Kamp Keowee

The annual kids’ camp that is offered by a host of kind and imaginative Cliffs Communities resident volunteers was an enormous success again this year.

Largely the brainchild of the indefatigable Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards resident, Char Burgner, the theme for this year’s camp was “Under the Sea”.

Campers included both residents and the relatives of residents, many of whom plan their trips to Lake Keowee around the dates set for Kamp Keowee. This year, campers numbered more than 70 children, aged 4 to 12. Volunteers led groups of varying number, divided by age, and named according to the theme of the camp: Sunfish, Starfish, Sharks, etc.

Kamp Keowee spanned seven consecutive days, with activites occurring at various Cliffs at Keowee club venues, including the Lakehouse, the marina at the Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards, the beach club at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs, and the fitness centre at The Cliffs at Keowee Falls. At each location, the groups of campers were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of sea-related activities.

Exciting races and water sports were conducted in the pools. Crafts included the ancient Japanese art of “Gyotaku”, or fish painting. iPads were employed in some of the activities, and there was a healthy balance maintained between water and land, indoor and outdoor activities. Each day, Chef Francis (the talented chef at the Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards clubhouse) provided child-friendly, healthy lunches to the active crowd of volunteers and campers. A final banquet was held at Keowee Vineyards Lakehouse at the end of the week.

Kamp Keowee is eagerly anticipated by many of the campers as an important part of their summer memories, and many of the friendships formed during the camp are maintained from one year to the next.

This year’s event was, as always, a swimming success! Heartfelt thanks are due to the many residents of the Cliffs at Keowee Clubs who devote so much of their time, energy and creativity to Kamp Keowee.