ATypical Day
A typical camp day starts with reveille in the morning and shower time. Some campers and staff choose to hit the lake and use biodegradable peppermint soap.
Prior to each meal, campers and staff meet in front of the lodge in their “family groups.” Once everyone has gathered, announcements are made and camp songs are sung. Meal time is exciting as everyone is ravenous and ready to start their activities. This is also a great opportunity for siblings to share meal time and learn about one another.
After breakfast, family groups head off to their first activity. Activity rotations include:
SwimmingWall ClimbingHikingWater Skiing/TubingCanoeing/KayakingTheatreAfter morning activity, lunch is ready, announcements are made and camp songs are sung.
After lunch is a much-needed feet-off-the-floor rest time where campers and counselors return to their cabins. Some choose to nap to get ready for the remainder of the fun-filled day and evening, while others are too excited to rest and may write postcards, play quiet games, draw, read, do manicures/pedicures, etc. This is also a great opportunity for chatting with cabin-mates.
The afternoon rotation follows rest period and a group swim is enjoyed by all each afternoon (weather permitting, of course).
During the late afternoon and early evening, CTBM holds special events and activities designed especially to encourage and enhance the sibling connection.
Special Events and Activities
The Sibling Pillow/Quilt ~ a Camp To Belong Signature activity – is a small travel-size pillow with a heartfelt message written by one sibling to another. These pillows are treasured by the brothers and sisters and are often carried with them wherever they go. Second year campers have the option to give a small lap-size quilt with a sentimental message. Campers returning beyond their second year will also have other special options.
Scrapbooks & Portraits ~ Each camper also makes a scrapbook filled with photos from the camp week to document the many memories created. Each camper is given a disposable camera (donated by a family in Massachusetts to all CTB camps) to use the first few days of camp. The cameras are developed during camp and the photos are used in the scrapbook.
Photos are often the most cherished possession the campers receive. Often times photos of the camper and siblings don’t exist or have been lost. Camp staff ensure that photo opportunities abound throughout the week. The camp photographer is a member of our volunteer staff or community volunteers who circulates throughout camp to capture the many magical moments that take place. CTBM also arranges for sibling portraits to be taken throughout the week and each camper receives a framed portrait of him/herself with the sibling group.
Theme Events ~ Campers also enjoy other special events such as the Carnival and Theme Night (which have included a luau, western hoe down and 50s Sock Hop).
Carnival games include
Football ThrowSoccer KickRing TossSoftball TossGolf PuttingSpinning WheelThe carnival games are a permanent part of CTBM as the materials were generously donated by Hancock Lumber. The games were designed and built by Richard Verville, a very talented carpenter, who generously donated his time to make these games a reality.
Other carnival highlights have included a cotton candy machine, snow cone machine, bounce house, karaoke, sand art, face painting, tie-dye, and airbrushing. Fried dough is also very popular!
Birthday Party ~ Probably the most special event that campers treasure is the Birthday Party. Because kids separated by foster care or other out-of-home care often do not get to celebrate their birthdays with their siblings, CTB throws a huge birthday bash with cakes, presents, birthday cards and singing.
Prior to the birthday party, all campers get to “shop” at no cost for birthday gifts for each sibling from our many wonderful donated items. They also spend time creating handmade cards to give to their siblings.
If you would like to donate to our birthday event or any other activity or event, please contact the CTBM Director at 207-899-7507.
For a list of suggested items to bring to camp, click here.
