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It is officially 2023 which means we are less than 6 months away from camp!!!!  Our year-round staff have been busy planning our summer calendar, enjoying the day-to-day evolution of our new Galaxy pool, and hiring great new seasonal staff, who will care for our campers all summer long.

Parents are more excited than ever to send their children to a screen free & back to nature environment, where kids can hone in on their social skills and have the opportunity to do the activities they love as well as try new things.

As our camp grows, we must also add to our superior summer leadership team. Meet a few of our new additions.

PROMOTIONS:

Melissa Slansky, a Junior Camp group leader who started at Shibley in 2019, will now become the new Junior Camp Assistant Director.  Melissa will be working directly with Hayley Burrows, our Junior Camp Director. Melissa’s spirit, charismatic personality and love for camp will serve the Shibley community well. As a mother of 4 children, she has seen it all and has the knowledge and experience we need to assist our group leaders and counselors in taking wonderful care of our campers.

“I am very excited to join my Shibley family in a new role this summer. Very few experiences compare to the summer camp experience. It is incredibly rewarding to help children develop confidence and independence while building friendships and exploring new experiences. I look forward to working with our amazing and nurturing staff so we can become the strongest team of role models for our Shibley campers.” – MELISSA

Victoria Bader, Group Leader for our Senior girls since 2017 will take on the role of Senior Camp Assistant Director, working directly with me in senior camp. Victoria is an educator and mother of two. She will provide support to our Senior camp staff, campers, and parents.

“Camp is the best! You make best friends, try new things and spend your summer outdoors. This rings true for children and grown-ups. I feel extremely lucky that I can share in this experience with my own children, campers and peers. I truly believe the best leaders come from hands-on involvement. The years I have spent as a group leader navigating the position on a daily basis has given me the tools and insight to best support new and seasoned group leaders. I bring with me humor, familiarity and warmth to this new position. I am looking forward to the summer of 2023 so I can grow as a leader and make an impact in a new way on our Shibley community.” – VICTORIA

INTRODUCTIONS:

I am excited to welcome Ariana Goldklang to our Shibley family. Ariana will be our second Assistant Aquatics Director and she will work with returning Aquatics Director, Jamie Haberstumpf, and returning Assistant Aquatics Director Gladys Lozano.

Ariana Goldklang comes with tremendous experience under her belt.  She has been the Aquatics Director at Camp Jacobson for the past 5 years. She safely implemented a swim program for camp during the difficult Summer of 2020 that allowed instruction to take place and campers to have fun and safely socialize and play in the pool with peers. Ariana is a school counselor in Queens and a natural born leader.

“What makes camp special for me is watching campers develop skills, try new things and feel confident in their abilities, in and out of the pool. What I hope to bring to Shibley is my love of swimming and what it does for kids, physically, mentally and emotionally. I hope to bring creativity to swim instruction because even in the most unpredictable of situations, there is always a way to help kids learn and grow in the pool. I also bring with me my passion for working with kids and my love of the camp environment and community!” – ARIANNA

Finally, I am happy to introduce you to Marci Kamberg, our new Director of Parent Communication and In-Season Staff Training. Marci has worked for 15 years at Camp Jacobson. The past 5 years Marci has been part of the senior leadership team as a Division Head at camp.  Marci is also a lead teacher in the Sid Jacobson JCC Nursery Program and a mother of two. She has a stellar reputation with camper families as well as the staff she trains and works with.  Marci will be a tremendous addition to our Leadership team.

“Looking back to my childhood, I have incredible memories of my many summers in both day and sleepaway camps. They are truly some of my most precious memories of my childhood. I worked my way up from CIT to group leader and in most recent years I have been a part of the leadership. I truly believe that camp is about making lifelong friendships, trying new things and having fun. There is something magical at camp where special things happen every day. There is nothing better than seeing campers’ excitement when the magic happens; learning to swim for the first time, trying a new food, being the lead in a performance, getting their first hit on the ball field or getting creative at arts and crafts.  All of these things and so much more are what puts smiles on children’s faces and brings joy to my heart. I am looking forward to bringing my positive high energy, love for children, and desire to have fun every day into the Shibley environment.  I want to inspire each child every day so that they enjoy camp as much as I did.  My wish is to help them to make life long memories that they will recall with big smiles on their faces for years to come.” – MARCI

I am so excited for summer to begin so I can see Melissa, Victoria, Ariana and Marci in action.  They are incredible individuals who will add so much experience and expertise to our program.  We at camp are very proud and grateful to welcome them to our Shibley family.

SEE YOU SOON! WITH SHIBLEY LOVE – RANDI

It was incredible to see how much had changed at Shibley Day Camp during my seven-summer hiatus, from the vast improvements throughout the grounds to the expansion of activity offerings. One change that really resonated with me was the implementation of GREEN values, in an age where we continue to become more and more socially conscious, environmentally aware and active, and focused on the importance of embracing and celebrating diversity and inclusion.

According to Shibley’s website, Our Shibley community is guided by our GREEN values: Generosity, Respect, Empathy, Endurance & Nurture. And boy, is it true! I had the opportunity of learning about, experiencing, and living by Shibley’s GREEN values during Summer 2022 – from our GREEN Fridays to GREEN assemblies and the reenforcement and demonstration of these values as a part of each camp day.

We are GENEROUS — givers of our time, our resources, our kindness, and our spirit. We have ENDURANCE — we see that life is not just about the destination, but also the journey. We will push ourselves, encourage each other, and stop at nothing to achieve both our individual and team goals using all resources available to us. We NURTURE — we see camp as a place to learn, to make mistakes, and to grow, all in a safe, supportive, and loving environment. However, If I had to pick the two GREEN Values that are  most meaningful to me, I’d choose RESPECT and EMPATHY.

