Camp Green Lane Newsletter July 21,2015

As we approach visiting day in a few days, we are excited to see our own families, but first, lets discuss our Camp Green Lane family.  Historically, families were multi-generational; parents, children, and grandparents living under one roof.  It was nothing for aunts and uncles to act as surrogate parents and cousins to live together as siblings.  The older children took care of the younger ones and each generation learned from those above and below them.   As our society progressed children moved away from their parent’s home creating their own nuclear family.  Along the way, we lost the idea that “it takes a village” to raise a child.

So, how do we remedy the loss of these great lessons? We send our children to overnight camp.  Here at Camp Green Lane, our  upper staff are referred to as “Aunts” and “Uncles”.  We are in essence the matriarchs and patriarchs of our camp family.  Our counselors are the big brothers and big sisters that many of our campers do not have.  As a first born child myself, I worshipped my counselors.   There was no big brother or sister for me at home, but at camp I was surrounded by them.  The counselors are adored here between the arches.  If you don’t believe me, watch the campers tackle a counselor when they return from one of their off days.  In return, the counselors shower their campers with love and attention.  Of course, the campers play a vital role as well.  They remind the rest of us how fleeting youth can be.  They are excited about everything here at camp, especially first year campers.  Watching them experience all there is to see and do at camp helps us to recall our first summer here at Camp Green Lane.  And everyone has a story to tell.  These stories spin the web that creates our Camp Green Lane legend.

As you enjoy your nuclear family on Saturday, remember that you are a part of our family as well.  Listen to the lessons your children have learned this summer.  They may not be obvious, but when your child is begging you to meet their counselor it will become clear.  Family is whom you let into your heart.

Yours in camping,

Aunt Mindy