The Alvernian - Session 4, 2026
From The Camp Director
Camp Alvernia gets into your heart and stays there. We have a gorgeous 15 acre waterfront property in the woods. We have almost 140 years of summer camp tradition. We have awesome food. But what makes this place special is the people. It is the culture and the real relationships we work hard to build every day.
It has become increasingly rare to find places where children have the privilege to be in such a beautiful property together to learn, grow, and have fun. Even in school, our children are increasingly taught not by humans, but by AI-powered education programs on chromebooks and ipads - without the human support and encouragement, the warmth of a smile and the relationship with a caring trusted adult, it is little wonder they often feel frustrated by the day to day.
This week, I sat down with our junior counselors for a Q and A. One of them asked a very honest question: How do you deal with it when it is super hot outside and you get frustrated with the kids?
I asked them to hold that question for a second. We talked about daily habits, smartphones, mindless scrolling, and AI. We all know screens are not the real world, but we do not always act that way.
Then I told them this: When you are sweating outside, that means you are fully in your body. When you get frustrated, it means you have a goal and you are trying. When you feel disappointed, it means you trusted and you cared. I saw a lot of nods from that group of future leaders of Camp Alvernia.
Here’s the thing- only a human can remind you that all of these little discomforts are signs that you are fully alive, and that is a good thing. Being fully present in real life is a gift. That is why camp stays in our hearts long after summer ends.
As my friend Chris said recently, the joy is not ending because camp is ending, it’s going out into the world with us.
Thank you again for sharing your wonderful children with us this summer. Registration for 2027 is open. Make sure to register soon to save your spot! We’d love to have you with us in 2027.
All the best,
Ben
““We just want to win. That’s the bottom line. I think a lot of times people may become content with one championship or a little bit of success, but we don’t really reflect on what we’ve done in the past. We focus on the present.”
-Derek Jeter
From The Pool Director
Campers of all ages swimming and splashing in the pool, beautiful sunny weather, laughing with friends, being physically active while socializing. If only summer could last forever!
As Session 4 comes to a close, the pool staff could not be more proud of all the campers and everything they have achieved. From our young Sandpipers and Plovers strengthening their swimming skills to our older groups competing in water polo and having fun with their friends, our last session has been a memorable one. The pool staff has had a blast watching the campers bring their energy and excitement to the pools.
Our young but energetic Sandpipers continued to improve their swimming abilities. During Session 4, we watched several Sandpipers transition from using a bubble to swimming unassisted!
The Plover group always has a great time at the pool, whether they are learning different swim strokes during swim lessons or enjoying a ride down the pool slide during free swim. The excitement the Plovers have every time they enter the pool area is unmatched, and their energy will be missed!
The Ospreys, Herons, and Eagles continued to show their independence in the pool area by engaging in different activities to ensure fun for all! In any particular group, you can have a few campers enjoying the water casually, playing a pool game with friends, playing a game of four square outside the pool, or playing cards just outside of the pool. It has been amazing to watch our older groups work together!
A special shoutout goes to our entire lifeguard staff for working extremely hard to keep our campers safe all summer. Not only did our lifeguards work hard to keep campers safe, but during their time off, they also did an amazing job of making camp fun for the campers at the pool by joining in on pool activities, playing pool games with the campers, and creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. We look forward to next summer and more fun at the pool!
—Stephon (Pool Director)
Session 4 With The Ducklings
When I think of Session 4 of camp I have many mixed feelings…. Most of us have been working all summer (since the day school ended) so some of me is excited to have the last little bit of summer doing the things I love when I’m not at camp. But another part, a big part, is sad that the summer is coming to an end…. And to be honest the Ducklings in session 4 are the best group to close out with. They are smiley, funny, willing to try new experiences and you can have great conversations with these little cuties! They have me laughing on a regular basis.
We have 2 groups of Ducklings but we travel everywhere together so we have many new friends. We have hit the big pools, sailed 2 x and enjoyed waterfront sandcastle building and paddling in the big water. We have had a blast walking the beautiful grounds and exploring….. and most importantly…. trying things. A camp survey went around and I wrote “ I wish the parents can see the Ducklings faces when they try something new, I wish I could bottle that up and send it home”. As a parent those are the faces and emotions you can only wish for…. So magical to see.
We want to say a special thank you to Ella Rose, Olivia, Molly, and Lincoln who have spent the summer having fun with us….thank you! We love you ALL!!!!! We have had the chance to see you as babies grow and love that!!!!!
