Summer Blog

A Weekend to Remember

August 1, 2016 By Camp Blogger Leave a Comment

There is never a dull moment at Chop Point! There is always something to do, people to see, and beautiful places to visit. The campers are soaking in all the beauty of camp as the last week begins.

On Friday, at lunch, it was revealed that the evening activity was 50’s night! Campers were encouraged to wear all their 50’s-looking clothing to dinner. Most guys went for the greaser look, while the girls wore long skirts and red lipstick, the classic 50’s look. After dinner, a twist in the evening activity was revealed. Not only was it 50’s night, it was also Murder Mystery Night! Each cabin went around camp, interviewing suspects and writing down clues in order to solve the mysterious murder. The night was awesome and campers were really determined to solve the case. Congratulations to the cabin of Pemaquid, who was the only cabin to figure out who the murderer was.

Interviewing the suspects

Saturday was Work Day. While most campers were off washing cars to raise money for Campo Alegria in Nicaragua, others remained at camp and did various chores around Chop Point. Some swept the dining hall, while others cleaned the sailboats. A handful of campers stacked wood and a couple cleaned the arts and crafts room. It was a productive day and by the time the car-washers returned for dinner, everyone was tired, but proud of their handy-work. Despite the exhausting day, campers were very enthusiastic when they walked into the dining hall and saw that it was decorated creepily and hinting to the evening activity. The activity was Quarantine Night. It was each camper’s mission to find each safe zone on camp without being caught by counselors who were dressed as zombies. If anyone were caught, they would become a zombie too. It was thrilling and spooky to see the counselors dressed so creepily, but so much fun to run around and hide in the woods. The campers had a blast, so I would say that the evening was a success!

IMG_7404 (5)

On Sunday, after chapel and lunch, the whole camp spent the afternoon in Boothbay Harbor. Many campers took the opportunity to shop in the tourist-y boutiques and buy all sorts of things. Others spent the afternoon walking around the harbor with friends. When the campers returned, it was almost time for the evening activity: Talent Night. What a memorable talent show it was! There were a large amount of talents and performances. There were many skits, a few musical performances, and couple of comedy acts. One camper managed to solve a rubix cube with one hand! It truly was an unforgettable show!

What a Week

July 29, 2016 By Camp Blogger Leave a Comment

The second week of second session is ending and campers are cherishing the precious time they have left. Despite the end-of-the-session blues, this past week has been non-stop activity and fun. Last Saturday was Cabin Theme night, the most intense/exciting nights of camp. Each cabin is only given two hours to transform their cabin into a theme of their choosing. The themes this session were creative and so much fun to walk through. On the girls’ side we experienced Monhegan’s campfire/murder mystery, Cranberry’s Ohio, Isle au Haut’s Isle au Haut Island voyage, and Manana’s tattoo parlor/ bike garage. The guys’ side, entertained us with Old Pemaquid’s prom, Acadia’s dog wash, Sebago’s plane crash, Little John’s insane asylum, and Pemaquid’s wild west saloon. Each theme was unique and I could tell everyone had a blast putting the night together. A big congratulations to the winners: Monhegan and Sebago!

The evening activity on Sunday was obstacle course night. Each cabin competed in one huge obstacle course. Whichever cabin was the fastest won. There were all sorts of obstacles like a mud crawl and riddles. Sunday was also a very special night. It was announced that it was Christmas in July Eve! After the campers returned to their cabins at the end of the activity staff members caroled at each cabin. This caused all the campers to become so excited for the fun that was about to unfold. The next morning, (Monday) the campers were delighted to find that the dining hall was decked with Christmas decorations. There was even a big Christmas tree in the corner! Campers drew names for Secret Santa and scrambled around, trying to find the perfect gift. In the morning, campers went to their usual activities, but the afternoon was designated for festive activities such as sledding (Slip and slide), snowball fights (Socks filled with flour), cookie decorating, Santa Man Hunt, and ornament making. Every activity was a blast and helped the campers get into the Christmas spirit! After the Christmas in July feast, the whole camp traveled to the Barker Farmhouse for dessert and more games. To conclude the festivities, Secret Santa gifts were handed out and the true story of Christmas was read out loud. It was such a wonderful day and we were all sad to see it end!

