****CONTINUATION OF PREVIOUS REVIEW****
(It wouldn't fit!)
Special Activities
Vega has many "fun" days to offer. Sundays are "Lazy Sundays" where the girls can sleep in, enjoy a lazy breakfast at their leisure in the dining hall, and after lunch, there are activities, games, capture the flag, etc. On a particularly hot day, the owners might announce a "Waterfront Afternoon" where the whole camp spends the afternoon at the swimming docks and on the beach. On a rainy morning, a "Bunk Morning" may be announced, keeping the girls out of the inclement weather and providing a cozy atmosphere to read, play jacks, write, sing, listen to music and bond as a bunk. There are also Evening Activities for all ages after dinner. Sometimes there is a play or a show to go to, or a nighttime volleyball game, movie night, etc. The older girls will have an occasional Social with neighboring boys camps, either at Vega or travelling to their camp.
The Food
We've all heard the horror stories. "Camp Food! Ugh!" Well, this simply does not apply here at Vega. The kitchen staff is headed by two trained chefs with "luxurious" backgrounds! (Many are from Hotels or Culinary Institutes) Even as a picky-young-to-teenaged camper, I had very little complaints about the quality of the food. Peanut Butter and Jelly are available at every meal, for those who do not like that night's selection. One counselor sits at each assigned table to supervise and make sure the girls are all happy and full! The dining hall seats the entire camp population in one seating. Daily announcements are made here, which makes for great communication between administrative staff, counselors, and campers.
Medical Facilities
There is an on-site infirmary, with a resident doctor and a staff of registered nurses as well. Having encountered the stray bee and occasional fall, sprain, cut, etc in my years at Vega, I can say the medical staff was well trained and attentive. If there is a serious injury or illness, there is transportation available off-campus, and the camper is allowed to contact home. (The camp, of course, will also contact parents.)
The Staff
Vega's staff is fantastic. They are a well-rounded bunch, all hired for their specific specialties and interests. These counselors are found every Spring during a "Staff Recruit" at colleges across the country. They are still close enough in age to relate and guide the campers. Some of my counselors from 1992 are now among my close friends! There are a few "Male Staff" hired as well. Each Male Staff is assigned a bunk to be a "Bunkle" to. They provide the male influence, which helps the girls adjust to an all-female world. There are very strict rules about interaction, and these rules are adhered to without question.
The Campers
The girls are from all over the country, primarily the East and Northeast. Your daughter will quickly learn to accept and adapt. The inevitable cliques will form, but are quickly dismissed and broken down. Being in such close quarters at all times forbids them. Everyone is equal and everyone must compromise. The younger girls form bonds quickly and hold those bonds throughout their future years at Vega.
Camp Policies
The most common concern: Phone calls.
Vega Girls may receive one phone call from her parents per summer. She will recieve a memo and a time to call back (collect) that same evening.
A full list of campus policies is sent before your daughter leaves for camp.
In Closing:
I am most definitely biased. I hold Vega close to my heart. While visiting other camps, none impressed me much, as I had Camp Vega to compare them to. Vega shines like the star of its namesake. Some of the closest friendships in life are formed at repeated summers of camp. Vega is one of the finest summer camps in the country, just ask any Alumni! read more