The biggest step for first timers is letting go. It’s that moment at drop off when the camper is settled and it’s time to say goodbye to start a different kind of summer.

No, I’m not talking about the campers; I’m talking about the parents.

Up until that moment you’ve probably done a great job getting your child ready for summer camp. You’ve signed them up, gotten them all the camp gear, spent hours poring over lists, you’ve put their name in all of their underwear, packed up all the shampoos, soaps, toothbrushes and sporting gear that they will ever need (and some that they won’t). Then that moment comes and it’s hard to let go.

You want to stay. Yes, you know that their stuff is good to go; you know they’re in good hands. You’ve met the counselor and a few of the bunkmates. But you just can’t bring yourself to go. I mean, this is your baby, I understand, it’s hard.

But here’s the problem: it’s harder if you stay. You need to go, not only for yourself, but for your camper.  They’ll have a great time.

Each June I move up to camp and with the support and hard work of lots of people, watch camp “wake up” from the Winter.

This summer, the transformation to summer was truly incredible.  Not only did New Hampshire have an actual Spring-time with warm weather and sunshine, but CTN celebrated its 65^th Anniversary on June 19^th with over 100 alumni here at camp reminiscing about their days on Sunset Lake.  The grass and trees are green and lush, the flowers are blooming, the lake sparkles in the sun, and the bunks and activity buildings are clean and bright.  Watching these alumni stroll through camp with wonder and amazement at how much camp can look so very much the same and yet somehow different made me anxious with anticipation for the summer and all of our campers arrival.  Winter is official over, along with school, and it’s time for our annual adventure to begin.

Opening day is just around the corner and our staff is here training and getting ready for campers’ arrival.  The staff works hard for an entire week to make sure that every camper’s summer memories are as poignant and special as our alumni’s are.  People too will notice some subtle changes in camp, even from last summer – lush green grass where there might not have been before, a pristinely “restored” Rec Hall complete with camp memorabilia lining the walls, an “official” stepball court between the Olim and Tzofim chugs, and a newly updated fitness center in our gymnasium complete with almost all new equipment – to name a few.

We have lots of returning Program staff who have been working throughout the winter to revamp your favorite activities and bring you new ones to enjoy.  Believe it or not, it takes all ten months between camp seasons to get camp ready for you each summer – I know when the campers get here next week they’ll agree it will have been worth the wait. We all can’t wait to greet them on opening day, and until then, enjoy the anticipation…the best is yet to come!

Best,

Molly

I met one of my best friends on my first day at camp. Not in the bunk, not on the ball field and not at a mixer, but sitting down to eat. I was a little girl then, and he was a few years older. Many years later he danced at my wedding.

You see, at Tel Noar we blend our campers in the dining hall. You’ll find 9-year-olds passing the salt to 16-year-olds. Boys sit shoulder to shoulder with girls and CITs get bread for first-timers.

We live and eat as a community, it’s part of everything we do. So with this blog we want to bring you deeper into our community, show you what goes on during the 10 months we spend getting ready for the 2 at camp. We want to introduce you to the people who make Tel Noar such a special place.

So join us at the Community Table, have a bite and join the conversation. We want to hear from you as much as you hear from us.

After all, it’s not a community without you.