This summer at camp we’ve been learning about what it means to love God and love our neighbors through service and gratitude. We start our week by learning Jesus’ greatest commandments: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and You shall love your neighbor as yourself (as you might imagine we’ve been singing Love Round II quite a bit this summer). Then throughout the week different groups lead chapels with different themes such as serving others, practicing patience, kindness and forgiveness, as well as working together. This week H-8 gave a really great skit about helping others using John Cena and The Rock, and tomorrow’s chapel includes some very interesting renditions of some of our favorite chapel songs by P2.

Along with our summer theme, we have activities that campers complete to help engage with loving God and their neighbors. Campers have filled out ‘fruits of the spirit values posters’ which ask campers to think about problems in the world they would solve (so far my favorite has been the JFK assassination), kind people in their lives (a lot of campers have been listing their counselors and fellow bunkmates!) and things they are good at so they can brainstorm ways in which their talents can serve others. On Tuesday’s, we fill out chapel cards, where campers give a small portion of their store cards to our chapel fund. The chapel fund helps campers who might not be able to come camp otherwise as well as funds a young girl in the Philippines with medicine, general hygiene products as well as school supplies and tuition. So many people are grateful for the money the campers have donated, and we hope they feel proud knowing that even at such a young age they can help make a difference.

One of my favorite activities we’ve done this summer has been top secret service missions, where groups perform intentional acts of kindness for other groups around camp. Last session P8 created a nature center piece and name plates while they set P1’s table, and P7 cooked out and gifted P8 with homemade banana boats. Meanwhile this
week the SPF girls are planning to serenade their secret service target, the SPF boys with a homemade song. It’s been a blast watching groups plan and scheme ways to brighten someone else’s day. We’ve also been sending groups out on Random Acts of Kindness Scavenger hunts, where they run about camp giving people compliments, helping specialists clean their areas, and learn fun facts about some of our staff members! These scavenger hunts end by the whole group ringing the friendship bell, and golly is it exciting to hear the groups recount their scavenger hunt adventures and the new friends they’ve made. Last week H-5 was particularly excited as they ran throughout camp and complimented our dining hall supervisor Lexie’s hair. Aunt Doreen has also been in a
bunch this summer helping groups make cards to give to staff members, as well as making boxes filled with nice notes and sweets to be distributed to local police and firemen, as well as sent abroad to family members of campers who are in the military.

We are so excited that we are getting to spread the love of camp to those who do so much for us each day.

One homestead camper affectionately called me the chapel lady last session, however, a more accurate title may have been the labyrinth lady. since every group comes to the labyrinth to do a great activity called U Rock. We usually do this activity towards the end of the week, and have campers walk through the labyrinth blowing bubbles and saying things they are thankful for, popular ones have included their
families, friends, pets, camp, nature, and pizza. When campers get to the center we pass around a rock, and campers tell one another why they rock. Last week with P8 we did the compliment throne and everyone in the group complimented everyone else, and H6 last week ended with a smiley, giggly, group hug (and a few tears from their counselors).

It’s a great thing to watch so many groups reflect upon their week and the ways in which their cabin mates have helped them out and made them smile.  When we close each session, we tend to do it in style with a Eucharist service. Each group has a part in making the service successful, from making bread, to singing songs and performing skits. This summer we’ve heard great renditions of Justin Bieber’s “Love
Yourself”, and Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” rewritten to talk about camp and chapel. However, the greatest part of eucharist is definitely our closing song, “Lean on Me” when campers circle up and put their arms around one another, it’s a great reminder of the family each unit forms in their time at camp.

I hope that when your kids venture home they will keep the lessons of loving God, and their neighbors close to their heart, we’ve definitely seen it’s impact on our community here at camp.

Peace,
Bethany (Our Christian Education Director/ Chapel Lady)

What a weekend! We had central on Saturday which had a good old fashioned State Fair theme. So the corn hole was out, the freedom fries were flowing and the waterfront was full of campers running around in the great weather.

Walt set up an inflatable obstacle course and another bouncy castle for the campers to play in, which was a smash hit with people racing with all they had to reach the end. There were a number of stalls set up to entertain the kids as well such as; whack the skunk, football toss, a photo booth, skee ball, water balloon catapult from the water tower and the famous dunk tank.

Most of these stations rewarded participants with state fair dollars, which they used to buy sailboat rides, funnel cake, and face paint and fortunes from the great beyond. Overall, it was an amazing day and with all our campers and staff getting into the festivities, it was very successful central.

