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We are so excited about the new dates for 2012 and we wanted to let you know why we made a few changes. So here’s some inside info, so you can be as excited as we are. As many of you know, we did a survey this summer of all camp parents around the questions of camp dates. We were grateful to get so many responses and a lot of helpful feedback.
First, the move of Junior Camp to the end of the summer (Sat, July 28 – Tues, Aug 7). What we heard from you is that moving Jr Camp to the end would accommodate so many boys who are still in the middle of baseball season at the beginning of the summer. There is a general consensus that there are less activities at the end of the summer and boys need something to do before school starts back.
Second Term (Sat, June 30 – Wed, July 25): What we heard from you is that if Second Term closed a week or two earlier it would allow many more boys to attend who would also like to play football. The new dates allow a majority of boys to do both!
First Term (Sat, June 2-Wed, June 27): One of the great celebrations during First Term has always been the 4th of July. We will continue to have the exact same celebration during First Term, same schedule, meals, special events, fireworks and all. It will still have a patriotic theme even if the name is changed slightly. What you may not know is that we have traditionally held the same type celebration in 2nd Term and called it Mountain Day. So, each term will continue to hold these super fun and much loved special events.
Why open on a Saturday? Traditionally, our month sessions have opened and closed on weekdays. What we heard consistently from you was a request to have one day, either opening or closing, be on a weekend to allow working parents to see camp as well. All three terms will open this summer on a Saturday.
Why the same day as Desoto? Our month terms opening and closing will correspond with Camp Desoto’s dates. Camp Desoto is 5 miles down the road, we do our dances and Glee Club socials with them, and many campers have sisters who attend Desoto. For years, Alpine and Desoto opened on the same day. More recently our term dates have varied by 2 days, requiring some parents to spend 3 to 4 days in Mentone on each end of a term. The new dates will allow parents to cut down on travel costs as well as lessen valuable time away from work or family obligations at home.
If you have children at both camps you may be concerned about how you will coordinate drop off. Rest assured, you will have plenty of time at both camps to get your child settled and visit with their counselor. We will coordinate with Desoto to make this transition as smooth as possible.
All in all, we could not be more excited about 2012! We plan to have many new additions and changes to the program as always. See you on the Mountain!
Glenn
