March 2022
Blue Sparks Newsletter
Hello Camp Jeanne d’Arc family,

I am excited to provide another edition of Blue Sparks to update you all on what is happening at camp in 2022, a full 100 years after the inaugural summer! As I leafed through some old Blue Sparks editions (thanks to Lauren Cesiro’s archive project), I found myself reading this quote from the May 30, 1931 issue: 

“What could we not do if every girl realized she had within herself 
the possibilities of Jeanne d’Arc.”

I have had the real pleasure of chatting with many alum over the past few months and let me tell you, the possibilities of Jeanne d’Arc are alive and well in the JDA alum community. We have powerhouse businesswomen, dynamic educators, influential authors, inspirational artists, empowering mothers, passionate health professionals…. the list goes on (including really hilarious alum directors)! The JDA matra of Building Strong Girls is no joke and I am proud to be part of this special group.

In this issue, find out about the 100-year celebration, an accompished alum, camp fashion over the ages, who’s coming back to camp, and some exciting things to look forward to this spring! Enjoy!

Liz

PS. Please fill out this Alum Contact Form so that we can build our contact list!
Camp Jeanne d’Arc Centennial Celebration!
Wow! Do you believe camp is 100 years old? One hundred years of sailing Chateaugay Lake, singing campfire songs, dancing, crafting, learning, and forming lifelong summer sister friendships. Let’s say we celebrate! During the weekend of August 19-21st, JDA alum from every era will come to camp grounds to celebrate their precious Jeanne d’Arc memories.

Have you wondered what Owl Cabin looks like now (hint: pretty much the exact same)? Is Archery Hill as big as you remember it (nope)? Do the trails behind Whippoorwill still smell like wet wood and fresh earth (mmmmm, yep)? Come see for yourself! Use this link to register for a weekend you will not forget!

If you can’t make it, stay tuned for virtual programming during that weekend, as well as opportunities to connect with alum in your local area (see Colonels Club below). We do hope to see you there, and you can count me in for cloud watching on the Chalet lawn!
Alumni Spotlight: Irina Zakharzhevskaya
I was very lucky to hang out with JDA alum Irina Zakharzhevskaya over Zoom a couple weeks ago to hear her “camp story.” After getting off the chat with Irina, I was once again reminded of the special community of women we are. 

A native of St. Petersburg, Russia, Irina attended camp in 1996-99 as a camper, 2001 as a counselor, and 2018-19 as the Director of the Riding Program. Irina fell in love with horseback riding while a camper at JDA. In addition, she loved canoeing, sailing, and, according to Irina, “all the sporty activities.” She remembers being proud to be one of the select strongest swimmers to swim to the sandbar. She’ll never forget her time as a smuggler when she was an Owl and as the El Diablo when she was the riding director. Irina holds a special place in her heart for the Jeanne d’Arc traditions and is a firm believer that camp helps build character and personality.

While home in Russia, Irina studied to become a horse riding instructor. She is also an accomplished lawyer, an extremely knowledgeable dietitian, and a super star mom to three girls. It seems like whatever Irina sets her mind to, she accomplishes. She probably learned that at camp, right?

Irina hopes to make it back to camp this summer to work with the riding program. Rumor has it, she’s been whispering in Randy’s ear about providing horse vaulting lessons. Horse vaulting (yes, I had to Google it) is a sport of acrobatic displays performed on cantering horses. I can’t wait to see Irina in action!
Camp Fashion Over the Ages
What did you wear at camp? I went to camp in the early nineties and I remember never leaving home without a few cozy flannel shirts to wear to breakfast on chilly mornings. My kids go to camp now and Crocs and Comfys are a MUST. Boat shoes were a thing at one point. And bandanas. Pajama pants always. Don’t forget accessories – Lipsmackers anyone? To me, camp fashion revolves around two things: fun and comfort. I mean, really, where else can you show up snuggled in a burrito-shaped blanket or a bathrobe covered in emojis?  

I love seeing the fashion trends that stand the test of time and those that you can pinpoint to a very specific era. For example, a tie-dyed hoodie could pretty much adorn the back of campers from 1983 to present day. But a denim shirt tied at the waist? Girl, you were an Oriole in 1992! 

It seems like during covid, many of us wear “camp clothes” a little more than before — I can’t be the only one that wears pajama pants during a zoom call, right? It's what I love about camp – you are free to be yourself – in all the glory of fun and comfort!
What is a Pram Anyway?
We are so excited to christen the new fleet of sailboats this summer! There will be four new sailboats: Leaky, Bug, SS Michelle Cormier, and Chicken Patty. Two larger 420 boats for the upper campers and two Prams. So what is a Pram anyway?

