Welcome to Camp Krem!

At Camp Krem for the Holidays!!!!

2011-06-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

With only ten days to pack in as much excitement as possible, it felt only necessary to have every holiday imaginable while campers visited. At one of our evening programs this week, we did just that. Campers had the opportunity to participate in several different stations around camp. We featured a spooky haunted house, valentine making, an Easter egg hunt, and even a surprise visit with Santa. Although we are still in June, holiday excitement was feverish! With today as no exception, every day feels like Christmas at Camp Krem.

Disney Madness!!!

2011-06-28T01:07:00.000-07:00

The Disney crew paid a special visit to Camp Krem today! Disney daze was an action packed event this fine June day. Campers and counselors circulated camp at dusk to see their favorite characters. Using the many different facilities at camp, we created a plethora of theme based activities for campers to participate in. At the playground, we visited our friend Nemo and went “fishing”. Near the bell tower, we went “Up” playing a variety of parachute games.

And of course, we made magical mirrors in Arts & Crafts to commemorate Snow White. While there was not Space Mountain nor Matterhorn, the smiles were just as plentiful as Main Street at Disneyland.

Arts and Crafts: creativity and expression

2011-06-27T23:10:00.000-07:00

Arts and crafts is such a wonderful and amazing place to visit throughout the day. If one spends just a few moments in the room, numerous perspectives come to light. Each camper who chooses to participate is given whatever supplies they may need. Some like the pleasure of drawing while others choose more elaborate creations. Whatever the project may be, it is wonderful to see how different campers choose how to communicate through their artwork. Their creativity is just one of their many talents, skills and contributions they offer to camp. The medium: paper, paint, pencils. The messages: limitless.

Session 2: New Beginnings

2011-06-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

The lucky for us, this summer is still young. As the cars and busses pour up the hill, we are graced with some amazing people, ready to give camp a whirl for another year. Some already know what they want to do as soon as they get on camp grounds, while others take there time to explore and carefully, curiously compose their repertoire. Whether it is arts & crafts, or long hikes to Manzanita, all of camp looks forward to what the next ten days has in store for them. Of the many activities offered, the premier campfire of the session is always the most exciting. Campers and counselors join one another on stage, where everyone is introduced. Songs are sung until the clear blue sky dissipates into an endless purple abyss. Energy and spirits are high, around camp. Senses are stirred and sentiment is seen through song and dance. Moments forever preserved through an immediate form of nostalgia; instant memories at Camp Krem.

Session 2: New Beginnings

2011-06-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

The lucky for us, this summer is still young. As the cars and buses pour up the hill, we are graced with some amazing people, ready to give camp a whirl for another year. Some already know what they want to do as soon as they get on camp grounds, while others take there time to explore and carefully, curiously compose their repertoire. Whether it is arts & crafts, or long hikes to Manzanita, all of camp looks forward to what the next ten days has in store for them. Of the many activities offered, the premier campfire of the session is always the most exciting. Campers and counselors join one another on stage, where everyone is introduced. Songs are sung until the clear blue sky dissipates into an endless purple abyss. Energy and spirits are high, around camp. Senses are stirred and sentiment is seen through song and dance. Moments forever preserved through an immediate form of nostalgia; instant memories at Camp Krem.

Pool Time at Camp Krem!

2011-06-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

As the days grow longer, Camp Krem’s 90,000 gallon swimming pool becomes more and more enticing. Campers are able to swim daily if they wish, or join in a variety of other games offered at the pool. We liberally apply sunscreen, grab our towels and head on up.

One of our lifeguards, Justin, offers his view of the importance of swim time.

“It is hand’s down, my favorite time of the day. The campers come up to the pool, and they’re ready to go. It’s really great to see the counselors get into it to. You can tell that all levels of swimmers are enjoying themselves. Waders, “deep-enders” and even those just enjoying the sights, poolside, are having a good time. We all leave the pool feeling refreshed and in a good mood.”

As the sun begins to set, campers walk down the path from pool time. Wet hair accompanies big smiles. Campers and counselors walk back to their cabin, already anticipating tomorrow’s big dip.

Camp Krem's Got Talent!

2011-06-12T21:18:00.000-07:00

The stage is set, lights are on, and music is ready. Its evening time at Camp Krem, and campers have been waiting for this moment all year long. The talent show is here!!! This activity such a great opportunity for campers to display some of their many skills as a captive audience cheers them on. As John does his rendition of “Scooby Doo” and Clarence shakes his grove thing, we watch in amazement. Campers and counselors crowd the stage front to share the moment. Campers joyously sing their hearts out, dance their feet off, and bask in the limelight.

Conceptually, the talent show is comprised of some posters, a few speakers, and a stage. Simple objects have such greater meaning when infused with the many talents of our campers. What a treat!!!

New Additions: Camp's New Garden

2011-06-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

“Why are flowers so lazy? Because they’re always in BEDS!!!” jokes Outdoor camp’s Clark Appleton upon laying eyes upon the new garden.

From experience, small changes tend to make the largest differences. One of the many new changes we have at camp this year are our beautiful new flower beds and vegetable gardens. A team of carpenters featuring founder Alex Krem’s own son, came and installed the beautiful redwood boxes along with a brand new composting center. This Friday, campers planted a wide variety of vegetables and herbs in the garden in small neat rows. They also had a chance to plant seeds inside of peat pots, and take home the seedling.

Camp Krem takes great pride in creating opportunities for campers to develop, or fine tune practical living skills. By creating the first steps toward a sustainable camp with the help of our campers, we resultantly lay foundation for larger strides. With thanks to our new garden we now have created potential for future generations of campers to grow and flourish.

Camp Competition: Moment To Own It

2011-06-08T11:18:00.000-07:00

After breakfast is served, cabins are cleaned, and teeth are brushed all seven cabin groups eagerly await the bell. It’s ten o’clock, and its time for Moment to Own It!

The playground is filled with smiling faces, ready to compete in this a series of friendly challenges. All campers have an opportunity to compete in silly challenges, from three legged races to wacky balloon competitions.

Jason of cabin four competed with fellow cabin mate Neil. The two friends are psyched to participate today! They walk together with spaghetti clinched between their teeth in an odd relay race. Although the two did not win,, both were elated that they finished the challenge. As the crowd cheered on, they gave everyone around high fives, toothy grins showing. The two clearly felt a sense of accomplishment, supported by campers and counselors alike. As we leave the playground for more activities, morale is high. Jason, Neil, and all of camp descend on the other exciting activities, with a sense of pride, success and support.

Anticipation over: Summer 2011 is finally here!!!

2011-06-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

A loud bell rings. People run from all directions; yelling, screaming. Chaos: these are the first moments of summer.

As the white bus pulls up to the top of the hill, one’s perspective shifts drastically. We, counselors and campers alike, have been waiting for this moment all year. Familiar faces along with new ones are welcomed and embraced. Summer has begun.

Counselors are quick to greet their new cabin mates. Handmade nametags are distributed and acquaintances are made. Some have known one another for years, and others are eager to find new friends to join. Camp is alive and buzzing.

