CRS '23 SESSION 2 WEEK 2

Ambitious, passionate, inspired – these are the words that come to mind when describing this year’s campers. As campers have finally gotten used to the pace of Camp, there are many more opportunities for leadership and special events! This blog focuses on our personal experiences along with plenty of interviews and Camp news.

Table of Contents

• Meet Your Editors

• Dock Project 

• Kitchen Staff Interview

• Nature Trip Leader Interview

• Social and Community

• Special Interview with Alumni

• Arts and Books Review

Meet Your Editors

Heyo! It’s your favourite Canadian girl - Yuki! I am 15 years old and about to go into grade 11. I plan on pursuing a career in political science or English literature, or maybe even philosophy. In my spare time at camp, you can find me writing letters to my friends, sleeping, or munching on my amazing toast that has too much butter and jam. At home, my hobbies include building robots for VEX competitions (shoutout to 614B), crocheting flowers, or watching Kpop music videos. Some of my favourite music artists include: Arctic monkeys, (GI)-idle, and Lana del Rey!

Hello there! I’m Elena, I’m 16 years old, and I come from Greece. I am indecisive about my future studies, but both math and journalism excite me. You’ll most probably find me by the treehouse, writing and getting mosquito bites. I am also weirdly passionate about woodchopping.

Hi! I am Anisa and I am from Tajikistan. Even though I am a senior, I still cannot choose which career field I want to pursue in the future. If you are wondering where I am during Self-Structured-Time, I am probably sleeping in the camper's lounge.

Dock Project

Dock building is one of the several projects available at Camp. This week, thirteen campers along with counselor Jay are working towards rebuilding the dock by the pond. The dock has been up for over twenty years, so it was time for a makeover! We had Jay tell us a little about this project and interviewed one of the campers on her experience working on the dock.

Who are you? What is your experience with building?

I am Jay, a project counselor. I have more than fifteen years of experience in the building trades construction business.

What is the overall goal of building a dock?

To replace the existing one, to create teamwork and an atmosphere of how collaboration works. It’s a teamwork exercise where you build something in the process.

How old was the old dock?

It was more than 20 years old, and it had been renovated in 2016.

About how long will it take to finish?

It will be done by the end of camp.

Are there any challenges that the campers face with the construction of the dock?

Oh, hundreds. Firstly, learning how to use the tools themselves, then getting more experienced with them. Learning to measure, learning the language of building and to work as a team.

Lastly, what do you enjoy most about working with the campers?

Seeing the smiles on their faces when they achieve something they never thought they could do. One of my favorite quotes is “Many hands make light work”.

Vlada is one of the campers enrolled in the Docks project this week, as well as one of the project leaders for the week.

Who are you?

My name is Vlada and I am currently a rising junior. I would describe myself as a camper who likes trying new things and I also like to spin poi! I discovered my love of poi at a summer camp and I hope to get a fire poi when I return home. I also love to paint people with flowers using acrylics, oil, and pastels. Lastly, I love to go hiking and see how animals interact with their surroundings. 

What are some challenges you face everyday?

One of the main challenges of building the dock is making sure everyone has a chance to do something fun because there are quite a lot of people working on the dock at one time. Of course, there are also technical challenges like the boards not aligning and also not knowing what to do sometimes. I noticed that some other campers are a little scared of using the tools because they do not want to embarrass themselves in front of other people.

What skills have you acquired?

I have developed a variety of skills! Including drilling screws, improving my relationship with other campers, and working as a team!

What is your experience in building?

I actually built a closet at home for my clothes because I needed more space for it! I also help my family build things.

What do you enjoy most about working with the campers?

I enjoy all the new skills and experiences that come from building the dock. We have such fun conversations while solving problems together! It’s like we’re a big family.

Kitchen Staff Interview

The kitchen staff at CRS consists of four members; Ryan, Shannon, Krista, and Samantha. They cook various meals from different cultures and cuisines for everyone at the camp on a daily basis! The head of the kitchen, Shannon, told us a bit about herself and working in the CRS kitchen.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?

My name is Shannon, and I have been a chef/food and beverage director for forty years. I am from Missouri, and I’ve gone to university. I was also a camper at another camp when I was younger. In 2014, my dog and I went on a sabbatical, and we traveled 80% of the country; deserts, mountains, coasts. For the past ten years, I’ve been camping all around the country. I also went vegetarian five or six years ago. Doing all the things I love, that’s how I ended up being a food and beverage director at Camp.

