Anchorline Winter 2010

Tribute to Wyatt and Lil Taylor
A Vision for the Future; Board of Visitors Made It Happen
Pamlico County Outreach Programs
Hall of Fame
What's New for Summer 2010
Mariners - Our 2-week Sessions
Sea Gull Auxiliary - Starter Camp 2010
Seafarer Mother Ducks and Sea Gull Auxiliary
Reconnecting and Spreading the Word
Going Green
Meet our New Full-time Staff

Tribute to Wyatt & Lil Taylor

Seeking to honor Camp founders and first Directors, Wyatt and Lil Taylor, a number of donors made leadership gifts to the Laying the Keel: Foundation for Character campaign in order to renovate and enhance the Camp Sea Gull Mess Hall, recently named for Wyatt and Lil. This initiative was the idea of several former campers and counselors who inspired additional participation by other lead donors. At Camp, the Mess Hall is the focal point where, three times a day, campers and counselors gather for family style meals. These occasions not only provide special time together for each cabin as they sit around their table, but they are the opportunity for the whole Camp to share thoughts for the day, the excitement of achievements, messages about character and mission, Camp songs, and of course, skits of varying talents but constant enthusiasm.

The Taylor Mess Hall at Sea Gull seems the perfect place to honor the contributions to so many lives that were inspired by the leadership, vision and affection of Wyatt and Lil. Through the support of donors to Camp capital funds, the renovation of the Taylor Mess Hall has prepared it for service during many years to come. Enhancements include new porches, cladding and windows as well as new restrooms. In the main dining area, there is a new floor and an open ceiling revealing the original beams and roof. The Wardroom, donated by volunteer Camp physicians, is a smaller dining area that also provides for the display of Camp memorabilia. The greatest improvements have come to food preparation and storage areas. These enhancements took place over several years in order to avoid disruption to the program schedule.

The Taylor Mess Hall at Sea Gull compliments the Taylor Lodge at Seafarer in honoring the legacy of two people whose lives have touched countless thousands. The success of this endeavor doesn't just happen. You have made it happen.

A Vision for the Future; Board of Visitors Made It Happen

Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer are places dear to the hearts of many. Recognizing that the ties that bind these diverse people together are the values expressed in the Good Sport Award, each Thought for the Day and, most importantly, the actions of campers and counselors who are inspired to "do what's right", the Camps have understood that it takes people from many walks of life to create a community where character really does count.

The members of the Camps Board of Visitors who have overseen the planning and implementation of the Laying the Keel: Foundation for Character campaign have demonstrated a kind of dedicated leadership that can only be inspired by a through embrace of the mission.

By encouraging others to join them, they reached the goal of $6,500,000 in contributions to funds for capital improvements. Partnered with institutional funds, these gifts have helped prepare these Camps for many more years of service to children and families. Already achieved are the Belk Dining Hall, the Carr Cottage, the Camp Center, cabin bathroom renovations, new duplex staff housing, additions to physician housing and infrastructure improvements and the first phase of a Program Center honoring mothers and daughters at Seafarer. At Sea Gull, new cabins in Camps II and IV, renovations to cabins in Camps I and III, the London and Fellowship Quarters, the Martin Cottage, a new Program Pavilion a new entry and infrastructure improvements, as well as the renovation of the Taylor Mess Hall and Wardroom are making a difference every day. While there are a few projects that remain to be completed as final payments on pledges are made, Laying the Keel: Foundation for Character is already a resounding success.

The leadership contributions of time and resources of the members of this Board are truly remarkable. Not only have they achieved these great improvements in facilities, but they have affirmed the philosophy that these Camps are strengthened when participation in programs is accessible to campers who are drawn from a broad spectrum. We are grateful to hundreds of donors in the Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer family for their support of Laying the Keel: Foundation for Character, and we are especially grateful to the Board of Visitors for their wonderful leadership.

Pamlico County Outreach Programs

Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer continue to support the children of Pamlico County through several programs tailored to the County's specific needs. These programs include Day Camp, Y-Learning and Teen Programs. Thanks to generous philanthropic support from members of our Camp community, children in Pamlico County received approximately $100,000 of assistance including program subsidies and direct camperships in 2009.

The Camps' most popular program, Summer Day Camp, has grown from 50 campers in 1996 to more than 300 campers today. Campers are provided transportation and given the opportunity to participate in a safe, nurturing and character-building environment, featuring experienced staff and intentional programming. Summer Day Camp offers four two-week sessions for children in grades 1 - 5 and a one-week adventure program for children in grades 6 - 8. The staff, most of who are former day camp campers and from surrounding communities, chosen based on their demonstration of leadership skills consistent with Sea Gull and Seafarer standards and expectations.

Y-Learning, an after school tutorial program, is offered by the Camps during the school year. Students enrolled in the program receive small group instruction, help with homework, silent reading time, interactive learning stations and preparation for End-of-Grade testing, in grades 3 - 5. Students are referred by school administrators based on academic need. A certified teacher, site coordinator and counselors are trained by Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer to deliver the program, based at local elementary schools. There is no cost for students to participate in this program.