As night falls, all seven cabins along with outdoor camp and travel camp merge into the campfire circle. Loud music resonates, vocal cords vibrate. All are given the opportunity to introduce themselves, a chance to “show their stuff”. Together, we sing and dance at the campfire until, alas, yawning mouths replace singing voices. As cabins contently, sleepily walk back to their accommodations for the next twelve days you experience some sort of resonant excitement. We fall asleep, without saying what we all know to be true, as to not jinx it. That is, (It’s going to be a great session!!)

Getting ready for Valentine's Day!

2011-02-01T15:52:00.001-08:00

Everyone made it home safely from the Snow Trip; we even met up with parents in Emeryville an hour early thanks to clear roads and no traffic! The trip was an overwhelming success. It gave everyone the chance to relax and catch up with each other while having fun in the snow.

After a long morning of playing in the snow and an afternoon of shopping for some, everyone relaxed Saturday evening. Some played games, finished puzzles, or watched television. We woke up the next morning to a beautiful blanket of powder. The trees, house, driveway, and bus were all buried. Luckily, we had some hard-working men with us ready to shovel the drive; they finished the job just as a snow plow came to work on every driveway except ours. The reason for this is still a mystery, but their hard work paid off for everyone on the trip.

Stay tuned for more updates, as the Valentine's Day overnight at Camp Krem will take place on February 12th-13th. If you are interested in attending or volunteering as a staff, fill out an application online (www.campingunlimited.com) and call Gail in the business office at (510) 222-6662.

Even our furry friends came along!

2011-01-29T08:46:00.000-08:00

Ottie the Otter spends time in the snow with Camp Krem! Ottie belongs to Angel, who came on the snow trip this year.

Ringing in the New Year!

2011-01-29T07:58:00.000-08:00

Hello from the beautiful Sierra mountains! Camp Krem is currently kicking it in a fabulous cabin in Truckee, CA. And although we've been told that it hasn't snowed here in over a month, the ground is still caked in the clean, white, crunchy stuff. We arrived yesterday evening and walked into the cabin with mouths open and eyes wide with awe; the cabin was bigger and more beautiful than we could have imagined.

After getting settled into our rooms (with a flat screen TV in almost every one), we made our way upstairs to start a fire while we waited for dinner. Puzzles and games began immediately as everyone made the transition to vacation mode. The evening ended with a talent show, popcorn, and hot chocolate.

Everyone is looking forward to spending the day in the snow, especially throwing some snowballs and zooming down the hills on sleds and saucers. I'm sure that snow angels will also make an appearance today.

Keep us on your radar as we post later this evening with an update from Truckee!

And let the Year-Round trips begin!

2010-08-28T23:32:00.001-07:00

Sadly, summer has come to an end. But despite the fact that Camp Krem is now a much quieter place, dedicated staff and volunteers remain to offer wonderful year-round programs. Many of the summer camp staff live in the Bay Area and volunteer their Saturdays (and even entire weekends!) to spend time with campers.

The first trip of the year starts tomorrow as our group heads to Yosemite for a 6-day camping trip. It will be an amazing adventure, even threat of rain couldn't scare us away. We will spend our time exploring the park including Yosemite village and several hikes around our campsite. More updates about the trip to come!

Final Days of Summer Programing

2010-08-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

As I laid there staring at the bunk above me I realized this was it. When the lights are off and the sun is down camp’s only light is from whatever moonlight shines down from above. Luckily the stars were out on a clear night as I made my way around camp. The silence was deafening as everybody was in bed on their way to a peaceful night’s rest. There are a million spots at camp where the scenery is calming and remarkably beautiful, but I wanted to be at none of them. Only four days left and we will begin our adventures home. The thought of it all was too overwhelming.

Earlier that evening a camper darted for the door of the mess hall. No one saw. He looked over his shoulder and realized he wasn’t being chased. So he stopped just short of the gazebo. I do not think he realized that I was there or he probably would have gone in another direction. I was not intending on taking him back inside because I could not leave the camper that I had with me. So when he came up to me and pronounced that under no circumstances would he be going back into the mess hall for the dance party, I just shrugged my shoulders and said, “Meh.” At some point in the awkward silence that followed the lack of argument we started playing in the sand that persists all over camp. First a mound was built and then a wall around it. The idea of a sand castle quickly followed. A bridge was built from the mound to the wall. Next we dug a river to the water jug nearby. We poured water downstream towards the castle. Finally as the dance ended and people came out we knocked it all down with the idea of doing it all over tomorrow.

I had a conversation with that camper about coming to camp. It is not too often one is privileged enough to witness a camper explain what Camp Krem means to them. Imagine a young camper who is willing to play in the sand and get muddy ramble on about a place that he wants to keep coming to. It is like those stories you tell as a kid of growing up to be a firefighter or a major league baseball player. I believe the quote was, “I’m going to come here for the next 30 years and swim and hike and swing and play until I am older enough to build a camp just like this one for more people like me to come for another 30 years.” It was the perfect quote from a fantastic seven year old child.

As I was walking around later that night I was thinking about that conversation. I did not want to be in any of those calming and beautiful places at camp because I did not want it to be quiet. It should not be the end of summer. The days are supposed to last longer. Young campers should be screaming because it is Disney week. Campers should be wearing the face of exhaustion after completing a challenging hike. Campers should be splashing in the pool and cooking outdoors. As the days come to a close I think more and more that Camp Krem is a place that more people should experience. This camp gives people with special needs a chance to live life on an equal playing field. Campers come two and three times a year because it is more than a vacation. Camp Krem is a place to develop life experiences and stories that do not take place elsewhere. I think it is something incredible to be a part of and even more incredible for campers to experience.

Camp Krem's Female Counselor Coordinator

2010-08-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

What else is love?

Four years ago I never would have imagined that my dream job would be one which consisted of playing in the dirt, sneaking around and scaring people, or dressing up as one of the members of the Village People and performing the YMCA on a plywood stage. Because working at camp has stretched my imagination in this way, and because it has challenged me and pushed me to grow as a human being means more than I can ever express. Being here is so much more than just doing a job; the people here and the work you do touch parts of your heart and mind that hold the most love and the most humility. We are all just people here--no one person is put above another. We strive to provide choices, freedom, confidence and independence.

When I first drove up the hill in 2007 as a counselor I was going into this job with no prior experience working with people with special needs. Within the first few hours of first session I knew that this was a place where I belonged. I witnessed returning campers run off of buses and out of cars to race into the arms of past counselors. I saw the smiles on new camper’s faces and how excited they were to spend time away from their families and with their peers. I saw a family and knew that I wanted to be a part of it.

Now in 2010 that family has grown and I have returned to camp for the fourth time, two years as counselor and two years as counselor coordinator. I carry memories with me from my very first summer and from all the summers after that. I feel so fortunate to have discovered this pocket of love and hope in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Being with campers, talking with them and seeing how comfortable and free they feel here is an inspiration and has led me in a direction in my life that I am so happy with. I send my sincerest thank you to all parents and caregivers who send their campers to Camp Krem. They are all beautiful and loved and forever a part of our Camp Krem family.

