Welcome Back CKCP Families!

I hope that everyone had a great year and we’re looking forward to another incredible summer at CKCP! It’s absolutely mind boggling to see how much some of the kids have grown over the past few months, as many of them are unrecognizable. A HUGE thanks to Mia Togneri, Cassandra and Gordon Bournos, Sean Gibbons, Bronwyn Hyland, Keegan Lewick and Amanda Moore as they are moving onto bigger and better things in life! This year, we added our 2022 CITs Kaley McCabe, Brody Mackey, Miles Scholz and Emma VanDerhoef as our newest counselors. They will be supported by our talented (and much larger) group of CITs for this year, who were all previous CKCP Campers. Welcome Xander Bradley, Vivienne Bournos, Caden Piesco, Kayla Hayden, Ava Kitay, Nate O’Brien, Luke Sandvik and Evelyn Zegley and GOOD LUCK!

I would also like to welcome the new families to the community. This letter should outline everything that you need to know for the upcoming Summer. You will see that we have some of the traditional activities, as well as some newer ones added to the calendar. As always, I will end the week with a “CKCP Newsletter” that will highlight the previous week, as well as an update of the what-to-expect for the following week. That being said, I’ve decided to list some of the important updates that everyone should be aware of, rather than rattle off an essay version….lol. Here we go!

Cell Phone Policy - Cell Phones are not permitted at camp this year so request that everyone (campers and staff) please leave them at home. We are committed to this policy as being “zero tolerance,” as there is no need for them here. I will be the only one with a phone, in case of an emergency or to take pics of the campers throughout the day.
Field Trips - We will be visiting Splashdown, Lake Compounce, Brownstone Park and New Fairfield’s own Great Hollow Nature Preserve as our Field Trips that require a fee. All of the information will be located on the CKCP website. You will notice that the bus fees have increased substantially, which has made the overall trip fees more expensive, unfortunately. All 5+ are welcome to come to Splashdown and Lake Compounce, as well as families that would like to meet us there. Brownstone is open to all campers, 9+. Great Hollow Nature Center is open to campers, between the ages of 5-8. We are also going to venture to some of the different state parks in our area, which should be something new and different. There is a PayPal option to make a payment online (additional fees will be added to the total) or you can drop off a check at the office (please make sure that you specify camper name and which field trip it is for!).
Volunteers - To make all of the magic work, we are hoping to get some parent volunteers to help out, and we would be forever grateful. I will keep a list of volunteers to assist in some of the driving, shopping, running around throughout the Summer. Please email me if you would like to put your name on the list! Thank you in advance!
Camp Shirts - Shirts will be ordered during the first week, once all of the registrations have been received and completed.
Calendar - Here’s the link to access the calendar - CKCP Calendar 2023 for your reference. If you would like a printed copy, please let me know.
General Maintenance - Please make sure that camper names/tags are on EVERYTHING! From beach towels to water bottles……we usually accumulate an entire new wardrobe with our Lost and Found by the end of the season! Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and have campers bring their own water bottles. There will be a refill station, as needed. If your child’s group will require sneakers, then I will notify by email the specifics (usually for sports instruction clinics)
Lunch Bunch - If a camper is in need of Lunch Bunch, the price is $10 and would greatly appreciate you letting us know in advance (at least one day prior). Please email me, so I can arrange a counselor to be with the camper. Last minute requests may not be able to be accommodated unless it is an emergency. If your child will partake in Lunch Bunch, please send in a lunch (yes, we have a fridge, if needed) and $10. If you are going to Lunch Bunch on a consistent basis, I recommend reaching out to a counselor and making any arrangements with them, as it might be easier.
Ice Cream Night - Ice Cream Night will start during the first Thursday of camp (7/29) and a huge thanks to Sally Joyce for organizing this weekly event! 7:00pm, every Thursday (except for the campout….) Sally is in need of scoopers for each Thursday. Put together a crew and consider signing up! Here’s the link- CKCP Ice Cream Sign Up Genius
Specialty Days - The calendar is full of “specialty” days, which will be held during the afternoons, unless there is an exception.
Inclement Weather - Yes, we still have camp in the rain! But, if the weather is actually bad enough, we will use the indoors for CKCP. Usually, the younger campers are downstairs, while the older campers are upstairs. Board games are always invited and our new cell phone policy still remains the same. If I know ahead of time that there might be a “washout”, then I will update everyone as I might organize a last minute trip to the movies, indoor mini golf, etc. (But, hey, it won’t rain this Summer! Lol)

I think that I’ve covered the real basics and I can’t wait to see all of the returning campers, as well as the new faces! As always, please let me know if you have any questions along the way! By the way, if anyone is looking for some CK Swag, please take a look at the CK online store, which was organized by Amanda Knox. All orders must be submitted by July 2nd.

LET’S HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!!!!!

Phil