Just a few more stories from our ILC community to brighten your day and remind all of us just how amazing summers can be! We can’t wait until summer 2021!!

“ILC will always be such an important place in my life as I learned so much about how to be myself and not be scared of others judging me. It’s the best place to learn that it’s “cool” to not try to be cool and that people will love you for you and not the person you pretend to be. I love the freedom we as counselors were given to be creative with major and minor plans, whilst also being trusted to keep everyone safe. The balance is perfect and it provided the best environment for amazing things to happen! Dustin, Matt, and Wendy will always be my hero’s for running such an incredible place and giving me the chance to work there!! – Nick W., former staff

“Island Lake Camp is a place where you can be yourself without any judgment! ILC makes it feel like the world is at your fingertips because there are endless opportunities and new things to try! It’s the best place to grow up because you learn to go out of your comfort zone. If you fail while trying a new activity, you have your counselors and friends there to help you try again. It’s truly the most special place.” – Kelly Q., alumni (attended 8 years)

“Going to ILC was always the highlight of my summer because it meant two solid weeks of circus, swimming, horseback riding, and pioneering. I worked with wonderful staff who made sure to befriend a first-time camper and make her want to come back. Special shout out to Tim O. in Pioneering – if you’re reading this, thank you for riding Steel Force with me way back when since my bunkmates didn’t want to. You’re the reason I made sure to go to Pioneering each summer even though I did more and more in the Circus building. It’s hard to believe that my bunkmates and I have graduated college at this point, but I’ll forever miss those cold nights and warm days and all the tears of the end-of-summer festivities. <3” – Olivia T., alumni (attended 7 years)

“Island Lake has impacted my life in a way that I never could have even imagined would be possible. The 6 summers I spent there gave me incredible experiences that I am able to look back on and purely remember the joy and happiness it brought me right when I stepped off the bus. Camp allowed me to make lifelong friends that I share a deep connection with and meet people and counselors from all over the world that bring their own unique personalities into one place where we can enjoy ourselves. There’s a reason why my family has been going to ILC for over 30 years now. Where else can you hang by the lake with your friends, compete in sports with people you’ve never met, and try new things like learning how to ride a horse? Island Lake has truly changed my life, and I think about it every single day. It’s the people that make it special. Island Lake is truly a home away from home.” – Garrison G., camper (6 years)

“ILC has been an incredibly positive force in both my children’s lives. For Alyssa, she had dynamite experiences and has made incredible friendships. I actually think the bigger impact was on Aaron. He is an introvert by nature. You took him in at a young age and I noticed him coming out of his shell, gaining confidence and navigating into activities that gave him joy. I can’t thank you both enough for the impact you have made in their lives and my hope is that it will last a lifetime. Nothing could give me more pleasure if Alyssa and Aaron send their children to ILC and the camp is still being run by you both.” – Jason S., camp parent

Do you know your ILC’s trivia? Test your knowledge with today’s game! Answers at the end.

1. What year was Island Lake Camp founded?
   A. 1980
   B. 1968
   C. 1986
   D. 1979
2. What was the Color War theme for 2019?
   A. 50’s vs 60’s
   B. Horror vs Comedy
   C. Wonderland vs Oz
   D. Disney vs Nickelodeon
3. Who says ‘Good morning everybody!”
   A. Dustin
   B. Wendy
   C. Chris 
   D. Matt
4. What do we call lunches with DJ Wendy?
   A. Music Lunch
   B. Music Party
   C. Lunch Party
   D. Music Hour
5. Cooking at ILC is called?
   A. ILC Chefs
   B. The Bistro
   C. ILC PopUp
   D. Cooking Camp
6. How do we end the summer each year?
   A. Campfire
   B. Bunk dreams
   C. Bunk wishes
   D. Bunk journals
7. What gift do you receive when you’ve attended camp for 5 or 10 years?
   A. ILC “5-year hat” and “10-year hat”
   B. ILC “5-year jacket” and “10-year jacket”
   C. ILC “5-year flag” and “10-year flag”
   D. Camp“5-year blanket” and “10-year blanket”

Answers:

1. C
2. C
3. D
4. A
5. B
6. C
7. B

We can’t believe the outpouring of messages and memories our camp community has shared with us these past few weeks. Reading them puts the biggest smiles on our faces! Here are more stories from our campers, alumni, and camp parents!

