Day 1 of Camp Neidig 2011 has come and gone and camp is off to a great start.   We saw people from all over the Rotary District decsend on Camp Manatawny yesterday.  Registration went smoothly and orientation kicked off camp.  After tribe meetings (all the camp groups are named after native american tribes), campers sat down for a nice spaghetti dinner. 

Mark Wallace talking about leadership to the campers

After dinner, Mark Wallace, General Manager of the Reading Royals hockey team, talked to the campers about his winding journey as a collegiate football player, to minor league broadcaster, to various other positions, and eventually leading to where he is today. 

He shared how its important to have a good work ethic, get exporsure too all kinds of business experiences, and surrond yourself with people who are smarter than you.  The campers followed up with some great questions during the Q&A portion.  All in all, a great presentation to kick off camp. 

The evening continued with the campers breaking out into their various workshops they volunteered for.  There are 5 different workshops available and each group is responsible for their own camp activity for the weekend.  Closing Workshop is responsible for creating and executing the Neidig Night ceremonies on Monday.  Yearbook Workshop creates the camp yearbook known as the Neidigan.  The Worship Workshp develops their own non-demoninational devotional service for the camper.  The Chorus Workshop performs songs at the worship service and closing ceremony.  

Pedro Rivera shares with the campers what it takes to put on a good closing ceremony to camp

And last but not least, the Skits and Talent Workshop puts on its own talent (and usually comedy) show for the campers and staff Monday night.  After all of that, the campers headed to bed for a much needed night of rest….because a very busy day awaits them on Saturday!  The campers will see 2 more guest speakers, kick of their problem solving and sports sessions, and have some fun activities Saturday night as well… 

Until tomorrow’s recap, stay cool and don’t forget to check out our facebook page for more camp photos – http://www.facebook.com/campneidig

Well, Camp Neidig is just a few short days away from kicking off it’s 62nd year of providing leadership training to great young men and women from Rotary District 7430.   If you are a camper attending camp this year, welcome!  It will be an unforgettable experience – but fun and educational.  You will make friendships that will last a lifetime!  If you are a parent of a camper, don’t forget to check back here and on our facebook page (www.facebook.com/campneidig) for updates and photos througout the camp weekend. 

Well, I have to get back to putting the finishing touches on this year’s camp!   I look forward to seeing everyone very soon!  Keep your fingers crossed that we keep this great weather!

Thanks,
Shawn Hinkle
Camp Director

It’s now the last night at camp for Camp Neidig 2010.  Tribes just got done with closing practice and now it is on to the skits and talent show followed by a campfire with smores.  It really has been a great (and fast) 3 days and tomorrow night will be here before we know it.  One last night to have some fun and some activites tomorrow but then its onto the road back home.  Looking forward to seeing all the parents and Rotarians tomorrow night! 

The tribes lining up outside the all purpose building for closing practice.

Until then, good night!

Shawn

Director

Day 3 is underway and the campers are having some fun in the sun.  Here the Algonquin and Mohawk tribes are going old school and playing a friendly game of kickball to get the morning started. 

A kickball hit for a home run

Severin Fayerman speaking to the campers.

When the weather turned warm this afternoon, the students moved inside to hear several guest speakers.  One of the most inspiring stories I have ever heard in my 15 years of being involved with Camp Neidig was given this afternoon by Severin Fayerman.  He recounted his days as a Holocaust prisoner in World War II Poland and Germany at death camps such as Auschwitz.  Mr Fayerman survied the Holocaust and the war and eventually travelled to America with his family.  He ended up starting the company Baldwin Hardware which has become one of the largest manufacturers of hardware (such as door knobs) in the country and world.  Now retired, Mr. Fayerman travels throughout the area telling his story to high school and middle school students in the hopes that they see the opportunity America can provide for them, just as it did for him.  Mr. Fayerman has authored a book about his life story entitled “A Survivor’s Story: Memoirs of Severin Fayerman”  The campers and staff were truly priveliged to meet such and inspiring individual today, whose optimism, hope, and positive spirit far surpass that of any individual I have ever met.  Thank You Mr. Fayerman for your visit today!  You can visit Mr. Fayerman’s facebook page here.

Well, Day 2 is underway and in full swing.  Campers had  a good night sleep (or so they say!) and are ready to take on Day 2.  Today begins with problem solving stations and team activities.  With the problem solving stations, “danger” is around every corner…

The tribes may find themselves caught behind a giant spider web…

Spider Web

or stuck in the middle of an alligator infested swamp…

Swamp Crossing

or crossing a volcanic island…

Volcanic Island

In any case, the camper are learning to work together and hone their leadership skills.  It is still early in the weekend and a lot of work still yet to do! 

Until the next post, Stay Cool!

Shawn

Director

Well, it has been a busy day today, but Day 1 is nearly in the books.  Sue Perrotty gave an excellent presentation this evening, the first one of the camp weekend.

First guest presentatiopn of the weekend

She talked to the campers about finding their moral compass in today’s world.  She stressed the importance of doing the right thing which is often not the easy thing.  Sue made the point that the campers need to get a strong sense of who they are as individuals.  Finally she wrapped up her presentation imploring the campers to become active citizens in their communities.  Too often she sees people not taking an active role in shaping their communities even by doing a simple thing such as voting.  A great presentation the campers seemed to enjoy very much.

After a short break, the campers are back at their busy camp schedule.  Campers are currently working in the workshop groups.  There are 5 workshops (Closing, Skits and Talent, Worship, Yearbook, and Chorus) and every camper must participate in 1 workshop for the entire weekend.  Here are a couple of pictures of the campers with their workshop groups.  It is truly amazing what the campers can put together in these 4 short days!

Closing Workshop

Worship Workshop

Skits Workshop

That’s all until tomorrow!
Good Night Camp Neidig!

Shawn

Hello Everyone,

Well orientation is over and camp is underway!  What great weather and a great group of students!  Tribe meetings are taking place where the students will be getting to know each other, know their tribe leader, and learn about camp.

Pedro and the Lenape Tribe get to know each other

Here Pedro, a staff member for 17 years,  is working through an icebreaker exercise with members of the Lenape Tribe.  These early interactions are important to help the team bond so they work well during the course of the weekend.

Another Tribe, the Shawnee are working on the Human Knot.  The work together to get them out of the entanglement they seem to have found themselves in!

Moe and Jessie lead the Shawnees through this icebreaker.

At 6PM it is off to dinner and then our first guest speaker of the weekend, Sue Perrotty of Knowledge Flow.  Sue first spoke at Camp Neidig over 10 years ago.  We are glad to have her back this year!
Until my next update, stay cool!

Shawn

Camp Director

T-1 day and counting till camp kicks off! We have a great forecast for the weekendm. See everyone tomorrow!

The Director

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

Hello Everyone,

Camp Neidig is just a few short days away.  We will be using this blog site for updates from camp this upcoming weekend.  Feel free to tell your family and friends to check out this site for pictures and updates all weekend long.  See you at camp!
Thanks,

Shawn Hinkle

Director