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Chapter Eight:
(Dawn)
Our boots crunched over dirt and twigs as Frankie Dee and I made our way to the northeast side of Mackworth Island. Seagulls screamed above us in the last couple hours of daylight, and crows darted between trees below the aggressive sea birds.
I didn’t have much trouble feeding crows over in Brighton Corner a little farther from the shore. But trying to feed them on the peninsula was much more difficult. If seagulls saw even a tiny piece of food, and you weren’t actively giving it to them, they’d swoop in and take it.
And I don’t know if you’ve ever seen a seagull in person, but they’re fucking huge. They won’t just take your lunch. They’ll take your lunch money AND give you a swirlie if it's high tide.
Frankie said nothing as she hopped over a log. And I felt at peace with her beside me, almost like we were two little girls wandering through the woods looking for a spot to build a fort before our parents called us home for dinner.
At least Frankie can go home and have a nice dinner with her parents, I thought. All my father wanted to do was berate me for ‘poor life choices.’
But fuck him. I’d gone no contact when I moved to Maine, and while I was a little lonely during the first couple of years here, my life had been immensely better.
The newspaper editor had her blonde hair pulled back in a tight braid that the ocean breeze had no trouble moving when it wanted.
“Okay, so remind me what we’re doing out here again?” Frankie Dee asked, not with a tone of boredom or skepticism, just plain curiosity.
“Well, for starters, I fought to pull you out of the newsroom at 6 p.m. because normal people don’t work 12-14 hour shifts every single day.”
She rolled her eyes, but the newspaper editor actually took a sick day after pulling an all-nighter covering the ferry fire with her staff. The poor girl could barely move as I drove her home the next morning at 4 a.m.
Thankfully, because of highly-trained professionals, the ferry had been evacuated and towed to a private dock for repairs.
Only one person was hospitalized, and it was for smoke inhalation, according to Craig’s front-page article, which I read the next morning while baking muffins, muffins I took to a certain bedridden newspaper editor who was still doing some work on a laptop before sleep took her like a villain in a Liam Neeson flick.
“Hey, I typically only work a few hours on Sunday,” she said.
“Six hours is not a ‘few,’ Frankie Dee,” I said as another gull flew over.
She shook her head and turned away to hide a smile. But I saw it because I’m nothing if not an observant. . . colleague.
“Let me try again. Why did you ask me to meet you here on Mackworth Island?” she asked.
“Why, to honor our bargain, of course,” I said with a wide grin. Unlike Frankie, I didn’t bother to hide my smile. I wanted her to know I was a mischievous little witch.
My companion paused to lean against a tree that was starting to show signs of growing back its leaves for spring.
“Remind me about the supposed bargain we made again?” she asked with a small smirk.
“You teach me about journalism, and I teach you about witchcraft,” I said, continuing down the trail.
The smell of low tide overtook the island as scents of saltwater and seaweed filled the air. Some folks couldn’t stand it, but it always felt raw to me, an immutable aspect of nature that mankind couldn’t ignore or send away. It was the ocean saying, “I’ve been here for billions of years. This is what I smell like sometimes. And if you don’t like it, you can move to fucking Iowa.”
A fate worse than death, I thought, remembering the endless cornfields stretched out across the horizon. And if it wasn’t corn, it was soybeans. On and on the sea of brown and green went, this ocean carrying scents of chicken houses and granaries.
We passed a bush trying to reclaim its clothes for the warming season before walking down a set of old concrete stairs onto a narrow beach.
“Your first column on how celestial bodies have impacted human nature for millennia was wicked cool,” Frankie said. “I didn’t expect so much history as you moved through how people have relied on stars for everything from chronology to navigation across the ages.”
“Thank you,” I said, clearing my throat to stifle a tiny sob.
Not only did she read my first column, I thought. But she analyzed and thought on it.
Her compliment wasn’t empty or meant to merely serve as a passing kindness. My coworker had actually found interest in my craft, and that stirred something in me. Something that wanted. . . more. Of course, I’d spent the last week knowing Frankie and wanting more from her physically. But now? I wanted her attention and affection. I wanted her thoughts. I wanted her to know me the way nobody else did, the way nobody else cared to. Professional boundaries be damned. . . if she wanted.
“And what aspect of witchcraft are you going to teach me about today?” she asked as we passed a sign.
I merely held my arms wide pointing to several handmade structures of sticks and stone overlooking the beach before saying, “Faeries.”
Her eyes widened, and she stood frozen, processing my word choice while I read a small white and green sign posted nearby that said, “Welcome to Mackworth Island Community Village.”
It continued, “You may build houses small and hidden for the faeries, but please do not use living or artificial materials. The best materials are found in the landscape of the village itself, but if you choose to bring in natural materials, please return with those that you didn’t use. Thank you for treating this island with care and respect. This helps keep the faeries coming back.”
Frankie opened her mouth twice and closed it, trying to decide what she’d say.
Finally, she just settled on, “Faeries?”
I liked that. She wasn’t trying to offend. The newspaper editor simply wanted to understand. Because what else can you do when someone says they want to teach you about fae? Images of Tinkerbell or A Midsummer Night's Dream came to mind, little pixies or people being turned into animals.
This was the difference between someone saying they wanted to teach you about gravity and someone saying they wanted to teach you about unicorns. One of those subjects was taught by people like Bill Nye and Carl Sagan. The other was taught by a spectrum that ranged from Hasbro to Peter S. Beagle.
To her credit, Frankie Dee seemed to recover and crossed her arms.
“Okay, where do we start?” she asked.
That warmth flickered in my chest again. She wasn’t cracking jokes or laughing at my expense. The girl I was down bad for legit seemed ready to learn. . . about fae of all things. So, I took a deep breath and asked, “What do you know about Mackworth Island?”