“I always tell people that Island Lake made me who I am in so many ways. To have the kind of independence that camp allows for at such a young age helped me develop a sense of self you just don’t get at home or at school.

I wasn’t your typical camper success story. For the first few years, I’d cry in the bathroom on a nightly basis because I was so homesick. Going to camp was always preceded by weeks of anxiety, but I kept choosing to go back. I loved the format of activities that allowed me to build my own summer, and the kinds of things I had access to like a horse barn, a fully functioning circus, and a water skiing lake. I loved the community of kids and counselors and would pride myself on how many people I could get to know each session. Ultimately, it was worth the challenge of leaving my family and the comforts of my home for weeks at a time to experience all of these things.

Of course, with time the crying on my way to camp was replaced by crying when I had to leave. Tear stained notes from my parents buried in my luggage upon arrival were replaced with bus notes that I would keep close to my heart all throughout the school year. I became a ride or die Island Laker who grew from camper to CIT to counselor to a department head. Even now as a distant alumnus, I still get a rush of excitement when I picture myself walking up Island Lake Road.

On top of all this, the camp I selected when I was 9 years old led me to my husband and is, technically, the reason I have the beautiful family that I have today. After years away from camp I reconnected with Lisa Lee on a visit to ILC one summer. It was Lisa who invited me to join her kickball league that fall and who introduced me to Billy. The rest, as they say, is history. We have two beautiful girls who I hope can walk down Island Lake Road themselves one day.” – Emily S., alumni (attended 10 years)

“ILC is by far the best time of the year for my son and I. He loves skating with Dan, swimming with Dylan or acting with Cory! I’m one of the nurses so whether it’s a Med call or getting awakened at 0200 for someone with a fever it is definitely a good experience. Serving the campers or staff is a real pleasure! Matt and Wendy are great leaders and we can’t wait for 2021 and the next Pickleball championship!!” – Kevin W., camp parent and staff

“ILC is the first camp that I went to and it was such a great experience for me as a Chinese kid to attend. At first, it was really hard to communicate with my bunkmate but everyone helped me so much and I really appreciate that! And this is probably why I took a 17 hours flight to the US again the second year to see all my friends in ILC. It has been 3 years since I last visited ILC. I really miss everyone there – I miss the Color War, I miss Sour patch a lot as well (oops). I’m preparing for university now and I hope at some point I will be able to visit there again!” – Sally X., alumni (attended 2 years)

“I packed my bags for Island Lake, an eager 18 years old looking to get some experience. Little did I know that 5 amazing summers later because of these experiences I found a career I love. I’ll always cherish those summers and the memories, and hopefully can return one day to my second home.” – Alex M., staff (5 years)

Late this Spring we made the tough decision to cancel summer 2020. While we know for us this was the right call to make to protect our campers, staff, and families we were still heartbroken. But then came the messages! We received dozens of emails, phone calls, comments, and more from our camp community that just warmed our hearts. 

These are the stories that put a smile on our faces and remind us every day just how impactful summers at ILC can be.

“Oh, gosh… ILC is absolutely where I felt I fit in, where I felt most connected to my friends. It’s where I learned not to be afraid to be silly on a stage, to allow myself to feel really, really excited, and where I felt the safest. I still wear my ILC t-shirts, and can still sing the Color War songs. Most importantly, I’m still in touch with so many of my bunkmates and friends. Even though we’re grown up now and far apart, and even though we may not talk every day, I know that if I ever needed something, my camp friends would be there, and I’m sure they know that if they ever needed anything, I would be right there, too.” – Sarah M., alumni (attended 7 years)

