On Friday we celebrated Founder’s Day here at camp – otherwise known as Andy’s birthday. We started the evening with a banquet dinner in the dining hall. Everyone was dressed in Robin Hood shirts and we had a lovely dinner complete with a favorite summertime treat – corn on the cob. The best part however was dessert. Yensi and his crew made each group their own chocolate chip cookie cake in order to toast and celebrate Andy’s birthday. The crowd went wild as a parade of 25 birthday cakes came out of the kitchen in a giant birthday parade.

Color war is over. We had a very successful “Lazy Day” starting with Dunkin Donuts in the morning and loading the day with “Comedy Cookout” for the losing team and steaks for dinner for the winning team!
Then in came the rain with some real thunder.

Today is all back to normal. Green and white shirts are getting put away until next year and the schedule is going full steam ahead. We have reached a point in the summer where, for some groups, it might be the last time that they are scheduled for HR diamond, waterskiing or riflery or making a friendship bracelet. Sad when you think about it, but it is closing things down and putting summer 2022 in the record books. What a SUPER SUMMER it has been.
As stated, all activities are going strong today. The rain towards the end might happen, but if it happens later, we will play through it.

Today at lunch, Scott announced the wrap up for the pickle ball tournament, so courts are full of playoffs. At breakfast the Squires and Jesters challenged each other to an inspection contest. Today at lunch, Woody announced that they both get Candy Canteen. It was well deserved as Wendy and Chuck confirmed that the job was well done.

Tonight, we are going to have a celebration for the Founding of Our Camp yearly event. Usually scheduled on or around Andy’s Birthday.
Campers receive awards for number of years at Robin Hood. 1-5-10-15 and so on. This year Diane Morath is our winner. She is the Horseback Riding Director and served the Realm for a total of 30 years and many more to come, we hope. Her name will go on a plaque which will go up in the dining hall along other long-term campers and staff.
That will mark the end of today with 3 more days to go. We will not waste a moment and will finish strong!

The last week feels like a dream come true up here in every way possible. The GW break went off without a hitch. With incredible enthusiasm we welcomed 38 out of town judges to our shared summer home. We picked teams and jelly beans before dinner and moved right into our 95th consecutive color war.

The 6 day war was a blur to me in so many ways. Highlights were the honoring of Chuck Illig on night 3 for his 57 summers of service to the Realm.  Seven of his fellow staff members and campers from the 60’s and 70’s surprised Chuck to make the night one he will never forget.

Watching our new staff members dive into color war with no experience but an incredible amount of passion was amazing. When they arrived at camp 9 weeks ago I told them that this place will become a part of who they are. I pleaded with them to give CRH a chance and trust our vision. Watching them lead and perform every task asked was a source of pure pride for me.

Our staff captains, with over 70 summers of CRH experience, lead their teams with everything in their hearts and souls. I have watched each of these amazing young adults grow up here at the Realm. I beamed with pride and awe at their ability to stay focused and organized during the competition. What a fabulous experience this Green and White was for campers, staff and judges alike.

Sweet dreams from the Realm.

Greetings from the Realm! 

It was so lovely seeing all of you parents last Saturday. The kids were so happy to show you guys their home away from home! Although it was a sad goodbye, the kids jumped right back into their activities and groups, and spirits have been so high since. 

Our three oldest groups on camp have gotten the opportunity to leave camp for three days and go white water rafting up in Maine. The boys already got back, and the girls are on their trip right now and are having such a blast. Letting kids off camp again for mini excursions like this feels so good. 

Now, let’s get to the good stuff. As most of you know, Green and White is right around the corner. Fake breaks are happening left and right, and the kids are just waiting for the authentic hats and canes to be brought out! As a counselor captain last summer, it has been such a fantastic experience for me to be on this side of Green and White. I have learned how much effort, time, and thought goes into this special tradition that Robin Hood holds. As a camper and counselor, I was clueless about the behind-the-scenes of the break, the captains, the scheduling, and more. However, I now am able to see the logistics and processes taken to make this such a unique five days of the summer. I am so grateful I get to have this opportunity to take part in the planning and judging of Robin Hoods Color War. 

All this Green and White talk is getting me too excited!! Can it break already!?!?!

Sweet dreams from the Realm! 

Sunday Morning feelt like the morning after New Year’s Eve up here. What a celebration and perfect day Saturday was! However unlike New Year’s Day we were full steam ahead all day. On Sunday, the 3 oldest boys groups left for a 3 day white water rafting journey. We have rented out the entire lodging complex to ensure our safety. Our 3 oldest girls groups will head up today to experience the same adventure.

When walked into lunch on Sunday totally tired and worn out. It took about 90 seconds to snap out of that mood.  The place was rocking with Green and White chants all meal long. Every group was signing to the music and loving each day like it was our last here at the Realm.

Although we were sad to see some of our friends leave, it is gratifying knowing that there are still over two weeks left to go in the summer of 2022.  We have some major events planned with what I think is the best part of the summer ahead of us.

In closing I hope you now know how great this place is. As I am sure you all have figured out we have the best and most devoted staff in camping. They get all your kids and understand what a major role they can play in their lives. Our staff filled with mostly X-campers are truly the secret sauce to the success of CRH.

Thanks again for your trust and taking this journey with me.

Woody