Happy New Year!!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!!

As we approach 2011, many of us are thinking about New Year’s resolutions and what we want to achieve in the upcoming year. And if you are, you are not alone; approximately 45 percent of American adults will set at least one resolution. They will start off with determination, but by February or even mid-January, the majority will have abandoned their goals altogether as they get caught up in busy lives, distractions etc.

So why do we continue to make resolutions year after year?
One reason is excitement of starting from scratch. Another is the idea of bettering ourselves. It may also have something to do with tradition. Setting New Year’s resolutions is believed to go as far back as Babylonian times. It is believed that Julius Caesar started the tradition of making resolutions on January 1st as a way to honor the Roman mythical god Janus, whose two faces allowed him to look back into the past year and forward to the new year.
Bringing this back to camp, as we ring in 2011, we are thinking about how Stonybrook Day Camp and resolutions go hand in hand. Camp is a place where campers set and achieve goals every day. Whether it is improving swimming, tennis or golf; trying a new art technique; or going tubing or zipping for the first time; we see campers excel and try new things everyday. They show up to camp with lots of thoughts about what they want to do and usually by the end of the summer, they have exceeded their own expectations.

So, why are our campers able to achieve so much when so many grown adults can’t keep their New Years resolutions (approx 10% keep their resolutions 1 year later)? Because campers have their friends, counselors and specialists, cheering them on every step of the way. Our counselors and specialists work hard to help our campers achieve their goals; they celebrate when goals are met or campers try new things, and they encourage them to keep trying if they miss the mark. We also try very hard to keep our parents informed so the cheering can continue at home.

Maybe adults can learn a thing or two from our campers as they set their own New Year’s resolutions: BE SURE TO HAVE A BIG CHEERING SECTION ENCOURAGING YOU AS YOU SET YOUR GOALS! AND BE SURE TO SET UP A STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEM TO KEEP YOU GOING! And we are so sorry; Stonybrook Day Camp is only for kids (unless you are part of our fabulous staff)!!!!!

And one more thing…. As you think about Summer 2011, be sure to let us know what your child is looking to accomplish or achieve at camp. We will be sure to ask them ourselves but feel free to start the conversation with us.

Good luck with your own resolutions!

Happy New Year!

http://www.youtube.com/stonybrookdaycamp#p/a/u/1/6-gTWlebRTU


Don't forget to check out http://www.facebook.com/stonybrook to see all of the pictures from camp!

Happy Holidays Video - Click on Link Today !

Dear Stonybrook Families and Friends,


We have put together a fun project to share with you during this holiday season. I hope you will enjoy watching this as much as we have enjoyed putting this together. Here is the direct link to our video http://www.youtube.com/stonybrookdaycamp#p/a/u/0/6-gTWlebRTU and here is the link to our YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/stonybrookdaycamp



Happy Holidays from all of us at Stonybrook Day Camp

Nut Allergies Inspire 2 Creative Moms

Nut Allergies are something we take very seriously at Stonybrook Day Camp. It comes down to keeping our campers safe which is always a top priority. We are a nut aware facility, which means that we do not serve any nut products or any products made in factories that also manufacture nuts/nut products. We also do not allow any food products into camp or on the bus unless approved by the Camp Director as nut free. If children eat peanut butter for breakfast, we ask that they wash their hands and face thoroughly with soap and water before coming to camp.
We have lots of experience accommodating nut allergy campers, and we do so in a way that makes any nut allergy child feel like any other camper. In fact, we are getting ready to welcome a new camper with a nut allergy this summer…. Roger’s own son Nate.

In getting the nut allergy diagnosis, Roger turned to two of his own camp families to find out more about dealing with being nut free outside of camp. Janine Berg and Amy Rosenberg, each Stonybrook moms and founders of 2 Creative Moms, were incredibly helpful and full of great advice.

Janine and Amy have actually become experts and now make beautiful nut free desserts. This started because they, like many parents, had been frustrated about finding beautiful, delicious desserts that were also nut free. There was often concern- is this really NUT-FREE? They found that some people think nut free just means that there are no nuts in a product; however, this is not truly the case as there may be traces of nuts from other products that have been produced on the same production line or in the same facility.


Having kids with a love of dessert (who doesn’t?), they often thought- what do you do when you need a dessert for someone who has a nut allergy? After not finding an easy solution, Janine took her passion for baking and Amy took her art and design background, and together they decided that it was time to do something. They wanted to make sure their children didn't get left out when it came to dessert at birthday parties, family gatherings and play dates any longer. They decided to start making custom nut–free cakes and cupcakes for their family and friends. They soon discovered that many people started asking them to make cakes, regardless if their family members had a nut allergy. Check out their innovative, custom designs at www.2creativemoms.com.

And we wanted to share some of their expertise with our Stonybrook community. With the holidays upon us, we asked Janine and Amy to share some advice on how to handle parties and events while dealing with a nut allergy. Here is what they shared:

It’s always difficult when you go to another person’s house where you know there will be food there that is not nut free. Of course, the thought of having to tell your child that he/she can’t have the goodies that all the other kids are having is often heartbreaking. You have to be careful of people just telling you that a product is nut-free just because it actually doesn’t have nuts in it. Having dealt with this many times, here are some ideas of what you can do.

1. If you can, speak to the host of the party or gathering and see if they can only put out food that is safe for you child –that is always the best thing. But we all know that it doesn’t always happen…so in that case, you must always bring treats that are safe for your child to have.

2. If you are going to someone’s house and you are asked to bring something…like a potluck dinner or a playdate, why not be in charge of desserts and treats? Then at least you know that everything for dessert is safe.

3. At birthday parties, always bring a cupcake or something for your child so your child doesn’t feel left out. Also be aware of what snacks are on the table…always watch those little fingers.

4. When going to a relative’s house, bring along a sheet that states what the allergy is, what foods are unsafe and some suggestions as to what foods are safe. And be specific-don’t just say chocolate chip cookies. You will soon learn that some brands are good, some are not...find ones that are ok and write that specific brand down.

Everyone feels differently about what to or not to do. We all have our limits... it is important to find your own and stick by it. Some relatives and friends in our experience have not completely understood what it means when we come to their house and what foods should be out and what shouldn't be out. It is very stressful having to reiterate that certain foods can be life threatening to our children. Sometimes people think we have blown the reaction to nuts way out of proportion. It can be hard to talk up because of seeming difficult. But remember, our children cannot always talk for themselves. We need to be their advocates.

Thanks Janine and Amy for sharing your advice and your beautiful cakes with us!




Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.com/

Stonybrook Day Camp Thanksgiving Recipes

THANKSGIVING RECIPES AND A CHANCE FOR US TO SAY THANKS!

We wish our entire Stonybrook Day Camp community a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! We are truly thankful for our fabulous summers and most importantly our campers and their families, as well as our staff, who join us and make it all happen. This Thanksgiving we wanted to share some recipes (most are very quick and easy for our busy families) in case you still needed some inspiration. If you end up making any of these dishes or desserts, let us know what you think!

