Month: November 2022

I’m thankful each time I return to Shibley because the timeless, screenless, active summers are restorative to my mind, body, and soul. It’s a much-needed reset in today’s world! – Jared H

I am thankful for the lifelong friendships that I have been able to create at Shibley while at the same time helping campers make new discoveries about themselves through trying new activities and having fun. – Matthew C (Boomer)

I am thankful to return to Shibley next summer because Shibley is an amazing environment full of fun and positive experiences. The number one reason I want to return to Shibley is because I really enjoyed giving kids the best summer of their lives. – 2022 Staff Member

I’m thankful for the kinship I have found at Shibley – Gladys L

I am so thankful for tons of things in life, but most of all, thankful to return to Shibley Summer Day Camp. Why? Because I’ll be reunited with lots of you who I met. – Erick V

I am thankful for all our beautiful Shibley children! You guys are the reason why I am returning to Shibley next summer and make more wonderful memories. – Esther C

Enjoying every camp day alongside the campers brings me great energy and joy! I am so thankful to be able to play in the sun with the campers from the minute the camp day starts until the last bus leaves the Shibley grounds. – Jon K

I’m thankful for everyone who has made me feel welcome to Shibley. And I’m thankful for the kids who have made working there so rewarding.  – Lara M

I am so thankful for having the opportunity to work with such wonderful people.  The summer cannot come fast enough. – Kyla V

💚Shibley has been a forever happy place for myself and my children since day one. I am thankful for working with an amazing and supportive staff that have and will be my friends for many summers to come. 💚 – Deb L

The reason I want to return to Shibley next summer is because of the amazing staff and campers I got to spend every day with. Last year was my first summer at Shibley so I was so nervous to be there at first, but after getting to meet such a welcoming staff and group of campers, I had an incredible summer, and I attribute that to all of those I was surrounded by. – Nico M

I am thankful to return to Shibley because it is such a positive work environment.  The #1 reason I want to return to Shibley is because I love working with the children, and also love working with my amazing coworkers. I am looking forward to spending another summer working with Shibley. – 2022 Staff Member

I am thankful to have found a family at Shibley Day Camp and I look forward to returning to them next summer to make more memories, both with campers and coworkers, that will last a lifetime. – Arabella N

I am so thankful for my Shibley family
Love being at Shibley Day Camp the smiles and laughter from the children and happy music when walking around camp makes me feel like I am in Disney all summer long Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 to all! Shibley Shibley – Grace M

I am thankful to return to Shibley because I was able to meet new people and create memories with them. The one reason I would want to return would be I can meet more people and create more bonds with children and coworkers. – Vivian M

I am Thankful to return to Shibley for the Summer of 2023! My #1 reason I want to return to Shibley is to see the Smiling Faces of the many Shibley campers & staff.  This includes my Bungee Crew. I love seeing the Shibley campers having FUN on Bungee- asking to go to “the Top Floor” or doing multiple flips or even getting the courage to do their first flip ever. This will be our 3rd Summer at Shibley. We can’t wait for Summer 2023. Shibley Shibley – Marisa M

I am so thankful to return to Shibley next summer because that means I get to meet new campers and make memories again!  The Shibley campers make the summer so enjoyable!! – Jess C

At my wedding, my father got up with my mother by his side, to give a speech. My father is a quiet man but when he has something to say it’s usually profound and this was no exception. He told my husband and I that the most important thing in a marriage is food. He explained further. What he meant by this is that most of the time that you will spend with your spouse (and your future children) is at the dinner table. This is where you will come together at the end of each day to not only eat, but reconnect and talk about the day’s events, the good, the bad and what’s to come.

It’s nice to come back together at the end of a crazy day and sit around the table. This is the time to catch up, touch base and see how everyone is doing. It gives the members of your family an opportunity to open up in a safe space. Even if the conversation is minimal, at least everyone knows that you are there to listen if they need it. This is also a space and time we can show our kids how important it is to have “face time”…not to be confused with “FaceTime” on the iPhone. It shows them the art of conversation and how to interact with people and not just a screen. I think back to my childhood and many of my favorite memories took place around the dinner table.

I have tried to follow my father’s advice. My husband and I do the best we can to sit down with our kids for dinner every night. Does this always happen? No, definitely not. School days are so hectic and everyone’s schedules are so different. Homework needs to be finished. Sports practices don’t end until late or someone has a late meeting. On many nights no one’s schedules line up and everyone is having dinner on the go. Or maybe we are going out with friends (which is also important for our own sanity, lol). But, when possible, it’s good to get the entire household together for a meal. Doing it just a few times a week can make all the difference.

And then comes the dreaded question…WHAT’S FOR DINNER??? This is probably the most asked question in my house. My children are barely finished with breakfast, and they already want to know what they are having for dinner. I find it hard, especially in the start of the school year, to come up with quick and easy meals to please the entire family. In the past I have tried to reinvent the wheel, thinking that I need to make a complicated, nutrition packed dinner that involves lots of chopping, cutting, mixing, and cooking. Who has time for all of that? (Certainly not me!) And I’m no Julia Child.

I’ve changed my ways and realized that keeping it simple is the way to go. The bottom line is that everyone needs to eat, and we need to try and be around the dinner table together.  I have a few recipes that I stick to every week. They are simple, fast and some I can make ahead of time. It might not always be the most glamorous meal but if I can make something (or half make something) that will satisfy everyone, then I feel good. And of course, there is always take out!

Quick weekly meal ideas:

• Spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic bread (store bought from the freezer aisle)
• Tacos!! Every Tuesday!!
• Breakfast for dinner
• Grilled chicken with rice and broccoli

And of course, if all else fails, there’s no shame in ordering in!! Enjoy!