On Tuesday night, after a day of regular activities, everyone played capture the flag till it was time for bed.

Because the week had been hectic, Wednesday served as a day of rest. The whole camp spent the day at the beautiful Reid State Park, a beach on the coast of Maine. Campers spent the day swimming, Surfing, playing games, hanging out with friends, and exploring the beach’s rocky shore. It was a gorgeous day and thankfully, nobody was sunburned by the end. Upon returning to camp, it was announced that the evening activity was to have a campfire. That night, songs were sung, marshmallows were roasted and scary stories were told. It was such a great way to end such a peaceful day.

Thursday was definitely a night to remember. The campers left breakfast very excited because it was Lip Synch night. Lip Synch night is a Chop Point classic and always is so entertaining to watch. Each cabin was given a song, this session the theme was “One Hit Wonders,” and told to make up a skit/routine while lip-synching. The performances were awesome and hilarious. It was so much fun to watch Pemaquid’s “Somebody That I Used To Know,” Little John’s “What is Love,” Sebago’s “Kung Fu Fighting,” Acadia’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” Monhegan’s “Bad Day,” Cranberry’s “Take On Me,” Isle au Haut’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” and Manana’s “Achy Breaky Heart.” We even got a surprise performance from the staff in the Boathouse and Old Pemaquid! Each performance was amusing, but the winners, Monhegan and Acadia really stood out. After the winners cheered and everyone had settled down, the campers were surprised with another evening activity: Glowtimate! (Ultimate Frisbee with a light-up Frisbee.) Despite the fact that it was late, all the campers gathered to the soccer field, wearing glow-stick bracelets. Soon there were multiple Frisbees whizzing by and campers scrambling to catch them. It was so chaotic, but so much fun! It was an awesome way to end the successful night!

Quebec City

July 27, 2016 By Camp Blogger 1 Comment

This session, I had the wonderful privilege to go on the Quebec City trip with a couple of other campers. Despite our early departure time (7:00 am on Wednesday, July 20) we were all so excited and eager to see what adventures lay ahead. The five-hour car ride consisted of napping, card games, reading and gazing at the changing scenery as we drove on. Because of the stops for lunch and gas, we arrived in Quebec City around 3:00 pm; everyone was looking forward to spend time in the old city. The city was beautiful and the townspeople were very welcoming. Many tourist-y shops were nestled on either side of the road, with postcards and plush mooses peeking out from the windows. We spent most of the evening strolling through the town, browsing in the shops and gazing in awe at the Chateau Frontenac. After dinner, we headed towards the meeting place of the popular Ghost Tour. When we reached our destination, a man dressed in old-fashioned clothes greeted us. Our tour guide led us all through the old city and spun us tales of ghosts who supposedly still haunt Quebec today. The guide was a wonderful storyteller, but it was obvious that most of his stories were only legends. By the end of the night, we were all exhausted and ready for bed.

The next day (July 21) was spent in the old city as well. Many campers hit the gift shops, searching for souvenirs and gifts for their families. We walked all day and took in the gorgeous scenery and searched for the best gelato place. It was a successful day and everyone wished to stay longer. July 22^nd was our last day in Quebec. Instead of spending the day in the city, we decided to spend the morning at Montmorency Falls. The waterfall was breathtaking! As we walked across the bridge overlooking the falls, I could hear the rushing water and saw the other campers taking pictures, hoping to capture each memory. To conclude the trip, we stopped at St. Anne’s Cathedral and listened to mass. The architecture and stained glass windows were so beautiful. It was a perfect way to end or trip. The Quebec trip was unforgettable and such a privilege. I encourage everyone to sign up for this trip when they come to Chop Point!

Week One, Done

July 25, 2016 By Camp Blogger Leave a Comment

The first week of second session is complete! I cannot believe how fast this summer is flying by! The past week has been non-stop activity and fun. Wednesday night’s evening activity was sports night! After dinner, wearing their team colors, the campers were ready for the games to begin. Everyone had a blast playing big ball soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, gaga, beach ball volleyball and knock out. By the time the night was over everyone was exhausted and ready for a good night’s sleep.