Our Longest Standing Staff Member

2010-08-01T22:14:00.000-07:00

Hi, this is Leon Wong. One of our staff members asked me to write about how I came to Camp Krem 26 years ago and how I have been changed by my experience. In 1983, I met Alex Krem, founder of Camping Unlimited in Berkley, California. I went to his home and was charmed by the late Alex and Elsie Krem. I was the Activity Coordinator at the ARC in San Leandro workshop. I had volunteered to coordinate and develop the Alameda County’s first Special Olympic ski team. We had set up training at Cal-State Hayward and the team had many Camp Krem campers as well! We had carpooled to our first local meet at Dodge Ridge and qualified a full team. I asked Alex Krem if I could borrow Heart Throb 6, one of camp’s buses, and take the ski team to Lake Tahoe’s Heavenly Valley ski resort for the five day event. He said yes and the ski team and I never forgot the generosity of Camping Unlimited shown by Alex. One year later I volunteered for a spring camp and planted a wonderful relationship with the staff and many, many campers.

I have learned that a positive giving spirit keeps us young and full of amazing energy and most of all, love. The love to help our campers/friends over the years gives consistency, stability and time for fun within the rhythm of camp life. I am writing this blog by flashlight watching over the campers of cabin two. Many are merely asleep, several are a bit awake. Some words of encouragement in a short story and the excitement of going home, and many happy and sad tears. The sad tears are for leaving their counselors and the fun week of swimming, camp fires, dances and most of all a shared experience. The happy tears are for all of the families who have put their sons and daughters growth, fun and independence before their own. Thank you for sharing your family members with us. Now, we are part of the Camp Krem family. Our lives are blessed with the fun, wonderful and unmatched love of your family members. So I thank you for wonderful fun adventures. This is how I am constantly affected and changed by Camp Krem.

Reflections by Leon Wong:

· A “Wagon Wheel Dance” with a human spiral with Travel Camp as the last dance of the night was magical.

· Talking deeply with campers and offering positive outlooks on their lives and how camp is efficient and fun and non-judgmental.

· Watching staff members grow with encouragement

· Showing campers and counselors how to cook in the outdoors and watching them show what they learned.

· Teaching and showing staff how to start stoves, lanterns, and how to pack a backpack as well as prep for trips.

· The wonderful dances and shows that staff put on for campers

· Pool time with campers and the lifeguards

· Best of all; the great men and women who shared their summer with all of the campers and fellow staff members. The love of adventure, fun, sharing and positive collective energy was the fuel for all of our great moments, adventures and discoveries.

Dance Parties at the Camp Fire

2010-07-29T22:14:00.000-07:00

Santa Claus and Easter eggs all in one week

2010-07-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried to ask a person if they do not have a favorite holiday? Usually around a major holiday you are asked if that particular holiday is your favorite. It is either that question or the more traditional question, “What is your favorite holiday?” I would guess that the two majority leaders would be Christmas and Thanksgiving. Trying to argue against one or the other would be a lot easier than arguing against both. Some people in America do not celebrate Christmas, this is true. Finding someone who does not celebrate both in some capacity is a lot harder. Now if we grew this list even longer, to say six or seven major holidays, think of how hard it would be to find a reason not to celebrate any of these. The point was probably made several statements ago; everybody loves celebrating every now and again. Growing up as a kid I would have probably told you Christmas was my favorite. The snow coming down meant that it was hockey season in addition to the presents and time with family. Now I would probably tell you that when Independence Day rolls around I am geared up for cookouts, friends, fireworks, drive inns, beaches, pools and more. This week at Camp Krem it is holiday week. Each day will represent a different holiday theme and host its own unique activities. Tonight there will be a Valentine’s Day Dance for the night activity.

In a different part of camp, this week in Travel Camp they are prepping for the featured trip of the summer. The group will head up towards Sacramento, put on their life jackets and dive into the water for a white water rafting trip of a lifetime. The trip will extend past our six day session and into the weekend. Updates, pictures and possibly some video will hopefully be uploaded onto the blog by the time the trip ends. As always pictures are uploaded almost daily onto this website.

Happy Holidays,

From: Camp Krem

Trail Blazing

2010-07-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

The day was no different than any other day. It was another hot and sunny afternoon towards the end of the summer. I was worn down and beat up from the summer of long days, little sleep, and hard work. I had that feeling you get when the smallest things seem to crawl under your skin when I decided to take a walk by myself to relax and recharge. I headed up the Pipeline trail (Camp’s most famous trail) and started to climb up one of our water tanks. From here, the horizon stretches as far as the mountains go. At night time you can see the glow from San Jose and the lights of Santa Cruz. The cold mountain water cools the water tank so that when you lay on it during a hot day it is like putting a cold cloth around your neck. I sat there letting whatever stress or tiredness roll away with the mountains into the horizon. It is one of the most amazing spots at camp where you can find some alone time. As the minutes were slipping by I noticed below me some trails. I followed the trails with my eyes as if it were some sort of maze on paper. I left the water tank a few minutes before I had to be back in the cabin and grabbed a camp map from the office. On the map there was a trail near the same place I was looking down on from the water tank. It was my first year but it was late in the summer and I thought I knew most things about camp. I started to wonder why people did not take these trails when hiking with campers. My curiosity grew as I began to realize that there were many trails on the map that were not being utilized by the staff at camp. I discussed this with our longest standing staff member who knows everything about camp and then some. He told me that over the years certain trails have become overgrown and then he suggested I take a couple campers and go exploring.

It was a fantastic idea that brought me back to my childhood days of wild imaginations and great explorations through the woods near my small neighborhood. For the next four or five days a couple counselors and a couple campers had maps in their hands as if they were explorers charting new territory. I believe that there is a sense of adventure in all of us. At some point in our lives we all love the thrill of something new and exciting that presents a challenge in our lives. No one in that group had ever been on those trails. No one had ever heard stories of what they might come across on the trails. We have 91 acres of land at camp and it seemed like we were exploring some new country. The stories that followed this expedition will probably remain stories in the small circles that wander down these trails. You might here whispers of a rope swing that had to be removed because it was so old. You might catch wind that some trails require a rope to get down the steep hill. It is the type of stuff that legends are made of. New discoveries are made. In this way they are more than just trails. It is more than just hiking.

This year I took two campers down another trail that had not been used in a long time. Working with the same man who suggested exploring the trails we signed these two campers up for Camp’s work program. The two campers and I trudged through this long winding trail clearing out a pathway for future campers and staff members. We built bridges out of fallen trees. We blocked off false trails with old brush. We raked leaves, trimmed trees and dug up giant stones. It was three hours of hard labor but when we signed back in at the top of the hill there was a sense of confidence in the air. The campers had the chance to make a little money but more importantly they gained much more independence and self respect. It was another purpose the land at camp served.

On the trail you become a whole new person. Go for a walk or a run. One can get away to forgive and forget. Jump in a waterfall for a swim. You can see things you cannot see elsewhere. You can work or have fun. The trails wear the memories of Camp’s past. That is more than fifty years of campers and staff. On the trail you can become legends.

