Headlines -
May 17, 2013
Our camping
trip is next week (yes, next week) and I thought it might be a good idea to
share some of my observations about how a parent might survive and thrive
during the all-school camping trip.
First.
Your child will be very excited before and throughout the trip, especially the
younger ones. Simple activities such as eating or tying a shoe may be
much harder for them during this time. Don’t worry; those skills will return. Realizing how exciting it
must be for your child will help you to be understanding when they can’t seem
to remember your name. However, in middle school they are choosing to not
recognize you.
Second.
If you come on the trip, you will have fun. It is a beautiful spot
and the quirks of the camp staff are a small price to pay for the
experience. There is ample opportunity for you to help the teachers,
chaperone students, and enjoy the company of other parents and kids. It
is a fun and pleasant time to be together. Beach time, camp fires, and
the talent show are highlights for many but I especially like the lake side
Meeting for Worship on Friday morning. I do know that many parents enjoy
the camping trip and, like me, look forward to it every year.
Third.
Parents should realize that there are some philosophical differences between
Friends School and Camp Blue Diamond. The camp and its staff have been
running their facility for a long time and believe that organization and timing
are keys to a successful camp. We have also been in business for a long
time and are organized a little differently. This can and does lead to
some confusion. We get scolded when we aren’t on time, we are asked to
use designated “in” and “out” doors in the lodge even though they both open to
the same place, and we are given no quarter on changing meal numbers once we
provide them a week earlier (see Mary’s email). Our school, on the other
hand, is seeking a peaceful and relaxed experience and Blue Diamond’s approach
can seem overbearing at times. However, regimentation can have its
benefits; the camp is clean and safe and coffee is available in the morning at
6:30 am sharp.
Fourth.
On Friday, everyone will be tired (including you). It will be a good
tired but there may be some crankiness seeping in. Plan on low-key activities
for Friday afternoon and evening. Our family has found movie night at
home to be a great way to spend our evening. Others start travel plans
and have enjoyed sleeping children during the drive. Either way, knowing
that tiredness may be part of the equation on Friday is essential.
Finally, being
prepared for Mother Nature is always good idea when venturing outside for a few
days. Comfort is always a big part of enjoying your time outdoors.
Make sure that you, as well as your child, are prepared with layered
clothing, rain gear and proper footwear. The packing list that you
received with your letter reflects years of accumulated wisdom and deserves
your attention.
Well I hope
these brief observations will help you and your student to better enjoy our
camping trip. It is a wonderful time, filled with fun and friendships,
and I hope to see you there.
Dan
Announcements
Dorothy’s
Potluck – Reminder: Teacher Dorothy retires from teaching at the end of
this school year. All are invited to attend a dessert potluck reception in the
State College Friends School Community Room, Tuesday, May 21st from 6:00 -
8:00. (We are not serving dinner.) Bring a dessert and some memories to share.
Invitations and notices were sent to former and current families, faculty,
trustees, and friends but please keep spreading the word to your alumni
friends. Direct your questions about the event, gifts, program, etc. to lorip@scfriends.org
Camping
Trip -The
all-school camping trip is next Thursday and Friday, May 23 and 24. Mary
is still waiting for a few signed forms. Paris is out of the question!
Last
Day/Graduation – Friday,
May 31 is our last day of school and graduation for our eighth graders.
We will have Meeting for Worship beginning at 8:45 and continue into our moving
up and graduation ceremony. It will be a half day with dismissal
and busses at noon.
Tennis
and Golf - Many of
our children enjoyed our after school tennis program again this session. To
find out more about tennis in the Centre Region, there will be a Tennis Block
Party, hosted by the Centre Region Community Tennis Association, on Saturday,
May 18 from 11 to 2 at the Spring Creek Tennis Courts.
If you and your
children enjoyed the new addition of Golfzilla at the Fun Fair this year and
would like to find out more about golf opportunities and camps for children
through the PGA Sports Academy on campus, there are brochures at the front desk
or you can contact Steve Wager at smw363@psu.edu. We are so grateful for the generous
donation of this Golfzilla at the Fun Fair, and it definitely looked like folks
really enjoyed it!
Alan Klein