Amanda Black’s CARROT SOUFFLE (passed down from her mother, Alice)
This is one of Roger’s favorite holiday dishes of all time. I promise it will be a hit!
2 lbs. carrots
1 cup sugar
6 eggs
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 tbsps. flour
2 tsps. baking soda
2 tsps. vanilla
2 sticks butter

• Preheat oven 350 degrees.
• Carrots should be peeled and cut into pieces and boiled. Cook carrots until tender.
• Grease a 3 quart souffle dish.
• Drain and puree carrots in cuisinart.
• Add all ingredients except eggs.
• Add eggs one at a time to cuisinart, pulsing it each time until smooth and fluffy.
• Bake at 350 degrees for one hour


Jen Huberts’ BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUFFLE PIE
Filling
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup margarine - melted
12 oz box pureed butternut squash - defrosted
4 large eggs
3/4 cup soy milk
1/2 cup dark brown sugar - firmly packed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons chilled margarine, cut into small cubes

• Preheat oven 350 degrees
• Combine graham crackers with melted margarine in a small bowl, press into bottom and sides of a 9 inch spring - form pan.
• In a large bowl combine squash, eggs,soy milk, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt, beat with a mixer at medium speed.
• Pour into crust and bake for 35 minutes.
• Prepare topping - mix the flour, brown sugar, Cinnamon with a fork.
• Sprinkle in the margarine and use your fingers to knead the mixture together into crumbs.
• 7. Sprinkle over the partially baked squash pie.
• 8. Return to oven, bake for 25 minutes uncovered.


Shelly Brittner’s SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
5 pounds fresh sweet potatoes
2 or 3 eggs
One stick margarine or butter
3 Tablespoons Cinnamon
Marshmallows

• Wash and Cut sweet potatoes into 3rds; boil until soft
• Let sweet potatoes cool and the skin will come right off
• Place sweet potatoes in large bowl and start mashing ( you can add two or 3 eggs if you want)
• Add one stick of margarine or butter; continue to mash.
• Add 3 tablespoons of cinnamon; mash more (you can use electric mixer to get it very smooth.
• Place in a large baking pan and bake at 350 for about 40 min.
• Add marshmallows on top.
• Bake until marshmallows melt and turn brown.


Stacey Rubinstein’s CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE PIE (passed on from a friend Jen K.)
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 stick butter (melted)
1 12 oz bag chocolate chips (my Mom's recipe calls for 6 oz
of chips, but I like it extra chocolaty - it's up to you!)
1 tsp vanilla
Graham Crust- store bought
Optional - 1 cup walnuts

• Preheat oven to 325
• In large bowl, beat eggs
• Add flour, sugar, and brown sugar - mix
• Blend in butter
• Add vanilla
• Stir in chips (and nuts if desired)
• Pour into pie shell
• Bake at 325 for 45 to 50 minutes (bake it for one hour if you do not want it mushy)
• Let cool
• Serve with vanilla ice cream


Jamie A’s OREO TRUFFLES (passed on from a friend)
One package of oreos
8 oz of real cream cheese
semi sweet chocolate
sea salt or sugar

• crush up oreos
• in food processor blend oreaos with 8oz of real cream cheese; form into balls.
• cover with melted semi sweet chocolate
• sprinkle with sea salt or sugar
• refrigerate




Don't forget to check out http://www.facebook.com/stonybrook to see all of the latest happenings from camp!

10 Great Things to do on a Rainy Day

Today is a bizarre weather day- can you believe it actually snowed at camp!!!! Post school you may have needed an activity to do with the kids. You might have baked cookies….. or maybe you took out the jumpy house or Wii…. or maybe, just somehow, a holiday present was given early. Well, this rainy/”snowy” day inspired us to share some of our favorite rainy/”snowy” day activities:

1. Have your own film festival. Pick a theme and rent several movies that fit the category. Make popcorn and if you feel crafty, design tickets.

2. Finger-paint with chocolate pudding on a paper plate or cookie sheet. Make sure aprons are worn and yes, this has the potential for lots of mess!

3. It’s a twist on baking cookies…. wrap some and give them to your family or friends just because. Zip lock sells plastic bags with gift tags on them for the holiday season or you may get creative and decorate cookie tins or tupperware with ribbons, stickers etc.

4. Tell some family stories and learn about your family history. If your kids are older, maybe do a little online research. Think about recording your family history through pictures or video.

5. Have a picnic lunch, complete with picnic basket, on your living room floor. Or create a restaurant complete with menus.

6. Draw pictures to send to the grandparents and other relatives. Sit down and write actual letters to everyone.

7. Go to the library! Its free, educational and as an added bonus…. They have computers. It’s just less stress when your four-year-old uses the library computer instead of your work or family laptop.

8. Camp in the house. A tent can be set up without the stakes or you can always drape a blanket over a table. And for a real treat make s’mores in the microwave!

9. Play or teach your kids jacks or pick up sticks.

10. For the really brave family- Fill a large plastic bin with different shaped dry pastas, dry beans and/or rice. Give your kids cups and "sand" toys and you have a winter alternative to a sandbox. Bury some treasures (matchbox cars etc.) and let the fun begin. It is advised to put a sheet down underneath the bin just in case (and we know it will be needed. See below for a situation that just got way of control).

Now, aren’t you glad that for at least 8 weeks all the crazy fun and messy activities happen at your child’s favorite home away from home, Stonybrook Day Camp! Stay dry and have fun.

Don't forget to check out http://www.facebook.com/stonybrook

Halloween

We absolutely love Halloween at Stonybrook Day Camp! The day is all about dressing up, having fun and trick or treating! And we hope you collect many a treat…. especially snickers and M&Ms. Regardless of what kind of candy you prefer, we wish you a nice evening with family and friends. And remember you can always swap your candy!

We wanted to share some fun Halloween activities. The Swamp Juice most likely requires a trip to the supermarket but the printables and games can be accessed right on the computer. And the face paint recipes just may save you another trip to the costume store!

QUICK AND EASY HOMEMADE FACE PAINT
Need to get some face paint to complete your costume…. try making it after a quick trip to the kitchen.

Make your own by mixing a tablespoon-and-a-half of shortening with three tablespoons of cornstarch and the food coloring of your choice.
This is best for large applications.

For more detailed face painting, try:
1 Tbsp. cold cream
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 Tbsp. water
food coloring
Mix together cornstarch and cold cream until well blended. Add water and stir. Add food coloring one drop at a time until you get the desired color.


HALLOWEEN COLORING PAGES AND PRINTABLE GAMES
Need some last minute coloring pages or printable games to keep your ghosts, princesses and superheros occupies…. Go to http://familyfun.go.com/halloween/halloween-printables/

HALLOWEEN SWAMP JUICE DRINK
FamilyFun Magazine wowed us with their SWAMP JUICE! Drink up for a spooky time! Filled with gummy creatures and fish eggs made from tapioca pearls, this sweet, bubbly drink looks like something scooped up from a deep, dark bog.

Ingredients (8 servings)
• 1/2 cup small tapioca pearls (found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores)
• Food coloring
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 8 gummy fish
• Seltzer water
• Lemonade
• 8 gummy worms

Instructions
MAKE THE EGGS: Bring 6 cups of water to a boil and add the tapioca pearls. Reduce the heat slightly and boil the pearls, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes.

COLOR THE EGGS: Divide the pearls, with the remaining water, between two bowls. Add 4 drops of food coloring (we used 3 drops of yellow and 1 drop of green in one bowl, and 4 drops of blue in the other) and 2 tablespoons of sugar to each bowl. Stir the mixtures, then allow them to sit uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Drain and rinse the pearls with cold water.