Camp Krem's Male Counselor Coordinator

2010-07-21T21:51:00.001-07:00

It was the 25 of May 2005 at 10.00 pm on a dark night with the only light being the moon. Riding in the taxi as we were driving up Bear Creek Road felt like a rollercoaster. I had butterflies in my stomach; partly from the road and partly from thinking about a place I knew just as a camp for people with special needs. For me, coming to the USA was freedom from home life in Ireland and the opportunity to see the world. I hadn’t a clue how much of a big influence ‘Camp Krem’ would have on six years of my life. I also did not know that it would help me to make the hardest decision of my life: choosing my future profession of working with people with special needs.

I came here a boy in 2005 when I was 18 years of age and excited about the California sunshine, with not a care in the world about the future. Now six summers later in 2010 and not knowing if this is my last, I will walk out a man full of confidence because of Camp Krem.

From my first summer as a counselor who got the job done to my sixth summer as Male Counselor Coordinator, my goals, values and strengths have matured and life could not be better.

Working with the people we serve is truly eye opening. The ability that each and every one of them possesses is amazing. Over the course of six years I have gained little brothers and sisters in all the people I have worked with here. Watching them grow every year has been one of the best parts of my six summers. Knowing that I, in some small way, can have an impact in the life of each camper is what makes this job the best in the world.

-Padraig (Paddy) Hegarty Male Counselor Coordinator -

Camp Krem Trailer

2010-07-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out our YouTube channel!

Why I Do This

2010-07-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

At Camp Krem we have a Camp Director. This position oversees the day to day operations of camp. The director also continues to operate camp from the outside. This includes a multitude of responsibilities but can best be summed up by saying that the camp director ensures that camp is functioning each day. The story below is a fantastic introduction to Camp Krem's Camp Director.

The following is written by Mary Farfaglia:

In the summer of 2002, I had the opportunity of working half time as a camp nurse at Camp Hollis, in Oswego, NY. This camp is owned and run by the County of Oswego for “typical” children. I worked with a camp director named Teresa Tucker, who used to be the Executive Director at Camping Unlimited in 98-99 and then again from 2003-2006. Teresa and I became good friends, and remain friends to this day.

In December of 2002, Teresa took a vacation to California, where she visited camp and old friends who were still working here. During her stay, the conversation turned to what they were going to do for a summer camp nurse, and Teresa said, “I know a nurse!” The rest is history. I came for my first summer in May of 2003, with the intentions that it would be a one season thing, great way to visit California, and reconnect with a camp for people with special needs. In my college days, I had worked as a camp nurse just outside of Buffalo, Cradle Beach Camp and went back for 7 summers. They were also a camp for children with disabilities and medical problems, as well as inner city Buffalo youth who wouldn’t have had the chance to attend a camp. I was in nursing school at the time, and when I was meeting with my advisor just before graduation, she asked me what my ideal job would be. I answered, “Working at a year round camp with children with disabilities.”

The moment that I arrived in California, in the Santa Cruz Mountains, I felt like I had died and gone to heaven, and I made myself a promise that somehow, someday, I would make this area my home. I commuted from NY for four summers-I would quit my job as a Pediatric Nurse in a doctor’s office in May and then return in August and convince the owner of the practice that he couldn’t do flu shot season without me. And he bought it!

In January of 2006, I was still living in upstate NY, and came home from work one day and found 72” of snow in my driveway. I thought to myself, “I don’t know how the hell I’m going to do it, but I WILL be in CA by next winter! The current Executive Director was a special ed teacher here in Santa Cruz County, and she decided during the summer of 2006 that she was going to retire the next June and move to Tennessee with her husband. At last, my chance had arisen!!!!

At first I was skeptical about being able to do the job, but after many long talks, lots of praying and working my NY charm I was given the job. I arrived in Boulder Creek with my dog and all my belongings in January of 2007. And I’ve been here ever since.

I can’t even begin to explain why I do this or what it’s like to have the privilege of living here and being part of this wonderful organization. I get to live in the most beautiful place in the world, on 92 acres of redwoods and mountains. I get to work with some of the most awesome people I have ever met in my life. But best of all, I get to be with the campers, young and old. I get to have Cece give me a hug first thing in the morning for the 12 days she’s here and hear her tell me she loves me. I get to see ODC coming down the last bend of the Skyline to the Sea trail and see Zach’s huge smile and hear the cheers of all the campers and counselors and watch them play on the edge of the ocean. I get to see Rachel break dance at the talent show, when I know how shy she is typically and would never perform in front of people before she got to Camp Krem. I get to go on the year round programs and have campers run out of their cars and throw their arms around me and tell me they’ve missed me. I get to go to Transition Fairs and seminars and Disability Awareness Days and hear my name called from across the room or field, yelling “Camp Krem!” with excited voices. And, during the year, part of my job is to talk to people about Camp! My heart is full of blessings and hope and gratitude every day that I spend on this hill.

Thank you for allowing me to do my ideal job!

Mary Farfaglia, Executive Director

Camp Pick Up

2010-07-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

I wrote the following in June of 2009. It was my first session of camp and my first experience being a team leader in the cabin. I am reposting this in hopes that it will give you the reader a little insight of some more responsibilities we have at camp. Also today is day one of session four, so it is fitting to talk about some of the things that go on during the first day of each session. Enjoy and feel free to comment.

June 19th 2009

I stepped off the bus and saw two men that looked like they had seen the wears and tares of life. I had never been anywhere in California, especially not Vallejo. It was a rundown town outside of Oakland that was littered with trash, liquor stores and homeless. I went into Jack ‘n the Box sleep deprived and looking for breakfast wondering what those two men outside were thinking about. I bought myself and some bum breakfast and we talked about Vallejo. When we finished I headed back to the bus to find the trip coordinator.
We woke up at five that morning to pick up campers for our first session and Vallejo was our first stop. I felt it was part of my responsibilities to sign up for this; little did I know what I was getting into. What started out as an early morning quickly turned into chaos. Bags started to fly, parents throwing medication bags, checklists, greetings, farewells and so on. At the time I had no idea but those two men I first saw were two campers in my cabin.
Entering this camp experience I had two years experience working with people who have special needs. My responsibilities varied widely as did my jobs. But no matter where I went or what or I did it felt like I had always made an instant connection with the people I worked with. I do not believe we are given a lot of talents in life and I believe that even fewer chase after those talents. It has taken me a few extra years but I believe that this is one of my talents. I enjoy meeting new people and making connections in the way that enable me to educate those who have special needs. This camp is not centered on educating those with special needs, rather giving them a break from everyday life. This is possibly why I struggled for the first time to make that connection.
Those two men provided a challenge that I thoroughly enjoyed for twelve days. They were best friends who shared a lot in common, including autism. They both live on their own in apartments across from each other. They share a social worker who checks in on them. They share similar tastes in music and food. They are incredibly quiet and introverted. Most of the time they simply enjoyed sitting around watching people and talking about that “good ole Motown music.” We struggled to get them to do anything but most of the time they went along.
In the beginning it was frustrating for us counselors who came to camp full of energy and ready to have the time of our lives. It frustrated me especially as a team leader for the first time. I felt like I was failing and embarrassing my cabin. But with a little boost of confidence from people above me we were able to rally the troops and have an incredible session. We took the music that they loved and played it wherever we went and made it our staple to the whole camp.
The song My Girl by the Temptations was heard daily four or five times. It became our rally cry and entrance theme. If there was a talent show, we sang. If there was a dance party, we danced on stage. If we went on a field trip, we brought the stereo. It was like two totally different people. When that song came on those two tattered men began to dance and sing and smile. They captured the hearts of the entire camp. And not only did they make themselves smile, the other campers in that cabin totally got in on the deal. Those two men made camp an experience of a lifetime for the entire staff and campers. It was not us who did anything or taught them anything. We did not say anything or reinforce anything. It was simply them enjoying what they enjoy most.
Three weeks into this incredible experience, I would say this is one of the greatest lessons I have learned. It is not always about making connections. It is not always about me or you. It is all about the other person (with special needs in this case). If it is a vacation they are after then let them have their vacation. It is amazing the affect that we have on each other. Those two men affected each one of us just as much as we did them.