“As a former camper and staff member, I feel like I’ve experienced the best of both worlds. It’s been 18 years since I’ve been back but the memories are still as vivid as ever. ILC truly broadens the vision for young minds and exposes you to things that will remain with you for life. I’m excited for our son to share in the experiences I experienced as a child and then a young adult during his first summer at camp. Here’s to 2021!” – Michael S., alumni (attended 2 years as camper, 2 years as staff)/camp parent

“I have done activities like wakeboarding that I don’t have the opportunity to do outside of camp and have met friends that I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life. When you have to live with all of these people your age, it is the perfect environment to form strong relationships.” – Alex J, alumni (attended 8 years)

“Island Lake has changed my life drastically. The first year I got off the bus I already saw that it would be my home away from home. I have met friends that have turned into family. Camp has so many fun activities that no other place has. I have met my 12 best friends here and Island Lake will always be very important to me.” – Sami K., current camper (2 years)

“Where do I begin…I made friends for life and on returning for the second summer I realized it was my family. Camp is such a brilliant experience. Life has its ups and downs but honestly, it was such a beautiful time with both my fellow staff and my campers. My only regret – I didn’t find it sooner. My home away from home will always be 18462.” – Joseph R., staff (2 years)

“I looked forward to those summers! It was the place where I learned to explore my passions. At ILC, I developed a sense of freedom and independence and the meaningful memories carry me into adulthood. 20 years later, I still remember camp in the most vivid way!” – Abby, alumni (attended 4 years)

I’d like to share with all of you a beautiful college essay written by a camper who grew up with us at Island Lake.  Enjoy reading her essay.  You will feel as if you are taking part in her experience through her words and imagery.

Dear Island Lake Parents,

In our 35 years of owning and running Island Lake we never thought we would have to send this letter.  Due to restrictions placed on our operations, Island Lake will be unable to open this summer.  We are heartbroken by this.

The guidelines that have come out from the American Camp Association and their consultants say that social distancing is a recommended guideline for 2020.  Island Lake cannot be Island Lake with these restrictions so we have made this difficult decision.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is in a phased reopening; Red, Yellow, & Green.  Wayne County is currently in red which means stay at home.  When it goes to yellow there are restrictions in place that will not allow us to open.  The Green Phase has yet to be defined; the rules currently say follow current CDC guidelines.  We are sure those will include distancing and mask requirements through the end of the summer.  In fact, the criteria that will be used to move a region from the Yellow Phase to the Green Phase are still not determined.  A region could be moved back to yellow or red if there is a resurgence of the virus meaning that even if we don’t have an outbreak at camp the Commonwealth could shut us down.

To give you an idea of how important camp is to us, for Matt this will be his first summer not at camp since 1985 and second since 1972.  Wendy has also only missed one summer since 1972 and she was very young at the time.  The worst decision that we could make would be to open and then have to close because of an outbreak at our facility or in our region.

COVID-19 has changed all of our lives in some way. As adults, we have all had different emotions and difficulties dealing with this pandemic. It is impossible for us to understand the emotions our children are going through as a result of this decision.  We were so hopeful to be able to have our campers come to camp and erase some of their fears, anxieties and day to day worries with good old fashioned fun. We are heartbroken that summer will not be a reprieve for them, and for you.

As stated in an earlier email, all registrations for 2020 will be honored for 2021. Campers who would have been entering their last year as campers will still be allowed to be together, as campers, for 2021. If anyone would like to be a CIT, they may choose that option.  Please hold off on letting us know your decision until we ask for it.  We are still absorbing this in our minds.

It seems surreal to be writing this to you and I’m sure it seems the same to be receiving it. I press the send button with great sadness. We wish you and your families health and happiness in the coming months. And of course, ILCUTHERE 2021!

Sincerely,
Wendy, Ricki, Matt, and Bev

P.S.  Please click the link below and watch this video with your campers.  It is with heavy hearts that we put this together, along with making the decision, to not open Island Lake this summer.  We wish you all good health and happiness this summer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruwAHG0QqQ4&feature=youtu.be

Hi Island Lake Families!  We know these are difficult times for everyone and we hope you and your families are staying healthy and well. One of our campers wrote a beautiful poem about camp that I would like to share with you to brighten your day.  There is definitely a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow so we just have to ride out the storm in order to reach the beauty on the other end.

