Director’s Report

Take aim at the “Kingswood Dozen”

One of the first things a person sees when he drifts down the hill and into the cabin bunk area are three colorful photo displays on the side walls of a couple of the buildings. One such exhibit features what we call “The Kingswood Dozen.”  It informs boys that a nice laminated certificate awaits them upon completion of twelve of Kingswood’s standard activities.  None requires that much skill, or any at all.  “The fun simply is in the doing,” we tell the campers.

Below are the actual photos that daughter Sara currently has in the wall-side display. Especially to parents whose sons will be first-time campers in 2018, please show this report to your boys and discuss with them the goal of earning the Kingswood Dozen certificate of participation in their initial camp foray.  One more hint, while we are at it: The more you talk with your children regarding the potential positive outcomes of that first time away from home, the better are their chances of having a fabulous experience.

 

PLAYED AN ORIGINAL KINGSWOOD GAME:
Kingswood is “the camp of 100 games.” In truth, there are more than 100, and most have been designed by campers and counselors. Many boys acknowledge that they return to camp year after year in part because so many of these games are unique to Kingswood. (Pictured here is Catch 22 — football on mini-lacrosse goals)
PARTICIPATED IN A CAMP-WIDE TOURNAMENT:
Camp-wide tournaments such as touch football and ultimate Frisbee are oftentimes more popular than games with other camps. We have ways of making the teams relatively even and have rules that favor the equal distribution of “scores.”
BEEN ON AN OVERNIGHT CAMPING TRIP:
Last summer, we took advantage of our extended beach to offer an Aurora Borealis/Star Gazing overnight. A most festive event it was, even if the skies were basically quiet that night!
TRIED POLAR BEAR:
The idea of an early morning dip at Kingswood is to make enough noise to wake up the rest of the camp. Great enthusiasm marks the start of every day.
GONE ON A HIKE WITH A VIEW:
Being surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest makes it easy for Kingswood to offer hikes with marvelous vistas.
LEARNED THE KINGSWOOD FRISBEE COURSE:
Frisbee golf is so popular that we have 27 holes open at the moment with 9 more ready to go if the need calls for it. During every free block of time at Kingswood, someone is playing the layout.
CREATE SOMETHING IN THE NATURE LODGE:
Making an art project is an easy “get” in this dozen. Many projects can be accomplished in one session, and these offerings come at times when it is easy to just show up.
GONE ON AN OFF-CAMPUS SWIM TRIP:
The schedule-makers are masterful in offering these sorts of excursions on hot, sticky days. Pictured is “Big Eddy,” and it is only 15 minutes down the road.
BEEN ON A SUNSET PADDLE:
Lifeguards sponsor this event on any beautiful evening. Boys need no training to use certain boats we have on the ready.
PLAYED AGAINST ANOTHER CAMP ON A TEAM:
Since we do not “cut” boys from squads and offer some “easy” contests like floor hockey and Frisbee golf, this quest is not that difficult to come by.
BEEN CERTIFIED IN CANOEING:
The chances of gaining “certification” are nearly 100 % if a boy signs up for the canoe clinic.
PERFORMED IN A KINGSWOOD BAND OR A BIT:
Key word here is “bit,” by which we mean either a cabin skit on a rainy day or some non-rehearsed performance at a meal. Of course, we encourage the more challenging musical performance. Bottom line, however, is that the Kingswood Dozen is easily attainable by any boy who sets his sights on the accomplishment.

 

12 thoughts on “Take aim at the “Kingswood Dozen””

  4. Andrew is looking forward to another fabulous summer at Kingswood! I can’t wait to see that gorgeous lake of yours. See you on June 24th!

    Reply

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