Skyline to the Sea

2010-07-12T14:07:00.000-07:00

Written by Abbey Buckley

Every summer at Camp Krem, each person has something they really look forward to. For some counselors it’s their favorite camper, for some campers it’s the day we tye-dye t-shirts, or even the talent show; for me personally, that thing most looked forward to is the Skyline to the Sea Hike. It’s the time of the summer where Outdoor Camp leaves the hill and embarks on a journey that lasts only 15 miles but lingers for much longer.

This trip is more than just a hike. From the start campers are immersed into the backpacking lifestyle. I try to incorporate learning as much as possible into ODC. This went from everything from backpack fitting, to backpack stove lighting (which I finally mastered this year thanks to much patience from Leon!), and finally what kinds of foods are best to eat while on the trail. We started off the session with backpack fitting and spent the majority of Monday morning in the equipment room fitting campers with donated backpacks and making adjustments as needed (and hoarding as many bungee cords as we could find). From backpacks we went to equipment. We packed stoves, cups, cutlery, shovels, toilet paper, plastic bags, clothes, food, food, and more food. Finally after much preparation, we were able to leave the hill on Tuesday; we headed to Big Basin for camping and backpacking fun.

We spent the first night and next day just camping in Big Basin. We participated in the Junior Rangers program and went on a guided hike, both programs provided by the Big Basin staff and volunteers. The campers really enjoyed the time we spent relaxing, but come Thursday morning, we were ready for the big show. We unloaded our raccoon boxes, loaded up our packs and hit the trail around 12 pm.

The first trail taken is a trail called Sunset Trail and it lasts about 5.5 miles. This is by far the hardest part of the hike due to going uphill (more that we cared to go) and the fact that we still hadn’t eaten much of our food thus making our packs heavier than we’d all like. The campers responded with heart, soul, and minimal whining (which was calmed by stops, water, and granola bars). Finally, after 6 hours of hiking we rounded the last corner of our day and spent the night at the Sunset Trail Camp. One of the reasons all the hiking is made worth it, is due to the sunset which can’t be matched anywhere else in the park. We saw the sky turn shades of pink and orange and fell asleep to the stars coming out among the Redwoods. Only to be awoken at 2 am by an un-welcomed raccoon visitor who decided to breach the sleeping circle from the trees above. However, after much flashlight flashing and stick banging, he gave up and let us rest in peace.

Friday was our longest day of hiking. We set out from Sunset at around 10 am and hit the Berry Creek Falls Trail. This trail took us by the Berry Creek Cascades, where ODC learned how to filter water from a hand crank water filter, and then continued on to follow Berry Creek until we reached the Berry Creek Water Fall. This water fall is the largest in the park and falls a total of 65 feet before crashing into the ground. ODC stood in amazement and settled in for lunch before heading back out on to the trail. From the water fall we met up and started hiking Skyline to the Sea. This is also the day where I learned just how tough my campers are. They walked a total of 8 miles all the while singing camp songs, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and making proclamations of “I’ve got this!” and “I didn’t know I could do something like this but I am!” The campers that are put into my life never cease to amaze me and added encouragement to my tired feet and back because if they could make it one more step, so could I. We finally ended our day 8 miles later at Alder Creek Trail Camp and literally fell into our sleeping bags for a much deserved rest before dinner.

On Saturday, the excitement could be felt as we packed up sleeping bags and ate oatmeal because we knew that today was the day we would be able to put our feet in the ocean and complete the trek we started out on five days ago. This was by far the easiest hiking day of the trip. It was just 1.5 miles, with packs as light as feathers (as we had eaten just about everything!) and as we rounded the bend that brought us in sight of the ocean there was a collective group cheer that I’m sure was heard for miles around. Suddenly our feet stopped hurting, our backs stopped aching and all we could think of was getting to the ocean. We finally made it about 30 minutes later where we were greeted by Mary and Sherry and celebratory Root Beers. We took off our boots for the first time in a week and ran to the ocean in celebration. Emotions felt that day are not ones easily expressed on paper. It is definitely one of the those “you had to be there moments” but imagine if you will, 12 exhausted, dirty, stinky people running into the Pacific as if they had just tumbled out of a van fully refreshed and ready for a day on the beach. We played in the waves, splashed each other and enjoyed the accomplishment of finishing hike most though they would never be able to finish.

To say that I am proud of my campers is quite simply wrong. I am ecstatic of what they were able to accomplish. Through sheer determination and sweat 8 campers started and 8 campers finished. We leaned on ourselves and on our friends through highs, lows, pep talks, and cheering. We even sang a song or two. But most of all, we finished. Fifteen miles, three days, but a lifetime of accomplishment.

Welcome Back!

2010-07-11T22:08:00.000-07:00

Both Travel Camp and Outdoor Camp (ODC) made it back safely from their travels; full of excitement and stories. ODC has given us nearly 150 pictures of their Skyline to the Sea adventure. It was a three day hike that looks like it was another one of those incredible life ventures. To view the pictures yourself you can click here http://picasaweb.google.com/Camping.Unlimited/SkylineToTheSea#. Both camps made it back in time for the Talent Show that took place tonight. The Talent Show featured more than 20 acts, all with campers at the front and center. For those of you who have been following this blog, the Talent Show is very similar to Temple of Boom except that the Talent Show features campers. Campers are encouraged to get up on stage and do whatever they wish. Most campers choose a popular song to sing and dance to. Some campers tell jokes, do magic tricks or tell stories. Whatever the campers choose to do, they are the spotlight. It is their fifteen minutes of fame in front of the entire camp. Pictures of the Talent Show have also been uploaded. Check out the performance of the night below. Sadly, after tonight we only have two days of camp left. We expect them to be just as great as ever.

A United Camp

2010-07-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

For more than three years now there has been a song that has been playing at camp. Camp Krem does not endorse this song nor does it affiliate itself with this band or any sort of music in that case. Still, somehow this song has been passed down from each generation of camp’s staff through four different summers. When Wagon Wheel comes on at camp you’ll usually find the sun setting over the western mountain ranges and the lights dimming for the night. This is a song that does not require encores or chants for one more song. When Wagon Wheel blasts through the speakers everybody understands that the night is coming to a close. It is the type of song that everybody can agree to get up, circle up and dance to. It is the type of song that allows you to forget what genre of music you like and dislike. When the song comes on everybody comes together as one single group. I am not really sure how to explain why it is music can bring people together like this. If you searched through Google you could probably find loads of dissertations on this topic, but you do not need a degree to recognize the fact that music can be something incredibly special. At Camp Krem music plays a big role in the daily activities at Main Camp. If music is playing in the mess hall it can draw crowds from the playground, arts and crafts, and the cabin area. Music can dissipate those everyday worries that can sometimes get to be too much. The many different groups always seem to join together when the speakers are turned up. There are so many great things to see at camp but if you ever get the chance to visit, stay for a night activity that involves music. It’s a sight to see and a chance to be a part of something extraordinary.

