Monday, August 20, 2012

An Archery Master!

In keeping with the theme of "rewinding" to the past, I'd like to introduce you to this camper.  You may recall him from earlier posts because he gets bullseyes basically all the time.

Today, this camper approached me with his notebook.  In his time off of camp, he has been studying archery, learning all there is to know so that he can be a better informed athlete.  I am so inspired by his passion!
 At Archery Rank today, he took the time to actually teach other campers about the sport so that they could rank up.  He really loves Archery, and it shows every single day that he is at camp!

RSDC Rewind!

It's Monday of WEEK 11 of Camp Rising Sun!

I am SO excited to be writing this post because it means we have an awesome theme:  RSDC Rewind!  We'll be looking back on all of the fun memories from the past 10 weeks of camp.  In this morning's assembly, Matt, Riley, Olivia, and Will decided to take a time machine (who knew a trash could have magical powers?!) so that they could revisit some skits from the past.  I can't wait to see who we'll meet in tomorrow's skit!

Speaking of "RSDC Rewind" - seeing these boys today brought me back to a time when they were brand new and had empty bead necklaces.  They've worked so hard to earn beads and rank up (especially Target Sports and Football).  I am constantly blown away by the incredible things our campers achieve each day.  If you haven't seen your camper's Rank book or bead necklace yet, definitely ask them about it tonight!



Rising Sun Love,
Megan

Friday, August 17, 2012

A Night of Stars

I know I speak for everyone who attended yesterday's Family Night when I say WOW!  All of the campers put on such an amazing Talent Show.  The night started off with a beautiful performance of the National Anthem by a camper from Camp 2 - it took a lot of courage for her to stand up there by herself, but she killed it!

Check out this camper's sweet guitar skills!
As the night went on, there were tons of creative dances.  One crowd favorite was the Balbos' version of "I Just Can't Wait to Be King!"  

Camp 3's performance was especially impressive with their awesome moves.  The crowd was full of laughter when counselors Ryan and Ben brought some actual chicken noodle soup and soda to match the song.. very funny!

As always, we wrapped up the night with a quick dance party and the Rising Sun song.  With this being the last Family Night of the summer, it definitely was emotional, as several campers and counselors had to say their final goodbyes.  For those of you who are spending your last day with us today, enjoy it and know that we'll miss you so much!  For those of you who are coming back next week (I'm so blessed to be a part of this group!), get excited for a fun-filled super fantastic week at Camp Rising Sun!!!

Rising Sun Love,
Megan

(Megan.Warren@YMCATriangle.Org)

Thursday, August 16, 2012

After a Week of Practice...

... Family Night is finally here!  Your campers have spent hours working on their routines, making sure their performances will be just right for tonight.  Family Night officially begins at 7pm and should run until about 8:30pm.  We hope that you all can make it to see your camper shine like a star on stage!

Rising Sun Love,
Megan

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Wacky AND Talented

In keeping with the spirit of our theme, "RSDC's Got Talent!", there were superstars and celebrities ALL over camp this morning.  During our costume contest this morning, there were football players, popstars, and even an Angry Bird!  Campers cheered as loud as they could for their favorite costume, and the winner was...
... SUPERMAN!

A fellow "contestant" in the contest congratulates this week's winner!

This little FuManchu was so excited to be selected as the champion of this week's contest, and the other kids in his huddle couldn't be more proud!  Congratulations!

Monday, August 13, 2012

RSDC's Got Talent!

It's the start of Week 10 at Camp Rising Sun!  This week is extra special, not only because we all get to spend it at camp, but also because the theme is RSDC's Got Talent!  We have amazing campers who have a wide range of skills, such as "Holding the Pole" to keep the ceiling from falling or cheering loudly during moring assembly. 

This morning, we were introduced to the judges and host of America's Got Talent!  All week long, we'll get to see people audition for the show in hopes of becoming famous, like the "Ringmaster"!





Campers will also have a chance at fame because we are having our Family Night Talent Show THIS Thursday!!  Family Night will run from 7-8:30 pm.  Not only will you get to meet your campers' counselors, but you'll also get to see your camper perform in the Talent Show and see our end-of-summer slideshow.  Hope to see you there!

Rising Sun Love,
Megan

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Early Goodbyes

 As we are nearing the end of a summer (fortunately we get TWO more weeks!), we are having to say goodbye to several counselors and campers.  In Friday morning's assembly, we took a few moments to recognize this fact.  Along with a few other counselors, CILT Director Dee was spending her very last day at Camp Rising Sun.  We presented her with a lamp, signed by the entire staff, so that she may carry the light of Rising Sun with her as she moves on to a new chapter of her life.

Immediately after this presentation, the whole room was filled with hugs and tears. Everyone began reminiscing about their time at camp from this summer and from years of the past.  In this moment, the love of Camp Rising Sun was so powerful and so clear. This picture is the perfect representation of what we were all feeling - not only Friday, but all summer long.

Though we only have two weeks left, I like to think that we are so blessed to have these two weeks left together.  This amazing summer isn't over yet!  Our entire staff is so looking forward to spending these next couple of weeks with your campers, making lifelong friendships and memories.  We hope you have a wonderful weekend and cannot wait to see you on Monday!

Rising Sun Love,
Megan

(Megan.Warren@YMCATriangle.Org)