ASSEMBLE THE DRINK: Spoon 2 tablespoons of pearls into each glass and drop in a gummy fish. Fill the glasses with seltzer water, then add a splash of lemonade. Place a gummy worm around a spoon as shown.

Go to http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/swamp-juice-784944/ to see a picture of this spooky creation!

WISHING YOU A FABULOUSLY SPOOKY AND FUN HALLOWEEN!


Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.blogspot.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

Stonybrook Welcomes Morristown Memorial Hospital

Stonybrook Day Camp in Randolph NJ welcomed guests attending Morristown Memorial’s 27th Annual Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Alumni Picnic on September 25th. The event, which has been held at the camp for the last three years, provides an opportunity for NICU children and their families to celebrate their accomplishments and their strength. It also gives families a chance to see their NICU friends and the doctors and nurses who may have cared for them.

Children attending ranged in age from only a few months old (so many adorable babies) to teens, and there were many triplet and twin strollers on camp grounds. Attendees enjoyed face painting, pony rides, ambulance tours, arts n’ crafts, jumpy pillow and the Circle Time Live Band. The theme of the day was pirates and princesses and some attendees came dressed to impress, including a set of coordinating triplet princesses and a set of twin babies in princess and pirate onesies.

While this event requires a great deal of coordination and planning, Stonybrook is thrilled to be involved because many of us at camp have seen first hand how hard NICU babies fight to thrive during their early days and how challenging the experience can be on a family. While Morristown’s Neonatal group, Mid Atlantic Neonatology Associates, sponsors the event, the camp is donated for the day in honor of Roger Black’s niece and nephew, Alexis and Andrew Rubinstein.

The twins, who attended Stonybrook this past summer, were born 3 months premature and spent their first 2 months in Morristown’s NICU. The hospital provided high quality care and a family-centered approach that guided and welcomed family involvement. The Rubinstein family felt lucky to have the support and guidance of many caring professionals while their babies were dealing with issues related to prematurity. In fact, seeing the twins confidently board the bus to go to camp this past summer made it seem like the NICU experience had been a lifetime away. But it wasn’t….. it was about 4 years ago that two early arrivals connected a hospital and a camp together. Having Uncle Roger involved in the picnic planning is only a small way to say thank you for two incredibly happy campers, who couldn’t get enough of the Teddy Bear group this past summer. They specifically miss the zip line (Alexis), swimming/sports (Andrew) and their many, many, many camp friends.

And Andrew and Alexis were not the only Stonybrook campers at this event. Our camp is connected to the NICU through multiple families and that makes it even more special for us.

One additional observation to share….. many attendees do not yet go to summer camp and it was the first time they were experiencing the joy of Stonybrook…. But there was something familiar…... The pure happiness and exhilaration…. The smiles and the laughter….. it truly felt like how a camp day should be.


Don't forget to check out http://www.smugmug.com/to see all of the pictures from camp!

Octoberfest 2010 !

Thank you to families and staff for a wonderful Octoberfest 2010. The weather was perfect, the cider was cold and we had a BLAST today! Kids enjoyed sand art, pumpkin painting, boating, horse drawn carriage rides and a farm petting zoo. We also had lots of smiles on the jumping pillow and some thrills at the challenge course. We were very happy to bring a little bit of summer to all on this fabulous fall day.









!

Octoberfest !!!

Camp is quiet these days as the Summer 2010 season has ended, but that doesn’t
mean camp isn’t on our mind. We are already planning for 2011 and thinking of
new ways to keep July and August your favorite time of the year. So, how about a
little hint of Summer this Fall???

Please join us on Saturday October 2nd, from 1-3:30pm, for Stonybrook Day
Camp’s Octoberfest. There will be music, games, sports, arts & crafts, challenge
course activities, horse and carriage rides, contests and lots more. It will be one
part mini-camp experience, one part beautiful fall day. Refreshments will be served
and we welcome you to invite friends and family- Everyone is welcomed! Current
campers, alumni, prospective campers, fans of camp…..we hope you will join us for
what promises to be a great day.

Please RSVP by Wednesday September 29th at 973.584.0078 or
stonybrookdaycamp@yahoo.com. Thanks and looking forward to seeing you on
October 2nd!

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

EARLY BIRD!

EARLY BIRD!

While you are busy with back to school and getting ready to pull out the Fall clothes, Summer 2011 is most likely not on your mind. But we have a really good reason to think flip flops over boots and bathing suits over jackets….. It is time to lock in Early Bird Discounted Rates for Summer 2011! You must enroll by Sept 15th and pay in full by Dec 1st to receive the discounted rates.

2011 Tuition 8 Weeks at Early Bird Pricing
3’s $3,000*
4’s $4,400*
K or 1st
Entering K or 1st grade in Sept 2011 $4,700
2nd -4th
Entering 2nd-4th Grade in Sept 2011 $5,450
Trailblazer
Entering 5th-6th grade in Sept 2011 $5665
TeenXtreme
Entering 7th-9th grade in Sept 2011 $6,295
CIT
Entering 10th grade in Sept 2011 $2,720
*Indicates regular pricing. Early Bird pricing is not eligible for the already discounted and completely inclusive (food and transportation) 3’s and 4’s full-day program. Because we worked hard to make this as affordable as possible, this is the lowest possible price and truly a great value.

There are some additional discounts that families may be eligible for (siblings and referrals). We also have pricing for less than 8 weeks and all of this information can be found on our website at www.stonybrookdaycamp.com

For the many families that have already sent in applications for Early Bird Pricing, THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING STONYBROOK DAY CAMP. We realize that you have a choice when it comes to day camp, and we are so pleased that Stonybrook is the right fit for your family.

For those families that have not yet sent in their Early Bird applications, we hope this reminder is helpful and you decide to join us for Summer 2011. Our upcoming season is already looking to be a fabulous time as we are busy with planning and program development. We hope your family once again chooses Stonybrook for a fabulously fun camping experience combined with a strong focus on safety and communication. As always, you are welcome to call Roger at any time with any questions re pricing, Summer 2011 or your child’s camp experience. Thank you!




Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

Back to School

While we are busy with camp tours, planning for 2011 and Octoberfest preparation, we realize that all of our Stonybrook families and many staff are very busy themselves- heading back into the classroom! We are wishing you a wonderful start to the school year. Let it be a year filled with exciting learning experiences and many good times. Let it also be a year that brings some Stonybrook into the classroom.

Did your child leave camp a bit more confident because he/she mastered the zip line, excelled at a sport or learned to swim? Now that it is back to school time, how can that confidence continue to grow? This is a challenging question, but one that teachers work hard to embrace and tackle for their students. As parents we can think about using our kids time wisely; what activities really capture their interest and give them an opportunity to excel?

Did your child have a great summer when it came to their behavior because they could run and run and run and get their energy out in a very healthy way? Now that he or she will be back in a classroom setting, how can they stay on track? One camper in particular had this issue at school and his mom shared with us that camp allowed her to see the potential her son has; she doesn’t worry about him as much, but rather taps into ways he can keep moving and get his energy out in a productive way.

