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Stories of 2024: The Storm of Storms

June 20, 2024. All was calm and quiet at Coniston. Staff Week had gone off without a hitch and the grounds had never looked better. Finishing touches were being made in preparation for the first check-in of the summer in less than 48 hours. 

As staff milled about tending to their duties, clouds quietly replaced the sun. Moments later a breeze came rustling through the leaves and an unmistakable smell filled the staff’s nostrils. A storm was brewing. 

Before you could Class-A-Clap rain pelted in sheets and thunder roared. The wind howled with fury. Staff bolted for shelter and the roll of thunder became the crack of lighting. From windows and porches staff watched as the first branches, then whole trees started falling. With visibility down to less than a few dozen feet everyone sat and waited wondering how much damage nature had wrought. 

In the soggy aftermath staff got their answer. Branches and leaves were everywhere. Trees had come down from Boys Waterfront to Girls Camp. Benches were blown over. Personal items were strewn about. John McNair’s sunglasses were slightly askew. 

For a moment no one said anything. Then, as if a silent starting gun had fired, the work began. Staff assembled in the dining hall and tasks were dolled out. The maintenance team geared up and got rolling with chainsaws in hand. In the rain and in the sun, staff put camp back together. By the time the first cars rolled onto the A-Field nary a sign of the storm remained.

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Stories of 2024: The Upset

The Camper vs. Staff Soccer Game is a grueling and explosive competition unlike any other. For three straight years the staff won every game. An unrelenting wave against the plucky underdog campers. 

Session 1 saw staff walk out onto the pitch with a swagger that oozed victory. They wore all black. They were stronger, faster, and had better hair. Even the assembled crowd of campers seemed utterly resigned to the inevitable defeat that awaited them. In the hot sun the crowd murmured and golf clapped but hoped little and cheered less. 

From the opening whistle staff looked every bit the relentless machine that had tasted nothing but suite victory. Like a pack of lions they circled and pounced. In a flash they had a three goal lead. By the half, they were up 5-2. On the staff sideline, It was all smiles and high fives.

But had staff been looking close enough they perhaps would not have been so confident. Across the grass something changed on the faces of 11 campers in homemade white jerseys. Gone was the youthful gleam in their eye. It was replaced by the fire of the downtrodden. 

The campers came out swinging and opened the second half with a lightning quick goal. Still reeling, Staff were left red faced after they scored an own goal to make it 5-4. Suddenly momentum was entirely on the camper’s side. The crowd cheered and hollered. Staff staved off the camper attack with desperate determination. The stakes suddenly felt very high.

As the final minutes ticked down it seemed the campers would once again come up short. Hope was fading. The crowd had gone from cheers to baited breath. In these moments all tactics go out the window. There are no gameplans. There are just those who rise to the occasion. In the dying embers of the game it was the campers who rose. On legs screaming for rest and lungs burning with fatigue they launched one last attack. The crowd rose to their feet as the ball entered the box. For a second all felt still and silent. Then there was thunder. Camp exploded in cheers as the ball shot into the roof of the net. The Campers had done it. The streak was over. Staff lay in shock as the campers rushed the field. History made.

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Stories of 2024: Lifeguarding Gets an Overhaul

On a sunny day in June the cream of the Conistonian crop lined up at Girls Waterfront to take the plunge and show they had what it takes to don the red and white. Over 100 staff would be entering the water to refresh and recertify in the subtle art of lifeguarding.

“Morale is the key to the whole operation,” said Aquatics Director Brackett Lyons. “You lose that and you might as well pack up and head back to the kiddy pool.” 

Lyons was in charge of staff lifeguard training and this year he had a harder job than usual. You see, lifeguarding got a facelift this year. For those not deeply entrenched in the minutia of The American Red Cross lifeguard training program, 2024 was a year like any other. But for the crack team of Lifeguard Instructors (LGIs) of Camp Coniston, it marked the transition from the old to the new. The Red Cross updates its training every seven years. That means in a change year every LGI must update their training, study the new saves, and dive deep into both the subtle and overt changes to Lifeguarding practices. The update also meant all new manuals, tests, videos, and training regimens for every lifeguard trainee. 

As they gathered barefoot in the grass, Lyons informed his guards that the prerequisite swim test had been upped from 300 yards to 550. Groans were heard up and down the line. Several exasperated utterances of “bro” and “for real?” escaped the staff’s lips.  

“It was tense,” said CIT Director and LGI Charlie Levine. “We’ve all had to do that swim, but finding out another 250 yards were added? That was a tough pill to swallow.”

But swallow it they did. Staff showed grit, hutzpa, and even some panache. Once one was in the water the spirit of camaraderie propelled the rest, and in no time everyone was back on the shore a little shorter of breath but taller in mind, body, and spirit. For the next day and a half, staff were in the water and on land learning and fine-tuning their saves and CPR. They practiced drills and worked on their tans. By the end of it, they emerged from the trials as a cohesive unit of modern lifeguarding excellence. From June to August they roamed the waterfronts, patrolled on kayaks and paddleboards, and guarded all who entered the hallowed waters of Lake Coniston. 