I believe that the foundation of any successful team, group, classroom, cast, relationship, etc. is mutual RESPECT. It’s the “Golden Rule” — treat others as you want to be treated. Much of the conflict we face in our daily lives can be addressed just by putting this simple principle into practice. Think: “How would I want to be treated if in this situation myself?”

From a young age, we have an instinct to EMPATHIZE with one another. In other words, we seek to acknowledge and feel what someone else is feeling without passing judgment. The more we try to understand and relate to each other’s emotions, the greater our ability to foster love, kindness, and connection in our society.

Camp is the perfect place to learn and practice these values and the skills that go along with them!

CLICK HERE for more information about our GREEN Values

Hi! I’m Danny, Director of Operations, and I want to share with you some of the work we have done on the grounds at Shibley over the past few years and our tentative plans for the future. Enjoy!

This is our awesome facility team: Liam, Rashawn, Hunter, Dan & Kevin

Over the past few years we have made many upgrades to our facility. For Summer 2023 our big project is adding a 5th pool, the Galaxy Pool, up in Senior Camp. This new pool will be located next to the current Infinity Pool. This pool will add more intermediate/deep water space for our older campers and in turn open up more space in the pools down in Junior Camp (The Happy Pool, The Cool Pool and The Champion Pool) for our younger campers.

The other areas we are working on for this upcoming summer are in our senior and junior bunks. We are adding bunk space and additional bathrooms into existing bunks. This is a continuation of the beautification of all of our bunks, both inside and outside, that has been ongoing for about 7 years. The interior (walls/bathrooms) and exterior (siding/roof) of many bunks have been upgraded over this time.

We are also adding more seating to our beautiful outdoor theater for shows and camp gatherings.

Last year we added some exciting new elements to our adventure program. At the Senior Adventure Park we added a brand new climbing wall and new elements throughout the course, including the Green Values bridge that now leads to the zip line.  We also added a zip line and new element to the Junior Adventure Park for our younger campers.

Before last summer we also began renovating the dining hall, starting with a brand new roof. We will continue to upgrade the dining hall and kitchen areas over the next few years with additional projects outside and inside the building.

Other upgrades to our facility from the past few years include:

• renovation of Junior Field and new junior gaga court

• new fencing around camp
• relocated car wash (kid wash) water activity

• new golf cart for tours and getting around camp

• repaired and upgraded various fields and courts throughout camp
• added and expanded outdoor seating for lunch and snacks
• new science and nature activity area

What’s Next? Here are some ideas we are working on for the future.

• new Junior Camp creative play village
• expanded go kart track
• upgrades to inside of dining hall and kitchen
• more field/court upgrades

What would you like to see us add/upgrade/change at camp?

Let me know: danny@shibleydaycamp.com 

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!

The Fall Festival is Saturday! Highlights:

• RSVP link has been emailed to all 2022/2023 Shibley families.
• 1-4pm – Set GPS for 50 Pool Drive, Roslyn – Please carpool if possible.
• Costumes encouraged.
• Please bring a donation for Island Harvest – CLICK FOR DONATION LIST
• Camp & Halloween themed activities- see below for specifics.
• Additional entertainment and activities provided by our friends at:
  • mainstages
  • My Style Camp
  • Sylvan Learning of Port Washington
  • World Taekwondo Academy
  • Super Soccer Stars
• Hats and water bottles for sale – cash only.

Helloooooo Shibley Day Camp!!! It’s that time of year again. The air is cool and crisp. The leaves are starting to turn warm hues of red, yellow, orange, and crimson. Pumpkins, witches, ghosts, spider webs, and various other Halloween décor fill our porches. The beloved Halloween movie Hocus Pocus airs almost daily on Freeform. And, most exciting for us here at Shibley, it marks the return of our annual Fall Festival. It’s hard to believe that it’s been over two months since our grounds were filled with the sounds of happy Shibley campers singing, zip-lining, climbing, swimming, and playing sports. As a new year-round member of the leadership team, it honestly feels a little lonely without you all here with us…

So, I’m thrilled to invite you on Saturday, October 29th from 1pm to 4pm. Since Halloween will be just days away, we encourage everyone to come dressed in costume! We’ll have hayrides and a pumpkin patch where campers can pick their own pumpkins and decorate them at Arts & Crafts. Weather-permitting, King, Franklin, and the rest of our Shibley tortoises will be available for photo ops. Our friend Mother Goose will be roaming the grounds, ready to tell a tale or two.

If that weren’t enough, we’ll have visits from a few of our favorite Shibley friends, including mainstages, Super Soccer Stars, World Tae Kwon Do Academy, Sylvan Learning of Port Washington and MyStyle Camp. Plus, campers will have access to some of our most popular summer activities, such as the Green Giant, Gaga, Air Bungee, and Zip Line. Due to the popularity of Air Bungee and the Zip Line, all campers will receive a ticket at check-in, valid for either one (1) ride on the Zip Line (for 2nd Graders and older) OR one (1) Air Bungee experience (for all ages). Be sure to visit these busy attractions early, as the lines will close promptly at 3:30pm.

We have also partnered with Island Harvest, a member of Feeding America, to host a Healthy Food Drive here at Shibley during the Fall Festival. Did you know that here in the United States, 40% of people live more than 1 mile from the nearest grocery store, which can make it difficult to access healthy foods? So, in the spirit of our GREEN Values we live by here at Shibley, we encourage families to bring donations of non-perishable goods, baby essentials, household items, toiletries/personal hygiene items, and pet supplies. We thank you in advance for your generosity toward this worthy cause.

We can’t wait to see everyone’s smiling faces on Saturday! I’ll be there, of course, so please come up and say hello if you see me!

Shibley Shibley,
Peter