I stood in the back of the Chuck Illig Playhouse on Founder’s Night in a huddle with four other boys. The four boys in the huddle with me were not on my staff, nor were they in my group as campers. What brought us huddled together that night was that we shared one thing in common- we had all come to Robin Hood in 2002. That makes this summer each of our 10th years at the Realm, and we were anxiously awaiting our 10-year vests.

Later that night, as I proudly wore my soft green vest to the staff meeting, my friend asked me how it felt to finally get the vest. At first, I responded that I didn’t feel any different- it was just a vest, and I’ve known I was going to receive it all summer. But later that night, I thought more about what a 10-year vest signified for me, and I realized it was more than just a comfy piece of clothing.

My dad went to Robin Hood for seven years during the ‘70s. As an eager soon-to-be Squire, I told my dad I was going to beat his seven years at camp. “I’m going to make it to 10 years!” I told him, and as surreal as it seems, that goal actually has come true. I’ve spent more than half of my summers at the Realm, and I’ve witnessed a lot of changes: new staff, new campers, several new buildings, and even a couple new traditions as well. Yet, with all of its changes, Robin Hood has remained the one thing that always remains constant in my life, and there are steady reminders everyday of that consistency. I still wake up to the same bugle playing accompanied with Chuck’s voice. Everyday I walk by the tree that one of my best friends and I carved our initials into several years ago, still with a faded DW etched on the bark. These are just a couple moments in an ongoing list that remind me how fortunate I am to have spent ten years here. Robin Hood feels like my second home- a place where I feel absolutely comfortable. And even as the years pass, I know that I can always feel welcomed in the Realm.

This summer I have been lucky enough to be the TPJ/Squire leader. I am back in the same bunk I was as a Squire, Archer, Forester, and now group leader. It’s amazing to think that one day my campers will be becoming group leaders. While it’s hard to teach junior camp boys that Robin Hood is more than just a simple camp, I try my best to make sure they have the best summer possible so they’ll keep coming back until they are old enough to realize what Robin Hood means to them. And who knows, hopefully in ten years they will be huddled in the back of Chuck’s Playhouse, awaiting their moment to walk on stage and receive their own 10-year vests.

Why do people take family vacations? We take family vacations to: see new places; take a break from regular activities; have family bonding time. For all these reasons, I would argue that our excursions are genuine family vacations.

What a pleasure our Saxon and Scribe excursion was. A majority of these children started their Robin Hood experience when I did. DC and I have literally watched these campers grow up to be the fine women and men they are today. And these past few days, we had incredible quality time together. Let me fill you in on all that we did.

Tuesday late morning we left the Realm. We drove a few hours then stopped for a late afternoon Subway lunch. We arrived to our Sheraton Hotel on the Cape around 4. There was both an indoor and outdoor pool so the kids enjoyed a dip before getting ready for the evening activities. DC took the boys out for pizza and to a Cape Cod Baseball League game. Unfortunately, a rainstorm hit and the game was cancelled. But no worries, as the boys opted for another swim followed by a movie. The girls and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at a local restaurant and raw bar where we celebrated one of the Scribe’s Sweet 16. When the cake came, the girls sang a beautiful “Happy Birthday” followed by a “Kings and Queens” melody. The packed restaurant loved their song so much, some people actually asked for an encore! Of course the girls happily sang to their summer sister again. Following dinner, the girls headed to the movies to finish a wonderful first day on the Cape.

Wednesday we woke to Dunkin Donuts breakfast then broke into two groups. Group 1 hit to the beach for Surfing Lessons; Group 2 went to a different beach for Paddle Boarding lessons. Everyone enjoyed boxed lunches in between activities. Late afternoon we all met back at the hotel to get ready for an evening in Provincetown. We had a ball, complete with a comedy show by one of Provincetown’s finest performers.

Thursday mimicked Wednesday – Dunkin for breakfast, and groups enjoyed the alternate activity from the day before. Everyone really loved learning to do these new ocean sports! Lunch was at a fantastic Cape Cod lobster/sandwich shack, followed by an afternoon swim. We spent our last night of excursion in Boston for a wonderful Italian Feast.

Everywhere we went, I was told what a lovely group of kids these are – polite, enthusiastic, impressive. The surfing/paddle board owner in particular commented “I see a lot of kids in my business. I don’t what the water is you guys drink at Robin Hood, but WOW. What a great group of kids. I really hope you will do business with us again.”

I am proud of our children. And once again, I am brimming with appreciation that I get to have a part in their lives.

Sweet dreams from the Realm.

It’s quiet in the Realm, only half of camp showing up to flag raising as the other half are out on Excursion. The dining hall was still lively with the Saxons and Scribes keeping the mood up dancing and singing. A favourite in the Realm was served, Nicky’s homemade Chocolate Banana Bread which was too good!!

The Lancers began their excursion by eating breakfast at their Campsite followed by heading off to Water Country for a hectic day of water activities! After this they ventured to the movie theatre and watched a movie of their choice eating dinner also.
The Friars were also out for excursion. They went to Monkey Trunks Adventure Park after breakfast at their campsite where they were able to complete the Discovery Course with numerous fun activities including zip wires and swinging bridges! Once the course was over they headed into Conway for lunch, a movie and dinner out!

