Dear Treetops Families,
As I walked around campus this past week and looked at photos from recent trips and activities, I was struck by the amount of pure joy I observed in our campers. Smiles and laughter were plentiful—whether they were sashaying down the column of partners during the “Virginia Reel” at our first square dance; flinging themselves down the Slip ‘N Slide at our Junior Camp Water Carnival; throwing their arms around one another to celebrate summiting a High Peak; or returning to campus at the end of a long paddle through Adirondack waters.
In this third week of Camp, we celebrate the comfort and confidence that campers have acquired within our community. It is one of the many gifts of a Treetops summer: that children have the time and space to truly settle into their relationships and grow in confidence through their daily activities. With these experiences comes the courage to try new things, and dig deeper into the activities for which they’ve come to develop deep interest and passion.
Last week ended with our square dance celebrations. Scheduling this event once campers have settled into their friendships and cast off some of their self-consciousness is intentional and purposeful. Campers not only learn the steps and favorite songs we return to year after year, but they also become a part of the longtime Treetops tradition of square dancing. It’s one that highlights so many varying aspects of the beauty of our community—from the talents of those who play live music during the evening, to the simple joys of dancing together outdoors in the fresh mountain air. The days of counselors pairing campers up together are long gone, and the ability to dance with whomever they choose relieves them of the nervousness and anxiety that can come with trying something new. And of course, we cap off the night with chocolate chip cookies and milk before bedtime, a fan favorite.
After three weeks of running around campus, up and down the Lake Hill, and learning basic skills, children are prepared, ready, and excited to utilize their new skills on more difficult paddles, climbs, and overnight trips, as well as further opportunities to dig into their creative projects here at home. For some, this meant summiting new and challenging peaks, such as the Wolfjaws, Sawteeth, Big Slide, and Giant, or rock-climbing at Jewels and Gems, a small roadside crag in nearby Keene Valley. For others, it was while testing their skills paddling, portaging, and camping on various Adirondack waterways—some even enjoying the first-of-the-season off-campus sailing trips on Lower Saranac Lake.
Back on campus, campers are completing complex weavings in every color of the rainbow, and practicing their knife and culinary skills as they chop garlic scapes, prepare strawberry shortcake from scratch, and hand-roll farm-fresh vegetable sushi. Others are busy at work glazing their bisque-fired pottery projects in the ceramics studios, or sanding and crafting woodshop projects, from ornamental carvings and side tables, to canoe paddles made using only hand tools—a long-standing Treetops tradition and a practical, yet cherished treasure they’ll hold onto for a lifetime.
I, too, was filled with immense joy this week. As camp director, I’m so fortunate to have a front row seat to this evolution in your camper: the journey from tentative and even reluctant participants, to skilled specialists, who are proud to explain what they’ve achieved and the steps they’ve taken to do so. I frequently sit back in awe, reveling in the glow of their pride and accomplishment.
Thank you again for giving your children the gift of a Treetops summer.
With joy and gratitude,
Hannah Edwards
Camp Treetops Director