For ninety years, boys (and for the past thirty ye...

For ninety years, boys (and for the past thirty years girls, too,) have flocked each summer to Camp Robin Hood on the shores of Broad Bay, to make new friends in the cabins, to challenge themselves on the fields, to step out of their comfort zone on the stage, and to form bonds that last a lifetime, and in some cases generations.

I'm proud to say my family has been part of the Camp Robin Hood family for more than 40 of those years! My brother attended camp when it was all boys - and then in 1987 when girls were added, I was one of the first girl campers (at the time, there were less than 20 of us). I spent 15 summers as a camper, counselor, Group Leader and Waterfront Director.

Now the girls and boys camps are equal in size (around 400 total campers) and my oldest daughter will be starting her 4th summer while my twins will be going for the first time. Many traditions are still the same (color war, count-offs, 16 laps, hiking Mount Washington, etc.) while facilities have been updated (new dining hall, several new cabins - others have been renovated, new lodge, updated office, and more) and more activities have been added (Ga-Ga, 9 square and more). I am grateful that my children will get to spend 7 weeks together, away from the hustle and bustle of their school lives with NO SCREENS, enjoying all the White Mountains have to offer. For me, one of the most exciting parts has been watching the never-ending cycle of camp friendships continue, campers often continue through the ranks as counselors in order to "give back" similar memories and experiences to the future generations of the camp. Additionally, the mid-western feel to the camp is a nice change from the fast-past New England world where we live.

As a camper, I looked up to the counselors and even the Directors. The Directors today are former campers from the 1970's themselves, and former "camp parents" as well. They have brought Robin Hood traditions forward while continuing to enhance what they offer in the 21st century. And they understand the responsibility they are entrusted with each summer, caring for our children. As a parent, I have found the communication from the Administration both helpful (in preparing for camp and for my children's return after camp) and comforting, when I just want to know my kids are having fun and adjusting to life away from their parents.

We have a few sayings at Robin Hood, like "live 10 for 2"(live 10 months of the school year for the 2 months of summer) and there's "magic in the trees". There's nothing quite like the sunset over Lake Ossipee or like camp friends that remain friends for life. There's nothing quite like Camp Robin Hood. I know my family is looking forward to being a part of Robin Hood for at least 90 more years...