Monday brought more excitement with 4th of July festivities taking place first thing in the morning. The whole camp headed to the beach at 7am, to watch a goofy role play created by the Waterfront and Environmental staff. The section of the declaration of Independence was read as our resident British man, Luke (or King George) was put in the stocks. The whole camp then proceeded to walk to the front of camp to the dining hall, led by Walt and his drum. Once there- the national anthem was sung and an improvised salute commenced as the American flag was raised.

Chapel followed breakfast at an alternative and exciting location- The Pool lead by the Sailing Pathfinders.  Will, the SPF’s Counselor, stood in a canoe holding an American flag on a thick branch of Burch. Chapel
commenced with a patriotic medley and ended with all the SPF’s jumping in the pool and Will gracefully exiting the canoe without getting his hair or the flag wet.

The afternoon was met with rain, but we all made do and opted to cook the BBQ dinner at the dining hall. It was a merry occasion with everyone eating burgers and hot dogs on their paper plates, and the
ice cream afterwards hit the spot. Later, all of camp headed down to the waterfront again to play volley ball, play ladder tennis and sit by the bonfire. Glow sticks were handed out as the sun went down
and all of the beach was filled with the iridescent glow of red white and blue. Fireworks lit up the sky across the bay and campers sat watching on the dock and water tower. It was a great end to an epic day full of American Pride and Camp spirit.

This week has been great so far, with the tasties (4 day campers) arriving yesterday, as well as the rest of Homestead. Camp Arrowhead is full of campers.  H-5 is in the middle of disc golf around camp, trying to make par, but everyone is just trying to hit the 7th hole without missing, it’s a bit tricky. Today the craft shop is busy, with P-1 making watercolor artwork with Maddy and P-2 and H-7 making tie dye outside on the picnic tables with Molly. Those are going to look so cool when the rubber bands come off.

P-5 are doing Archery and came back from their overnight along with the rest of men's pioneer last night this morning looking ready for another day. H-6 is also doing Archery this afternoon and then free swim. H-2, H-4, and H-8 are also joining them at the pool for some water aerobics, octopus tag and free swim time.

The Environmental Center is full of animals, with two giant wolf spiders that were found a few days ago by the Adventure Pathfinders and a black rat snake that was eating an egg out of the chicken coop. P-3
was there this morning learning about the animals around camp and P-6 is going to be there this afternoon to explore the nature trail with Paul. H-1 is also going to be there learning about the chickens and also exploring the nature trail with George, the Environmental Assistant.

The Waterfront is all go too, with P-4 sailing this morning with Matt, the Waterfront Assistant. The Sailing Pathfinders are also out on the water. After cooking out lunch, they ventured to Treasure Island (actually Thompson's Island, but Treasure Island sounds way more adventurous) yesterday, which is a beach across the bay, it usually takes an hour to get there, but the wind was on their side and they made great time. H-3 are canoeing this afternoon before their free
swim and P-2 was out this morning with Oliver, the Sailing Instructor.

Finally, the low ropes are being used by H-9 and they are heading to the Labyrinth after to talk about how their group rocks and working on making a fun and positive environment. H-10 is heading to the rock wall his afternoon to climb the wall and go down the zip line, its great weather for it and the zip line has a great view into the bay.

Cheers!
Maddy the Office Manager

It was a great start to the week at Camp Arrowhead yesterday, all around the hum of excited campers filled the air.

We always start our weeks with group activities and team building exercises, so the low ropes course was the place to be! Stephen, the Adventure Director and his crew were keen to get started and meet the new campers. Adventure Pathfinders spent the morning learning how balance their whole group on a wooden plank while singing their favorite camp song. P-3 and H-6 spent the middle of the day climbing across the spider web and learning how to help and spot others, finally, H-3 spent the afternoon on the rope vine and got everyone across the dreaded lava pit.

The Low Ropes weren’t the only ropes being used today, the High Ropes and Rock Wall were also in action -  with the new and improved zip line up and ready for some adventurous campers. P-6 was first to try the rock wall and zip line, with all the campers waiting eagerly for their turn. The high ropes was met with a few daunting stares, but was overcome by the brave H-3 boys, who took it on with all they had. 

The Craft Shop was in a constant bustle. Our craft shop director, Maddy,
was eager to get out all the colors for tile painting and watercolors. H-1 was in first to see what new colors were available for their camp tiles, followed by H-2 who choose to paint a combination of pictures, random colors and awesome landscapes. P-2 decided to make water color paintings to decorate their pioneer unit after they finished their tiles, which might help them win cleanest cabin. H-11 then finished the day off outside the craft shop by making dinosaur-superhero costumes to wear to dinner.

