Camp Shane- a magical place for 35 years.
Written: Aug 06 '03
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Pros: You will love it here and you'll want to come back year after year!
Cons: Camp does not last all year.
The Bottom Line: Take it from an old timer. I was a Camper and Staff.
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| merryl's Full Review: Camp Shane |
I was a former camper and yes I have come back as a counselor. I have also returned after several years to become staff yet again to my old almamater named Camp Shane.
When I was told of Camp Shane by my parents I thought it was as if I was quarantined. All the “fat” children went to this camp and the rest of the world can go to any other camp they wanted. I was completely mortified and I made sure people knew NOT of where I was going. When we pulled off the exit to the camp I remember my mother saying “I hope we find it.” I remember thinking I hope we NEVER find it. That never happened. Little did I know the greatest years of my life would be spent right in this very place.
I was always the “biggest” child but here I was just like everyone else. In fact for a kid who was the least desired for a team of softball and picked last I was now being chosen first because I was the most desirable. My self esteem picked up and I started to look and feel better. I stopped thinking about what meal came next and started thinking what activity I can excel in. I started to become more outgoing, making friends that are still going 18 years later.
I have been to other camps even as a child but none that I liked more than Shane.
I can also remember not having to worry about what I was eating. I finally got to see what a real portion was supposed to look like. And the food……….. well…….. its not Tavern on the Green but IT’S CAMP! If you are worried about if they are going to eat everything, they probably won’t. Kids who hate vegetables are still going to hate vegetables.
From my experience at camp - I have referred at least one child a year to enroll at Shane and I have only gotten thanks for it. I remember friends of mine who lost their weight and maintained it from year to year still returned. Who can resist seeing friends that you have made from all over the world. It’s a very special place.
As an adult I returned to give back a little of what I took with me. I have seen such wonderful people doing wonderful things. I have seen counselors giving up their nights off just to sleep in the health center with a sick child. I have seen counselors putting their all into creating new and fun activities to put a new swing on camp. I was so excited to be a part of the magic that happens here at Camp Shane. Camp Shane isn’t a place, it’s a feeling.
Since I was a camper there have been many changes and additions. One in particular is the guidance program. There is trained staff here willing and able to listen to the needs and wants of the children. They are a shoulder to cry on and the voice of reason. The children feel free to express there feelings inside and outside of rap sessions. They talk about everything from bunk issues to how they feel at home as opposed to camp.
There are also very informative nutrition classes. Not only do the campers learn to make better food choices but they learn how to cook for themselves. Camp Shane has a working kitchen where the kids take a cooking class. This is a big treat.
My favorite part of working at Camp Shane is watching the kids grow over 9 weeks. When they walk through the doors of camp they are looking down, walking slow, not smiling enough. During camp I watch children who never made a spectacle of themselves hopping on stage and singing to a group of 500 campers. By the time they leave their heads are held high and they have spirit to match. They go home different children from how they came and they are better for it.
I love it here and will be back again.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1
Type of Camp: Other
Camper to Counselor Ratio: Fine mix of campers and counselors
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Epinions.com ID:
merryl
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
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