As we get further into winter and close in on the shortest daylight day of the year, December 21st, we here at camp are getting ready for the fantastic summer to-be, 2011! As we re-work program ideas, get trip permits, begin hiring and re-hiring staff, and attend winter conferences and holiday parties there is a good deal of talk about the Camp Santa Maria family and community.

At a recent gathering of over 400 YMCA camp professionals from around the country I was talking with several other camp directors about the communities that camps create. It is amazing how dynamic so many camp communities are! As the holiday season continues and I get ready to travel to see family and friends later this month, I was thinking on how much the Santa Maria community is like a family during the holidays.

Think about it for a minute, at camp we are together for a limited period of time in one location. We get to do things we don’t get to do the rest of year. People come from a variety of locations around the country. There is an sense of magic, energy, and fun in the air! And friendships are re-established and strengthened while new family members are welcomed into the group.

So as you go through this holiday season and the beginning of winter, enjoy your time with your family, and take a few moments to remember, or even contact, members of your camp family! And it always seems to me that once January gets here time cannot pass quickly enough until camp starts! Keep in touch with us on Facebook, and Twitter and keep an eye out for our December e-newsletter. Happy Holidays everyone!