Pictures and More!

2010-07-08T21:42:00.000-07:00

Many parents have been emailing and asking for more pictures. Head to http://picasaweb.google.com/Camping.Unlimited for our complete camp photo album! More than 300 pictures have been uploaded from session 3 alone. It is amazing to think that this session is half way over. Today at Main Camp we continued our daily themes with Superhero Day. The night activity exceeded all expectations for the title of the day. Temple of Boom was rocking more than ever as we featured more than an hour straight of blasting speakers and high energy acts. For full details as to what Temple of Boom is scroll on down to one of our early posts titled Temple of Boom. On the technical end, look for a video detailing a day in the life of Camp Krem to debut shortly.

Updates

2010-07-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

There is a family that resembles some sort of celebrity status here at Camp Krem. The Scherbert family has been bringing campers to Camp Krem longer than most seasonal staff has been around. When they unloaded their van of six campers, one too young to join and three adults we knew it was going to be a session full of familiar faces that represent years of monumental moments. It is not just this family either. This session there are a lot of campers returning to camp that we as staff know and welcome back with anticipation of sharing in that familiarity of friendship. Session three brings even more exciting news. Unlike last session’s six days, this session we have ten days of Camp Krem. Each day at Main Camp we are having a theme to the day instead of one over arching theme for the session. So far we have had Independence Day, Space Day, Medieval Day, and today is Pirate Day. In other news, Outdoor Camp (ODC) left yesterday afternoon for their now famous Skyline to the Sea hike. Stay tuned for a blog entry from ODC director Abbey Buckley giving us all the details about the very popular hike. Tomorrow Travel Camp leaves for their trek to Henry Cowell State Park, the beach and then Monterey Bay. Travel Camp director Alyssa Schroeder promises pictures from the trip by the end of the session.

The Camp Fire

2010-07-05T23:15:00.001-07:00

Independence Day 2010!

2010-07-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

Independence Day. No other American holiday is more social than the celebration of our independence. It does not matter what religion you are or what part of the country you live in. It does not matter who you vote for or why you vote for them. On the fourth of July, all of that seems to fade away in the remembrance of our declaration of freedom and for all of those who continue to stand for what America believes in. Summer time seems to be the perfect time for fireworks, barbecues, family gatherings, swimming, beaches, and all the fun that everybody has on this national holiday.

There was nothing different about being at camp on the fourth of July. We are family and friends here celebrating day one of session three with good food, music and a camp fire. After fighting holiday traffic and getting checked in, campers had free reign of the camp. Campers mostly roamed the grounds winding up at the playground or arts and crafts. Around six o’clock we headed into the mess hall for an all American dinner of sloppy joes, french fries and loads of fresh fruit. After dinner we prepped for a fourth of July parade and then marched to the session's first camp fire with a grand opening and even some make-shift fireworks. It was a great way for campers and staff alike to spend a great American holiday together. The thing that is exciting for me is that we do not just get to celebrate a weekend; here at Camp Krem we have ten days.

Counselor in Training

2010-07-02T14:08:00.000-07:00

Last night we had our closing camp fire. Cabins handed out awards to campers as we danced and sang songs together one last time. Today counselors pack up all the bags into a somewhat organized collection to await pick up. As the campers leave we want it to be known that at Camp Krem, our staff works extremely hard to provide a unique life changing camping experience. The work of the staff is much like a human body. We all play different parts but still work as one with one mission. As counselors and staff we are the arms and legs that help camp move in a direction of fun and fulfilling experiences. Part of that body that should not be overlooked is the Counselor in Training, or CIT. A CIT is a high school aged student from surrounding high schools that volunteer one session to assist counselors in providing care for the campers. A CIT is always next to a counselor when all the ups and downs of camp happen. Most of the CITs come from Carondelet High School. Others come from Bishop and De La Salle. Most of these high schools require a certain amount of service hours over the course of the year and provide a list of summer opportunities for their students. On paper Camp Krem is just another name amongst the hundreds of other opportunities that exists for these high school students. Enough students have passed through Camp Krem over the last fifteen years to build a reputation that has spread through the halls of these schools. Often times CITs will come based on recommendations from previous years CITs not fully knowing what they are getting themselves into.

Here is a story written by Ally White, a first year CIT:

I love watching the campers relationships with counselors and other campers grow. On the first day of camp I noticed some campers isolating themselves; acting very shy around new faces. As camp went on they slowly became more comfortable with each other: campers would play games together, help each other on hikes, and talk as if they knew each other for years. Campers truly looked up to their older counselors. They would follow their counselors around like a little brother copies his older brother. These campers make friendships that they will never forget. Another amazing thing about camp is watching the campers participate in activities that they love. One of my campers never really seemed to be enjoying himself and always wanted to be doing another activity, but the second he stepped foot in the pool I saw a smile on his face that I had never seen before. His smile was beaming and he was lost in his own laughter. He absolutely loved swimming and seeing him so happy was an amazing sight. It showed me the importance of finding something I loved to do, letting go and just simply enjoying the good things in life.

A Counselor, Not a Floater

2010-06-30T10:40:00.001-07:00

As I stood there staring at the cabin assignment list I finally realized that the very job I created was going to take me away from the job I loved most. On the list I was assigned as a “floater.” In other terms I was a guy that had another job to do and was only used on an as need basis. There have been floaters every summer. It is not a new concept at camp. Still, often times as I stare into the night I wonder if people in the past that have been floaters love being with campers as much as I do. As I drift off to sleep I try to remove the pride from the situation and tell myself that most people here love being with campers, regardless of their jobs.

As our Olympic theme for this session continued yesterday, campers had the opportunity to compete as countries (or cabins) in various games throughout the day. There were swimming relays, golf, hiking, fishing, and some other chances to earn “medals.” Last night’s evening activity featured a camp wide basketball tournament loaded with music, cheerleaders, snacks, and fierce competition. It was much discussed during the course of the day and the anticipation built as dinner approached. When the bell finally rang to start the tournament every person moved down to the basketball courts or to watch from the mess hall balcony. All attended except one camper.

I cannot describe the connections or breakthroughs that happen when a counselor has the opportunity to spend time with a camper that results in a friendship. It is something incredible that everyone should have the opportunity to experience. Last night when that one camper chose not to attend the basketball tournament I had the option to pass my camera and intentions to write a story about the tournament to another staff member. Instead I joined the camper in the mess hall and in front of our nurse’s quarters. He stood nearly a foot taller than me. He definitely weighed more than me, but we spent more than two hours wrestling each other to the ground until one of us was laughing so hard we had to take a break. At the end of the night in the med’s line I signed for a hug and got it. We both had a smile on our faces for the entire night and though the camper could not verbally tell me, I wanted nothing more than to believe that he had the best night of his camping experience. That is, until tonight.

