I am 27 years old and spent the day as a kid. I woke up, laced up my sneakers, ate in a dining hall with indulgent foods my diet doesn’t typically allow, played basketball, gaga, tennis, and swam in the lake. I spent rest hour lying on the quad with friends, having long conversations with friends whom have known me almost my entire life. We met when I was nine and spent more than a decade coming back to Camp Robin Hood for two months. In the face of break ups, make ups, engagements, marriages, love, loss, and similar changes and events most individuals in their 20s endure, it’s camp that’s remained a constant in not just mine, but my core group of friends’ lives.

I haven’t spent my summers in Freedom, New Hampshire since 2008. I reside in New York City, have a consuming job that I enjoy, and spend my summer weekends wrought with plans. Yet for one weekend, my fellow Scribes of 2005 and I leave everything behind and devote a weekend to each other and the place that brought us together. Campers we watched after have mostly moved on or are leading groups themselves; the people who I mainly associated with the location for my tenure there are all consumed with their own plans and careers; yet it’s the pine needles, the waterfront, fresh air, and — what campers and alumni call the magic in the trees — that draw me, and the women who I’ve known since girlhood, back every single year.

As Tumblers, Squires, Lancers, Bards, and more have approached my four friends and I throughout the weekend, I hope that when they’re office drones too, they’ll have two days of escape from “real life” to revisit Robin Hood, where they’ll be able to leave iPhones, social media, and troubles behind, to remember what’s really important.

As a former camper and counselor at Robin Hood, I have a few “must see” spots when I come to camp. In my personal opinion, and I think most would agree, a visit to RH is not complete without a walk through Girls Camp, a “nap” on the quad, or a jump in the lake.  But perhaps the most under-appreciated spot, at least for me, is the dining hall. Sitting at the head table this evening, watching campers and staff dance and cheer, I remembered how truly special a Robin Hood meal is. Three times a day, the entire camp – girls camp, boys camp, senior camp, and junior camp – gathers as a family.

Where else can you celebrate muffins in the morning, hope for chicken patties in the afternoon, and reminisce over sandwiches on Sunday evening? It’s safe to say every camp meal is a great meal – because its shared amongst family and friends. Tonight’s lasagna, green beens and kale was no different.

Sweet dreams from The Realm. Fingers crossed for waffles tomorrow morning.

Molly

Take a look at our photos from Beach Day!

Tonight, Robin Hood was alive with music and dancing, courtesy of our very own DJ David Woodstein. Brilliant lights and a glowing DJ booth set the party tone, as DJ Wood had our campers playing freeze dance, coke and pepsi, and other dance party games. After the games, a set list for the books had our campers dancing the night away. It was a great way to ensure everyone rests well before our journey to Ogunquit Beach in the morning. Despite the chilliness of the Maine ocean, our campers are always rearing to dip their toes. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few extravagant sandcastles on the shore or senior camper noses in summer reading material. Our nurses are equipped with plenty of sunscreen, and our campers and counselors are all buddied up and ready to enjoy this great day on the soft sand. Beach Day is a Robin Hood favorite, and we are all sleeping fast so tomorrow morning will get here soon.

Sweet dreams from The Realm,

Emily

What a Big day here at the Realm. We spend all winter planning and hoping for perfect weather . This 3^rd week of camp is always the busiest for a reason- kids are getting a little more self-motivated to try new things and are very eager to get out of camp.

Last night at dinner we put together an optional Mount Washington trip for 16 senior campers; they left this morning with smiles and under the cover of perfect skies. This trip, which used to be reserved for our most senior campers, has been opened to the rest of senior camp due to the great displays of athleticism and enthusiasm to conquer their next big challenge.

Inter-camp activities were a huge theme today as we had 3 separate trips competing in 4 separate sports disciplines.

This morning at 7:15, DC took a high level of 14 young ladies to battle on the tennis courts at Forrest Acres. Dressed in their whites, they were eager to be victorious in their battles on the clay.

Simultaneously, two teams traveled to Winaukee to compete in basketball in the U-11 category and tennis in the U-14 category.

Last but not least, Soccer Josh brought our undefeated Boys U15 soccer team to Wigwam to defend their soccer title from the previous year.

In closing, during the off season, the Brass discusses ways in which we can make our Saxon and Scribe summers be ones to remember for a life time. We decided that our oldest boys group would enjoy a day at world famous Fenway Park cheering on the Boston Red Rox. We believe that what is fair is fair, so tonight our oldest girls group is currently on their way to bean town to go see multi-platinum recording artist Gwen Stefani on her This is what the Truth Feels like Tour.   Anyone who knows me knows I love me some Gwen Stafani, so I am envious of these girls. I am hoping they will be bringing me back a shirt.

Beach day is right around the corner, and we have already started preparing for visiting day where we complete the circle of our Robin Hood family.

I can’t wait to meet you personally and have you experience the Robin Hood way of life side by side with your child.

As always, sweet dreams from The Realm.