Thank you to Riley O. for writing this heart felt poem about Island Lake:

Sadly, today is our last full day of camp.  Summer 2019 here at Island Lake has been absolutely fantastic!  We could not have asked for a better summer filled with happy campers and amazing counselors.  Your children will for sure come home with long lasting memories of their experiences at ILC this summer.

Tomorrow the buses should all arrive at their designated bus stops between 11:30am-12:00pm, give or take a half hour.  Please be there on time to pick up your children.  If you are not sure which bus stop we have in our records, please call us here at camp before 4:00pm when the office will be closing for tonight’s banquet festivities.

Today we let the camp sleep in and we had a late wake up with breakfast at 9:15am.  The kids then went back to their bunks to start cleaning up. Lunch followed and then we had our 7^thannual COLOR RUN! Most of our campers and staff participated in this fun event throughout camp today.  As they reached certain locations they got sprayed with powdered paint of different colors.  Everyone eventually gathered by the lake at the finish line, proud of their accomplishments.  At the end of this blog are photos I took at the finish line.

Directly after the Color Run we had our final Rock Concert of the summer outside by the lake.  Our rock and roll campers jammed out to their favorite tunes while the rest of the camp watched and sang along.  Following rock concert, all of the kids went back to their bunks to pack, sadly.  They collected all of their belongings at the different departments at camp- arts & crafts, skatepark, sports, music, etc.

Tonight we have our annual ILC banquet in the dining room.  Instead of eating cafeteria style, the kids will all sit with their friends at the table of their choice and the kitchen staff will serve food to their tables. We’ll play music and there will be some dancing, lots of picture taking, and some awards will be presented after dinner.

After the banquet, we will all head down to the theater to watch the summer 2019 Island Lake video yearbook.  The yearbook is a compilation of the entire summer here at camp.  Post-summer we will share the yearbook with all of our ILC families.  Our video department and advanced video campers worked extremely hard to make this summer’s yearbook amazing.  It’s a wonderful memento for our Island Lakers to view all year long until they can return to their home away from home here in Starrucca once again next summer.

Upon completion of the video yearbook, we will all move lakeside to the waterfront where each bunk will release a candle onto the lake and make a bunk wish together.  Following this we will burn the “2019” sign on the water and we’ll sing our camp alma mater.  We will end the waterfront portion of the night with a big firework display.  This is all a very somber and bittersweet moment of the night.  Tears fill many campers’ eyes (ok fine, possibly mine as well) as we make bunk wishes, sing our camp songs, and watch the 2019 summer sign burn.  This sign represents the ILC summer in its entirety as we all say farewell.

Although it will be a bit later than usual, we’ll allow all of our campers to make one last trip to the canteen to eat their hearts out one final time.  Based on how late the evening runs, we will decide when everyone’s curfew will be.

One last time, here is the link to look at all of David Lobel’s photos at camp this summer.  He took some great ones during Color War, in addition to all of Ally’s on Waldo.

Island Lake Pics

And that’s about it for the Island Lake Summer 2019 blogs.  It’s been a pleasure writing for all of you every day.  I hope you enjoyed reading my blogs as much as I enjoyed writing them for you.  Continue to check in throughout the year since I’ll continue to blog every month.

I hope your children all come home to you as “happy campers” tomorrow.  Hey, it’ll be a bonus if they’re healthy, sort of clean, and even have all of their personal belongings!  Our office here at camp will remain open for a few more weeks so if you need to contact us, just give us a call at the camp number:  570-798-2550 or email us at info@islandlake.com.

It’s been the most amazing, fantastic, wonderful summer.  Until next year when we can all be together once again in the 18462, ILCUTHERE!!!

WONDERLAND!!!!!  Grey team for the win!