For me, it has always been about camper interaction and providing a camping experience they will never forget. I created this position because I saw a need at Camp Krem. Even though my title will remain Director of Special Projects I will be a counselor at heart, forever.

Six Day Sessions

2010-06-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

At Camp Krem there are different lengths of sessions. Some are ten days others are twelve. The programs and price per camper vary based on the length of the session. This session campers get to experience something relatively new to camp: a six day session. There are many great ideas behind a shorter six day session. One idea is that it allows camp to be more affordable for all people. Last summer California’s State Government cut funding to regional centers providing recreational outlets for those with disabilities. A six day session was a response to this in hopes that caregivers would not feel they had to cut recreational activities and trips for those with special needs.

Another idea behind the six day session, and a favorite around camp, is the speed and energy the six days bring. Campers get to experience all of camp packed into one incredibly fast week. By the time you realize the opening camp fire is done you are already moving on to dances, talent shows and more. As a staff member you find yourself moving campers from a hike to the playground back to arts and crafts then off to kickball or to a basketball game all before the sun sets and it is time to head to bed. I can only imagine that as a camper the memories are blurred beyond recognition. I can also imagine that the emotions that go along with those memories stay forever.

We have all experienced times in our lives where everything seems to move just a little bit too fast. In those moments, everything in our body wants to reach out and slow time down. We do not have the opportunity to be homesick or worry about what it is we have to do the rest of the summer. There are no worries about past or present. All there are is us and the six days at hand.

Hello vs. Goodbye

2010-06-27T23:25:00.000-07:00

At camp, some things are very cyclical. In terms of campers there are always two things that are certain: You will always say hello and you will always say goodbye. The end of session one brought the reality to all staff that campers have to leave. Just a couple days later a new session starts as new campers arrive to camp. At the start of each session there is an energy that surrounds camp that is almost indescribable. The staff waits with anticipation as each member of their cabin drives up that long hill. When the camper arrives two things happen: The campers say good bye to their parents or caregivers and then the campers say hello to their new counselors. Sometimes the attachments are more apparent than others. Occasionally a staff member is lucky enough to catch that one meaningful goodbye. Sometimes it is a hug that lasts just a couple seconds longer than usual. Other times you might see a tear or two. In these moments the staff member realizes that the caregiver wants nothing but the best for the camper. When the camper turns to say hello to the new staff it is the staff that realize why they came to camp in the first place. In these moments we understand why camp exists. For the staff session two started today. For the campers, this may be their only session to have the time of their lives.

Travel Camp

2010-06-24T01:40:00.000-07:00

Written by Alyssa Schroeder and Brian Valentini

Travel Camp is a very unique program at Camp Krem. This year Travel Camp will spend the first couple days of a session based out of Camp Krem. Campers will have the opportunity to visit local and state parks located within close proximity to Camp. After these first few days Travel Camp will reclaim its notorious reputation for roaming the great state of California and its most famous parks. During session one our Travel Campers greatly enjoyed the four days we stayed at Samuel P. Taylor State Park. After spending the first part of the session in Outdoor Camp (ODC), we finally got to leave Camp Krem to sleep out in the wilderness. After dealing with the pesky mosquitoes, they finally left us alone up at Samuel P. Taylor and we got to enjoy exploring the campground trails throughout the entire first day. Next, our trip to Point Reyer lighthouse was a cold, fog filled day, and even though we couldn’t even see the lighthouse, we heard it and knew it was there. We finished the day by visiting a State Park visitor center to learn about earthquakes. On the last full day of the session we arrived back at Main Camp, where we were greeted by staff and campers alike. As part of Camp Krem tradition we took part in the final camp final where awards are handed out along side some fun songs and skits. This is the perfect way to end a great session.

Sleep in Day!

2010-06-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts of traveling and vacationing, if not the best, is the food. No matter what region of the planet you go to, there are always different types of food. Food can represent a culture or a nation. It can give you a glimpse into the life of the people that are cooking for you. Food can be a hobby for those that eat it and cook it. Food can be an experience as you travel about. Food can be all of these things or just part of these. No matter where you go or what you do there is one universal truth to food; it brings people together for a bonding experience that seems to unify the group. A couple days ago camp had the opportunity to have sleep in day. Campers were able to sleep in an extra hour while the staff prepared breakfast in bed. When the staff came back with breakfast everything seemed to go much more smoothly. Wake up was easier for the campers who had breakfast practically sitting in their laps. Finally as we all gathered around in a circle to eat it seemed easier to talk. We did not have to talk over an entire mess hall. There was no program to worry about, nor were there any announcements or fighting for seconds and thirds. Campers and staff just sat around talking as if it was a morning around the breakfast table at home. It may not have been some foreign dish from around the world but it was certainly food that brought a cabin closer together as a single unified group. This kind of experience gives a sense of belonging. An experience everyone enjoys.

Temple of Boom!

2010-06-18T10:04:00.001-07:00

Every summer a person is chosen to run program for the summer sessions at camp. With every new person there are new things that come with them. And even though this happens, many things stay the same; after all, tradition rules. A typical day usually runs like this (stick with it): wake up, breakfast, morning activities, lunch, rest hour, swim time, free time, dinner, night activity and finally time to hit the sack. One should probably understand that a load of stuff happens within each time frame. There are often three or four activities going on each hour during morning activities alone. It is without question that fun is had throughout the day but the end all and be all point of the day for campers is usually the night activity. Many will try and say swimming is the best aspect of the day but it is clear that more campers participate and talk about the notoriously great night activities. Last night was a Camp Krem favorite for more than twenty years now. Some of the administrative staff members transformed the mess hall into a real live concert hall. The lights were dimmed. The stage stood four feet above the crowd. Chairs were lined up so that there was a pit area in front of the stage and best of all the speakers were set to full volume. During Temple of Boom there are about fifteen different acts, sometimes more. Counselors choose a popular song that the campers have been dancing to throughout the week. Then they make a grand entrance on the stage in some sort of lookalike costume and lip sing and dance to the song getting the crowd revved up so that everyone is in the pit dancing. Often times staff members will grab campers to join them on stage. It is an incredible scene that everyone should witness. Last night was no exception. With the night winding down three campers and three staff members stormed the stage for one final act. The Black Eyed Peas “Tonight’s Gonna Be a Good Night” was blaring and everybody was singing. The performers were reaching into the crowd and the crowd was reaching back. The flashes from cameras resembled the paparazzi trying to get a picture of some famous actor or actress. When the music finally started to fade everyone had a smile on their face and could still feel the buzz as we walked to the cabins. It was the perfect song to end an insanely high energy night.

Pictures!

2010-06-16T21:35:00.001-07:00

Its summer time. That means pool time!

Underwater action shot!

Limbo at the laua.

Invasion of the Robots! Robot scavenger hunt!