Due to the great weather we got yesterday, the waterfront was another great place to be. Spencer, the Waterfront Director was keen and ready too, with the life jacket rack stocked, the sailboats lined up along the beach and two brand new paddle boards waiting to be used.
H-7 started their morning getting ready for chapel by making prayer cards on the dock, PFS also spent their morning learning how to make all kinds of knots, like the bowline and clove hitch at the picnic table. H-4 and H-8 headed out in the afternoon in the canoes for a paddle around the bay. H-10 was the first group to try out the banana boat, and although the bay was a bit chilly, all the girls pulled the banana boat out to the boat which was waiting, they all jumped up and were pulled around the bay by our boat driver, Stephen. H-7 also went walking in the bay to find crabs, which was assisted by the Environmental Director, Paul. Although they came back unsuccessful, they learned about the animals that live in the bay.

Out in pioneer, P-1 cooked out breakfast at their site yesterday and lashed a few benches together to sit and eat their meals on. P-5 cooked out lunch and worked on their site afterwards, P-4 cooked out dinner and worked on their end of week skits for the campfire.

Cheers!
Maddy (The new Office Manager from New Zealand)

Not that it would happen to you or your camper -but sometimes Unit Photos get rained on, or crumpled, or misplaced or even left behind.... Below is an album of all of our Happy 1st Session Campers.  You know.... just in case :)

Thursday Night the Homestead Campers had a Jungle Themed Ice Cream Social in the Dining Hall.  Adam and Annie played lots of fun music.  The specialists helped them to each build a Sunday.

The Pioneer and Pathfinders had a Neon Lumberjack Dance in the Pioneer Pavillion.  There were lots of blacklights, neon and plaid.

Today will be super full of packing and skit planning and practicing Eucharist Parts.  We are excited to welcome Father Tom from Christ Church, Milford to celebrate with us.  And while we're sad to leave our new friends - we're excited to see our families tomorrow.

peace-
Teri <}}><

Thursday H10 and H4 worked on woodburning their pieces of camp.  Day Camp 1 made sand art prayers in the Pavillion.  P1 made some really cool books in the Craft Shop while H1, Day Camp 2 & H7 made fantastic tie dye shirts. P5 learned how to flip canoes in the bay and spent a good chunk of their morning paddling around in the sunshine.  P3 learned survival skills from their counselors, Will and Kevin.  The boys found that if they shave the bark off of a cedar log and light it with a flint, they would get a raging fire very quickly.  P7 planned their chapel while at archery and led the whole camp on Friday morning.  In P6, some campers enjoyed lashing a tepee in their campsite during a cookout.

Speaking of tepees, The service session CIT's were organizing old tarps in the Rec Hall and uncovered an old one that Teri and her Retreat Pathfinders painted in 1998.  We're working to find enough poles to try to set it up next session in Boy's Homestead... we'll keep you posted!

Thursday Nights at camp are for Socials!  Homestead had a Scooby Doo Dive In Movie at the pool.  They were served psychedelic snow cones and Scooby Snacks (puppy chow).  Don't know what puppy chow is?  You coat chex cereal in melted chocolate and then cover the chocolate with powdered sugar.  It's a camp favorite.  You can also add peanut butter to the chocolate, use white chocolate or mix ingredients like cinnamon, cocoa powder or cake mix to the powdered sugar coating.  It's a camp favorite!  And Ketih and Emma had some episodes of Scooby Doo projected up on a screen at on the deck of the Quail's Nest Staff Lounge.  The kids had a blast - and the staff had fun too.

The Pioneer Units had a beach party in the Pavilion and called it the Tidal Wave Tango. P5's counselor looked up all of his campers names in Hawaiian and made them name tags.   P4 wore lyrics to a beach song on their name tags and P3 wore Hawaiian & beach phrases like Aloha, Mahalo & Surf's Up! P1, P2, P6 & P7 wore flowers in their hair.  They danced to surf tunes and pop music dj'd by the Eriksen Cousins - Paul and Lars. 

Though the weather has been a bit cloudy this week, the sun keeps peaking through at Camp Arrowhead and all planned activities have commenced without any rain drops!

Today we're packing and preparing to return home.  Tonight we will attend Eucharist.  Every unit is in charge of a a part of the service and Father Tom from Christ Episcopal Church in Milford with celebrate. After the service we will have our end of Session Campfire.  All the groups meet up at the dining hall and silently process to the Council Ring for the fire.  Every unit will share a skit to share and Walt's leading the fire tonight so it's sure to be a fun one!

