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Hello Liz,
Let’s discuss the summer camp connection. When I talk to friends who have been to camp before, even if it wasn't JDA, there’s an instant bond, a mutual appreciation for that shared experience. And usually there are common aspects – songs, traditions, cabins, etc.
But I’ve found that the one thing summer camp folks appreciate most is the connection to the outdoors. The experience of overnight camp creates a comfort and an appreciation for the outdoors that never goes away. If I see a fresh blackberry on a bush in the woods, I’m eating it. If I find myself on a canoe, I am instinctually turning my paddle in a perfect J-stroke. What a gift camp has given to us all!
In this issue of Blue Sparks, I’ll give you updates on camp projects, an alum spotlights, recap of the Camp Jeanne d’Arc foundation board meeting, and other fun tidbits – but as you read, take notice of the impact camp has on our community’s appreciation of the outdoors!
Best,
Liz
PS. Please fill out this Alum Contact Form so that we can build our contact list!
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Robin Cabin to the Rescue! | |
Camp community, meet Robin Cabin. Robin Cabin, meet camp community. Do you all remember Peter Pan? Over the last off-season, Peter Pan was renovated to support camp activities like Arts & Crafts, embroidery, and special projects. However, Covid had other plans. When Covid came to camp this summer, Robin Cabin saved the day.
Campers voted on a new name for the cabin and thanks to the quick-thinking and resourceful staff, the newly-named Robin Cabin was outfitted with bunks and furniture to accommodate a small group of campers who needed to isolate. According to Sandy “As we were trying to help these excluded campers feel more included, I realized that being a ‘Peter Pan-er?’ just wasn’t working.”
Having recently recovered from Covid herself, Sandy became the Robin counselor, tending to up to 10 campers at one point in the summer. “I never could have imagined I would be needed as a cabin counselor,” said Sandy, “but the experience will always be a treasured memory for me. I bonded with my campers in a very meaningful way. I will forever call my campers my ‘Robin babies.’ We definitely created a very special bond in 2022.”
The Robins followed their own program including lots of fishing, trips to Tastee Freeze, fairy gardening, star gazing, tending to the vegetable garden, board games, extended rest hours (and extra dessert, shhhhh…). The play closet, now called “Colonel’s Corner” has long since been cleaned out and converted to a usable gathering space. Colonel’s Corner was utilized as the Robin’s dining room.
Like for most people, Covid at camp was stressful and unpredictable. But Robin Cabin became a special place that signaled to campers that Covid couldn't stop camp from creating a beautiful community of strong girls! Cheers to the Robins of 2022!
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Alum Spotlight: Grace Simmons Zuncic Returns to the Outdoors! | |
Do you know the feeling when you talk to someone and it feels like a breath of fresh air? I chatted with Grace Simmons Zuncic, a camp alum (1992-93, 1995-98), and afterwards I wanted to hike a mountain and change the world. It wasn't hard to see how her energy for life has taken her where it has in her career.
After ten remarkable years on the executive leadership team at Chobani, Grace made her way back to the great outdoors at Cotopaxi, a purpose-led brand and B Corporation, as their first Chief People and Impact Officer.
In considering her career pivot, Grace thought a lot about Camp and how it had changed her life. At Jeanne d’Arc, Grace leaned into her connection to the outdoors and really embraced the value of diversity. When learning about the brand and principles of Cotopaxi, Grace knew it was a perfect fit. Cotopaxi is the ultimate Do Good company – it operates as a carbon-neutral company, runs philanthropy programs designed to alleviate poverty, and is a true champion of the outdoors.
During our conversation, Grace talked about her goals and desires to be part of an impact company while at the same time living a fulfilling family life. Cotopaxi’s remote-first and inclusive philosophy allows Grace to focus on her health, walk most days and get outdoors to hike, ski and volunteer in her local community with her husband Eric (age withheld), and children Charlie (7) and Ellen (5).
And isn’t this what it is all about? The world gets to experience Grace’s talents in the corporate setting changing the way companies run their businesses for good, and her family and community get to enjoy her fresh energy every day! I’d say that’s a win!
Hear more about Grace’s journey on the podcast Unlocked: Finding the energetic flow in your life and your work with Cotopaxi's Grace Zuncic.
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We are so excited to share some alumnae updates! Interested in sharing your news? Please complete this survey! | | |
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August Fischette was born on October 14, 2022 to alum and CJDA Foundation board member Lauren Cesiro and her husband Terence Fischette. Congratulations Lauren and Terrence!
