The third post in our guest blog series, featuring Jane!
As a reminder…
In “Stories with Scatico Senior Staff” we have guest blog post authors share lessons, musings, or connections between their life outside of camp to their life in it. Our hope is that this series serves as a little taste of the 12523 during the school year, and helps you learn more about the people who help make Scatico… Scatico!
My name is… Jane Rosenfeld.
Above: Jane at the 2022 carnival… 100th anniversary edition. In the banner: Senior Staff pose during Best Day Ever (Taylor’s Version)… a special event envisioned and planned by Jane!
My first summer at Scatico was… 2004.
My first summer on Senior Staff was… 2022.
When I’m not at camp, I’m… teaching 4th grade at an all-girls school in NYC.
At camp, I’m… Assistant Head Counselor on Girls Side (first summer in this role)!
My favorite camp event is… Divisional Sing.
My love (or obsession) with Scatico is undeniable to anyone who knows me. Within minutes of meeting someone new, I find myself sharing camp’s profound impact on my life. It's the very inspiration behind my pursuit of becoming a teacher and remains a source of immense anticipation for ten months each year. While Scatico has equipped me with countless life lessons, both big and small, the most cherished one, is how Scatico has taught me what true friendship looks like. Cliché, but undeniably real.
In 2009, I was a Sooper alongside 12 others, sharing that year with roughly 20 Upper Seniors. Over the years, our division went through many highs and lows, and we navigated some tough moments that our counselors and senior staff members helped us through. There were times we didn't always mesh perfectly, but ultimately, we learned and grew together, forming a bond I'll always cherish.
2004 Inters on a hike (Jane in blue bucket hat).
2009 Soopers.
I remember one instance during our Sub summer when we were on an arguing streak. One day after breakfast, our counselors and the Head Counselor, Nancy, sat us down for a talk on the HC porch. Although I can't recall the specifics, I vividly remember what our Division Leader told us:
"It's normal to fight, everyone does it. Especially when you’ve been sharing a bunk for 7 weeks. Just remember that in 10, 20, or even 30 years from now, you'll be calling each other up asking for advice, maybe crying over something small, or asking your friend to come over late at night just so you can vent. You can be angry with each other now, but trust me, you'll never regret forgiving and moving on."
She was right.
Luckily for me, when I graduated from college and moved back to my hometown of New York City, most of my camp friends did the same. We navigated moving into our first apartments together and experiencing our first jobs. The words of my DL still hold true. They are, quite literally, the people I call in a crisis, or when I see something funny, or something random reminds me of camp. They are truly the most reliable, special, and trustworthy people I know.
The thing I love most about us is how different everyone in my division is. We went to very different schools, have pursued very different careers, and are from different places. Yet, when we're together, a special force takes over. We erupt in laughter, guessing each other's Holy Cow orders, reminiscing about our synchronized dance routines, and overanalyzing who lost a relay race during that infamous Teams track meet. What unites us isn't just shared camp days, but the profound impact they had on shaping who we are today.
As I move into a new role at camp this summer, I anticipate and welcome the next generation of campers. A pang of envy (quickly replaced by excitement) washes over me, knowing they'll experience the thrill of meeting new bunkmates and forging lifelong connections. Scatico friendships offer a unique space for self-discovery and growth, fostering bonds that go beyond campfires and divisional sing practices (for anyone who knows me, divisional sing is my everything). Camp friends are simply unlike any other, and I, like countless others, am eternally grateful for mine.
Jane as a camper on the Cove Courts.
Jane with sisters Kate (left) and Anna (right) her Sooper summer.