The Camps started the Pamlico County High School Youth & Government Club in 2006. The program helps enable young people to prepare for moral and political leadership through training in theory and practice of developing public policy. The Camps also collaborate with the Hodges Education Foundation's LIFT program to educate students on goal setting, decision making, interviewing, scholarship writing, financial management, etiquette, healthy living, community service and leadership. Both the Youth & Government and LIFT programs provide opportunities and resources for teens to develop leadership and lifelong skills. Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer are proud to be members of the Pamlico County community. Working alongside parents, teachers, community leaders and volunteers, we are able to provide children and families with unique Camp experiences.

Hall of Fame Inducts Five New Members

A large crowd of Fireball Weekend celebrants gathered in Camp Sea Gull's new Taylor Mess Hall on Saturday, October 3, 2009 to induct five new members into the Camp Hall of Fame. This honor is reserved for those whose contributions to the Camps have left an indelible mark on the Camp community. Sarah and Bill Adams were honored for their years of service as Camp leaders in several areas, including their time spent serving as Camp Directors. Judy Bright, former Director of Camp Seafarer, was honored for her leadership, vision and dedication to the growth of Sea Gull and Seafarer. Cille Griffith, former Director of Seafarer, and Lloyd Griffith, former Director of Camp Sea Gull, were honored for their remarkable contributions to the lives of children and their work to prepare the Camps for service far into the future.

These Camp luminaries join a distinguished group of Hall of Fame members who have charted the course for over 60 years, as Seafarer and Sea Gull developed a reputation around the nation and the world for excellence in programs that help children and young people build their skills and their character. It is with great appreciation that we celebrate this induction and the examples and leadership of these wonderful people.

What's New for 2010

Family Service Week Spring Break Camp: Bring your family to Camp Seafarer for Spring Break, March 28 - April 1, to participate in a new and unique experience. Enjoy traditional camp activities while contributing to service projects in Pamlico County. The week schedule includes plenty of free time for you to explore and enjoy the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. For registration information, please contact elayne.steinman@seagull-seafarer.org.
Stop by the Camp Store when you visit for brand new "must have" items for the summer!
Sea Gull and Seafarer Green Book revisions including new land awards at Sea Gull
Expanded sports clinics at Sea Gull
Several new boats at both camps and new T-Tops on several of the Parkers
Full weight-training facility at Sea Gull
Expanded fishing program at both camps
Two new Jeeps (expanded fleet of four) and several new trails

Mariners - Our 2-week Sessions

Mariners, Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer's two-week program, provides an opportunity for campers, ages 7 to 11, to experience a taste of the traditional four-week session. Our two-week resident sessions are designed as a transitional experience for children who are ready for more challenge and freedom than Starter Camp provides, but are not quite ready for our full four-week experience.

The Mariners program runs in tandem with Second Session. Two Mariners sessions are offered at each Camp.

Click here for more information.

Sea Gull Auxiliary - Starter Camp 2010

Calling Sea Gull Alums... Volunteers Needed!

The Sea Gull Auxiliary program supports our summer staff during the Starter Camp Week. Camp Sea Gull staff alums will assist in supervising activities and playing an active role in Camp life.

The Auxiliary is a great opportunity to give back to camp, reconnect with old and new friends and relive some of the best times of your life. We will house you, feed you and even give you some well-deserved time off!

Sea Gull Auxiliary will report to duty on Saturday, June 5 and complete their mission on Friday, June 11.

Please contact Jon Vance, Associate Director, at Sea Gull for more information or to volunteer.
jon.vance@seagull-seafarer.org or 252.249.1111

Seafarer Mother Ducks - Starter Camp 2010

The Camp Seafarer Mother Duck program has been such a fun and important part of the magic of Seafarer Starter Camp! Seafarer alumnae volunteer their time to lead the campers and make them feel comfortable during this exciting week at Camp Seafarer!

You are a wonderful resource to us and help provide the guidance that we are committed to giving children. It is an awesome opportunity to see children begin to spread their wings as they try new skills, make new friends, sing songs, demonstrate kindness and celebrate others (or the longest French fry)… all of these things will be treasured for a lifetime.

The Mother Duck commitment is Saturday, June 5 - Friday, June 11 and includes air-conditioned housing, late night snacks and time off for lunch at Gary's mid-week. We are so excited about the number of returning Ducks this year… we won't refer to you as "old-timers", just Professional Ducks! So, start your at-home training by walking around your neighborhood answering lots of questions and repeating directions over and over to young children! Get some extra rest this spring, and bring all your energy to the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. We look forward to seeing you soon!

If you are available to volunteer as a Mother Duck for Summer 2010, please contact Allison Simmons (allison.simmons@seagull-seafarer.org) or 252.249.1212.

Spread the Word and Reconnect

Spread the Word - Parents today do not understand the value of a resident camp experience. Without a camp history, some parents are not aware of how much their child will grow and benefit from an experience at Sea Gull or Seafarer. Please help Camp reach out and share the amazing gift that Sea Gull and Seafarer have been to you and your family. To request that Camp sends information to someone you know; please call the Camp offices: Sea Gull 252.249.1111 and Seafarer 252.249.1212.