I want to send a special shout out to Michael for being so brave to stay at camp and actually enjoying it…. We all love Michael and are proud of you! It’s hard to separate from home sometimes…. But you did it!!!!
Cameron you get another shout out…. You are cute ( blonde hair, shocking blue eyes ) and the best conversations on our walks…. I went to throw a baby wipe down the toilet and Cameron said… “Linda you should know that’s bad for the cesspool :) “
Thomas- the most chill camper we have. Always calm and we all loved you!
Nicky- our little baby camper that the ENTIRE CAMP LOVED! Thank you for inviting us all to your birthday party… the sentiment was the best!!!!!
Sunny-,you have the best name ever and have lived up to it everyday at camp. Your love for having fun inspires us!!!!
Daphne and Molly - what a summer we had!!!!! Cheers to the trendiest cuties at camp!!!!
Thank you thank you baby duckies for bringing so many smiles to our lives. We will miss you but maybe we will run into you this year ( which we often do) or see you next year!!!!
-The Duckling Staff
Sharing The Magic of Camp With the Plovers
There is something truly magical about camp. It is a place where friendships can begin in the most unexpected moments, where ordinary days become favorite memories, and where campers and counselors get to be completely present in the moment. The magic of camp is found in the big moments, like the singing at talent shows, the cheers at gaga, and learning how to sail at the waterfront. But also in the little moments, like a camper finding the courage to try something new, a friendship that forms on the bus, or a counselor remembering a camper’s favorite joke. What makes camp so special is that its impact lasts far beyond the summer. The connections made here become memories that we carry with us. Years later, we may not remember every activity we did, but we remember how camp made us feel and, most importantly, the people who made those summers special.
This summer marks my 11th summer at camp, and somehow, even after all these years, every day still feels new. I have seen traditions grow and change, watched campers become counselors, and made countless memories of my own, yet there are still new things to appreciate about camp every single day. That is part of its magic. Camp may be familiar, but it is never the same. After 11 summers, I have learned that the true magic of camp isn’t just in what we do, it is in the people we do it with. It is in the friendships, the traditions, the laughter, the challenges, and the countless little moments that make each summer unforgettable. I feel incredibly lucky to experience the magic year after year, and I hope that every camper leaves this summer carrying a little piece of it with them.
Bree, Plovers Supervisor
Happy Last Day of Camp!
A Note From The Ospreys
It is unbelievable that the summer has finally come to a close. While we prepare for school, or get much needed rest and vacation time, I just wasted time reflecting on this summer. This summer, I stepped into a new role here at Alvernia, making the transition from Sandpipers to Ospreys. At first, I was weary and extremely nervous. And then the summer came and went and it was the most rewarding experience. And that is how I imagine the summer is for all our campers. Some have been at Alvernia since they were Ducklings, and some experienced their first summer at Alvernia ever. It must be so daunting for them to rise into a new age group or simply come to a new place. Every camper that I have spoken to over the course of the summer, in some way or another, tried something new. Whether that new thing was sailing, diving into the pool, getting on the stage at the talent show, or simply trying a new food at lunch. And after all the new experiences, there is joy and wonder trailing along with them.
Camp Alvernia is the perfect place to get out of your comfort zone. The love and support provided by all of our staff and fellow campers make this place very special. I hope confidence to be bold and to be brave follows our campers into the next school year and beyond.
It has been my pleasure this summer to work with the Ospreys, and I look forward to another wonderful year at Camp Alvernia.
Best Wishes,
Talia
Osprey Supervisor
Sandpiper Summer!
This summer with the Sandpipers has been full of new friendships, new experiences, and lots of laughter! While we’re so sad it’s over, we want to reflect on the amazing moments Camp Alvernia brought us over the past eight weeks. Our Sandpipers filled the summer with fun activities, special crafts, and, of course, yummy ice cream. It has been so much fun watching them learn, play, explore, and grow together.
One of our favorite memories from this summer was when the Sandpipers were able to use different boats at the waterfront. Seeing them experiment with the kayak paddles and power paddler handles was so much fun. When they first climbed into their boats, they overcame their nerves about trying something new and fully immersed themselves in the fun learning process. It was wonderful to watch their confidence grow as they figured out how to steer, paddle, and work together on the water. Their excitement and sense of accomplishment made this a special memory we will carry with us long after summer ends.