Thursday’s evening activity was water night. After dinner, the campers prepared themselves for the water-filled games and chaos to ensue. There were many screams of frustration and shouts of victory during the water balloon toss. Soon the campers were soaked and ready for the final activity, which is a water night classic: the water slide! The slide consisted of a huge tarp with lots of soapy water. As a tradition the slide began with the Gauntlet, which is when campers are allowed to pelt the counselors with water balloons as they slide down the slide. Then the campers were able to slide down as many times as they wanted.

On Friday, dinner was served early because the whole camp spent the evening on Pemaquid Point, a rocky coast with a lighthouse in Maine. It was a great way for friends to spend time together outside of camp. Campers were free to walk on the rocks and soak in their beautiful surroundings. Many kids brought their cameras to take photos. After the photo shoots and explorations were over, a chapel service was held and counselor gave a sermon. It was such a wonderful way to end the day and the first week of second session.

Cabin Bonding

July 19, 2016 By Camp Blogger Leave a Comment

Over the last few days, campers have started to get used to their new schedule. They also have begun to attend their activities and form friendships that will hopefully last a lifetime. The last two evening activities were specifically designated for each cabin to bond. Monday night was girls night out. Each girl cabin was allowed to hang out off-camp and get to know each other. Most of the cabins went out for ice cream, while others played mini golf. While the girls were out, the boys cabins stayed on camp and played ultimate frisbee on the mud flats. The guys also made smores over a campfire. The next night the guys went out and the girls stayed in. Some guy cabins got ice cream, while others went out for dinner. The girls spent the evening swimming, watching the gorgeous sunset and making a hobo dessert (bananas stuffed with peanut butter, marshmallow and, chocolate chips roasted over a camp fire.) It was a great opportunity for the campers to get to know their cabin-mates better.

And We’re Off!

July 17, 2016 By Camp Blogger Leave a Comment

Second session has officially begun! It was sad to say goodbye to our first session campers, but everyone is so excited to see what the new session brings! The French campers arrived Friday night and the rest trickled in all day Saturday. Old friends were reunited and new campers were welcomed by their cabin-mates. Once the campers were settled, the fun began. Saturday’s evening activity was “Get-To-Know-You Games.” These games help campers “get to know” each other. Many games consist of the campers mingling and learning each others names. It was a great night and everyone got to meet each other!

This morning was stormy so we had our traditional “Wacky Olympics” indoors. During this classic event, the cabins compete in many different games such as wheelbarrow races and sharks and minnows. The campers are also required to wear their wackiest outfits! I saw many hilarious costumes. During the events, campers were called by cabin to sign up for their daily activities such as sailing, field sports, jogging, arts and crafts, and photography. There are so many awesome activities that it’s so hard to choose! After everyone signed up for four activities, the 2k16 Wacky Olympics came to a close.

Campers were still able to attend the activities they signed up for that afternoon. I saw many people enjoying the waterfront and up in the arts and crafts room. Tonight’s evening activity was counselor skits: everyone’s favorite! This session’s skits were hilarious, it was a perfect way to end the first official day of second session!

Third Week of Fun

July 15, 2016 By Camp Blogger Leave a Comment

The first session has flown by and we are all feeling a bit melancholy that it is almost over. Nevertheless, the last few days have been filled with activities. Trips such as the St Croix canoe, sailing and white water rafting trip have gone and returned safely. The rain on Saturday and Sunday caused parts of the schedule to change, but the campers still had a great time. On Sunday, as the rain poured, campers had the choice to do various activities such as board games in the dining hall and basketball in the gym. I spent my morning in the dining hall. The campers who were gaming in the dining hall were sipping out of mugs full of hot cocoa and tea. There was a lot of laughter and screams of frustration from the kids who were playing the wildly popular game: Resistance. Sunday’s evening activity was casino night. Many had never experienced this evening activity before so we were all excited to see what it was like. After dinner, wearing fancy clothes, the whole camp gathered in the dining hall. The dining hall was decorated with lights and there were tables set up for various card games. It was a great night, campers were able to learn how to play popular card games and hang out with friends! However, the night was cut short to announce that is was also dodge ball night! The shouts of excitement nearly shook the dining hall. Soon, everyone was at the gym preparing for the chaos that was about to ensue. With the lights dimmed and music blaring, dodge ball night had begun. We played about four rounds and everyone had a blast. Even when people were out of the game, the campers still had fun. Everyone was dancing and singing along with the music while avoiding getting hit by the balls whizzing by. By the end of the night, the campers were ready for a good night’s sleep.

