Namaste Y'all

Namaste Y’all.

Namaste has many definitions but generally, when said, it means that the best in me (or the light in me), honors the best in you; a philosophy that Blue Star Camp is always promoting. Camp has been lucky enough to have Andie Segal as their resident yoga specialist for the last 2 years. Andie has a long history with camp having been a camper, counselor and now a specialist and mother of two campers herself. The option is situated in the open Fred Burke Pavilion; surrounded by trees and presenting a pristine view of the lake and mountains, it  offers protection while allowing fresh air and a place to center and find some quietude from the busy day.

Yoga has proved to be very popular with all camps from Juniors to Teen Village and not just with the girls. Senior Boys fill the serene setting of the pavilion, twice a day and show surprising focus and skill. The slow, flowing motions of yoga not only build flexibility but takes a lot of concentration and can help slow a young mind down. Yoga can help a child achieve balance in their lives and for kids is a means of helping them to develop better body awareness, controlling themselves, and flexibility and coordination.

“This is a unique opportunity to teach young campers how to slow down. In a schedule packed with fun it is important to have a special time and place to check-in with their feelings and learn to relax and breathe deep” says Andie. “I’m so lucky to introduce yoga to these kids while they are young; as the lessons learned can be taken off the mat and into stressful situations.”

Pioneer Girls and Juniors have a combined afternoon class. Lauryn Friedman is 9 years old and says about yoga, “It calms me down and I don’t worry about what’s coming next or anything.” Her favorite pose is the Corpse pose, which some say is the hardest of all; for to lay still and not fidget with your body or mind is a difficult thing. A close second for Lauryn is the Happy Baby pose. Her older sister Haylee, 11 is in the same class and says, “It’s really relaxing and calms you down. It relaxes your whole body but you exercise while you are relaxing.”  Haylee’s favorite pose is the Corpse pose as well. Ailsa Kurzban 9, says, “I chose yoga because I want to be able to relax without getting all stressed – Just to relax.” Ailsa’s favorite pose is the Turtle pose. Tess Segal, a Junior states “I do yoga because I am always exhausted and you can fall asleep at the end. When that happens it gives me energy. My favorite pose besides the Corpse is the Turtle.”

Not only are the campers eager to choose yoga but the counselors are eager to attend as well. Monica, a Pioneer Girl counselor, swapped time with her co. just so she could take advantage of accompanying the girls to their option. Dana, a Juniors counselor attends as well. If numbers are an indication of popularity of a specialty area, Yoga ranks among the highest, which makes Andie very happy. It appears, she is not the only one as many little future yogi’s learn to center, reflect and create an intimate relationship with the natural world that surrounds them. With Blue Star Camp offering yoga, it might just help bring that marvelous inner light that our campers have, to the surface. Namaste.