We are so proud of every Sandpiper and all they accomplished this summer. They have grown in confidence, independence, and friendship, and we have loved getting to know their unique personalities along the way. Thank you to all our families for sharing your little campers with us and for making this summer so special. We will miss our Sandpipers dearly and hope they leave camp with happy memories that last long after summer ends. We can’t wait to see what adventures await them next!
Matty, Sandpiper Supervisor
Session 4 With The Herons
Friendship was everywhere during the fourth session at Camp Alvernia! The Heron age group did an amazing job welcoming new campers, creating new friendships, and continuing to strengthen relationships that have been growing all summer long.
Whether campers were splashing together at the pool, singing while sailing in the harbor, laughing in the canteen, or talking around the tables in the lunchroom, there were always opportunities to make a new connection. The Herons even built friendships outside of their own age group, especially with some of the younger Duckling campers.
It was also great to see campers who may not have known each other well at the beginning of the session become closer as the weeks went on. The boys in Heron Big Circle A and the girls in Heron Big Circle B are great examples of campers forming new connections and bringing their groups closer together.
Session four showed what makes Camp Alvernia so special. Campers encouraged one another, included others, and shared plenty of laughs along the way. Some friendships were brand new, while others continued to grow stronger. Those friendships helped make the final session of the summer one to remember!
-Jack, Heron Supervisor
The Magic of Untapped Fun…
was on full display during Session 4 as the Eagles wrapped up an unforgettable final stretch of summer. A major highlight was our trip out to Captree for a day of open-water fishing, where the energy on the boat was absolutely electric. Practically everyone was reeling in catches, cheering each other on, and soaking in the classic camp magic. Rain or shine, the weather couldn’t dampen our spirits. Every single day was packed with high-energy activities, endless laughter, and the kind of pure joy that makes summer camp extra special. We truly couldn’t have asked for a better way to close out the summer. The only thing left is to enjoy the last day with our annual Camp Carnival Day.
To top off an incredible summer, we proudly announced this year’s top honors to recognize the heart and dedication of our group. A huge congratulations to our Campers of the Year, Blake Nielson and Scarlett Phillips, as well as our runners-up, Violet Waldren and Evan Smith, for showing outstanding leadership and camp spirit all summer long. Thank you to all the families for supporting the Eagles and making this season one for the history books as always, we fly above the clouds! See you next summer for more fun and innovation here at Camp Alvernia. -Claude & Kiersten, Eagles Supervisors
Lights, Camera, Action!
Welcome to Camp Alvernia’s Carnival Day!
To wrap up Session 4, Camp Alvernia took to the silver screen in an animated movie themed carnival! Areas of the camp were transformed into different beloved films that our campers could experience: including Tangled, Alice in Wonderland, and Winnie the Pooh! At the waterfront, sailing campers searched for Maui’s hook hidden away in Centerport Harbor and followed Moana’s journey through the seas. Many other movies played a role in the overall production: from Beauty and the Beast in the Cafeteria, to Peter Pan’s hideout over by the Wooden Playground. However, the spotlight was placed on our Soccer and Footy field: where waterslides and carnival games took center stage. When the clock struck 3:30 and it was time for dismissal, it’s no secret that our campers had a magical day. And, as the credits roll for the summer of 2026, we want to give a special thank you for making this camp so special, and hope to see you in 2027!
-Tara and Anne in Special Days
The Power Of Friendship
One of the most special parts of summer at Camp Alvernia is seeing the power of friendship unfold all around camp. As the Activity Supervisors, we have the opportunity to see campers connect in so many different ways, from the baseball field and basketball court to dance, music, and everything in between. Some friendships begin with a shared interest, while others grow from simply sitting next to someone, cheering each other on, or trying something new together. It has been amazing to watch campers who may not have known each other at the beginning of the summer become teammates, cheerleaders, and close friends. Every activity creates an opportunity to build confidence, step outside of our comfort zones, and form connections that make the Camp Alvernia experience so meaningful. What makes these friendships especially special is seeing the way our campers support one another. We see teammates encourage each other after an intense Eagle vs. Heron Soccer game, dancers celebrate each other’s accomplishments, musicians help one another learn a new song, and campers step outside their comfort zones because a friend is right there beside them. These moments remind us that camp is about so much more than the activities themselves. It is about creating a community where everyone feels welcomed, included, and supported. A special shoutout also goes to Devin, one of our incredible activity staff members, who has done such a wonderful job forming meaningful connections with our campers. Whether it is through an activity, a conversation, or simply being someone the campers can count on, Devin has shown how much of an impact a caring staff member can have on a camper’s summer. As we continue through the summer, we hope everyone takes a moment to appreciate the friendships being created at Camp Alvernia every single day. The laughter on the field, the encouragement in the gaga pits, the music coming from our activities, and the countless little moments between campers are what make this place so special. Years from now, campers may not remember every score, dance routine, or song they learned, but they will remember the people who made them laugh, encouraged them when they were nervous, and made them feel like they belonged. That is the true power of friendship at Camp Alvernia—and it is something we are lucky to witness every day.
