The realm has been off to a fantastic start the past couple of days, and we are so glad to have the summer back into full swing! While the past couple of days have been quite warmer than usual, we have been getting every group a chance to cool off both out of camp and in our beautiful lake! Today, the TPJ’s and Saxons went on a hike to green mountain, one of Robin Hood’s oldest traditions. Thereafter, the TPJs and scouts, tumblers, got to cool off with some delicious ice cream from cozy corner! The Squires and Saxons each got off camp to watch a movie in an air conditioned theater! That’s not all though, because we also had the archers, yeoman, lancers, friars, head to an air conditioned middle school gym where they played loads of different activities like dodgeball, kickball, basketball, and so much more! They then switched with the bows, quills, and arrows who got the same chance to get off camp! Lastly the bards, shires, scribes, foresters and saxons, spent the whole afternoon in the lake, while everyone else was off camp enjoying their activities in the air conditioning. While the sun may be strong, nothing stops Robin Hood, and all our fun activities and events are always ready to be done depending on any kind of weather! Thanks for reading, and take care.

What a beautiful start to the day in the Realm! The sun came up and reveille went out at 8am sharp and then we get rolling after flag raising. The ARchers raised it this morning as they were the cleanest bunk in boys camp. 

Breakfast was delicious, belgium waffles, a big favorite, plus lots of fruit, cereals and eggs. Then it was back to the bunks for today’s inspection. 

Looking at the schedule for the day both boys and girl groups have waterfront activities, including water skiing, sailing, canoeing and kayaking. Temps today to hit 93F so water time is a must. For those who didn’t get to the water this morning, they will go later today. 

There are no days off for the next few days so that all activities are going strong. All activities have many staff, so that when days off do start, there will always be a staff member available to run that activity. Rain can change all that, but so far – no rain!

On a day like today, we do like to stress hydration at meal times and throughout the day. Water stations are all operating so they can easily and often refill their water bottles. Sun lotion is also a must and stressed!

Last night, shortly before taps, 3 goats arrived and settled in. They are very cute and friendly, campers will be meeting them today. Yesterday the younger campers got to meet the chicks, the got to pet and hold them. Our city slickers are getting a bit of farm life here at the Realm. Throw in our 10 horses at the stables and it’s quite the farm.

Mid afternoon there is snack time. Today it will be a cold flavored ice cream to help with the heat. Fruit is always available too. 

Tonight both boys and girls groups will be having a campfire, girls are at the waterfront and boys at the ODT. Both groups will have the oldest groups – Saxons and Scribes introduce our youngest campers to camp. It gives the youngest and oldest a chance to bond, and to learn a few songs and cheers! Following campfire campers will return to their cabins to get ready for taps at 9pm. The day will come to a close and staff and campers will get some rest. 

No words can describe the opening here at camp. After weeks of intense rain and cold temperatures the weather finally changed and went our way. I have been experiencing opening days here at CRH since 1973 as a camper, staff member, parent, and owner for the last 22 summers. It never ceases to amaze me how awesome it is to watch the returning campers leap into each other’s arms. Seeing the new camper’s look of anxiety and hopefulness all mixed together makes all the off-season work incredibly worthwhile.

I can say with certainty that at dinner tonight the camp was one. We turned into 18 groups acting like families in every way. The kids in the dining hall were laughing and talking their way through the meal. They were walking around camp smiling and chatting – all the while singing to music.

I am so proud of our staff who work so hard to make sure every camper is happy and safe. Our general staff members – those who spend the entire day with your kids – are 97% former campers. They are our secret sauce in every way. Their love and devotion to camp is only matched by their ability to make everything fun and silly.

We will check in every night this summer with our nightly letter home.

Thank you all again for trusting me while taking this journey. My goal for every camper is to feel safe and protected here at CRH.

The only thing we can’t control is the weather ….

Love,
Woody

Woodchuck August 5, 2024

Wow. It is so crazy to think that just six and a half weeks ago Woody was welcoming nearly 400 campers to The Realm for the 2024 Summer. It has truly been one of our best. We are so thankful to our incredible staff for giving our campers the best summer ever.

Today was the last full day of activities before packing starts tomorrow and boy was it a doozy! This afternoon was GL Swap, one of our traditions here at RobinHood. At lunch, the Group Leaders picked from a hat to see which new group they’d be in charge of for the afternoon. Each group was fired up to hear the news! Highlights included the Foresters walking 3 miles roundtrip to The Spot, the nearest convenience store, the Jesters boating to the marina, and tons of candy canteen.

Before dinner, the groups reunited with their GLs. During the fantastic steak and potatoes meal, we had a big dance party on the stage. Following that, we closed the meal with a weekly favorite, Sunday Sundaes, Monday Edition!

This evening, the groups participated in their final group evening activity. Despite some rain, a couple of groups braved the waterfront and ran camp-favorite games throughout the fields. Several girls camp groups did a time-honored tradition “Snapple Caps,” where each group member writes a kind comment about the other members in their group. What a perfect way to end the summer.

Tomorrow, we will pack, clean, and conduct our final activities. In the evening, we will host Founders and Awards night.

While we are sad that the summer is coming to a close, we are so happy that every camper will return home with new friends, experiences, and having learned how to step out of their comfort zone. We are so proud of each and every kid for being a part of the RobinHood family this year.

Sweet dreams from The Realm!

Woodchuck August 4

We cannot believe it is the final Sunday of the summer. The last several weeks have been nearly perfect and have flown by. As we’re sure you’ve seen on social media, Green and White was an epic week of competition, sportsmanship, and fun. In the end, the Wild White West came out victorious over the Green Outlaws.

It all started at 7 AM. Over the loudspeaker, Woody announced, “Head to the waterfront! This is it!” Down at the lake, there was a waterski show. For the grand finale, skiiers in green and white costumes formed a pyramid. It was truly incredible! If camp didn’t believe it was the real thing then, a trolley full of judges pulling up to the basketball court was confirmation that it was for real.

There were so many highlights throughout the week. In addition to the fierce battles on the courts and on the fields, the Talent Show was amazing. As always, Color War concluded with Song Night. Each team performed two camp songs as well as two original songs. It was an incredibly tight margin throughout, with ultimately a 58 point victory for White in the end.

Once Woody read the final score, everyone rejoiced! Each camper was so pumped to be back together with their entire group. Yesterday was Lazy Day featuring Dunkin’ Donuts for breakfast and a calm morning.

We are getting ready to hear speeches from the Saxons and Scribes who will reflect on their camp career and impart wisdom on the rest of boys and girls camp, respectively. They have both been incredibly helpful, kind, and great role models that our younger campers look up to.

We are looking to finish the summer strong over the next few days! It has been one of the best summers in RobinHood history and we hope to see everyone again next summer.

Sweet dreams from the Realm.