What challenges do kitchen staff face daily?

The biggest challenge I face is also the part I love most about my job; the diversity of diets, and how much there is to learn. Vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher! I love it, but it's challenging.

What is your favorite food?

Mediterranean food. When you eat it, you feel full, but not bloated. It carries you through, it’s good quality and it's sustaining.

Nature Trip Leaders

As many campers argue, the two nature trips that are organized every year are one of the highlights of Camp. During each trip, for three days and two nights, half the campers assemble in small groups and explore the trails either at Camp Rising Sun’s Red Hook campus or at Clinton. They get the chance to build their own fire, sleep in tents that they themselves assemble, cook their food in the woods and so much more. This year, the nature trips last from August 3rd to 5th and from August 10th to 12th. During the second day of each trip, the 3 groups have their hiking trip happening as well, where they visited the Minnewaska National Park. For the first trip, one group is exploring Clinton and two groups are visiting Red Hook. We spoke to two of the trip leaders, one for each destination, a day before the trip.

Meet Felice! She is currently a rising junior in Brooklyn, New York and is interested in anything STEM related, but mainly within the computer science field. A fun fact about her is that even though she is surrounded by pigeons in her everyday life, she is actually terrified of them!

Which camping ground did you choose? Why did you choose this campus?

My co-leader and I decided that Clinton campus was where our camping group would be staying for the duration of our trip. This was mainly because of the well-established trails and star-gazing tower. We realized that many people in our group were a little hesitant and scared to go on the nature trip, so we decided to take this into consideration. The Clinton campus allows for a lower possibility of getting tick bites and is more spacious than Red Hook, while also providing an opportunity to star gaze!

How are you feeling about the trip?

I am very excited for this trip! Though I have to admit, I am a little hesitant because of all the insects that will surround me; however, it's nothing a lot of bug spray can’t stop!

How does it feel to be a leader on the trip?

There is nothing more I look forward to than being able to lead this trip. I think it is such a good opportunity and a chance to further my leadership experience. This experience will be incredibly eye-opening because of the commitment and time I need to put forth for this trip to be fun and present for my group members.

What is your experience with camping?

I have zero experience with camping, though I have done glamping before with my family. This is also my first time sleeping in the woods! Nonetheless, I am very excited to give it a shot.

Are you nervous or scared? Why so?

I am not very nervous for the trip because even though things may go wrong, I trust the counselors and my peers to use the right tools and mindset to solve these problems without difficulty.

Meet Monika! She is a 16 year old camper from Poland and one of the nature trip leaders going to Red Hook.

As a nature trip leader, which site did you choose and why?

Me and my co-leader chose for our group to visit Red Hook, because it’s something new. It sounds more risky, but that’s exciting.

How do you feel about the trip?

I’m really excited, but at the same time very nervous. I hope that it’s a good experience for everyone and that we all have fun.

Do you have any experience with camping?

No, I have zero experience. So, it’s going to be a challenge.

What’s something that makes you nervous?

Leading the group is generally nerve-racking.

Social and Community

Variety show

Come see the amazing variety show that is organized weekly at CRS! Every week, campers are given an opportunity to showcase their organizing skills and share their passion with others. For our up-coming show the leaders of the variety show, Matilda and Lanice, decided to go with a NYC night theme. We interviewed Matilda to tell us about her experience arranging the variety show!

Can you tell us the main purpose of variety shows?

Well, I believe that there are two main purposes of a variety show. Firstly, it provides an opportunity for people to perform and witness different types of art, whether that’s music, dance, comedy or something else entirely. And secondly, it’s a great way to unite people in a fun and engaging way, allowing them to showcase their talents and develop cordial bonds with their peers. Overall, in my opinion, variety shows are one of the best ways to promote community spirit and creativity. 

How does it feel to be a leader of a variety show?

I am excited to organize the show, which can help to unite people in a fun way. Also, I am honored to have an opportunity to organize one of the most important events of the week. 

How hard is it to organize such a big event like these? 

