ALOHA CAMP in Vermont... Congratulations!!!

The votes are in, they’ve been sorted, counted and the winner, of the 2008 Camp of the Year Competition has been awarded to Aloha Camp in Vermont, Congratulations!

When we invited past Summer Camp USA members to place votes for who they thought was the best camp we were inundated with passionate campers who all gave fantastic reasons for why their camp should be voted number one.

It was a difficult decision but when we heard about Aloha camp from Megan we were touched by how strongly she felt about her camp and the incredible experience she has had there.

For a real insight into the camp that took first place this year from a counsellor who described it so well, check out the blurb below on Aloha Camp.

First Name: Megan
Role at camp: Swim Instructor & Lifeguard
Camp of the year nominee: Aloha
Co-ed or single sex? Female only
Number of activities offered: More than 20

Aloha lets campers and counselors be themselves, and lets them express their true feelings and personality in a warm, inviting environment. Girls are taken "back to nature" by not having any use of electronics, and the wearing of green and white uniforms brings everyone back down to
the same level. You wouldn’t know which girls were at camp through sponsorship or which ones had millionaire parents. They are all equal and encouraged to feel that way.

There are 6 camps in the Aloha Foundation and every week we got to visit other camps and have social occasions with them. The Aloha girl's favourite was the Lawn Parties (dances) with the Lanakila boys. They looked forward to those dances all summer long. There are endless activities for the girls to do; including sailing regattas with the boys camp, the Purple Albatross (5 miles swim around the lake), ultimate frisbee, bailor wars (water fights in canoes) piano lessons, mountain biking, stargazing, crew and archery just to name a few.  

Girls also have the opportunity to achieve their ranks in different areas. There are usually 4 ranks (beginner, two intermediate and a high rank). To achieve a high rank it takes four summers and a lot of hard work. This hard work is paid off though with the ceremony and presentation of this high rank; the campers are highly respected by their fellow campers, counselors, and the Aloha Foundation community. Overall, Aloha is an amazing experience that will change the lives of anyone who goes there.

What is your best memory of your time at camp?

Taking a group of specially invited campers on a "swim trip" to Ogunquit Beach, Maine. It really just involved us counselors picking a fun group of campers to take to the beach for two days! We had a great road trip there, visited an ex-counselor who showed us around the area, and ended
up going buffalo hunting (in the car... not actual hunting!). The girls thought it was a blast.

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Once again a huge congratulation to Camp Aloha…the Camp of the Year Competition will run again next year and you’ll have the chance to vote your camp No1 for 2009!