3
Learning How to Make New Friends the OldFashioned Way
Yonko says that most campers come to camp knowing at least one
other kid, but by the end of the week they inevitably have made
new friendships, some that last a lifetime. “Bunking in a cabin
with a dozen other kids and a counselor for an entire week, they
get to know each other quite well. During the week they spend
time team building, bonding and working toward common goals,”
he said. “They start off not so sure about it. But soon they break
down the barriers.” He added that things like songs, skits and the
counselors acting silly and crazy helps the campers to get more
comfortable and to not be afraid to act silly themselves. This all
contributes to the perfect environment for new friendships to
blossom.
4
Getting Downright Dirty
According to Yonko, a highlight every week at Camp Notre
Dame is what they refer to as the “Amazon Hike.” Campers walk
in and along a stream until they arrive at Lake Erie where they
can play in clay pits and get completely covered in mud. “After
that their clothes will never be the same again,” says Yonko. “We
advise parents not to send their kids’ best stuff.” He adds with a
laugh that campers’ luggage doubles in weight over the course of
the week with the addition of dirt and rocks.
Contrary to what you might think, getting dirty does not come
naturally to many kids; some struggle with it because it is not
something they are normally allowed to do. But Yonko says that
getting messy shouldn’t be thought of as a bad thing. “If you’re
really going to experience life, you have to get dirty sometimes,
and immerse yourself in it, and enjoy it!”
5
Exploring Nature or “Turning a Fern”
A favorite saying at Camp Notre Dame, which was coined
by one of its counselors, is “Turn a Fern.” What is meant by the
phrase is that when you take the time to turn over a leaf, you’ll
find a whole world underneath.
“Living in the woods for a week, you start to notice things you
didn’t see before,” explained Yonko. “Kids will experience taking
a fish off a hook for the first time, or holding a frog or a snake.
They get a chance to see animals in their natural habitat. We
also teach them to be stewards of the earth and take care of their
environment.”
For more information and the chance to explore the possibility
of your child going to Camp Notre Dame, visit the Open House
on Sunday, June 1 from 1:00-4:00 pm. ■
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