-Julie Ilovic, Katie Casano, Jess Loeb (Activities Supervisors)
JC Leadership Program
The 2026 Camper Alvernia Leadership Program concludes with an astounding finish as our group of 18 JCs winds up eight weeks of twice-weekly leadership classes. We have discussed identity formation–what factors shape the person we are becoming? How much of how we show up in the world is within our control? What role models have left powerful positive footprints in our lives and how can we become people of impact as well? We have grown as communicators both in the classroom and out on the campgrounds. We have journaled and reflected on the various conflicts that we have worked through in our time here at Camp Alvernia and we have developed as people who bring solutions to our corner of the world. Within the Camp Alvernia Leadership Program, we have gained experience working with at least two separate age groups of campers and learned about the changing needs of children as they grow. We’ve had the opportunity to work with several different counselors and supervisors as a vital part of the counselor teams caring for each of our Alvernian campers. Most of all, this has been the summer of FUN as we have jumped in the pool with our campers, whoo-hoo’ed down the pool slides, played very sweaty and muddy games of Gaga, enjoyed sailing and paddling on the waterfront, and have beaten and been soundly beaten by our campers in fierce games of soccer, basketball, and kickball. We have danced alongside our fellow JCs and staff members and campers alike under the icy waters on firetruck days and on the talent show stage and we have made lifelong friendships while enjoying chipwiches and bomb pop cups together.
Camp Alvernia, it’s not goodbye, it’s “See you next year!” as we advance to become the future lifeguards, waterfront staff, and group counselors of Camp Alvernia. We wish you the best year ahead full of warmth, care, and deep connections within your world. MAKE IT FUN!
Sarah Martin, JC Supervisor
A Summer on the Waterfront
What a great summer we’ve had by the bay
With fun on the waterfront every day!
We’re bringing back an old boating staff tradition once more
Writing POEMS in The Alvernian like sailors before.
From our youngest campers, excited to begin
Learning to power paddle with a great big grin
To our oldest campers, confident and free,
Taking out Hobies and Picos on their own to sail the sea.
Down the hill came the Ducklings, life jackets on tight,
Marching to the waterfront with pure delight!
Excited for boats and adventures ahead,
With smiles on their faces and fun to be spread.
Power paddlers zoomed with laughter and cheer,
Kayaks and paddleboards made memories all year.
Sailboats caught breezes and danced with the tide,
With campers learning new skills on every ride.
TWENTY Herons worked hard all summer long,
Learning to sail and becoming strong.
They practiced their skills and gave it their all,
And earned their sailing certifications—congratulations to all!
At low tide, we grabbed our buckets and went,
Off to go crabbing—what a great event!
And back on the shore, there was plenty to do,
With water tables splashing and mud kitchens too.
Through every adventure, from morning till night,
Mama G kept us fueled and ready to go right!
With delicious meals that kept everyone fed,
She kept the waterfront crew going ahead!
The summer may be over, but one thing is true,
We’ll treasure the memories of all that we knew.
The laughter, the sailing, the friendships we found—
And all of the fun that the waterfront brought around.
So here’s to a summer we’ll never forget,
The best waterfront season we’ve had yet!
Though this summer is over, we already can’t wait—
For next year on the water, where more memories await!
-Erin & The Waterfront Staff
Congratulations to Our 2026 Certified Sailors
Sawyer Esposito-Bernard
Megan Erardy
Nora Erardy
Tallulah Frank
Caroline Giroux
Henry Greenberg
Grayson Kellner
Lillian Matarese
Chloe Martin
Nathaniel Martin
Ryan Marinelli
Fiona Monahan
Gianna Nocella
Connor O’Neill
Lucas Risinger
Reese Sirhal
Sloan Smith
Avery Downs
Ashlynn Davis
