A couple of days ago we got a visit from our friends over at camp Sisol. The Sisol visit is one of the more unique days of the summer, and it is one of my favorite too. I am a Sisol alum myself, and although I never went to CSL on the visit, I had two older brothers that were going to CSL while I was at Sisol. So I can empathize with those Sisol kids that are going to go onto Seneca Lake in the near future.
I think they have a great opportunity when they come to CSL, actually being able to see what sleep-away camp is like before they come here. They see the ruach (spirit) we have in the dining hall, and although they may be a bit overwhelmed by it, you can tell they want to be a part of it properly. You can see it in their eyes that they wish to develop the bonds between bunkmates and staff that we show here. I have a feeling seeing kids their age at the sleep-away camp makes it easier for them to come too, and hopefully it makes their actual first days here as campers easier!
Shortly after the Sisol kids left us, the oldest Cayuga bunks left for their campouts. With perfect weather and a well planned adventure the trip ran very smoothly. We stayed in the Watkins Glen state park and did a fair bit of hiking there. The kids helped make dinner and start a fire (despite some wet wood), and I think being away from everyone else in camp allowed for a good bit of bunk bonding.
Now we are back at camp for a normal (ish!) day, but the focus has immediately become Fight Song preparation.
Ari Kramer
C-5 Activity Counselor
