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!

We’re Good Sports!

soccerteamIn addition to the family atmosphere, the intense spirit, tradition, legacy and incredible camaraderie that flows through our camp, the summer of 2013 has also been a very successful season for Towanda Athletics.

We are proud of our kids’ sportsmanship, participation and respect of other camps, as well as teamwork and Towanda pride.

Although our tournaments are still going on as we speak, we thought this would be a good time to share a recap of the ‘lucky summer of ’13’:

Everyday, our campers are engaging in instruction, skill development and games in virtually every sport.  Our coaches, who consist of professionals, high school coaches and college players are top-notch and work with groups, teams, and individuals.

We offer what we call MasterCamp Clinics in Tennis, Soccer, Gymnastics and Basketball throughout the summer, for those campers who want extra focus in these sports (adding Lacrosse in 2014).

We have a very healthy balance and well-rounded program that keeps ALL our campers very happy, motivated and excelling; from our awesome and excellent athletes to our campers who “could go either way”!

Our kids thrive because we don’t put on the pressure and give the parents a much-needed break from getting caught up in the competition from afar (which is why we don’t live-tweet games or share daily scores).  Some of our families are in the intense sports circuit for 10 months of the school year with travel sports and practices. It’s refreshing that when the pressure is off…our kids are winners!  They feel good, everyone plays and it is a team that cares about each other!

We offer different levels of competition based on levels of interest and ability.  For those who are interested in continuing an intense focus in a particular sport, we offer plenty of opportunity through MasterCamp and Tournament play.  For those who want to try something new or less competitive, we offer friendly competition through inter-camps and scrimmages.  We participate in a great program with other Wayne County Camp Association camps including: Wayne County Tournaments (which run all summer and are single elimination), Inter-camp Tournaments, Towanda Invitationals and Fun Friday Inter-murals.  And of course, the grand daddy of them all…our Camp Towanda Olympics (which is also the most fun and spirited).

As you know, Camp Towanda is about so much more than sports, although they are of course a big part of our program.  To date, we have had over 40 wins in Wayne County Camp Association soccer, basketball, baseball, football, tennis and lacrosse tournaments; including (only to date so far) SIX Championships and SEVEN 2nd Places. Still to come, another 12 teams have reached the championship round (yet to be played).  In addition, we have won FOUR Towanda Invitational Tournaments so far and victories in casual inter-camp playdates.

Regardless, win or lose, the teams are called up to the flagpole for recognition!  Because we are really most proud of the excellent sportsmanship, team support and camaraderie which is paramount to our coaching philosophy and our Towanda values!

tennis soccer  lacrosse  gym

hockey golf brandon   basketball