For those who have been to camp before, you know that when you think of snack, you think of Peter Lai standing on the deck of the Dining Hall. 

Peter knew that I loved ice cream and green (not red) apples and would always tell me the specific ice cream pop and the apple color for that day — because he knew that was what I was really wondering. That was Peter — he made everyone feel special and remembered things about them that no one else ever did! So Liza’s Tradition Time in this newsletter is dedicated to Peter, and all of the special snacks at Bryn Mawr. 

Some of you might be able to guess my favorite special snack at camp: It is Ice Cream Night. I love ice cream (with TONS of rainbow sprinkles), and I love Ice Cream Night at camp for so many reasons., I love serving the whipped cream in the sundae line (spoiler alert: I definitely give too much). I love the tradition of singing at Ice Cream Night. After everyone has their sundae, Bunk One asks different girls in camp to sing a song. It is a time-honored tradition that was one of my favorites as a camper and remains one today.  

Other special snacks at camp include Pizza Night, Chocolate Banana Night (ssshhhh…), churros, s’mores, funnel cakes, and hot pretzels! I know that I will miss seeing Peter’s smile every afternoon, evening, and special snack next summer… but I know that his spirit will always be with us, every time we go to the Dining Hall for snack!

Love,
Eliza

Picture this: It’s a warm summer Friday night. We are all in the Apple O’ watching the talent show. At the end of this special evening, after we have heard a story and shared random acts of kindness, there is a bonus: anniversary night. 

On this night, we celebrate our returning campers and staff and highlight the number of years that they have been at camp. We give out a number of coveted Bryn Mawr items: 

• 3-Year Water Bottle 
• 4-Year Drawstring 
• 5-Year Jacket (an all time favorite) 
• 6-Year Blanket
• 7-Year Watch
• 8-Year Backpack 

As a staff member, one of the coolest parts about returning to camp year after year is getting to watch campers grow up. While the items are all great, the most special part of the night for me is seeing the girls proudly come to the stage to be recognized for their years at camp. On this night each year, I get to take a step back and reflect on the experiences that I have the opportunity of watching each summer. Without fail, there are campers that shock me — I simply can’t believe that they are in their 5th, 6th, or 7th summer because I remember them starting in the Manor House! I love watching how all of our campers grow up at camp and this night is a reminder of that. 

I am so excited for anniversary night 2021 (and every year beyond) to watch ALL OF YOU grow up at camp! Remember that when you get those special items — whether water bottles, drawstrings, jackets, blankets, watches or backpacks — they’re not just gifts. They are a reminder of how grateful we are to have YOU in our camp family.

How many years have you been at LBMC? Check out this list!

Love,
Eliza