It can be really challenging actually. We have a limited amount of time to choose the music, prepare the decorations, and coordinate the performances. But at the end of the day, it’s all worth it to see smiles on everyone’s faces and to bring the community together in an entertaining way. 

Is one week enough to prepare for this show?

Even though we have a very short time, it is still enough, as we have people who are ready to support us with everything. Therefore, I believe that we can assemble the show in one week. 

What type of challenges have you faced while organizing the show?

It is challenging to organize it in a way, so everybody could enjoy it. However, with hard work and careful planning we can overcome this challenge, and create a memorable event for all included. 

What is your favourite part of the variety show?

Behind the scene work, the fun moments we have while arranging the show, the comedy performances.

Affinity groups

Affinity groups are a longstanding CRS tradition for like-minded campers to gather and discuss their experiences in the world! One could describe the groups as families as campers bond within these small groups. Currently, there are four affinity groups: POC, queer, English as a second language, and homesick. We have interviewed a camper to share her experience attending an affinity group.

Who are you and which affinity group did you attend?

Hello! My name is Sandra and I am from Spain. I am interested in theater and I enjoy learning about cinematography! This week, I attended the queer affinity group at CRS.

Why do you think affinity groups are important?

I think that affinity groups are very important to CRS since it is a space where everyone can be who they are and be around people who have similar experiences with you. You can also express your thoughts without being judged. I think it also helps you connect with others on a deeper level, helping you form life-long relationships.

Were you nervous to go to the affinity group? Why so?

I was not nervous going to the affinity group at first, but when everyone sat down I felt a little nervous since it was a completely new experience for me and I did not know what to expect. In the end, it was so nice to be in a small, supportive environment with lots of different viewpoints.

Fancy dinner

The fancy dinner that took place on Tuesday, August first was organized by leaders of the day Clara and Alissa. We interviewed Clara on her experience planning the dinner as well as the inspiration behind it.

Who are you?

My name is Clara and I'm 17 years old. I'm originally from Berlin, Germany. I was a camper in 2022 and enjoyed it so much that I decided to come back for a second year. Fun fact about me - I love pineapple on my pizza!

What was the inspiration behind the dinner?

As a week was coming to an end, my co-leader and I wanted to organize a memorable evening. We thought that it would be a good idea to create an atmosphere like in a luxurious restaurant, so it could be a special evening for everyone.

In your opinion, what was the highlight of the dinner?

The image of a happy smile on everyone’s faces while they were entering the dining hall, in their elegant attire, has stuck in my mind. Also, I am so grateful for the kitchen staff preparing delicious appetizers for us to enjoy. I believe that we have created a heartwarming memory for us to cherish for years to come.

If you were to do it again, what would you do differently?

If I had a chance to do it all over again I would have prepared a music playlist specifically for this dinner. 

Birthday celebration

Who are you and how old did you turn?

My name is Ana and I am from Spain! I turned 16 on July 30th which coincides with Camp. In my free time I enjoy reading, playing music, and eating breakfast with my mom. I also plan to pursue a career in literature!

What was it like celebrating your birthday at CRS?

It was truly one of the most unique experiences of my life and I think nothing like it will ever happen again in my life. The environment was so warm and welcoming.

What was the highlight of your birthday?

The highlight of my birthday was the songs and the cake! It was so delicious and I am so thankful to the kitchen staff for making the cake. I also met so many new people and used it as an opportunity to socialize and get to know more people!

Special Interview with Alumni 

This week, the camp had a very special guest come visit and share his experience with the campers! 

Who are you?

My name is John Chadwick Ross, but most people call me Johnny. I would describe myself as a happy and out-going person. I currently work in the tech industry and it is extremely tiring, but I enjoy hiking, finding new cafes, and mocking the broken US systems.

What was your experience like at CRS?

It was definitely different. My first year in 2010 was in Red Hook and I felt it to be empowering, eye-opening, accepting, and engaging. I met so many people and I was there to have fun. One of the key lessons I learned is that you can handle more than you think. My second year was in 2011, also at Red Hook. This was even better than my first year as I was more of a guide and I already knew how Camp worked, so I was not stressed and made lifelong friends.

Why did you come back to CRS?

Well, I would say CRS had given me so much and I wanted to pay it forward by letting other people also experience the wonders of Camp!

What would you change?