On Monday, the campers could sign up for different activities rather than going to their regular daily activities. It was a great way for campers to have the opportunity to experience everything at Chop Point. It was announced at lunch the evening activity was Halloween night! The campers were instructed to come to dinner wearing all black and running shoes. After dinner, the campers gathered on the lawn outside the dining hall. Various games and activities such as watermelon carving, face painting, and doughnut eating contests had been set up on the lawn and the campers cycled through all of them. To end the festivities, the campers were led into the “haunted” woods. While the campers walked in the woods, counselors and staff jumped out from behind trees dressed in scary costumes. It was very spooky and thrilling!

On Tuesday, after breakfast, the camp spent the day in Camden, a small town on the coast of Maine. Our first stop was Maiden cliffs. Everyone hiked to the top and had chapel. The message was that some have an image of God being like a police officer: he is waiting for you to sin, just so he can punish you. But in reality, God loves us and desires to have a relationship with us. The talk encouraged everyone to get to know God more and spend time with him. After chapel, everyone hiked down and spent the rest of the day in the town. After the campers returned to camp, it was time for the evening activity: Talent Night! What a show it was! It was so awesome to see an array of incredible talents. The whole camp listened to beautiful voices, watched funny skits and marveled at one camper who solved an entire rubix cube with one hand! It truly was a night to remember.

Wednesday was another day of off-camp fun. The whole day was spent in Freeport, where campers could shop and hang out with friends to their heart’s content. That night awards were given to each camper by counselors. After awards, it was time for the traditional roller skating! Everyone had a blast and was exhausted by the end of the night. It breaks my heart that this session is nearly over! I have loved getting to know everyone these past three weeks, but I am excited to see what the next session brings!

Time Flies

July 9, 2016 By Camp Blogger Leave a Comment

Wow! I cannot believe the second week of first session is coming to an end! The past few days have been cloudy with small showers, but it hasn’t stopped the campers from going to their activities. Because of the long weekend and the festivities from the Fourth of July, Tuesday was beach day. With necessities such as bug spray and sunscreen in their bags, the whole camp traveled to Reid State Park, a gorgeous beach on the coast of Maine. Some campers headed straight for the beach with surfboards, hoping to catch some waves, others stayed near the shelter, where many campers played board games. A yummy lunch was provided

and campers were free to walk along the rocky coast.

We ended the relaxing day with a campfire back at camp. Songs were sung and marshmallows were roasted. It was wonderfully lazy day, a perfect way to recover from all the recent activity.

On Wednesday, all of the campers followed their usual schedule. The campers in arts and crafts made friendship bracelets, while the sailors attempted to sail in windless weather.

Thursday’s evening activity was obstacle course night. The whole camp was divided by cabins and competed in one huge obstacle course. Each cabin was timed as they went through the course, whoever was the fastest won. Some of the obstacles included hurtles, solving a puzzle, mud crawl and web made of string. They were all challenging, but so much fun! By the time it was over everyone was soaking wet, muddy and ready for bed. At lunch the next day, it was announced that the overall winner was the cabin Isle au Haut!

Friday was a pretty eventful day. It was announced at breakfast that it was Cabin Theme Night! The whole dining hall cheered with excitement. Cabin Theme Night is one of the most fun and intense nights at camp. Each cabin is given only two hours to alter their cabin to make a theme of their choosing. The themes this session were awesome. We experienced a yoga studio from Pemaquid, A Dave Wilkinson museum from Little John, Acadia’s ship wreck, and Sebago’s Talent Show. We also enjoyed Monhegan’s Hansel and Gretel, Cranberry’s surprise party, Isle au Haut’s Mario Cart and Manana’s Snow White theme. They were all so much fun to walk through and participate in! I could tell that each cabin worked hard to make their cabin entertaining and they definitely succeeded!