Cyrus Patrick Curran was born June 18, 2022 in Denver, CO to alumni Meredith Suelau Curran. He was able to visit Camp at the 100th Reunion in August 2022! Pictured here with Claire Cusack Larson, Laura Markowski Sams, Meredith Suelau Curran, Amelie Couture, and Fabiola Jimenez at Camp.
Molly Doyle Waymouth and her husband Scott and son Aidan welcomed Alice Laurens Waymouth on January 6, 2023. Will she be a Jolis Couer like her mom or a Les Pucelle like her grandmother and namesake Alice Scanlan Bateman Doyle?
Claire Cormier Theilke earned a world record as part of the first ever all-woman team to swim all the way around Hong Kong Island. Completing the swim in just under 11 hours, the team raised 1.3M Hong Kong Dollars for Splash Foundation - an organization that teaches domestic workers and the underprivileged to swim. Congrats Claire, and also, WOW!!
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This year’s off-season is BIG. There is a lot of amazing action. The Woodsheart restoration project is on schedule – the architects and engineers are preparing plans so that when the ground thaws, we can literally dig in. We are beyond excited to bring this building into its second century!
In addition, the second and final installation of the new docking system is slated to take place before camp begins. These new docks will provide the swimming program with long, enclosed lanes, which will enhance the program and provide a safe, fun swimming experience. Sorry to say that the docks will NOT impact the water temperature!
The waterfront will also feature a new sailboat storage structure. This will ensure that the new sailboats will be well-maintained over many cold winters in the North Country.
Interested in participating in some camp projects? Join Amelie Couture for a fun-filled work weekend June 16-19. Amelie is leading the charge to clear trails, prepare the gardens, open cabins, set up the waterfront, and more. Email Amelie if you are interested
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Camp Parties were Rockin'! | |
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Camper reunion parties were held in New York City and Puerto Rico this winter.
The NYC party was held in midtown in the height of the holiday season. It was a beautiful day to be in New York – campers had a robust white elephant gift exchange (think bluetooth microphones, giant squishmallows, and lots of candy). There were also games and crafts and delicious snacks!
The Puerto Rico party was hosted by the Calixto Family in Dorado. The night featured, overfired-pizza, crafts, and dancing under the warm Caribbean sky. Both parties ended with a big goodnight circle. But the best part of all was seeing campers reunited with their summer sisters! Let the countdown to summer 2023 begin!
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Let's talk numbers!
Campers: The capacity for camp is currently 135 per session. As of this newsletter we are about 80% filled for first half and 55% filled for second half, with 5 months still to go until camp. This includes 30 brand new campers (with many more on the way) and 121 returning campers! We will quickly reach full capacity for first half, and have a bit more space in second half. Spread the word!
Followers: Our Blue Sparks newsletter has reached over 575 community members, our Instagram account has more than 2000 followers (and growing!), and over 130 people donated to camp this year.
Animals: And finally, we added one dog to the JDA family! Meet Daisy Abbott. I have a feeling she's going to be living her best life at camp!
We want to reach more folks! Please pass along this survey to your camp friends and interested community members.
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Camp Jeanne d'Arc Foundation | |
We are happy to report that we held a very productive Camp Jeanne d’Arc Foundation Board meeting in January. The Foundation board members Lauren Cesiro, Maria Sala, and Liz Rambo along with camp owners Randy and Sandy Abbott talked about the mission of the Foundation and our goals for this year.
The number one thing we want to share is this: the CJDAF board is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive camp experience. We want campers of all backgrounds to be able to experience the gift of overnight summer camp. We will be rolling out a scholarship initiative to reach this goal. Stay tuned!
Are you interested in joining the Camp Jeanne d’Arc Foundation board? Reach out to Liz.
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The Camp Store Spring edition is coming soon! Each year, Camp Jeanne d’Arc opens the Camp Store with various merchandise options twice a year – in the Fall and in the Spring.
This way, we can offer the camp community a chance to purchase gear before the holidays and before summer. Opening the store for short windows of time allows our printer to give us the best prices because we will print larger order numbers at once, rather than throughout the year.
Be on the lookout for some new designs in the Spring Store as well as a fan favorite from previous years (hint: think cabin names!). Store opens on April 1st.
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Connect with Camp Jeanne d'Arc! | | |
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Come see what we're up to on social media!!
Not on social media? We want to hear from you! Send me a note with what you've been up to!
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