Expand our Circle: by serving as an ambassador of Sea Gull and Seafarer. You know firsthand the value of a resident camp, the impact we make, and the benefits of the camping experience. As more people share in our 1-week, 2-week or 4-week sessions, our community grows. To grow, Camp needs you to tell your story. Stories can be told as subtlety as wearing your Sea Gull tie to work or driving around town with your CSF sticker on the back of your vehicle. Even a subtle story enhances our visibility in your community. Utilize your Camp experience and invite a neighbor to attend a family camp weekend, talk to other moms about how much growth you have seen in your son he returned from two weeks at Sea Gull or talk to a teen about the importance of leadership and character development. With your help, we can continue to expand our circle and offer the magic of summer camp to all who desire.

Reconnect: with old friends and meet new friends who share the Camp experience. Invite others to experience the magic of Camp. Through camp nights, regional activities, and on-site programs such as the Bill Adams Regatta, Sea Gull and Seafarer are working hard to provide opportunities for you to connect through Camp. Yet, with your help, we can do more. Consider the following: did you know that there are many former campers, staff, and families not connected to Camp because we lack up-to-date information? By going to the Update my Record page on our website, alumni are able to provide us with their current contact information.

Through Update my Record, alumni can provide Camp with information regarding their history at Sea Gull and Seafarer.

Were you a camper in the '80s? On the sailing staff? A SEA Venture participant? Family Camper? Obtaining these facts on each of our alumni will not only deepen our data base, but ultimately provide you with a more meaningful connection to the greater Camp community. Make sure that you update your record today!

And while you are updating your record, make sure you take a moment to click over to the Be A Volunteer.

Going Green

In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, the Anchorline is "Going Green"! The full listing of Anchorline articles may be found online. Keep checking the Camp website for upcoming events, announcements and links to the Camp Store!

While visiting the Camp website, please make sure that your contact information is current to receive e-mail communications from Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer in the future.

Meet Our New Full Time Staff

Director of Development - Sallie Ransom
Sallie.ransom@seagull-seafarer.org

Sallie Ransom is transitioning from the Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship to the role of Director of Development for Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer. Sallie has been with our organization for 16 years. She understands the Camps and has a proven track record with our annual campaign. We look forward to her leadership in her new position.

Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship - Lisa Blockus Brown
Lisa.brown@seagull-seafarer.org

Lisa Blockus Brown is joining the Sea Gull and Seafarer team as the Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship. Lisa has a 20-year history with Camp—former camper, CILT, and sailing staff member. Lisa also served as Sailing Master, directed Seafarer's Camper Services, and lead Seafarer's SAIL BVI trip for six summers.

Prior to joining Camp full-time, Lisa worked at Cornell University as an Associate Director in the Department of Alumni Affairs and Development. In this role, Lisa led a $2 million dollar campaign to endow program and position funds to benefit the fraternity and sorority community. Before fundraising, Lisa also held positions at Cornell, Chowan College, and Ball State University in student activities and leadership development.

Lisa and her husband, Rich, have a son, T.J., and a daughter, Samantha.

Marketing Coordinator - Mary Catherine Benson
Marycatherine.benson@seagull-seafarer.org

Mary Catherine, a Raleigh native, joins the Director team as Marketing Coordinator. Mary Catherine has a 10-year history with Seafarer - as a camper, SEA Venture participant, Junior Counselor, Senior Counselor, Assistant Motorboating Chief and Motorboating Chief.

Mary Catherine graduated from Wofford College in 2005 with a B.S. in Biology. She was most recently employed as a faculty member and Assistant Alumnae Relations Director at Saint Mary's School.

Outside of Camp, Mary Catherine serves on the Alumnae Association Board of Saint Mary's School and is a member of the Junior League of Raleigh. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, boating, reading and going to the beach.

Mary Catherine is responsible for Camp's Marketing and Communications. During the year, she is based in Raleigh and will spend the summer at both Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer.

Director of Outreach - Sarah Rhymer
Sarah.rhymer@seagull-seafarer.org

Sarah, a Brevard, N.C. native, began her career at Camp Seafarer as the Assistant Director of Horseback Riding during the summer of 2004. Sarah continued to serve as the Director of Horseback Riding for Camp Seafarer during the summers of 2005-2009.

Sarah graduated from St. Andrews Presbyterian College with a B.A. in Equine Business Management in 2005. She was most recently employed as a staff member of the St. Andrews Equestrian Program under the direction of Peggy McElveen and served as a coach for the Hunter Seat IHSA team.

Sarah enjoys riding her horse Vegas and spending time with her two dogs, Hasty (four-year-old Carolina dog) and Lucy (three-month-old Black Lab).

Sarah's position allows her to be involved in community functions in and around Pamlico County; she says, "the people in this area are so inviting and remind me a lot of home-life back in Brevard." Sarah is responsible for programming Camp's outreach programs including Summer and Spring Break Day Camp, Y Learning and Youth in Government. She is based at Camp Seafarer.