“It was a great year for guarding,” said Waterfront Director Izzy Pavano. “Everyone worked super hard with all the new requirements.” 

Joining the staff guards were the 2024 CITs who endured long hours of lecture and instruction and joined Staff as certified lifeguards. The influx of new talent helps keep Coniston one of the powerhouses of camping aquatic safety. In total 110 lifeguards received a certification from Coniston this summer with dozens more refreshing their skills. 

“You need young talent in this game,” said Lyons. “Lifeguarding takes a physical toll. Just look at me. I ain’t what I used to be. I know I’m on the back nine of my career.” At 24, Lyons is perhaps on hole 18. Many wouldn’t be surprised if the long-time guard hung up his trunks and whistle sooner rather than later. “You’ve got to leave the lifeguarding before the lifeguarding leaves you,” he said with eyes fixed on the lake. “Maybe it’s time.” 

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Stories of 2024: Staff Give Back

After the success of last summer, staff once again wrote letters, made appeals, and donated to help raise camperships for those in need. The 2007 CITs matched the contributions from staff, which pushed the funds over the finish line and will fully fund two campers’ summers next year. In total, the staff raised $3,140! All of the money will go directly to the Campership Fund. 

Staff give so much time, effort, and love each summer to ensure Camp is just as magical for today’s campers as it was for them. For so many to give more on top of that is what makes Coniston special. Their generosity shows staff’s commitment and understanding of Coniston’s mission and impact. We are so grateful to have a community that comes together and works toward the dream that any child who wants to come to Camp, can come to Camp.

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Stories of 2024: Martial Arts Kicks Off

In its debut summer, Martial Arts made the dance studio its dojo with campers learning Taekwondo. 

Adelaide Barnes, 2021 CIT, headed up the new program area. Adelaide has won several national titles and won the USA Grand Prix for Taekwondo. As a dual citizen of the United Kingdom, she was also selected for Great Britain’s Development Squad for the Olympics when she was 16.  

Adelaide used her years of knowledge and experience to teach campers an entry level course in the martial arts while mixing in a healthy dose of camp fun. 

Adelaide said she saw the confidence of her campers grow dramatically throughout the session. She emphasized how intimidating trying something new can be and that a discipline like Taekwondo offers no shortage of frustration when beginning. 

“These campers were amazing,” said Adelaide. “They showed persistence no matter what  level they were at. They were always willing to try again and again! I was, and still am very proud of them.”

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Stories of 2024: Reflections on South Dakota

For the past two summers, the West Coast CITs have ventured to Dupree, SD to visit the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires, the only YMCA located on a reservation. Members and staff of the Seven Council Fires graciously welcomed Coniston’s next generation of counselors and gave them the opportunity to meet and learn from the Lakota people. 

Neither the history of the Lakota nor the reality of reservation life is easy to digest. There is pain, but more importantly, there is joy. Simple games like tag left everyone breathless with laughter. 

“The connections that the CITs made with the campers there were so, so beautiful,” said West Coast CIT Director Ainsley Conroy. 

CIT Caleb Meranus recalled, “The children I met while volunteering at the YMCA in Dupree were some of the most kind, respectful and thoughtful children I had ever met.” After working at the day camp, the CITs traveled to the town of Cherry Creek to distribute meals. Next, they volunteered at the overnight camp of the Seven Council Fires: YMCA Camp Marrowbone.

At Marrowbone, camp feels a little different. It moves at a slower pace, but the fun is the same. The smiles are just as bright – Camp is Camp. 

“We should definitely be sharing what we’re learning in South Dakota with the greater Coniston community,” said Ainsley.

“We developed this program to show Conistonians how our camp fits into the larger picture that is the YMCA. I love sending young people to places like this because they are awestruck by the differences while simultaneously heartwarmed by the similarities. It is ultimately the sameness you feel with a person that leads you to understand your place in the world. Perhaps there is no better place to feel that than the Cheyenne River Valley Reservation,” said John Tilley. 

After trips to California, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado, the next stop in our West Coast CIT program is the Pacific Northwest.  We will send alumni to South Dakota to continue the work begun by the CITs, and to ensure the lessons learned there will be woven into Coniston for years to come. 

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Stories of 2024: The Chipwich Revolution

Ahh, the Chipwich: the unchallenged king of camp desserts. Inside the famous packaging sits delectable vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two golden chocolate chip cookies. Perfection in the palm of your hand. 

But could it be better? Could we dare to improve upon perfection? That was the monumental gamble taken by Kitchen Director Stan this summer. To reach beyond what we thought possible. 

What if Camp made our own Chipwiches? Instead of pre-packaged desserts, each and every cookie was baked in the hallowed halls of Coniston. Our very own kitchen staff scooped the ice cream by hand. So, was this labor of love worth it? YES. Demand for the already en vogue dessert skyrocketed. Record decible levels were recorded in the dining hall. The game has been changed. There’s no going back now.

