Things are happening today at Stonybrook......

One of our most exciting challenges every year at Stonybrook is: How can we top last summer?

We are always seeking to improve programming and add new programs and facilities at camp.

This year we have partnered with Coaches On The Run and will have Coach Rick and Coach Mike at camp.  They will add a new dimension to our already fantastic sports program and help us kick it up a notch!

As I sit and write this blog, I hear the faint sounds of Backhoe’s and Skid-Steers….why? Because Stonybrook is adding a brand new softball field!  That’s right!

Today we wandered over and took a few photos……

 

We’ll keep you updated on its progress!

Don't forget to

Laugh Away!

How many times a day does the average child laugh per day? And the average
adult? Read on…we will share in this blog.


Last week a group of staff from Stonybrook attended the American Camping Association’s TriState Conference, the largest gathering of camping professionals in the world. The conference was held in Atlantic City…good location huh? Before you think crazy times, remember many of us are parents who were very excited to just get a peaceful night sleep (especially after a busy day of learning). We enjoyed the boardwalk, a fabulous staff dinner and of course the great company. As far as the learning goes, there were many take aways: ideas for programming and staff training; info on best practices for working with kids; the latest in peanut/tree nut allergies; and overall trends in day camps.


One interesting reminder was just how lucky we are to work with kids. Bringing us back to our lead in…. On average how many times do you think a child laughs per day? The answer is…..300 times per day! That is a lot of laughing and a lot of having fun. The average adult…… well, only 15 times per day. This doesn’t mean that adults are miserable, but rather as we grow up, we start to worry and concern ourselves with lots of things. Unfortunately, this means we end up laughing less, and yes, we’re probably not as innately happy as a child.


As much as we guide and provide amazing summer experiences for campers, we recognize that we have a captive audience who is ready to take it all in and have a great time. Our campers inspire us with their boundless energy and their willingness to have fun. In fact, when they see a puddle on a rainy day, they often want to jump on in. Adults are the ones who often say- uggg… and walk around it. Luckily, working at camp attracts some puddle jumpers, but we can still all learn a thing or two about happiness and the value of laughing from our campers. Laughter connects people and makes us feel happy. And who doesn’t want that? We are looking forward to laughing a lot this summer with our campers; we will provide the programs and activities (and expect some new and exciting ones), and they can smile, giggle and belly laugh away!




Don't forget to

The ACA Tri State Camp Conference

In order to provide the most up to date and accurate information, we are going to using a wide range of social media tools to improve communication.  Look out for daily photo uploads, blogs, and tweets, all channeled through our Facebook page.  The best way for you to keep up to date is by liking us on Facebook.



Stonybrook Day Camp is accredited by the American Camping Association. This means that we are subject to inspections and visits by Qualified Camping Professionals who work for the ACA.


All Areas of camp are inspected....from safety procedures to program quality and you either pass or fail. It is the industry standard and we are proud to be an accredited camp.


Every year the American Camping Association hold the Tri State Conference. It is the largest gathering of camp professionals anywhere in the world. As usual a Stonybrook delegation attended:

(Left to Right: Jen Hubert, Roger Black, Strange Alien Lady, Matt Buczek, Tamara Silva)


Below is a great short article on the conference:

http://www.nyreport.com/articles/79589/why_i_love_summer_camp



Don't forget to

The Best Team in Camping!

Look Who’s Returning!

All through the winter, Matt and Roger have been hard at work staffing Stonybrook Day Camp to ensure that 2011 is the best summer yet!
We have hired some wonderful new staff members but also are excited to announce the familiar superstars that are returning!

Familiar faces you can expect to see are:

Rich Gordon,Troy Appell, Steve Sussman, Caryn Karger, Michelle Propper, Sam Abrams, Chelsea Altchek, Julia Adelman, Shweta Bansil, Allison Barbag, Shari Berman, Emily Choy, Jenna Crithary, Maryanne Delaney-Bush, Ben Denson, Jeff Dickinson, Alicia Dimarco, Lindsay Ehrlich, Nikki Elman, Lisa Ford, Randee Fox, Lexi Greenberg, Ari Kampel, Mark Kannell, Rachel Klauber, Casey Klugman, Janis Lewis, Christine Long, Jenn Mambelli, Keith Mann, Casey Miller, Lindsey Minkoff, Dana Monachello, Rob Moore, Mel Ross, Gwen Samuels, Lexi and Sandy Schapitl, Kim Snow, Jim Stricchiola. The Steinberg brothers, Jason and Jody Weingold

Also look out for some fabulous new faces!

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

Support Team Annabelle!

Dear Friends
Consider supporting Team Annabelle at:
www.cff.org/great_strides/teamannabelle

 

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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

Whats Going on at Stonybrook

Coach Rick and Coach Mike

By now you have probably heard the news- Coach Rick and Coach Mike are coming to Stonybrook Day Camp!!!! We know that many are very familiar with these fabulous coaches and thrilled they are joining us as the feedback has been extremely positive- but we also know there are some in our community who don’t know why this is such great news. We think they might want to know- why the hype? And many have been asking- what will they be doing?

Working in athletics for over 15 years, Rick Petrosine is Co-owner of Coaches on the Run and Sports Universe (Livingston facility). In this capacity, he coordinates and runs sports enrichment classes for schools and township recreation departments. He previously served as the Youth Sports Director for the West Essex YMCA for over 10 years, where he ran leagues, mini-camps and intensive programs.

Rick will be bringing his sports expertise to camp and he will be running clinics for our junior and upper level camps. We have seen him in action and where he goes the kids follow with bats, balls and smiles. He has an incredible way of making sports fun and manageable for kids of all ages and abilities. He focuses on good sportsmanship and skills and we are certain he will challenge our campers in a way that helps them grow and strengthens their athletic abilities. His expertise will only strengthen our already strong athletics program and allow our sports specialists to focus more on electives and hobbies.


Mike Rubinstein, Partners with Coach Rick in Coaches on the Run and Sports Universe (Livingston facility) have worked together for many years, and is also the owner of NJ Safety First Management Company, a full service aquatics safety company that trains (American Red Cross Lifeguard Training, CPR and First Aid) and supervises aquatics staff. The company handles all operations including pool maintenance, staffing and operations. He previously served as the Senior Program Director at the West Essex YMCA for 9 years and in this capacity he was responsible for supervising the Competitive Aquatic Director, the Teen Director and the Youth Director. He was in charge of the aquatic safety team and was responsible for all swim lessons, pool chemistry, facility safety checks, and all other aquatic related issues. He was responsible for additional aquatic facilities including the Memorial Town Pool in Livingston, the Maplewood Country Club, and the South Mountain YMCA at Columbia High School. At these sites he designed and implemented swim curriculum, among other tasks.

His pool management experience is extensive and this summer Coach Mike will be the Aquatics Director at Stonybrook where he will oversee our swim program and our swim facilities. Things have a way of coming full circle because many years ago Coach Mike was the person who trained Roger Black for his Lifeguard, CPR and First Aid certifications. According to Roger, Coach Mike is great and having him at camp will bring an already incredibly strong swim program to the next level.

Hope this helps explain our excitement!!!!!



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