As a staff member, I would like to have a longer session and to have the two Camps to overlap with each other since it would be beneficial for all genders to discuss world issues with each other. I personally think that a Boys and Non-Binary session can become an echo chamber where they do not really listen to women. 

What has changed about CRS?

The biggest change would definitely be the campus. The change from Red Hook to Clinton is one of the most debated topics among the alumni. Personally, I like Clinton more since it brings the community closer and the focus is on making friends instead of surviving the climate at Red Hook. 

What is your favourite food at CRS?

That would definitely be the pizza nights where our Camp would make nine to ten massive tray pizzas to share!

Arts and Community

Book Reviews

Name: Lucia (US - NY)

Book Recommendation: The Secret History

Genre: classics, psychological, mystery/thriller

Summary: Under the influence of a charismatic classics professor, a group of clever and eccentric misfits at a New England college discover a way of thought and live a world away from their “normal” and contemporary lives. But their search for the transcendent leads them down a dangerous path beyond the human constructs of morality.

Review: The pacing is set just at the right place and each page always keeps you guessing. Rather than a typical mystery novel asking “who did it?”, this book’s main element is “why?” and makes you question the depth and tragedy of each of the characters.

Name: Yuki (Canada)

Book Recommendation: Circe

Genre: mythological, fiction, fantasy

Summary: Circe is a minor goddess and the daughter of Greek God Helios in Greek mythology. The book follows her throughout her life as she discovers her identity, navigates relationships, and the difficulties of being a woman. After being exiled from her father’s halls, she resides in Aiaia with her handmaids. This is truly a turbulent tale of resilience, struggle, and despair.

Review: Personally, I am enjoying this book a lot since I am very interested in Greek mythology! The book allows for the readers to draw ties between how women are mistreated today as well as in the past. The story has beautiful descriptions of land and the emotions Circe feels are described so eloquently, it feels as if you are transported next to her.

Name: Ana (Spain)

Book Recommendation: Little Women

Genre: novel, coming-of-age history, classic

Summary: The story follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—and details their passage from childhood to womanhood. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March are raised in genteel poverty by their loving mother, Marmee, in a quiet Massachusetts town while their father serves as an army chaplain during the American Civil War. Each of the young ladies have a “burden” or character flaw that they must recognize and overcome to reach their goals, and they find out that happy endings do not always turn out as expected.

Review: So far I’ve been loving this book. All the characters are really well-written, the author does a great job in helping you understand the context they’re living in. I believe their experiences are quite relevant to this day. As a young woman it’s so interesting how I can relate to a character that lived in such a different environment. Furthermore, this book was my mom’s favorite when she was my age so I love it.

Arts Corner

“A life that everyone gets”

Written by Esther (US - MA)

As a 15 year old girl, I always dreamt of doing the things I want with the people that I love

Living a life where there aren’t any downsides, flying like a dove, but knowing that I’m the most introverted person I felt myself hurt - my mom always told me that people are the scariest creatures in the world

I put on a mask everyday just to hide myself from everyone

But I set a goal that I was going to be done

I was done being the shy girl at school

I was done being the fool

I wanted to change me for myself

So I’m writing this poem so you can change yourself

I always believed that my mom was wrong

But growing older I started to realize what it meant after so long

Even though that thought scares me and I won’t get everything I want

Find those hard moments and learn from them even if it haunts 

Don’t be scared to face the change

Always try to be outside your range

Live the life where people look up to you

That will do

“The bad news is - you’re on your own now, but the good news is - you’re on your own now.”

Written by Kateryna (Kyiv, Ukraine) 

We’ve all reached the point in our life when we leave our families behind, and like wolves, leaving a pack, go into an unknown forest, seeking adventures. Alone, no friends, no family, no house. Just you and your suitcase. I know, starting a new journey can feel freaking scary.

I was a small star in a ceaseless universe going millions kilometers broad. Until I’ve entered camp. One step into the campus and suddenly I’m in a galaxy of other shining stars around me - together we are a constellation. We are a community. 

At the same time, every time I faced hardships and overcame them, I felt more and more confident with every challenge going away. I stood there, waving final farewells to my fears, and suddenly realized that now, I can survive anything life throws my way.

At this moment, I am starting from a blank sheet with full independence. I am free. I am self-sufficient. 

I am alone, but never lonely.