Support Staff

2010-06-15T14:18:00.000-07:00

At camp it is impossible to have a terrible day; both as a camper and as a staff member. As a staff member your first thought is always the camper. Campers may get frustrated with communicating with a new group of people. Staff may get frustrated because he or she cannot make everyone happy. It is difficult for everyone to ensure all meds are taken, everyone gets to all the activities they want to participate in and everybody stays healthy and fit. We have to keep the proper camper to counselor ratios in addition to balancing days and nights off and rest and night duties. Even with all that, the word “job” doesn’t apply to camp. The work we do up here is much more satisfying than any other type of employment. Still, it sometimes gets stressful. That is why at camp we have a support staff in place. There are three people with at least four years of experience working with the campers that come to Camp Krem. Whitney and Padraig are the female and male counselor coordinators, respectively. One major part of their job is to support the counselor staff. Jen is the administrative assistant. She also is a great support to the staff here. Whitney, Padraig and Jen all work tirelessly on paper work, gazebo duty, communicating with parents, supervising the staff and so on. Together, the three of them make sure to spend time with cabins and individual campers to balance the ratio of staff to camper and to give the counselors a break. When one of these three staff members’ steps in, it frees up the counselors to spend time with other campers, time that is more individualized. Suddenly a group goes from one counselor and three campers to one counselor and one camper. It is in this time especially that remarkable breakthroughs occur. It is not always through an activity or a game and it is usually not planned. When it happens it does not matter how the day started. We can always count on that one moment when a camper smiles at us or gives us that big hug and everything else just seems to melt away.

Session 1 Day 1!

2010-06-13T23:31:00.000-07:00

Take a walk through camp two days before campers arrive. Every mattress is spotless, every floor bleached white and every piece of equipment is neatly organized. Walk through arts and crafts, around the pool or up pipeline and there is not a piece of garbage to be seen. If you walk long enough on that Friday evening you will find a calm that is rather peaceful and fulfilling. As you open your eyes you realize it is Sunday and the campers are on the way up the hill. Before you know it a bus drops off nearly 40 campers, luggage and all, in addition to the 40 that were already there! What occurs next is commonly referred to as organized chaos. Fun organized chaos. Everybody scrambles for the bed of choice and rushes off to his or her favorite activity. Counselors and staff stumble into structured activities to provide the day that every camper deserves. Lunch is served. Dinner quickly follows and believe it or not the camp fire is right in front of us. Every person is singing and providing introductions. The levels of engagement are astonishing. Session 1 is upon us. Energy levels are high, expectations are great and the campers are about to have the time of their lives.

What’s Cookin’ Good Lookin’?!

2010-06-10T17:28:00.000-07:00

Written by Scott Chappell

A new summer brings a new position for me here at camp. I started out as a counselor, as so many do. Since then I have returned as the CIT Coordinator, ODC Director, Aquatics Director, and now here I am tackling the kitchen as the Head Cook for camp. With each new position I’ve filled at camp, my focus has always been the campers. As the CIT Coordinator I made sure that our CITs spent as much time with campers and learned as much as they could about the community we serve and take it back to their own communities to spread awareness and acceptance. As ODC Director it was teaching life skills through the outdoor experience. As Aquatics director I strove to make sure campers felt safe enough to try their hardest and reach their maximum potential at the pool. Now I get the chance to use food as my tool for campers (and staff) to have an amazing session. I couldn’t be more excited to be in the kitchen. My experience in food has always been in mass production and very impersonal so I can’t wait for campers to get here and see their faces during meal times. This summer I will definitely be focusing more on fresh fruits and vegetables for our campers and staff—about two thirds of my budget over the last two weeks has been spent on fresh produce and whole grains. We’re also going to be making a majority of our food in house to ensure that what we’re putting into our campers’ bodies is wholesome and nutritious. This summer I’m also implementing “Wellness Wednesdays.” Every Wednesday for lunch campers will be having fresh garden salad, fresh cut veggies (carrots, jicama, celery, bell peppers, and more!), and for dessert I have an amazing recipe for a frozen fruit sorbet. Tonight’s dinner will be steamed broccoli, garlic mashed potatoes, and homemade BBQ chicken. Who says healthy can’t be fun and delicious? Hope to see you all soon!

Another Day, Another Lesson

2010-06-09T12:01:00.001-07:00

Every day is a new day. As the sun rises we have the opportunity to learn something new, do something fun, meet new people, or anything that comes our way. Tuesday and Wednesday were chalk full of fun and excitement at the new staff began learning the skills they’ll need throughout the summer. The counselors went through different lessons on disabilities, how to maintain good camper personal hygiene, and emergency procedures. Because we are a family here at Camp Krem, the admin staff strives to run these sessions in a manner that allows the staff to take in new information, yet feel relaxed and stress free (check out our photo album and watch our counselors grow!). There’s no question about it, counselor orientation week is vital to provide the very best services to all of our wonderful campers. It’s not very common that one has to change the diaper of another person or help with showering. This is why we set the bar high and help our staff keep it there—resulting in a successful and beneficial camping experience for our campers. Of course there’s a lot more to counselor week than workshops and lessons. Throughout the week various team building exercises and outing help the staff bond and develop a sense of trust among each other. Activities like our traditional Temple of Boom or the night under the stars bring us closer together every day. Last night we all took our sleeping bags down to Outdoor Camp (ODC). We camped out and ate some delicious smores (thanks Abbey, our ODC director!). Wandering from group to group it was amazing to see each staff member participating in conversation, songs, and games; It was as if we had all been friends for years. The laughter seemed to go on forever. As everyone crawled up into their sleeping bags, another day came to an end—a perfect example of how Camp Krem finds a way to bring out the very best in everyone.

Day Two

2010-06-07T23:14:00.000-07:00

When an alarm rings at 5:30 in the morning there’s only one question running through your mind. Why? During counselor orientation it is easy to see the energy levels at the maximum. Some people take advantage of the more relaxed schedule to see the morning fog in the mountains or relax by doing yoga as the sun rises. An observant person can learn about the staff just by watching them and the activities they choose when they have the freedom to wander. During counselor orientation we learn so much about ourselves, others and our jobs. We go through mini courses on American Sign Language, camp policies, job descriptions, a typical camp day and a crash course on various disabilities. We team build, work through binders of paperwork, and prepare camp for the arrival of the campers. Everything one needs to know about camp is packed into four days. We learn to love the place that will be our home for the next two and a half months. We work to make it feel like a home to the campers who will soon join us. We as counselors are fortunate to be the people who encourage and empower those that visit us. We are the people that are chosen to do a great honor and put others before ourselves.

The Journey Begins

2010-06-06T22:30:00.001-07:00

It does not matter who you talk to. The nerves are there. The ride up the hill is just more than a half mile driving almost as fast as one could run. Today was the first day of counselor orientation and about half of the staff are first timers. The rest of the staff was a first timer at some point in their lives. For some of us it is harder than others to remember what it was like to be new. Most of us knew no one. Some of us may have been lucky to have a friend. If you were fortunate you caught a whisper of what camp is like. Maybe you heard a story of a camper or about the travel camp. Maybe you heard about the trips to Lake Tahoe. Or maybe you were as clueless as the day you were born. This is the start of a journey that is six sessions short and one fast summer. We come from all over the world including Ireland, New York, New Zealand and California. The journey started with just ourselves and today we met our family for the summer of 2010. On day one all you know is that you and the person next to you are about to love on campers with special needs. At the end of sixth session that person may very well be your best friend.