The Alvernian - Session 3, 2026
From The Camp Director
I saw so many amazing moments from our campers and staff these past two weeks. The biggest show was our Color War, where Red Fire went up against Blue Frost, complete with awesome dress-up outfits and friendly competition all day.
I talked with two campers who first met right here when they were four years old. They go to different schools, but seven years later, they are still close friends every summer. It is truly amazing.
We do not promise friends for life. But something special happens when we stop trying to compete with endless TikTok feeds and start encouraging kids to just spend time together.
We saw campers who started out nervous to be at camp slowly get comfortable, and then say they never wanted to leave. These experiences are special because of how difficult it can be to get there. Every summer at camp includes all sorts of real human emotions because we work with many growing humans.
As parents, this part can be hard to watch. Kids only build this kind of confidence after feeling uncomfortable, out of place, or even a little afraid. Deep down, we know these feelings are not negative. They are vital for healthy child development. I want to thank our parents for showing so much bravery by letting their children try something new.
We just opened up 2027 registration to returning camper families, and it has been great seeing so many registrations come in. We will miss all of our Session 3 campers, but we know we will get to be together again next summer!
Badyr’s Quote of Session 3:
“I have one life and one chance to make it count for something… My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.”-Jimmy Carter
Red Fire VS Blue Frost
This Thursday, Camp Alvernia heated up during Red vs. Blue Day! From the Himalayan Mountains, the Blue team was represented by the Yeti, and the Red team rose from the ashes as a mighty Phoenix in a battle of Fire vs. Frost! Both teams tackled the competition in games of Basketball, Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe, and finally, Tug of War. An extra special challenge was given to the Eagles, who not only completed a relay, but raced cardboard boats in the main pool: giving the Blue team a victory to kick off the day. In Arts and Crafts, campers made team emblems out of foam: icicles for frost, or tiny flames for fire. Throughout the day, intense matches of cup stacking took place, letting campers put their speed skills to the test. A good time was had by both red and blue, but at the end of the day, only one team can reign victorious. After a seriously competitive day here at Camp Alvernia, it was the Red Phoenixes that melted the competition and won the 2026 Red vs. Blue battle!
- Anne (Special Days)
Session 3 With The Ducklings
The Ducklings have had a great session 3 making new friends and exploring the beautiful grounds at Camp Alvernia.
We have had fun in both the wading pool and big pools with slides, played at the beach front making sandcastles and getting super soaked with the water tables… they loved it! Also…. The Ducklings hit the sailboats together and braved the big waters!!! It was fun and we ALL adventured out :)
Rainy days … no worries… We projected Moana onto the ceiling and the ducklings relaxed and watched some highlights while smiling with a big group of their new friends :)
We painted and made buttons and walked through the rain together!!! A little downpour didn’t stop us!
We also had a blast 2x at slip and slide when the sun was back out :)
The Ducklings can do so much, yet at camp they are the babies that EVERYONE LOVES TO SEE :) They get a lot of attention walking around that’s for sure :)
A shout out to our new campers Michael and Maeve :) and a goodbye to some that we will surely miss but hopefully see them again next summer!!!!! The very best in the school year you smiley little Duckies!!!
- The Duckling Staff
Behing The Scenes Of Camp With The Sandpipers
Before the campers arrive each morning, Camp Alvernia is already buzzing with activity. Activity counselors are setting up games and checking equipment, Lorelei in Arts & Crafts is gathering supplies for exciting new projects, and the supervisors are making sure every schedule is ready for a day full of fun. While campers see the excitement in each day, there’s so much care, planning, and teamwork that is happening behind the scenes. Every member of the Camp Alvernia staff plays a part in creating an environment where the fun feels effortless.
But the most important preparation isn’t setting up the field or organizing materials— it’s creating a place where every child feels like they belong. Our Sandpiper counselors take the time to learn each camper’s name, celebrate their accomplishments, comfort them when they’re missing home, and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone. This week, campers in Sandpipers 3 and 4 celebrated a big milestone by going down the slide in the small pool for the very first time! Moments like these are what camp is all about.
