Camp is a warm, nurturing and happy place with a balance of structure and free time. Boys live in groups of four with one staffman (counselor) in tents. Here is what a typical Keewaydin day looks like!
Morning
The day begins with the sound of the “gong,” a large railroad tie serving as the camp alarm clock. Dips in the lake are offered before breakfast at 8:00a.m. After breakfast, it’s off to formation (flag raising) and then back to tents and cabins to straighten up (“inspection”). After inspection, campers get to choose their activity for the morning from among six to ten choices. When activity period is over, we offer an hour of free time before lunch. During this period we always offer “free swim,” a time when boys can frolic in the swim area under the careful supervision of our lifeguards. Most boys swim at every opportunity in the clear waters of Lake Dunmore!
Afternoon
Lunch is served at 12:30 and followed by “rest hour.” After rest hour, campers choose another activity for the afternoon. Once again, at the end of activity period there is an hour of free time before dinner, when campers can join free swim or pursue other interests.
Evening
Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. After dinner we frequently sing camp songs in the dining hall before heading out for evening formation (flag lowering). Boys then enjoy a bit of free time before heading to an organized evening activity for each individual grove or the entire camp. Staffmen wind down the evening by reading to the boys in their tent. The “good night song” and lights out occur at approximately 9:15 to 9:30 p.m.
Free Time
In addition to the many great activities, we structure plenty of supervised free-time into each day so that kids can relax and “be a boy”: playing “Can Jam,” swimming in Lake Dunmore, practicing juggling, checking up on the terrarium in the Bug House, fishing off the dock, shooting “hoops,” or simply reading a book!
The balance of activity and down time is perfect. The boys can do goofy boy things and they are encouraged to enjoy life. The balance also between a little bit of competitiveness and activity just for the sake of enjoyment is fantastic. Our sons do a lot of competitive sports and this change of emphasis is a great relief for them.”, Keewaydin Dunmore Parent