Did your child make some fantastic friends this summer, but they live in different towns? Sometimes it is a nice change of pace to break out of your normal routine and see a friendly camp face…. Plan a mini reunion for late fall or early winter! Plan to attend Octoberfest on Saturday, October 2nd.

As your child starts school, think about how to bring some Stonybrook into their school year… that is of course after carpool, lunches and schedules are set. And when things get hectic (and we know they will), try to think back to the ease of summer and slow down (if possible). Most importantly, have a great school year!


Check out our website at www.stonybrookdaycamp.com

Join us for Octoberfest

Camp is quiet these days as the Summer 2010 season has ended, but that doesn’t
mean camp isn’t on our mind. We are already planning for 2011 and thinking of
new ways to keep July and August your favorite time of the year. So, how about a
little hint of Summer this Fall???

Please join us on Saturday October 2nd, from 1-3:30pm, for Stonybrook Day
Camp’s Octoberfest. There will be music, games, sports, arts & crafts, challenge
course activities, horse and carriage rides, contests and lots more. It will be one
part mini-camp experience, one part beautiful fall day. Refreshments will be served
and we welcome you to invite friends and family- Everyone is welcomed! Current
campers, alumni, prospective campers, fans of camp…..we hope you will join us for
what promises to be a great day.

Please RSVP by Wednesday September 29th at 973.584.0078 or
stonybrookdaycamp@yahoo.com. Thanks and looking forward to seeing you on
October 2nd!




Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

Thank You for ANOTHER WONDERFUL STONYBROOK SUMMER!!!

It is hard to believe that today is the last day of camp at Stonybrook Day Camp for the 2010 season!! It seems like just the other day we were greeting our campers and getting camp underway. Days fly by when you are having fun! A sampling of summer highlights include:

• brand new basketball court got lots of play


• time capsule was found after 30 plus years!


• Stony and Brook, adorable bunnies, joined camp


• Eco-Adventure, our new program, was a hit


• Stonybrook hosted its first camp garden


• camp hosted two days of Wild Water Day this year


• skydivers broke Color War


• Stonybrook Day Camp loved Dairy Queen and Dairy Queen loved Stonybrook Day Camp


• Every program from Super Science to Arts & Crafts and Cooking just blew us away with their creativity. New projects, new ideas and new techniques kept things fresh and exciting- candle making, ceramics, goo, straw rockets, gummy worms, giant bubbles AND HOW ABOUT THAT SOLAR POWERED OVEN!!!?


• Reptile Show and Princesses & Pirates came to camp


• Our sports clinics raised the bar and did not disappoint


• Our newest program, Wacky Wild Field Day was a HUGE success


• ATV records were set and smashed and set again


• Our Challenge Course was home to more proud moments than ever before (we even got a three-year-old camper to zip on the Small Zip in the beginning of camp and then tell us every day that he “would do it again tomorrow” all summer long. With staff’s support, he zipped again before the end of camp with a big smile on his face. That smile said it all!


• The list goes on and on

We hope that your camper shared their proud moment at camp this summer with you. We know that you have a choice when it comes to camp, and we thank you for choosing Stonybrook Day Camp. It has been an honor and privilege to serve your family and get to know your children. THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF THE STONYBROOK DAY CAMP FAMILY. We look forward to seeing you in 2011!!...and before that at Octoberfest on October 2nd!!

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

How many years have YOU been at Stonybrook??

As we near the end of another summer at Stonybrook Day Camp, our campers add another year under their belts…. or bathing suits or soffe shorts! For many, the numbers of years at camp are impressive!!!!! 5, 10, 11, 12 years (and that is just the campers….. some of the staff are returning for their 15th, 17th, 49th, etc). So, what is it about Stonybrook that keeps them coming back for more?…. We decided to ask!

Andrew W, a 13 year old Randolph resident, is completing his 11th summer at camp. He loves his camp friends, all camp sports and the Challenge Course. He completed his second year on Teen Xtreme. Last year he enjoyed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Cedar Point Amusement Park. This year he liked spending the night at Inner Harbor when visiting Baltimore. When asked what keeps him coming back he told us that there are always new things to do at camp. And while there are always new people to meet, he feels like he knows everyone. In fact, he has been coming here for so long that he feels like he has practically grown up at Stonybrook.

Sadie C, a 3rd grader from Mountain Lakes, is completing her third summer at camp. The Big Zip at the Challenge Course is her favorite activity. What keeps her coming back from year to year? It is a simple concept- Camp is just fun!! Her friends are great and she loves the counselors.

Adam C is a 4th grader from Randolph returns for this 6th summer. His favorite activities are baseball, Jumping Pillow, Super Science and Boating & Fishing. He also loves Eco-Adventure, which is a new program at camp this year. When asked to elaborate, he explained that he loves interacting with the environment and seeing how change happens. One day at Eco-Adventure he saw a tadpole and it only had hind legs… a few days later it had front legs and a tail…. A few days after that it became a frog! He is looking forward to trips next year as a Trailblazer, and he is excited because as he gets older, there will be even more new things to do at camp.

Joey R, a CIT from Livingston, completes her 12th year at Stonybrook Day Camp this year. With many good memories and friends, she considers camp her home away from home! She has always been close with her counselors, and now as a CIT, she loves working with children. Spirit Week has always been a consistent highlight of her summer. Her groups always created the most intense dances. And there is also nothing like the energy of Color War. Cooking has been a favorite activity; she loves how everything cooks faster in the magic oven! And while there are lots of consistent things about camp, she also loves how camp is always changing things up and keeping it fresh… new things are introduced each year…. This year campers enjoyed new shows including the Reptile Show and Pirates & Princesses…. Campers enjoyed a new basketball court…..Campers got to go to Dairy Queen for winning Spirit Week and sky divers broke Color War… camp has you always wondering what’s coming next?

Brothers Matt and Zach K, 10 and 13 years old, are from Parsippany and love spending their summers at Stonybrook. Matt, completing his 6th summer, loves camp sports including baseball and basketball. And when asked to explain what he likes the most about camp, he was concise- I just like it here. The counselors and my camp friends are great. Zach who is completing 11th summer at camp and his 2nd year on Teen Xtreme has had a great time on the trips. He loved seeing colleges in Baltimore and touring the baseball stadium and Inner Harbor. Also concise, he just really loves it here.

Danny H, a Livingston resident, is completing his 5th year at camp. In addition to Color War and Carnival, he loves Rocketry, ATVs and Challenge Course. He plans on coming back to camp for years to come so he can hang with his friends and attend Trailblazers and Teen Xtreme. Seeing his brothers, Zach and Josh enjoy these programs, he is hooked. He wants to go on the big trips, but still enjoy the perks of camp life like ice cream at the end of the day and some heated games of Four Square.

Zach K, from Randolph, is completing his 8th summer at camp and this year participated in Trailblazers. He loves playing baseball and always enjoys the camp food, especially dessert! He loves his camp friends and always enjoys meeting new counselors and seeing some favorite returning ones. What has kept him coming back for 8 years… There were always new things to do or try. He loved being able to ride the ATVs and enjoyed Eco-Adventure, which was a new program (and Stony and Brook, the camp bunnies who were also new to camp).