Our staff works hard to keep camp traditions alive while creating new memories that your children will talk about long after summer ends. A special shoutout to the Red Team for taking home this year’s Color Wars championship! Every part of the day is thoughtfully planned with one goal in mind: giving your child a summer full of memories that they’ll carry with them for years to come.
Thank you for trusting us with your children each day. It is a privilege to watch them grow, explore, and make lifelong memories, and we are so grateful to be a part of their summer story.
- Matty and Courtney (Sandpiper Supervisors)
Camp Traditions That Never Grow Old
One of the most exciting camp traditions that we have here at Camp Alvernia is our Session 3 Red vs Blue Special Day. Every year, teams battle for victory in various games and activities to score points for color wars. This year was special because of the fire and frost theme! The excitement started on Tuesday with our staff relay. Campers cheered for their counselors and color captains, and it was a great way to kick off the festivities.
On Thursday, campers Azalea, Anthony, and Arabella were all decked out with face paint, hairspray, and bandanas. Campers had so much fun all around camp showing their team spirit!
At the end of day, Red came out on top! The costumes, sportsmanship, and teamwork makes color wars one of the best traditions here at camp!
- Bree (Plover Supervisor)
A Day In The Life At Camp Alvernia
Happy Friday Camp Alvernia families! Can you believe it’s already the end of the third session? As a group supervisor, how I experience camp is vastly different from the camper experience. My day is filled with paperwork, early pickups, and of course, lots and lots of walking. It may sound boring, but what makes this job the best is that I get to see all the campers have the best time of their lives.
This week in particular, the energy at Alvernia was palpable. As our special day for session three, Color Wars, has finally arrived, the campers were ecstatic to go up against each other in Red v. Blue teams. The morning began with the campers rallying together with their teams to do their group chant, hoping to be the loudest to earn their team points. After the morning festivities, it was on!
Walking around camp on a special day, you truly can see the amount of joy that Alvernia brings them. All the activities morphed into competitive Red v Blue competitions. At basketball, the Ospreys played knockout with ALL the campers playing as if they were on a professional team!
The most special moments of the day are in between, transition periods. It is very funny to see the teasing about who is on the better team all day.
“Red team is the best!”
“Blue team is going to win!”
How could you not be excited? And this would not be Alvernia camp day without a visit to the pool and to the waterfront. There, campers engaged in water balloon fights and paddle board races in the bay.
The only reprieve from the intense competition is the canteen; where the campers refuel with the best snacks, (a chipwich and a blue Gatorade for me, please!) With everyone’s bellies full of ice cream, the day culminates with an all camp tug of war and the announcement of the winning team. While there may be some tears, the day ends in jubilant excitement and laughter. The campers go home with lifelong memories and smiles plastered on their faces, and so do I, because I help kids grow. :)
- Talia (Osprey Supervisor)
The Soundtrack of Camp
Every day at camp has its own soundtrack. It starts with birds singing in the trees and quickly turns into cheers from the baseball field, laughter after the joke of the day, splashing at the pool, and music playing from the canteen. These are the sounds that make camp feel alive.
Yesterday, the Heron age group added plenty of excitement during Color Wars. During tug-of-war, campers could be heard cheering on every teammate, celebrating each pull of the rope and encouraging one another from start to finish. The energy and teamwork were impossible to miss.
Out in the harbor, campers sang songs together while sailing, making an already beautiful afternoon even more memorable.
At the talent show, Michael Jackson came on, and Vivienne, Fiona, Sophia, Ashlyn, and their counselor, Zach, couldn’t help but dance along, bringing smiles to everyone around them.
These little moments may seem ordinary now, but they’re the memories our Herons will remember long after the summer ends.
- Jack (Heron Supervisor)
Session 3 With The Eagles
Dear Camp Families,
What an incredible third session we’ve had together at camp! From trying new adventures to making unforgettable memories with friends, our campers have been non-stop on the go. One of the absolute highlights of this session was our horseback riding outing. Whether it was a camper’s first time in the saddle, or they were seasoned riders, everyone showed great courage, learned the basics of riding, and enjoyed a beautiful trail ride. Watching the kids build confidence alongside these gentle animals was truly special.