Peace & Adventure Are Out There!
Teri & Theresa

Tuesday morning Day Camp 2 were the very first camper group to lead Chapel.  They read from the Beattitudes and lead us in singing I Like Bananas.

High Ropes was busy busy busy!  P4 traversed our four bridges.  P1 lept from the pamper plank.  P6 & H2 both screamed (or held their breath) on the Giant Swing.

H9 & H10 gardened with Paul at the Environmental Center and H4 disected owl pellets.  H7 dressed up as animals for lunch.  H6 kayaked after siesta. H8 made cards with Doreen.  

Tuesday night the Waterfront Staff hosted many Homestead groups for Pirates and Mermaids Bonfire at the beach.  There was a lot of hula hooping! S'mores were roasted.  Pineapple was toasted.  And many a brave pirate and mer-person helped to capture the evil Sea Monster (aka Chet, a waterfront staff member) and forced him to walk the plank (or just off the bottom of the beachtower, into the bay).  Thankfully no staff were injured in the making of that memory!

Wednesdays are always exciting at camp Arrowhead.  Dining Hall closes after lunch to bltiz the kitchen and everyone cooks out for dinner.  All of Homestead ventured out to their homes in the woods at Outpost and grilled burgers over their fires.  Once the chocolate and marshmallow from their s’mores was wiped from their faces, they played capture counselor before heading back to main camp for free swim.   

In the mean time - Pioneer Units cooked out in their units and gathered at the Pavilion for a Potluck Dinner.  Each unit cooked for 50 people and shared what they created with the other groups.  P1 made twice baked mashed potatoes with bacon, cheese, and scallions, P4 made chicken with a BBQ sauce made from a reduction of ketchup and CocaCola, and P5 made mega egg burgers with a spicy sauce.  P6 and P7 tested their cookware skills and used a Wok and Dutch oven to make pineapple stirfry and baked mac and cheese.  For dessert, P2 made griddle pretzels with cinnamon and sugar and P3 made campfire ice cream cones stuffed with marshmallows, banana, and chocolate.  After they filled their bellies they played games together around the Pavillion.

Peace, 
& Adventure is Out There!
- Teri & Theresa

 After a week of training, the staff was eager to finally welcome campers to Arrowhead on Sunday.  We were overwhelmed by the number of familiar faces and are equally excited to get to know the fresh ones!

On Sunday evening, after settling into their cabins, Homestead ventured out to their camp sights in Outpost to roast marshmallows and get better acquainted with their cabin-mates.  Meanwhile, pioneer units built fires in units to do the same.  After showers and reflections, units went to sleep to rest up for their exciting first day full of activities.

We could not have asked for a more beautiful day to kick off camping season. After a delicious pancake breakfast and a great Chapel (where we learned about the theme of the summer - Peace) the activities began!  Many units such as H-3, P-4 and P-5 took this block to play ice breaker games to get to know each other a bit better. Day Camp, H-3, H-7, P-1, P-2 and P-3 all visited the craft shop to glaze their awesome tiles.  Some campers went for abstract designs while others showed their affection to camp and painted an assortment of Arrowhead inspired pictures on their tiles.

 H-4 had a particularly adventurous morning. While learning an in depth history of camp on a walking tour of camp called the “Path of Peace” the group stumbled upon a turtle laying eggs! Co-counselors Brooks and Hunter decided to put the Peace Path on hold and watched a bit of nature unfold.

A hearty lunch of chicken sandwiches and a relaxing siesta helped campers refuel for their afternoon activities.  Every group enjoyed some afternoon time in the pool during for Free Swim.  Many units were lucky enough to spend part of their afternoon at the waterfront too. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky so counselors made sure that campers lathered up on their sunscreen before partaking in any of those activities. Freddy the boat driver took H-7, P-2 and P-4 out for a spin on the banana boat. The bay was a bit choppy today due to the wind so it was an extra fun ride! Both Day Camp groups, H-3 and P-6 all used the wind in their favor and went out for a sail. Meanwhile H-9 stayed on dry on the shore and held a tea party.

The day was capped off with a Pioneer Mustache Party bonfire at the beach.  Some campers hula hooped the night away while others worked on toasting the perfect marshmallow for their smores.  A memorable night was had by all. We look forward to many more action packed days not only in this session but in throughout the summer!

We will be tending to the blog regularly and apologize for not posting this sooner! All of the staff has been putting in a great deal of effort to ensure the campers have a session to remember. 

Peace!
Melissa