Kelsey N, a Randolph resident, is completing her 6th summer at Stonybrook. She participated in Trailblazers this year and she loves Challenge Course, ATVs, swim and Arts & Crafts. She has fabulous summers at camp and she has lots of great friends (both counselors and campers). When asked why she comes back year after year, she just said it just feels like she should come back because it is always so much fun. In fact, she plans on coming back till she is old enough to be a Senior Counselor!!!!!

Having spoken with many about their summers at camp there seems to be some consistent key themes. The friends made at camp are like no other; our counselors are incredibly supportive and fun; and while it is a familiar place, there are always new things happening at camp. We love that the number of campers with impressive numbers of years logged at camp keeps growing, but what we really love is hearing why! It is enough to get us motivated to start planning next summer as soon as this summer ends….. we gotta keep them guessing and wanting more Stonybrook Day Camp! We hope to see you back next summer!

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

FIELD DAY FUN!!!

Field Day was so much fun today! The calendar said “SUPER WACKY FIELD DAY”, but that was an understatement.

Our campers moved through 18 different activities with their group, led by our specialists. The campers, counselors and specialists had so much fun at each and every location. Some of the activities included: Frisbee Distance Toss, , Junk Yard Relay, Marble Toes, Shoe Race, Hula Hooping, Sack Race, Baseball Accuracy, Miniature Golf, Shoe Kick, Basketball Hot Shots, Basketball Obstacle Course, Balance Beam Bean Bag, Bowling, Yarn Ball Toss….just to name a few…Whew!!! Ask your child which activities were their favorite and to describe what was involved...

This was a new addition to our already jam-packed program schedule. Judging by the response from our campers, this will become a permanent part of our programming going forward!! Our campers will certainly look forward to this day next summer, as will we!!!


Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

Candle Making

Next time you light a candle either because your lights went out (definitely a possibility with our crazy New Jersey weather) or you are just looking to relax, we know some will have more appreciation for what went into getting that flame going!!!!!

Many older groups actually made candles at Stonybrook Day Camp this summer. Our Arts & Crafts specialists selected crystal wax as their medium for making the candles. Using crystal wax is a very safe method since it doesn’t involve campers having to actually melt the wax. Campers first select their crystal colors and then design their pattern. The next step is to mix the crystals and pour them into jars. Specialists then light the wick and melt wax on top. Once all of the wax melts, it creates a seal, which holds the crystals in and allows it to continue burning.

Excited with the beautiful candle patters, our campers were inspired to get even more creative with the outside of their candle jars. Some decorated with stickers, others with foam letters spelling out their name. They all came out fabulous and our campers really enjoyed the process every step of the way. And, if you need to light candles, please try to select a different one…. these are true works of art, and in our opinion, these deserve some display time on the mantle, entryway or bookshelf!

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

Carnival Day

As everyone knows, Carnival is a highlight at Stonybrook Day Camp!! We are happy to report that this year's Carnival did not disappoint!! Campers were all smiles as they enjoyed a huge super slide moon walker, foam jousting and red rocket bounce. They also enjoyed an array of carnival booths, including a can smash, ring toss, six-cats-down (you get three chances to knock six cats down), tic tac toe and wreck 'n ball. There was also a golf challenge (golf clinic participants clearly had an advantage) and Jurassic toss.

Don't be surprised if you camper comes home with some BIG NEWS to share.... the carnival marriage booth was EXTREMELY busy!!

In keeping with our Carnival theme, campers enjoyed cotton candy and snow cones. It was fun-fun-fun again at camp today.... In keeping with our Stonybrook standards, our campers were well supervised; each counselor took several campers as they enjoyed roaming from station to station. We were happy that once again, the weather was perfect, and most importantly that it was a fantastic start to Week Eight of camp!!

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

GO BLUE!! GO WHITE!!

Color War is all about friendly competition…friendly competition taken seriously.

Camp is divided up into two teams, the blue team and the white team. This year the Blue Team was named BLUE THUNDER and the white team was named WHITE LIGHTENING. As you will see from our camp photos, kids wear their color from head to toe. We saw everything from painted faces to team accessories including colored hair bows, necklaces and socks. While groups are divided up on different teams, siblings always stay together. Remember many of us are parents at camp and we understand the value in keeping the peace at home.

Teams are led by Counselor Captains and Camper Generals selected for their ability to inspire others with their own enthusiasm for Stonybrook. These are individuals who have spent many a year here at camp. Throughout the day, the teams compete in a variety of competitions including Bucket Brigade, Scavenger Hunt, Relay Races and Frisbee Basketball. Each activity is scored and points are awarded to the winning color of each group. In the afternoon, the campers look forward to the Apache Relay.

The score, along with team accomplishment, is announced periodically via loudspeaker. This allows the teams to keep tabs on how they are doing… and as you can imagine, each time the score is announced, it just fires up the competition!

There is really no detail left unattended. At the end of the day, the teams come together at flagpole and perform their team cheer, which are immediately scored. The final scores are tallied and a winner is announced. And, you can only imagine the scene. While letting the winning team celebrate (it is only fair), we talk with the non-winning team and focus on what they accomplished.

This is truly a highlight of our summer at Stonybrook Day Camp. Color War is full of amazing competition, lessons in sportsmanship and real pride in teamwork. It is a day for all to enjoy, and of course, a day for all of our campers to give us their best when it comes to competition. Go White! Go Blue!

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

COLOR WAR 2010 BREAKS!!!

Today was the day that every camper has been waiting for at Stonybrook Day Camp!!!

Despite week after week of fabulous events and fun times, the question most asked is and always has been…WHEN IS COLOR WAR??? Both campers and parents ask us this very question over and over again..…. Is it today? Is it tomorrow? Is it next week???? Their questions are always answered with the same response, “We don’t know”. Color war break is always highly anticipated, highly planned, and always the best kept secret.

With the days of camp passing and less than 2 weeks to go, you can only imagine the intensity surrounding the questions…. Well, today, Thursday, August 12th, COLOR WAR ARRIVED AT STONYBROOK DAY CAMP!!

And it really was a FABULOUS break- if we do say so. Our campers were watching some of our staff play in a staff soccer game, and they were completely oblivious to the plane flying overhead. As the plane got closer, it was noticed by a few, but soon all were in a frenzy as out of the sky 3 parachuters jumped and floated down to deliver the message that COLORWAR 2010 had officially begun.

The cheering immediately began and the excitement was palatable as campers and counselors all celebrated Color War Break and got ready for the upcoming competition. We are certain that with such a fabulous break, the games themselves will be just as memorable. So let the games begin!!!!

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

SPLASH!!

Splash is a sound often heard when you walk by Stonybrook’s two pools. It is certainly the place to be this summer! We always present swimming as a positive, fun activity and we encourage campers to get more comfortable with the water while learning important life skills. During instructional swim, campers progress on an individual basis according to the American Red Cross swimming levels. In the Upper Camp pool, there are 6 levels of progression. In the Junior Camp pool, there are 3 levels of progression. Campers benefit from swimming in small groups in both pools and swim reports are generated bi-weekly.

Our campers swim twice daily. The first time is instructional swim while the second is free swim. During free swim, the focus is really on having fun…..some campers enjoy an occasional belly flop and cannon ball! Or for our younger campers, free swim may mean water games like ring around the rosie or London bridges. And for our real water fanatics, campers may also enjoy lap swimming during electives and water aerobics during hobbies, among other aquatic activities. So while safety is always our number one priority, there is always excitement down by the pool. We truly take our instruction seriously and we are very proud of the results! We hope your fish, mermaid or shark has become more confident and a bit more excited to take a dip or swim some laps!