The excitement kept rolling right into our famous Eagles pool party, which was an absolute hit! Campers beat the summer heat by splashing around, taking on high-energy pool games, and trying their luck with some Tetris Topple. The energy was electric as counselors and campers cheered each other on, floated with friends, and cooled off under the sun. Laughter echoed across the pool area, making it an afternoon packed with pure, classic summer fun.
We wrapped up the action with one of our most anticipated traditions: Color Wars! The camp transformed into a sea of vibrant team colors, enthusiastic chants, and spirited competition where campers showed off incredible teamwork and sportsmanship.
To top it all off, Friday was our official Sports Jersey Day! It was amazing to see so many campers proudly repping their favorite teams, especially the huge crowd showing love for the NBA champion Knicks.
We are so proud of the joy and community spirit our campers brought to Session 3, and we can’t wait for the memories still to come!
- Claude and Kierstin (Eagles Supervisors)
The Magic Of Unplugged Fun
Playing without screens? Why is this so vital? Evidence-based research shows that unplugged connection develops human security, engagement, focus, creativity, and deeper brain development for our campers and staff alike. At Camp Alvernia, we connect through cheering for each other through slip n’ slide kickball, playing sharks & minnows in the pool, laughing together at the joke of the day, and applauding our five year campers and those who go through the certified sailor program. Walking together from the soccer field down to waterfront, making eye contact with each other over lunch on Pizza Fridays, smiling and joking and saying each other’s names out loud when we see each other first thing in the morning, brainstorming new dances for Talent Show, cooperating for a successful sailing outing…unplugged magic is continuously happening here at Camp Alvernia. Probably our biggest reason for being unplugged at Camp Alvernia is that we believe that each human being matters. There’s impact in being seen and known, in being paid attention to, and in being cared for as an individual who has worth and value. At Camp Alvernia, when we choose to put our screens down and connect with the person in front of us, we send a powerful message that YOU MATTER.
Thank you for entrusting us with your campers,
-Sarah Martin, JC Supervisor
The Kind of Summer We Hope They’ll Remember
Staff at Camp Alvernia aim to create a fun and engaging experience for campers in all age groups. We understand that it’s the little moments that can make a big impact, such as waving to cars at Turnaround in the morning or a friendly goodbye during dismissal. A smile goes a long way!
Our activity staff strive to give campers activities that make them smile and laugh. Even in the rain we had campers playing soccer and dancing! A little mud never hurts us and only adds to the excitement. On July 31st we had a Slip n Slide Kickball game going on the whole day for the campers. Our staff were great at embracing the fun and showing campers how to run and slide to each pool. It’s these little moments where we embrace the fun and excitement that make camp a time that campers remember.
Our activity counselors strive to forge great relationships with campers in their care. Malachi has been very great at making every camper feel seen. He plays cards and jokes around with the kids in his care. These moments have allowed campers to feel so comfortable with him that they are always excited to see him at their activity. We strive to make sure all needs are met at camp and allow campers to have experiences and interactions that leave them smiling. Our goal is for campers to look back on the activities they have done with fondness.
- Katie, Julie and Jess (Activities Supervisors)
Hi From the Pool Staff!
As Session 3 comes to an end, the pool staff has been reflecting on how proud we are of everything the campers have accomplished over the past few weeks. Between learning new skills, becoming more confident in the water, and playing games with their friends, it has been another great session at the pool!
The Sandpipers continued working on their independent swimming skills. A special shout-out goes to McKenna, who worked hard throughout the session and is now able to swim without her bubble! Moments like this are so exciting because they show how much confidence campers can gain when they continue practicing and challenging themselves.
The Plovers had a great time playing water polo with the lifeguards. The game gave them a fun way to practice swimming, treading water, passing, and working together as a team. The Herons also enjoyed learning new pool games, including Initials, which quickly became one of their favorites.
We are so proud of all the progress the campers made during Session 3 and cannot wait to see them continue building their skills and making memories at the pool!
- Amelia (Assistant Pool Supervisor)
