Category Archives: summer 2015

Add campers, add heart

June 21, 2015

  1. DSC_0674 (1)I don’t think we could have ordered better weather for a first day of camp! It is gorgeous!

    All our boys made it to camp safe and sound. The busses rolled in around 5:00 to be met by our staff and campers that had arrived by car. 56 boys rolled off the bus, and staffers and campers grabbed their gear and the soccer field was emptied in about 10 minutes flat. Fantastic!

    Campers are getting their beds made and their footlockers squared away and in the meantime, 50+ lbs. of spaghetti are cooking. They’ll look forward to an awesome dinner of salad, spaghetti, garlic bread and fruit and cookies (nine-dozen!) for dessert.

    Tonight they’ll gather as divisions to get a lay of the land and discuss the general rules at camp. Of course they’ll eat s’mores around a fire. This is camp, people!

    These first moments of camp are some of my favorite. I wish I could bottle the excitement in the air. Boys are nervousexcitedscaredhappysadmostlyexcited. Highlands is an incredible place, filled with history and a special magic, but what gives this place a beating heart are YOUR boys. Today’s boys. We’re honored to have them here.

    We’d also like to send a special shout out to all the dads out there. Happy Father’s Day from all your friends at Camp Highlands.

    Don’t forget you can follow the fun on our gallery. The password is in the handbook and is also in the emails we’ve sent you. If you have trouble getting in, just let us know.

    And on that note…

    I ❤ CH // tracy b.

    P.S. I just want to point out that boys were thrilled to hand over their screens to us today. It’s like a relief for them! I wish someone would take my phone from me!

  2. Camp Comms

    Dear Moms and Dads,
    I just wanted to introduce myself and let you know a few things about communication at Camp. My name is Tracy Bachmann. I am the person that you will be hearing from when you read our daily blog during camp. As a mom, I understand how important it is to feel connected! I’m in the office every day answering the phone, shepherding emails and making Camp Facebook updates. Communication is my passion!
    A few things I’d like you to know:
    • Feel free to call or email me any time. Do not hesitate to ask for an update on your camper – I’m happy to make inquiries and give you a report. I am in the office all morning long, and much of the afternoon. If we are not at the phone, leave a message and we will call you back shortly.
    • We make frequent blog posts all week long reporting on the weather, fun stuff going on at Camp, what the boys are eating for lunch and MORE. It’s a great way to feel connected to your camper, as well as a great way to relive the memories once he’s home from Camp.
    • Sign in to the gallery on the website.  We upload photos often. We try our best to get as many faces as possible on there, if you don’t see your child don’t worry.
    • If you’d like to email your son, we are now using a new email system through your CampMinder account. We sent a lengthy email about how to set this up earlier this week. Please call if you have any questions.
    • Like us on Facebook! We will be making daily posts there. Tell your friends and family! It’s a great way for them to stay connected with your camper, too!
    • Follow us on Twitter @CampHighlands  and on Instagram too! (ok, full disclosure, I even have several Highlands Pinterest boards!
    We so appreciate your son’s attendance at Camp Highlands. We try our best to keep you informed about what’s going on at Camp. If you have ideas about things you’d like us to report on, just let me know! I love hearing from parents, and am always available for a chat. If you have any concerns at all just give me a ring.
    Sincerely,
    Tracy B.
    P.S. I’ll be sending my 10 year old, Stella Plum, off to four weeks of camp in July for her third summer. I completely understand the mix of excitement and apprehension about shipping a child off to camp. So, seriously, if you’re worried, please call me! I can run recon for you and let you know how that boy of yours is doing!

  3. Forms, Prescriptions and Travel

    Screen Shot 2015-05-20 at 11.21.48 PMHey guys! If you are like me, packing for camp is about the last thing you are thinking about right now. Too many end-of-year parties, graduations and cleaning out of backpacks for that business!
    However…There are a few things that are really important right now.
    #1. Camp Rx paperwork:
    This is big. They need 30 days in order to fill, pack and mail your son’s prescription medication. If your child is going to need medication at camp (including vitamins) you are required to utilize this service. Please call us with questions. You must go to their website and complete their paperwork. **Please make sure you complete all steps specified, including emailing and/or faxing necessary information to them. Thank you! This is just one of the measures we take to ensure that everyone stays safe at camp.
    #2. Travel!
    We start to make travel preparations now. Please indicate on your forms how your son will be arriving at camp.
    How do you fill out forms? It’s pretty easy! Just log into your account and click the “forms” link. Most forms are web-based, and those that aren’t you can just scan and upload directly to your son’s record.
    We are getting so super duper excited to get 2015 underway, and we are thrilled you’ll be with us! We still have a few spots available, so if you haven’t already, enroll today!