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

CERAMICS CRAZE!!!

Arts and Crafts has been bustling with activity, and while we are certain you have seen many finished masterpieces, we still want to fill you in on what our Picassos, Monets and O’Keefes have been doing.

We recently completed a unit on ceramics, and most of our campers, ranging from our youngest to our oldest, used clay in an age appropriate way. Our younger campers made “pinch pots” which we hope was a great addition to your home! The campers had a great time banging out the clay and getting all the air bubbles out. We then helped them to mold and create their own individual pots using their fine motor skills as well as their creativity.

Our older campers also participated in the “ceramics craze” and made various projects including clay coil pots or clay tiles. The coil pots involved several steps, including rolling out the coils carefully and then placing each coil on top of the others to shape the pot. It was important that each camper take the time to smooth out the inside of their pots in order to ensure that when the coils dried, they would stay together and avoid any breakage. Some groups made clay tiles where they sculpted and molded the tile out of clay and then added a design in clay (often their first initial), which they then molded to the top of the tile.

After all the sculpting was complete and the clay was dry, each camper was able to paint their pot or tile using their own design and color choice. The excitement about art may start at Stonybrook but who knows where it will go…..think big, think MoMA, think the Met…. OK, a bit carried away, but we have seen some real talent and most importantly, some happy campers excited to be a part of the ceramics craze!

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

TUBING ON LAKE HOPATCONG

While our third graders and up were bussed to Camel Beach today, second graders at Stonybrook Day Camp had an extra special wet and wild day! Tubing on Lake Hopatcong was the day’s main activity for our second graders and the smiles were as huge as the adventure.

This is one of those activities you just have to experience for yourself in order to understand the rush and the excitement…. but we’ll give it a try! Think about you, along with one or two other friends, holding onto a huge tube that is being pulled by a motor boat. Think about the wind racing through your hair while the water splashes occasionally on your face…..

And did we mention that all your camp friends are cheering your name as they safely sit on the speedy boat while you get to experience the tube! It was fabulous and the kids had a complete blast! And with safety always being our first priority, all of our campers were lathered with sun screen and a lifeguard was also on the boat. It was truly a fabulous time and a day that many of our second graders will talk about for a while to come. Today was pure thrill and pure Stonybrook fun!

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

FORE!!!

Before you can ever have a chance of even getting near a green jacket, every golfer has to start somewhere…… our golf clinic was really great this week! Our Golf Specialist Rob Moore, worked with our aspiring golf professionals on the fundamentals of grip, stance and swing. We also worked on putting and played mini-golf.

The group also learned how to keep score by playing Frisbee golf and shoe golf. Shoe golf???? That’s right, our campers kicked their actual shoes in hoops along the course. A par value is assigned for a hole, and the play began as our golfers teed off by kicking their shoes towards the hoop. And you guessed it!!... the number of kicks was their score for the hole.

We also saw our campers really improve their skills while also having a good time. We are pretty confident that Phil Mickelson would find this training fascinating and maybe even learn a few things from our campers and Specialist!!

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

Geckos and Lizards and Snakes…OH MY!!!

Today was quite an adventurous day for many at Stonybrook as our campers made some interesting new friends. The Lizard guy brought his reptile show to camp and it was amazing to see and touch so many unique animals… especially when kids usually only see these animals on TV or at the zoo!

In addition to being excited about being up close with these reptiles, our campers learned so much. They learned how animals camouflage to protect themselves from prey. They also learned how snakes shed their skin so the can grow.

Some highlights from today:
“Boots”, the lizard has little legs and does not move fast at all.

When meeting “Cheese”, the gecko, and “Lighting” and “Thunder”, both turtles, and we learned that age and diet can not always be seen by size. Thunder is a tiny ten-year old omnivore and Lightening is a huge two-year-old herbivore!

“Sandy”, the gopher snake, likes to crawl into any hole. And while he is the biggest gopher snake in America (from California), he only eats (mice) once a week!

“Tinkerbelle”, almost eight feet long is a boa constrictor whose scales feel like our fingernails! And our 3 and 4 year olds, Kindergarteners and First graders actually got to feel for themselves as many enjoyed petting Tinkerbelle! It was hands on learning at its best!

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

ATV'S

We have heard that a little red sports car named Lightning McQueen says, “Speed….I am Speed.”….. well….has he met some of our campers? Before kids are able to drive ATVs they learn about the rules of the road. After demonstrating competency and a clear understanding of the course rules, licenses are issued. Campers hold these licenses with pride.

This week at Stonybrook Day Camp, we have been time trialing on the ATV course. Because safety is always our number one priority, the ATVs are set to not exceed a certain speed. However, driving an ATV is not just about pressing the gas, closing your eyes and making it happen (yikes!). There is lots of skill involved as kids learn about steering and respecting the course. In addition to keeping a stop watch for time, the riders were rewarded for safe rides while they received penalty time for excess speed. While there were many excellent times recorded, Claire Donfield holds the record with a 3 lap time of 1 minute and 22.4 seconds. The single lap record was recorded by Matt Krinick with a time of 27.6 seconds. A great time was had by all and maybe…. Just maybe hide those car keys!



Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

3, 2, 1...BLAST OFF!!!

Stonybrook Rocketry is shooting for the stars! Rich Gordon has turned down offers from NASA after he showed his expertise in aerodynamics and rocket mechanics.

Rocketry is one of our most popular electives. So many of our campers look forward to participating in the assembly of the rockets. First they design the rocket, then they assemble it. They have choices when it comes to the wing and tail fin configurations. They can see how the different designs effect the flight patterns. Then, of course, there is the painting. Who doesn't love to paint??? They have so much fun, they don't even realize they are learning about physics and aero-dynamics! It is one of our most popular programs.

The campers that do not choose Rocketry as their elective still get the benefit and enjoyment of watching the launch of the rockets. Several groups have successfully launched rockets close to 1000 feet in the air and watched them gently float back to Earth with their carefully packaged parachutes.

Why not get the added enjoyment of making your own rocket, rather than just watching the lauches??!! Three weeks to go!! Make sure you sign up for our Rocketry Elective!!

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

HAI-YAH!!!

Martial Arts isn't just about kicking and punching! Here at Stonybrook, our Martial Arts program develops life skills. Our campers learn to work on skills individually as well as in teams. Everyone knows that both of these scenarios are important for everyone to embrace. Our campers have the opportunity to develop their teamwork acumen.

The self-confidence our campers build, working with our Martial Arts specialist is invaluable. The campers are presented with a variety of physical and mental challenges, and through the guidance of the instructor, they learn how to overcome these obstacles, building up the child's self-esteem. The campers experience healthy competition, and are pushed to improve everyday. Our campers enjoy playing "Tiger Tails" (A fun, head-to-head competition the kids LOVE). Each camper moves at his or her own pace. The campers have a blast at Martial Arts...who wouldn't!








Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

2010 Basketball Clinic

The 2010 stonybrook Basketball Clinic was a phenomenal success Campers improved their skills which includd dribbling, passing, playing defense and shooting.

