What is it about the Olympics?

let the games beginWhile the Sochi Olympics came to a close last night, at Camp Towanda we get to experience our own Olympics every year.

huddle2When new campers and families come to visit us during summer, they are often interested in learning more about our tradition of Olympics (some camps call it Color War).  We offer many opportunities for competition and celebration throughout the summer, but nothing compares to the grand-daddy of them all…OLYMPICS.  Our entire camp benefits from this multi-day event…and even our counselors and leaders grow in ways they could never have without this experience you only get at camp.  Here’s why…

huddleThe intensity of the summer is at its peak. You can taste the special and super secret start in the air (we call it Break Out). Everyone is intensely on an anticipatory edge. Then suddenly the lights go and the horn blares. This is it. Olympics!

Throughout the year we live 10 months for 2 with Towanda always on our mind. Sometimes at camp it seems as if we live the summer for the culminating days of Olympics. The Olympics of Camp Towanda are unparalleled to any other event. Campers and Counselors alike compete, in good spirit and sportsmanship for Red and Blue. Everyone’s best shines through. Everyone gives it their all. Everyone has an impact. Everyone’s fire burns.

ccsgirlsHowever, none of it would be possible without the teams’ leadership. Twelve counselors are appointed as Generals based upon several qualities. A General is someone who leads by example, who is a role model for both co-counselors and campers.

Generals represent hard work and stamina. From Breakout until the closing Olympic Sing presentation, the Generals must make sure all the pieces of the Olympic puzzle fit together seamlessly. Tired is not a word in their vocabulary. Passion fuels them; the “good of camp” is at their core. They are supported by a team of spirited, equally hard-working Camper Captains, Lieutenants and Sergeants who serve as role models for all campers.  We hear so often that these leadership opportunities help shape the future of our campers and counselors in the real world and in their careers.

Each year brings a new team of leadership, a new fire to Olympics. The stage for 2014 is getting set*. Is there anybody out there?

(*Editor’s note: or will there be?)

Click here to watch video highlights of our Camp Towanda Olympics 2013!

Red Velvet Campcakes vs. Blue Berry Muffins

With Valentine’s Day this week, we thought it was the perfect time to share two of our favorite fresh-baked favorite recipes from our Camp Towanda Culinary Cooking Program.

And because it’s also Olympic Season, let’s make it an Olympic bake-off!

Red Velvet “Campcakes” and the Blue Berry Muffins.  Which is your favorite?

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Red Velvet Campcakes

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, such as Pernigotti
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk, shaken
  • 1 tablespoon liquid red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
  • Red Velvet Frosting, recipe follows

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line muffin tins with paper liners.

In a small bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large measuring cup, combine the buttermilk, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed for 1 minute, until light. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until combined. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients alternately in 3 parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, and mix until combined. Stir with a rubber spatula to be sure the batter is mixed.

Scoop the batter into the muffin cups with a 2 1/4-inch ice cream scoop or large spoon. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean. Cool completely in the pans and frost the cupcakes with Red Velvet Frosting.

Red Velvet Frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar (3/4 pound)
  • Place the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, and mix on medium speed just until combined. Don’t whip! Add the sugar and mix until smooth.

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Blue Berry Cake Muffins 

  • 1 ½ sticks of unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups of sugar
  • 3 extra large eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup of sour cream or greek yougurt (chobani the best)
  • ¼ cup of milk
  • 2 ½ cups of all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoon of baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon of baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon of kosher salt
  • 1 pint of fresh blueberries

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Pleace 16 paper liners in the muffin pan
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment
  • Cream the butter and sugar till light and fluffy about 1 minute
  • With mixer on low speed add the eggs 1 at a time, then add the vanilla, sour cream, and milk. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and the salt. On a low speed add the flour mixture to the batter until just mixed…do not over mix
  • Fold in the blueberries..
  • Fill the baking cups till half full
  • Bake for 25 mins until the muffins are lightly browned
  • Enjoy!!!!

Camp Towanda is very excited to partner with “Kids Cook Mondays“, using some of our favorite recipes from the Camp Towanda Culinary Cooking Class  to encourage family time in the kitchen! We experience at camp firsthand, that when kids are involved in making and preparing their food, they are more likely to try new things, broaden their horizons and eat more healthfully.  We look forward to another summer at the Camp Towanda Farm Kitchen, where our campers will improve their cooking skills, learn kitchen ettiquette and safety and create new and exciting foods and ethnic dishes.