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Stories of 2024: Music makes debut performance

This Summer, Camp was transformed into a place of notes and smiles as music took up residence for the first time. Thanks to donations from generous Conistonians, guitars hung on every wall and a keyboard sat in every corner of the former Staff Lodge. The porch overlooking the lake quickly became a favorite spot for rehearsals and jam sessions. From sunup to sun down, melodies drifted across the water. 

Music program director and founder Grace Ferguson said, “Creating music and performing music is super vulnerable and I think being able to foster an environment for young kids to try it out is super important, and I think a lot of kids don’t really get that chance.” 

Grace, who is a member of the band Luna and the Carpets, is the latest in a long-line of Coniston musicians. Notable artists like Noah Kahan and Hans Williams honed their skills at Camp, and thanks to Grace, countless more kids will get that chance.

Grace is really hopeful the program continues. For many campers, it is their first chance to play an instrument. A lot of kids were there just to experiment. Grace noted that exposing kids to different instruments, especially at a young age, allows kids to be creative and explore in completely new ways. The very act of singing and playing music together connects us with an entirely new group of people. It is not only good for us as individuals in that we learn a new skill, it is that camp is teaching individuals a new way to connect and make new friends.  

“It was just so amazing watching them grow even in the short two weeks. We had so many campers that really flourished. I think watching that was just a super rewarding experience,” said Grace.  

While not every camper will someday sell out Fenway Park or sign a record deal, music will always have a home at Coniston. And Camp will continue to be the first stage for generations of Conistonians to come.

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Alumni Raise Thousands for Coniston at Golf Tournament

Eric Rightor, Matt Comstock, Mike Wheeler, Brendan Olson, Kyle Olson, Shane Goodrich, Kyle Leahy, Mike Slafsky, Andy Miller, Tom Miller, and Kaite Miller at Overlook Golf Club in Hollis, NH on Thursday 9/12.

The event was organized by Matt Comstock. If you think you can take down the triumphant quartet, Comstock encourages anyone wishing to participate in next year’s tournament to email him at mcomstock57@gmail.com.

The fore victors of Thursday’s clash.

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Brackett Lyons – Aquatics Director – Vespers

I love a hello. A howdy. A sup. A how’s it going. Hellos are easy. If it’s been a long time they’re even better. Hugging someone you haven’t seen in too long. Instantly falling back into old routines and habits. That person can take you back to a time and place. They can fill you with memories long forgotten. I wish that life could be all hellos.

I remember when I was a camper there was nothing like that first day back in the div. All the fellas rolled up and saw who they were in cabin with. Who their councilors were. And by the time the last parent had driven off it was like no time had passed at all. We were back under the pines and life was simple and good once more. It was the best.

But with every hello comes a goodbye. It’s part of the contract. Nothing lasts forever. And at least for me, goodbyes are hard. I struggle to find the words when the ending finally comes. I remember leaving camp for the last time. I walked around unsure of what to say or how to say it. Camp had taught me so much. But it had yet to teach me how to say goodbye for good.

I knew it was the end of the line for many of the friendships I had fostered over the years. There would be no more hellos for so many of us. As I drifted around I jotted a few phone numbers down, hugged a couple of pals and ultimately decided it was easier to just get in the car and go.

Despite the hollow feeling this left me with, I continued this pattern for years. At birthday parties, or group hangouts I would often Irish Goodbye. Without a word I would depart and be gone before anyone knew it.

Those decisions still eat at me. There are people I wish were still in my life. People I wish I had closed the book with. But I left the last page unread. I knew an ending was coming and I pulled back. I chose the easy way out. I knew it was wrong and yet I did it anyway. I chose short term ease and now faced the long term guilt.

When I graduated college I fell into the familiar pattern. I said a couple small farewells but when I packed up my car and drove home there were many people I neglected to properly say goodbye to. People I would likely never see again.

But after I got home, something changed. I was fed up with myself and my actions. I decided things would be different this time. I picked up my phone and called or texted all of the people I had failed to say goodbye to in person. It didn’t erase the guilt entirely. But it got me on the right path.

Since then I have had many goodbyes. Some when I left Boston to come work at camp. Some when my friends left camp after last summer and I stayed behind. Others were the final goodbye to a loved one. All of them were painful. All of them felt a little awkward. But I do not lament a single one. The chapter of my life that each of those people occupied feels complete, finished, and without loose ends.  

The shadows have grown long on this session. Before you know it they will be long on this summer. It is later than you think. But it is not too late. If you are like me and too often you find yourself standing on the edge and walking back, I urge you to take the plunge. Life is filled with regrets. Saying goodbye to your friends will never be one of them.

If there is someone here, or across the lake that has impacted you this summer, they deserve a goodbye. Go up to them, give them a hug and tell them what their friendship meant this year on the lake. Endings are hard, but they are necessary. Read that last page. Close the book. You won’t regret it.