All campers felt like NBA stars as they worked diligently each day. The campers ended each session with fun and competitive shooting games and NBA trivia. To further celebrate the basketball clinic, the campers were treated to a counselor NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Fun and smiles were had by all. We look forward to the campers returning in 2011.

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

TEEN XTREME GOES TO MARYLAND!!!

As the Teen Xtreme bus pulled back into Stonybrook, we recalled all the good times on our Maryland trip. We began our trip rubbing “Testudo’s nose” (their mascot) for good luck, at the University of Maryland. It must have worked because we had a good week and a ton of fun. At night, we heard ghostly tales while touring Fells Point.

On our second day, we woke up to a beautiful, sunny day outside. While at the Naval Academy, the campers watched the “plebes” (first years) doing basic training exercises. We also saw the Heisman trophy awards, the dormitories and paid respects at the tomb of John Paul Jones. Later n the day, we had a great tour of Camden Yards and even got to sit in the dugout, private boxes and the press box. The trip came to a wonderful end by watching street performers and viewed the sights of the Inner Harbor.

We are all looking forward to Washington D.C. and Burlington Vermont in the next few weeks.

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

YAD SDRAWKCAB

Don’t be surprised if your camper asks you for breakfast instead of dinner when they arrive home tonight! Why, because it is YAD SDRAWKCAB aka BACKWARDS DAY!!!!! In typical van challenge spirit, our campers and staff came off the vans today wearing various articles of clothing backwards. We heard some tags were cut in the process, but it was for a good cause.

And to continue the theme, we started off our day, lowering the flag and enjoying ice cream, just the way we typically end each day at Stonybrook. Some have requested we keep ice cream as a morning activity but not to worry, many of us working at camp are parents, and tomorrow it is back to our regular schedule.

Some groups took the theme seriously walking backwards, trying to sing songs backwards and even spelling words and names backwards, all in good fun! But many things were consistent about the day. Those who had enrolled in the Basketball Clinic worked on skills and drills, followed by a scrimmage. Clinic participants joined their groups at the end of third period. Many campers enjoyed arts and crafts, Super Science and Eco Adventure. Over at Arts & Crafts, they are building, gluing, painting and creating fabulous projects to bring home to their parents. Some groups visited our Cooking Specialists where they enjoyed dipping fruit in chocolate or making Monkey Bread. Other campers participated in sports including t-ball and soccer.

And yes, at the end of the day, we raised the flag before boarding the vans! You will be surprised at how such a simple thing like running our day backwards can bring smiles and laughs all around.

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME!!!

The Stonybrook Softball team has played 5 games so far this season. Were you there? Did you see it when third baseman Matt Strumeyer hit that amazing home run?!! How about the home run hit by Casey Klugman? Or one of the MANY homers hit by that star player Joe Mendillo?!!

You still have a chance to come out and cheer on our very own Gary “Super Science-Super Fastball” Frankel as he tries to pitch a no-hitter. And it’s a MUST SEE to watch our own Roger ‘fastball’ Black on the mound!!

Many of our staff members participate in the inter-camp softball league. Some of the players include: Ben Denson, Rich Gordon, Jordan Katz, Jon Steinberg, Adam Strumeyer, Jason Weingold, Jeff Wong, Bill Nussbaum, Jesse Jacobs and Sam Abrams.

Come on out and cheer for YOUR team!!! Campers are welcome to bring their parents, siblings and friends!!

We have a game tonight, Tuesday, July 27th at 6:30 at Hillside Elementary School. We also are scheduled to play Jeff Lakes on Friday, the 30th and Livingston Rec on August 6, both at Hanover Park.

Mark your calendar for the week of August 9th, when the Play-off Games begin!! Stonybrook excitement continues well past when your camper gets off the van.

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!!

Go Team Annabelle!

We are so proud of our campers for their summer accomplishments (trying new things, advancing in swim, making new friends, developing leadership skills, creating a fabulous art project, getting over a fear…. the list is endless) but it is also nice to highlight camper accomplishments for things outside of camp and share them with our Stonybrook Camp community.

Annabelle and Adam Christ, twins from Randolph, are joining us for their sixth summer at Stonybrook and bring to camp a love for Giants football and lots of camp spirit. At camp, Belle loves cooking, swimming and arts n’ crafts while Adam loves super science, jumping pillow and boating/fishing.

Belle and Adam, along with their entire family and many friends, are part of Team Annabelle and we applaud them for their amazing fundraising efforts for Cystic Fibrosis through the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Great Strides Walk. Belle leads the team, which brings together many supporters,including other Stonybrook friends.

We interviewed Belle to find out more about Team Annabelle and all she has done for Cystic Fibrosis awareness.

What is Cystic Fibrosis (CF)?
Belle: CF if a disease that I was born with. It makes all of the liquids in my body very sticky, so I can get lung infections and can have trouble digesting my food. I take a lot of medicine and do a lot of therapy everyday to keep my body healthy.

What did you do to raise money and awareness about CF this year?
Belle: We did the walk for cystic fibrosis at Horseshoe Lake. It was our 7th year walking as Team Annabelle. Our team has over 75 people in it and we raised over $25,000 this year. In total, we have raised well over $100,000 for the cause over the last 7 years. In addition, to raise awareness for CF my mom and I shot a video clip with Shaun O'Hara from the NY Giants to promote awareness through his Foundation HIKE. I spoke about living with CF and why it is important to support CF research and fundraising.

Does CF slow you down?
Belle: No way!

Are you proud of yourself and your family for raising money and awareness about CF?
Belle: Yes I am.

What has this accomplishment- fundraising and helping with CF awareness- taught you about yourself?
Belle: That I can do anything I believe in

What do you want to be when you grow up.... camp director?
Belle: Actually, yes I would love to be a camp director, I love camp!

Besides your favorite camp activities, cooking, swimming and arts n’ crafts, what are your other interests?
Belle: I love the NY Giants.

According the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CF is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that: clogs the lungs and leads to dangerous lung infections; and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food. For more information on CF, you can go to the foundation website at www.cff.org.

Once again, we applaud Belle and her entire family for being so ambitious and successful both in their fundraising and in their helping to raise awareness about CF. In the last six years we have gotten to see Belle in action at camp and we can definitely agree that CF has not slowed her down! She demonstrates a great deal of bravery, takes things in stride and always has a smile on her face. Go Team Annabelle!


Check out this link for more information
http://www.cff.org/great_strides/teamannabelle


Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

FUN-FUN-FUN DAY!!!

Did you have fun today? If you were at Stonybrook, then you definitely did!! Today, campers, young and old enjoyed Stonybrook as one big family. The weather cooperated for most of the day as we all enjoyed many of the wonderful activities that our young campers enjoy everyday.

The Challenge Course was open for business. Our campers participated, but also enjoyed watching their mom, dad and even grandparents climb!!
The pond was busy, with campers ‘of all ages’ rowing, peddling and relaxing in the many types of boats we have on the water.

At Eco Adventure everyone had a chance to meet our newest additions- Stony and Brook, our pet rabbits as they fished for crayfish using nets.

Up at art, both children and parents were making sand art projects as they enjoyed the entertainment of a D.J. And of course we ended the day with ice cream served by Shelly, just as our campers do every day.
Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

SPIRIT SOARS AT STONYBROOK!!!

