Social Media Smarts!

As the Social Media Director at Camp Towanda, my job is to capture and share with all our “fans” the spirit of our camp.  I am also responsible for educating and empowering our campers and staff how to be good digital citizens so that we can all be smarter, safer and kinder in the online world and the real world.

A couple of weeks ago I attended an eye-opening lecture at Tenafly High School called “Being Socially Smart”.  I went in thinking this would be about the dangers of social media and how it can jeopardize your chances of getting into your top-choice college or landing that dream internship.  However, I walked out realizing that social media has the power to be your ticket to success.

141010153604-snapchat-gasp-620xaNow that I have your attention– before we discuss all the positive potential of social media, I do want to share something that is in the news.  Snapchat, a popular instant chatting app that 46 % of 12-24 year olds are using, recently encountered a massive breach of 98,000 snapped photos and leaked them online.  Oh Snap! How can that be when Snapchat’s whole premise is to make your content “disappear”? That’s because nothing digital is private. Just ask all those celebrities whose accounts were recently hacked. Anything taken on your device is connected to your phone’s IP address and can be tracked back to your account. There are also many 3rd party apps that were specifically designed to capture and save snapped photos.  Nothing is invisible, nothing disappears and everything is permanent. You have heard me say many times, “think before you post”. But after this week’s “Snappening”, please think before you Snap. Is it something you want the world to see?

Speaking of what you DO want the world to see…here’s what I learned at last week’s lecture. As college admissions, internships and jobs become increasingly more competitive, social media can actually help set you apart! Think of your social media as part of the interview process- a window into who you are and what makes you different and interesting. If someone is looking to learn more about you, the first thing they will do is Google you. Give this a try. Include your name, email address and high school. What comes up on the first page? Is it something you are proud of and sets you apart? Is it a reflection of your character? How about your social media accounts? Do they paint a picture of your passions, your interests and contributions to the community? Are you using them to connect with that networks that interest you at universities and professionally? Are you following and engaging the schools, professors and thought leaders on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram? If you can answer YES to these questions, you are on your way to being “socially smart”!

1969220_263622867148131_533608524_nMr. Katzman’s philosophy challenges us to use social media to reflect and communicate our passions and enhance our digital footprint. “Think before you post” takes on new meaning.  Now you can ask yourself three questions before you post:

1. Is this a reflection of who I am? Does it reflect my passions, interests and commitments?
2. Is this something I would want my parents, college admissions, coach, Mitch & Stephanie or future employer to see?
3. Do my posts create a balanced view of who I am? It’s okay to have some social activity on your profiles as long as it is balanced out.

There are many ways you can control your digital presence by enhancing your social media accounts with character-driven content, published articles, blogs and more. Camp is a wonderful passion that can set you apart, show the world what you are all about and what’s important to you.

I also encourage you to check out Social Assurity and see if you would be interested in their services (which include social media optimization and coaching).  After hearing their founder Alan Katzman speak, I was impressed.  You can check out their website here, follow them on Facebook and Instagram @social_assurity, and let them know that you come from Camp Towanda!

And remember…you are what you Tweet!

-Lauren Eckstein-Forman

CT Culinary Recipe: Fiesta a la Farm!

IMG_2444This summer at Camp Towanda, Chef Ben and his Culinary Cooking classes threw a Fiesta at The Farm! Now you can make it a CT Culinary Mexican Night with your “home family” and think fondly of your camp family!

*All recipes are “group-size” and serve 12-15 people.

HOMEMADE GUACAMOLE:

Ingredients:

  1. 11 avocados ­ peeled, pitted, and mashed
  2. 3­ 3/4 lime, juiced
  3. 1 tablespoon and 3/4 teaspoon salt
  4. 1­ 3/4 cups diced onion
  5. 2/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  6. 7­1/2 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
  7. 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  8. 3­ 3/4 pinches ground cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions:

  1. In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, and salt. Mix in onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic. Stir in cayenne pepper. Refrigerate 1 hour for best flavor, or serve immediately.

MEXICAN CORN SALAD: 

Ingredients:

  1. 12 ears of corn, husked
  2. 9 tablespoons mayonnaise
  3. 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  4. 1/4 teaspoon paprika or cayenne pepper (optional)
  5. 6 ounce Cotija cheese (or parmesan) plus more for serving
  6. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro plus more for serving
  7. Kosher salt
  8. Freshly ground pepper

Directions:

  1. Prepare grill for medium heat. Grill corn, turning occasionally, until tender an slightly. Cut kernels from cobs and transfer to a medium bowl.
  2. Whisk mayonnaise, lime juice, paprika, cayenne, if using, 2 oz. Cotija cheese, and 2 tablespoons cilantro in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Add corn and toss to combine. Top with more cheese and cilantro.
  3. Mix Corn & Dressing

QUESADILLAS:

Ingredients:

  1. 8’’ soft tortilla shells
  2. 16oz shredded cheese (cheddar, mozz, Monterey Jack, etc.)
  3. Vegetable oil
  4. Fillers of your choice: Cooked Chicken, onions, mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, etc.

Directions:

  1. Fill your tortilla shell with cheese + fillers you choose and fold in half
  2. Heat flat top / skillet / sauté pan with oil
  3. Place tortilla on flat top / skillet / sauté pan and let sit for 2-3 min then flip
  4. Remove, let cool for 1.5 minutes and cut into 1/3’s

CHICKEN SOFT TACOS:

Ingredients:

  1. 2­1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast meat ­ cubed
  2. 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  3. 3/4 lime, juiced
  4. 1­1/2 teaspoons white sugar
  5. 3/4 teaspoon salt
  6. 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  7. 3 green onions, chopped
  8. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  9. 1­1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  10. 15 (8 inch) flour tortillas
  11. 1­1/2 tomato, diced
  12. 1/4 cup shredded lettuce
  13. 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  14. 1/4 cup salsa

Directions:

  1. Sauté chicken in a medium saucepan over medium high heat for about 20 minutes.
  2. Add vinegar, limejuice, sugar, salt, pepper, green onion, garlic and oregano.
  3. Simmer for an extra 10 minutes.
  4. Heat an iron skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the pan, warm, and turn over to heat the other side.
  5. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  6. Serve lime chicken mixture in warm tortillas topped with tomato, lettuce, cheese and salsa.

GLAZED CHURROS:

Directions:

  1. Dip end of churro into melted chocolate
  2. Roll into desired topping
CT Culinary Kitchen- Mexican Fiesta Recipe
CT Culinary Kitchen- Mexican Fiesta Recipe

About Camp Towanda:

Camp Towanda is an independent, traditional, co-ed sleep-away camp in the Poconos in Pennsylvania. It is privately owned, operated and directed by Mitch and Stephanie Reiter.  For over 90 years, Camp Towanda has continued to define what camp should really be. Our program offers state-of-the-art facilities, an excellent and professional athletic department, waterfront, extensive arts, drama and adventure programs, culinary cooking classes, and special events.  We are highly regarded and respected as an industry leader and are involved in giving back to various organizations throughout the year.  Camp Towanda is accredited by the American Camp Association and a member of the Camp-Alert-Network, Wayne County Camp Association, Camp Owners and Directors Association and the Pennsylvania Camp Association.