Camp Monroe Sleep Away Camp in New York
I have been to many sleep away camps and each one has their own unique identity, values, customs, and identity that separates it from other camps. One summer sleep away camp that I have attended is camp Monroe in Monticello, New York. I can tell you from personal experience that I spent four of my greatest summers there and had the time of my life. Camp Monroe is best known for culture that is heavily stressed. Most of the campers who attend are Jewish but there is still a good number of Christian children who go there for their fostering and nurturing environment. The camp director’s entire family is actively involved in the camp and he is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. All around the camp are posted signs like doing acts of kindness and being a good person. Just stepping into the camp atmosphere you can feel a difference right away in the way people treat you and the kind attitude that you receive. During and after meals, prayers are said, thanking god for the food we have eaten. At the dining room a considerable amount of time is spent where campers and counselors single out a special camper who has performed an admirable deed that day. At the end of each week, there is a raffle where prizes are given out which is really exciting for the campers. On Saturdays, the campers attend a service of prayer and are supposed to relax during the day instead of engaging in activities on a normal day.
In addition to the cultural environment, Camp Monroe also has many sports facilities such as tennis courts, a golf course, basketball courts, ping pong tables, a softball field, racquetball, horseback riding, go-karts, and much more. Camp Monroe has activities like Go-Karts or Horseback-riding which no other camp has which make it one of a kind. While children are not forced to do one of these activities, they are highly encouraged to take part in them and by the end of the summer they come to love it. The living quarters or bunks where the campers live look brand new from the outside and that is because they are constantly being redone. The bunks are spacious and the staff members are extremely friendly to all of the campers. Bunk unity comes together and all of the campers are friends by the end of the summer and act as one big family.
The camp also participates in several inter-camp activities such as competition in softball, tennis, or basketball. Win or loose, the camp loves competition and celebrates each victory over another camp by announcing the results of a competition at meals. At meals, waiters who are regular staff members serve the food as the bunks sit together and talk about the day’s activities. The food there is also exceptional. The camp also has a huge canteen place where ice-cream, cookies, soda and other goodies are given to campers as a snack during the day.
The camp engages in songs and art activities throughout the weak in addition to sports activities. In the middle of the camp there is a visiting day for parents to see their children and the camp in action on a normal day of activities. In the middle of the summer there is also a Color War activities which is common for many camps to have. A banner is created along with a special song and cheer that all children must sing. A symbolic candle is lit to signify the competition as the camp is divided into two random team. Camper competes against camper in an event that captivates the entire camp.
Camp Monroe is a really great camp and a great way to spend your summer. As a sleep away camp it is one of the finest. Its fostering and nurturing environment are unparalleled by any other camp. I highly recommend it to anyone. Should you be looking for a summer camp, feel free to visit it over the summer and speak to campers, the director or staff members or search for it online for more info.