Spirit Week culminated today with all our campers in their Spirit shirts singing their hearts out. Each group had an opportunity to sing their group Spirit Song in front of all of camp. Campers and counselors were riveted as each group performed.


All week long, groups could be heard all over camp, cheering and chanting as they moved from one activity to the next. Our campers always enjoy Spirit Week. They design and decorate their group shirts and look forward to competing at the end of the week.


This year, all the groups were fantastic. In the end, two groups were chosen as the over all winners, with two other groups as runners up. The M & M’s were declared the winners in Junior Camp. The Lucky Charms won in Upper Camp. The Rock Stars and the Mad Dogs were close runners up. All our campers poured their hearts out and performed beautifully. Four groups, the two winning groups and the two runners up, enjoyed an ice cream party at Dairy Queen. Honorable mention goes to Glitter Ninjas for a phenomenal performance today.

SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY…

Have you met Janis? Janis is our Camp Nurse and has been for twelve years. Janis has been a nurse for more years than she will admit. She has worked at St. Barnabas and Overlook hospitals in the cardiac unit. During the school year, she currently works in the public schools in Livingston and West Orange. Her breadth and depth of knowledge is an incredible asset to Stonybrook Day Camp.

Janis makes sure that all necessary medical policies are enforced to insure the safety and well being of your child. Janis administers daily medication if your child requires it. She makes sure all our campers are well taken care of. Whether a camper comes in for a band-aid or a hug, Janis is always ready, willing and able to cater to their specific needs.

Jen joins Janis in the Health Center. Jen comes to us with thirteen years of experience as a nurse. She has worked at St. Barnabas and currently works at Morristown Memorial Hospital in the surgical recovery unit. Jen, like Janis, treats your children as her own.

Both women have children that have spent many summers at Stonybrook. All three of Janis’s boys enjoyed many summers at camp. Jen’s two girls are currently here at camp. Both Jen and Janis are an integral part of the Stonybrook Team.

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

TIME CAPSULE FOUND!!!

Thirty-one summers ago, campers and counselors put a time capsule together, gathered around and buried it in the ground at Stonybrook Day Camp. Over the years, the search for its location has gone on. And now, finally, the search is over…

On July 20th,2010 at approximately 2 o’clock in the afternoon, a long time camper, Zach Solano found the time capsule. The excitement at this news rivaled the beginning of Color War!! Zach was using a metal detector during his group’s period at Eco Adventure. He was moving the equipment over the ground by upper flagpole when suddenly ‘the metal detector started going crazy’. Roger, who is always out on camp, moved quickly to the site. His long search seemed to be over and his anticipation and excitement was contagious. The entire camp- campers, counselors and specialists, gathered at the site while staff members dug the capsule out. Shelly, who was at camp when the capsule was first buried, was also there to witness the momentous event. Were it not for our newest program Eco Adventure, lead by Specialist, Jenna Crithary, the location of the time capsule from 1979 would more than likely still be a mystery.

The anticipation was long in coming. The excitement was palpable. The Daily Record was on site to record the event.

Look for the article and picture in Wednesday’s Daily Record at: http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201007210600/COMMUNITIES/100720077

View the video at:
http://vimeo.com/13513874

And of course, visit our website for more pictures. Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

Game-Set-Match!!

The Tennis Specialists served up an ace today at our opening round of Stonybrook’s Tennis Clinic. The group will continue to train over the next two days. The campers will learn new tennis terms each day, as well as improve their ground strokes and volleys. Ask a tennis clinic participant how many times they were able to hit the ball before it dropped and if they were able to escape in the giant game of Jailbreak!

Over the next few weeks, the campers will be able to participate in other clinics. These include basketball, golf and baseball. These clinics serve as a great tool for those athletes who want to learn and excel at several disciplines. Stonybrook continues to strive to develop the most well rounded camper.

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

Our Exciting Challenge Course

Summer 2010 is off to a “zipping” start at the Challenge Course!!

Junior Camp is experiencing the low obstacle course and those that want to are zipping on our Low Zip! Our goal is to have each and every Junior camper zip before the end of the summer!

Upper Campers are mastering their skills on the Horizontal Ladder, Multi Line and Jungle Swing. Everyone is enjoying our unique view from the Zip Line while crossing the pond! In addition, Upper Campers are working towards achieving the next Level, conquering the Pamper Plank and learning how to repel from our 40 foot Repel Tower!!

As always, our motto is “Challenge by Choice”, but we enthusiastically encourage trying new things!

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!

THE STONYBROOK VAN CHALLENGE!

At Stonybrook we always say, “Camp starts when you get on the bus”. We have formalized this concept with a fun competition called The Stonybrook Van Challenge. Why? Because while safety is always our number one priority, we see time on the bus as yet another opportunity to engage campers in a good time. At the beginning of camp all families received a Van Challenge Schedule that listed the theme competition for each day and the number of points that could be earned each day.

We have already had many fun challenges including: Toy Story 3, World Cup and Decorate your Van. Creativity was especially high on Crazy Hat Day. As each camper exited their van at camp, we were amazed at the variety and inventiveness of their hats. Both campers and counselors sported hats they had at home or had made themselves.

Right now, Van 5 is in the lead with Van 6 a close second. But the challenge is just underway. Every day the vans are coming in and our campers are WOWING us with their creativity, lead by our wonderful van counselors' ingenuity and incredible spirit!! At this point, no one can tell who will win the Stonybrook Van Challenge. We look forward to each morning when our campers come off their vans, to see how the van counselors have inspired them to bring the theme of the day to life! It could be costumes, a skit, a song…. Our creative counselors are always looking to help our campers get the most from each of our themes. We want our campers to enjoy each day's ride to and from camp and the Stonybrook Van Challenge accomplishes this goal.

Please note: Camp theme days (as listed on our camp calendar) are quite often different than the van challenge themes.

Bus Challenges for the rest of the Summer include:
Super Hero (today) 100 points
Van Spirit (7/19) 100 points
Sorcerer’s Apprentice (7/20) 25 points
Sports, Sports, Sports (7/21) 25 points
Polka Dots Galore (7/22) 25 points
License Plate (7/23) 100 points
Cheer for Color War (7/26) 25 points
Make Someone Else Smile (7/27) 50 points
Yad Sdrawkcab (7/28) 25 points
Tin Foil, Tin Foil, Tin Foil (7/29) 25 points
Van Records (How many Blue Cars….) (7/30) 100 points
Jen’s B-Day Celebration (please no food) (8/2) 50 points
Stonybrook Cheers on Board (8/3) 50 points
Dress as Your Counselor (8/4) 100 points
Stonybrook Idol (8/5) 50 points
Shrek (8/6) 20 points 20 points
Scavenger Hunt (8/9) 20 points
Gold Rush (8/10) 25 points
Over Under (8/11) 25 points
I Spy (8/12) 25 points
Pirates and Princesses (8/13) 100 points
Matt Buczek [ (8/16) 25 points
American Idol (8/17) 25 points
Broadway Show (8/18) 25 points
Duct Tape Design (8/19) 100 points
Ultimate Van Song! (8/20) 100 points

Don't forget to check out http://www.stonybrookdaycamp.smugmug.com to see all of the pictures from camp!