletter
Happy Holidays From CECBR
Wishing you all Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! Looking forward to another great year with all of our camp families and staff!
Check out our holiday videos in our Media Center! #WELIVEFORTHIS
See How Working At Camp Makes you a “Talent Magnet”
At Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge we all agree that working at camp teaches life long skills of responsibility, accountability, and team work. Check out this article from LinkedIn to learn more about the benefits of working at camp!
CECBR Leads the Charge in #Raffle4SCOPE
Tickets are $100 each and a family can buy as many as they would like.
Purchase tickets now >
Ticket sales will close on Wednesday, April 5 and the drawing will be held LIVE on Thursday, April 6 at the New York SCOPE Benefit Dinner. Even if your child is already enrolled and paid for next summer, the family who wins will have one child’s tuition reimbursed!
Here’s wishing you good luck and feel free to spread the word!
Camper Nate Takes On The Election and Good Morning America!
Check out our very own Equinunk camper, Nate Schmelkin who was featured on “Good Morning America” with Michael Strahan! Congratulations go out to Nate for being so well spoken and well versed – you make us proud! #strahan2020
Equinunk New Parent FAQs
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 adam@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?
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. Additionally, we do not allow fitbits.
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.
Blue Ridge New Parent FAQs
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 a Director 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 daughter 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!
What is the camps electronics policy?
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. Additionally, we do not allow fitbits.
Several New Features Have Launched at CECBR.com!
We are thrilled this morning to announce the launch of several new features at CECBR.com, the online home of Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge!
If you have visited our website over the last week, you may have noticed some changes and we wanted to take a moment to walk you through the great new items that we have pushed live:
We’re Mobile! Explore our website on any device. CECBR.com is fully mobile responsive and now provides the very best viewing on any desktop, mobile, and iPad. Explore our Interactive Map, Listen to WEBR, and navigate all pages seamlessly — anytime, anywhere!
New Video Suite: On Monday, we released a suite of new videos which is accessible on our refreshed homepage. Click Here or visit CECBR.com and Our Videos above ‘About Our Camps’ to explore Athletics, Waterfront, Hobbies and Adventure, and Arts at Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge!
Live Chat: Have a quick question as you prepare for summer? In an effort to answer those ‘Quick Q’s’ — we have implemented a live chat throughout our website. You can find one of our directors available to help you in the bottom right hand corner of your screen. This feature will be available to you during business hours through June 15th and re-launch in the first weeks of September.
CECBR Retreats: Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge plays host to several events outside of the camp season; sports camps, weddings, and corporate events. To explore all the possibilities CECBR has to offer in the ten months we wait for two; click Retreats in the top navigation.
As we continue the countdown to Summer 2016 — we hope you can spend some time at the revamped CECBR.com. Let us know what you think!
All Our Best,
The CECBR Team
Presidential Candidates To Visit Blue Ridge and Equinunk This Summer
Fresh off dramatic “Super Tuesday” wins, presidential candidates Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump have announced plans for a mid-summer caucus and debate at Blue Ridge and Equinunk.
Many of our PCs and Upper Seniors were notified by email, Instagram and Twitter that the presidential hopefuls will be seeking their support and endorsements even though they are too young to vote.
Based on early returns, the young women and men in our Senior groups are excited to meet the Blue and Red candidates because they support their gender representation and the Seniors are hopeful that the timing of the event can provide the impetus for more meaningful and positive campaign dialogue.
As many of you know, the mid-August excitement and cheering in each Mess Hall transcends anything we’ve seen during the Primaries. The PCs and Upper Seniors are confident that both presidential candidates will be transformed by experiencing the joy and excitement that all of us at camp have for each and every candidate
who is cheered for Chief.
As the candidates continue onto the final road to November, Blue Ridge and Equinunk have great hopes for more positive, respectful and a tolerant campaign and future for our country….the same values we embrace every day at camp.