The Bards ate breakfast at their campsite then headed off to Cinnamon Rainbows for some stand up Paddle Boarding activities! They then enjoyed lunch next door in a surfing restaurant called ‘The Spot’ After lunch they hung out at the beach for a short while followed by a movie and dinner before arriving back at camp not so long ago.
The TPJ/Squires enjoyed eating breakfast at their campsite before playing put-put golf and having a picnic lunch on the green in North Conway. They then went to watch a movie and had dinner before returning to camp.

Finally were the Saxons and Scribe excursion which involved them heading to Cape Cod for 3 days of fun, rest and relaxation! These guys and girls are not roughing it! But staying in separate motels and dining out on all occasions! The trip includes stand up Paddle Boarding, Surfing, Cape Cod Summer League Baseball and of course lots of time to hang out at the beach!

Equally, this was a great morning and afternoon in camp with some excellent activities going on for all to enjoy!

After dinner there will be a GIANT game of Bombardment! The challenge was the Brass and all Junior Camp (including staff) against all of senior camp and their staff!! ‘s going to be a BIG ONE!!!

As a little kid, my dad used to sing the Goodnight song to me before I went to sleep. I grew up hearing stories about the Realm from my grandfather, my father, my uncles, my cousins and my younger sister. But, because I went to a different camp, Robin:Hood’s magic was a mystery to me until now.

Before camp, I was terrified: terrified my campers and I wouldn’t get along, terrified they wouldn’t like me and terrified I would regret my decision to come. Regardless of my fears, by dinner on the first night of camp, surrounded by all of my campers, I somehow felt at home. They remind me of myself when I was ten years old and they have been like a time machine for me this summer. I was always that little girl who wanted to grow up, go to college and be out in the real world, but my girls have helped me slow down and enjoy every day for what it is. They remind me how to be a kid and how to make every little thing fun. They’ve also helped me grow up in ways I hadn’t imagined possible.

Some time between that first night at dinner and this evening while I sit here writing, the summer has flown by. I cannot imagine a single day without my girls and all of their wonderful quirks, jokes, questions, dance moves and excitement that comes with every new day. It has truly been the greatest pleasure I can imagine watching them grow over the summer and accomplishing all of their “I can’ts.” At the beginning of the summer, one of my campers was extremely scared to dive off the dock at the waterfront. At first when she tried, she would end up with her toes in the water first and tears streaming down her cheeks. Before she left at four weeks, I watched her dive beautifully into the lake and saw her little blond head emerge from the water with a big smile on her face. Words cannot express my joy and pride for her accomplishment.

Robin:Hood specializes in the absurd, and I believe that to be one of its greatest charms. Who would think something called gaga was a sport? Who would guess that eleven year old girls would cherish a night on which they get to wear all black, sunglasses and painted-on mustaches?

There’s something about this place that sucks you in and makes you let go of all your worries, insecurities and thoughts of a world outside the Realm and lets you just be yourself. I feel overwhelmed with love and more at ease this summer than I’ve felt in a long time. I have my girls to thank for that. They continuously make me laugh until I cry (or pee in my pants), and every unnecessary hug and “I love you” means the world to me. The bows are my kids, my friends, my sisters, my family; Robin:Hood feels like home.

My first summer here has changed me into a more caring and considerate person, and somehow it has also made me and my sister much closer for which I am very greatful. In a world where technology and the media force children to grow up very quickly and very early, the Realm is the perfect place for kids to just be kids and not waste a minute of their youth. I can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer and it will definitely not be my last here. Robin:Hood is truly a magical place and I can’t believe I’ve waited 19 years of my life to discover it for myself.

It was a beautiful and busy morning. Four groups left for their excursions so there was a lot of hustle and bustle! Medications were gathered, cookout food was organized and packed, bags were loaded, spending money was collected, and lastly hugs were given as the children and staff entered the vans. From New Hampshire to Maine, from oceans to mountains and everything in between, look out New England – here we come!

The Friars enjoyed Stand-up Paddle-boarding followed by a fresh water swim. The lake in which they swam was ¼ mile of shallow water! Afterwards, the boys cooked out and pitched tents for a great night of sleeping.

TPJ’s and Squires spent their day at a phenomenal water park that featured everything from gigantic slides to spray pools. They enjoyed lunch at the park, and then headed to their campsite for a cookout and sleepover in tents.

Lancers spent their day deep-sea fishing. After the boys’ day at “sea,” they set-up camp for dinner and sleeping.

The Bards enjoyed a high-ropes climbing course today for their excursion. With various courses and two zip lines, we are confident the girls had a blast. After a round of put-put, the girls set up camp and had a great cookout.

As is required, we heard from all groups this evening, and the reports were glowing.

Meanwhile, back at camp, the remaining campers loved having the run of the place! Group Leaders got their first pick of activities, and the energy was fantastic.

Tomorrow, DC and I head out on the Scribe and Saxon excursion as we do every summer. We cherish this time with our oldest campers before they make their transition onto the staff. Woody will be taking over the WoodChuck so if you notice a slight change in writing style, you will know why!

Sweet dreams from the Realm.