Camp Fernwood

Roger

I have watched Daisy’s growing devotion to Fernwood over the years and her corresponding growth into a capable and confident young woman. While her school experiences (and I hope her life at home) get part of the credit, her mother and I believe that Daisy’s innate strengths are the critical factors in her development. But there can be no doubt in Daisy’s mind–or her Mother’s–that her five summers at Fernwood have both given her great joy and aided her growth. I am writing you to confess that I had not, initially, had a solid belief in Fernwood’s likelihood of providing a geographically and socially diverse group of campers. I saw camp as an opportunity for Daisy to experience a very different group of people from her daily Upper East Side Manhattan life. Well, I was wrong. I say this not just because Daisy LOVES her time at Fernwood and wouldn’t change it for any other summer experience. Beyond her wise–for her age–judgment, I have become convinced by my own now-extended interactions with her camp friends and their parents that you have somehow created a group of campers who are almost entirely kind, caring and nurturing to each other. This fact is far more important than my half-baked earlier assumptions about the socio-economic backgrounds of the campers. I want you three to know how I have joined my truly special wife in believing that Fernwood IS a truly special environment and to thank you three for working so hard to keep it that way.

Lisa

As we drove away from the Fernwood gates last month, perhaps (but hopefully not) for the last time, it dawned on us that something more than a hug and “thanks for everything” was in order; a Parent Senior Service if you will. We know you are aware of how much Fernwood has meant to Sophie and Clara, but we’d like you to know how much it has meant to us as parents. When we put our 10 year old on the camp bus back in 2003, we knew she was in for a great adventure. As passionate campers ourselves, we expected that our daughter would have a summer of fun, newfound independence and friendship. We were not prepared, however, for the level of care you put into every aspect of camp, and how that unwavering commitment to Fernwood and its values serves to mold the characters of so many fortunate young women. From bunk assignments, to the no-electroncis policy, to the prohibition on excessive shopping on senior trip, your careful and constant stewardship has not gone unnoticed. In addition, we are truly amazed by your ability to really know and understand each girl and provide her with just the right opportunity for growth and character development. As we’re sure you’re aware, our daughters can be so alike yet so different. You have helped Clara to step up and take increasing leadership roles and, ironically, provided just the opposite for Sophie - a place to step back, listen to others and let them take the lead. There is a prayer we say every Yom Kippur as we review the past year and recite all the ways in which we have “missed the mark”, promising to improve next year. One confession we parents make is for hte “transgressions of teaching” our children everything but what is truly important.” Thank you for teaching Sophie and Clara what is truly important. We could not ask for anything more than to have two daughters with Fernwood deep in their souls. With deep appreciation, admiration and love. Lisa and Dan

Jen

As you know, the return home after Senior summer is really rough. Our daughter came home with a mixed bag of emotions - sadness that her Fernwood experience ended, and utter joy for having spent 7 wonderful summers there. We wanted to take a minute to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for our daughter’s Fernwood experience. The values, infrastructure and environment you create provide the framework for making meaningful and lasting friendships. We recognize what a unique and special place Fernwood is, and feel so grateful that our daughter was able to enjoy the experience. Every summer she came home and thanked us for sending her and allowing her to participate in camp. We will truly miss our annual visit to Fernwood, hearing hte joyful singing and just breathing in the fresh Maine air. With deep gratitude. Jen

Lizzie

I just finished my senior summer at Fernwood. I have spent 8 summers at this amazing place and it is even hard holding back my tears and emotions writing this. As i entered the Fernwood gates for the first time in 2008 as an eight year old, I knew no one and I had no idea what to expect. 8 amazing summers later, I can confidently call Fernwood my home and the 32 girls in my age group my sisters. Fernwood girls know of the “magic” at Fernwood that draws you in even as a small and shy first year camper, and I am still under the spell. Each year I count down the days until I can go back to my safe haven; away from all the boys, drama and stress of the school year and when I return, it’s like I never left. Now that I know that my time at Fernwood as a camper is finished, I realized that I have truly grown so much from camp. My first summer, I learned independence from my parents and many skills to make new friends in a new environment. As I moved through the bunks, I gained responsibility and became a role model for younger campers. This summer, my Senior Summer, my age group and I led the campers while planning amazing surprises for the summer. At the end of this summer, when it was time to depart for the final time, I felt the fear of not finding another place quite like Fernwood, and I know I never will. I felt the devastating pain of leaving a place that has such a special place in my heart and I know that I will always have a place to call my home. It is truly an unique place and I cannot describe in words how much it means to me and so many other people. I guess I am writing this as a ‘thank you’ for all that Fernwood has done for me and so many others because there is really no place like it.

Rachel

I have been going to camp for 7 summers and this summer will be my eighth. I am a senior now (the oldest age group at camp) and I can’t even explain what an impact camp has had on me. I arrived at camp in 2009 as a shy eight year old who cried every time I had to swim in the lake and only talked to my Big Sister. Now, seven summers later, I spend most of my time on the lake, I can call anyone in camp my sister and the only time I cry is when I have to leave. Camp has been one of the best experiences of my life and I am so grateful every day for it. It has shaped me into the independent, caring and outgoing girl I am proud to be today. Thank you so much for everything.

Sarah

My three summers at Fernwood were the most magical times of my life. Even though I came as an older camper, I was instantly welcomed into the family. Fernwood is more than magical, the friends you make and every moment there will stick with you forever! Everything is amazing there! The campers, the counselors, the activities, the amazing spot on the shores of lake Thompson, and above all the memories.I can’t even put into words how much I love this place. Fernwood really shaped who I am today and I can’t wait to come back as a counselor!