"The Pram is a durable, self-bailing dinghy that is a perfect training boat for beginner sailors. The simple design offers kids a chance to get excited about sailing. The Pram's polyethylene hull is nearly indestructible and will withstand the tough use that a beginner program boat takes. With no sail ties to worry about, and a nearly dry boat after capsize recovery, programs and individuals will love the ease of use with these pram trainers."

Our younger campers are going to have a blast learning how to sail and gaining self-confidence along the way! Thank you again to the Cormier/Nadal family, Burkett family, Scanlan/Bateman/Doyle family, the family and friends of Anne “Leaky” Leahy, and all those who donated to the Sailboat Fundraiser. And really, thank you for the amazing boat names!
Do Me a Favor, Come Back!
So, who’s gonna be back at camp for the 2022 season? CJDA has always been a place that former campers love to send their own daughters to – to give them the same, beloved camp experience. In some cases, there are third or fourth generation campers. At the risk of getting sentimental (news flash, I’m a crier now!), it’s almost like camp history becomes family history where generations of girls share a common experience with those that went before them — huddled around the same campfires, gaining entrance to the same clubs, paddling the same waters, and (if they’re lucky) picking the same color feathers. Second and third generation campers love to look for the names of their relatives on the Hearth boards and keep track of which aunts and cousins, moms and grandmoms, are Les and Jolis. This summer, we are so excited to welcome the following second and third generation campers! 

Margot and Helena (daughters of Magui Garcia)
Amelia and Celeste (daughters of Caroline McConnie)
Luisa and Cecilia (daughters of Cecilia Orvananos)
Cassie and Alex (daughters of Dawn Reres Wilson)
Gracen (daughter of Nicole Epps)
Bella and Gigi (daughters of Marie John)
Willa and Louisa (daughters of Liz Bateman Rambo)
Shea (daughter of Mary Grace Bateman Glascott)
Nyla (daughter of Kay Bateman Burke)
June (daughter of Katie Feola)

If I left you off the list, my apologies, please let me know! Let the cycle of this amazing community of women begin again!
Project Corner: Peter Pan
As mentioned in the last edition, Peter Pan is undergoing a renovation! 

Along with Woodsheart, Peter Pan was an original structure when Colonel spent her first summer on the property. Peter Pan has served many purposes over the years. It has been home to CITs, storage space for extra bunks, and a place where male counselors could live. 

Randy and Sandy are renovating the structure to be the newest space for Arts & Crafts. The project is moving along nicely, and we can’t wait for campers to get their creativity on!
Colonel's Club!
There’s nothing like seeing an old camp friend in person. Sure, liking their Instagram posts or seeing their face on a Zoom call is nice, but reliving camp memories and sharing a laugh over a bowl of chips and salsa is where it's at! Enter Colonel’s Club. 

Starting this spring, alum will be hosting Colonel’s Club gatherings in local towns and cities where JDAers live. Here’s the best part – you don’t have to know the host personally – remember, all camp alum are never more than two degrees of separation from each other! 

The first Colonel’s Club gathering: April 30th at my house in Jenkintown, PA. Stay tuned for invitation and more details. Interested in hosting a Colonel's Club in your area? Let me know!
Camp Happenings!
So, what is happening this spring at JDA? Randy and Sandy are busy planning reunions, setting up the spring merchandise store, traveling, and prepping for summer. Here’s what to expect:

Abbotts to Puerto Rico: Randy and Sandy are super excited to travel to Puerto Rico in late March. Besides seaside views, warm breezes, and tropical scenery, Randy and Sandy can't wait to connect with campers and their families. The big question is, will Randy bring the candy cart?

Spring Store: Are you looking for a sweet hoodie to bring to camp? Or a comfy cozy tshirt to relish the memories of JDA? The camp merchandise store will be open on April 1st and close on April 15th. Stay tuned for the limited time chance to purchase camp gear!

Camper Reunion in White Plains, NY: It’s that time of year again when campers start thinking about summer. The best way to do that is to hang out with your camp buddies at the JDA Spring Camper Reunion. Details about venue and timing will be out very soon so call your cabin mates to plan!!

Sandy Visits Camp: I’ve always been curious as to what things need to be done to get camp ready for the season. Painting, trailblazing, sweeping, what else? Lucky for us, Sandy will be documenting her visit to prep camp for summer 2022! I am excited to see the behind the scenes action!
Keep in Touch!
Have you enjoyed this edition of Blue Sparks? Do you want to be kept in the loop regarding CJDA happenings? Please complete this google form so that we can better keep in touch. Also, it would be awesome if you can encourage your buddies from camp to complete the form too!!

Connect with Camp Jeanne d'Arc!
fb_like_thumbs.jpg
Find us on Social Media
Come see what we're up to on social media!!



Not on social media? We want to hear from you! Send me a note with what you've been up to!