Without much hesitation, Frankie replied, “It’s home to a school for the deaf, and the whole place is a state park.”
I walked over to what looked like a poor attempt at a log cabin made of twigs and small branches. Some seashells and leaves made up the roof. In all, the little structure was about the size of a basketball. I motioned for Frankie to come closer.
“Mackworth Island is also home to a rich tradition of making faerie houses, natural homes for tiny elves who sometimes visit our world.”
Frankie looked inside and didn’t seem surprised to find the faerie house empty.
“Are you going to get mad at me if I ask what I’m supposed to be looking for?” she asked.
I shook my head.
“What I’d tell you is that you aren’t supposed to be looking for anything. Because the Fair Folk don’t like to be seen. They might steal a sock from your hanging laundry. They could bless your bread to never grow stale. They may even place a shiny trinket in a faerie circle in hopes of ensnaring any human dumb enough to pick it up. But you’ll probably never see them,” I said.
Frankie looked inside the little house again and nodded. Then she straightened her back and stretched, looking out at the water.
An American Airlines jet flew over Casco Bay, making an approach toward the Fore River and presumably the Portland Jetport. I watched the newspaper editor nod slowly and wet her lips. Behind her, a sailboat drifted toward Great Diamond Island.
May had officially begun, and some days were growing warmer, while the nights quickly reclaimed their chill after the sun went down. Today, the golden ball in the sky was clear and bright with temperatures that would’ve been warm enough to carry the promise of spring. That is. . . if it weren’t for that brisk northern wind saying, “Hold your horses. Winter takes her time to cede Maine to summer.”
Frankie Dee cracked her knuckles and asked, “So what’s the deeper lesson here?”
I cleared my throat and moistened my lips.
“That I’m a cute and fun person to spend the evening with,” I said, running my hands down my hips.
My companion froze, and I watched Frankie’s cheeks turn nice and rosy as she spun to look out at the water and recover herself.
Without turning back to me, she found her voice, albeit shaky, and said, “That’s not much of a lesson, Dawn. I already knew those things the night you took me home. Er — to your home. What’s the deeper lesson as it relates to witchcraft?”
She finally faced me again.
My smirk hadn’t budged an inch.
“Ah. Well, then the deeper lesson here is that witchcraft isn’t about what you can see. It’s about what you learn from old stories passed down through generations, from literature, and from people who love you. And it’s about the things felt while walking your path in life. You’re Catholic. Isn’t there something about not relying on sight in that holy book of yours? Don’t you believe in things you can’t see?”
Those last two questions seemed to bring Frankie out of her thoughts. She took a breath before answering.
“Fair. Yes, I think that verse is in Hebrews. Something about the evidence of things not seen. I take your point about believing in things I can’t see. I think every person has a guardian angel that looks out for them. When my dad was having his heart attack, I believe his guardian angel stayed with him and gave him the strength to persevere until he got to the operating table. If that’s possible, why not faeries? Er — fae? Which word should I use?”
I shrugged.
“Whichever. I don’t think Holly Black is going to hunt you down for using one word or another,” I said, starting to gather some longer sticks. “And I’m glad your dad made it. Mr. Ricci has some great stories that he sometimes shares in the newsroom. Like how when you were seven, you carried a notebook everywhere and interviewed every single person you saw because you wanted to be like him.”
Covering her face with her hands, my companion groaned and kicked at the sand. She knocked a rock down into an advancing wave, causing a small splash.
“Noooooooo. Fuck. He’s already telling you stories about me?” Frankie Dee grimaced. “You’ve gotta do me a favor, bub. Stop encouraging him. I keep trying to get him to take up golfing or sitting at Applebee’s or whatever the hell old white men do, but he insists the paper’s publisher needs to be in the newsroom, apparently telling embarrassing tales instead of Lighthouse-Journal history.”
With a giggle, I said, “What? I think it’s cute. He’s obviously very proud of you. Just like I’m sure he was back then when you reported on important things like the price of milk cartons increasing by a nickel at preschool.”
That seemed to strike a nerve. An adorable nerve.
“Fuck you,” Frankie said. “Consider your column canceled along with the rest of your witch lessons.”
I laughed all the harder.
A few minutes later, I was carving a little trench in the ground a few feet away from a large rock about half my height. Then I started to place the branches and sticks into the trench and lean them against the boulder to make a rough wall.
“It’s your first faerie house, so I figure we’ll keep it basic. A simple lean-to should suffice.”
While I established the outer wall, Frankie got down on her knees and cleared out the inside of leaves and pebbles until there was nothing but a neat dirt floor she stamped down with a flat rock. I couldn’t help but notice she was still wearing the bracelet I’d given her, which made me smile. In yet another way, it seemed like the newspaper editor was taking my beliefs seriously.
I found some long blades of grass nearby and put a second layer on the stick wall, tying the grass horizontally across the branches I leaned against the boulder. Meanwhile, Frankie found a wide cap of a mushroom, picked it, flipped it over, and carved out the gills. This left a bowl-shaped piece of fungus she filled with moss picked from a nearby log.
Frankie placed the little bed inside the house, and I nodded.
“Nice. You sure did pick this up quickly,” I said.
“Well, it’s actually pretty fun. I’m glad you invited me out here. So. . . the little elf that stays here will have a shelter and a soft bed. What else are we missing?” Frankie asked, standing up and popping her back.
I reached into my purse and pulled out a bag of sunflower seeds I’d picked up from the gas station near my home.
“An offering, of course,” I said, emptying half the package of seeds in front of the tiny bed my companion had made.
“So. . . what? You’re bribing the faerie that stays here to bless your bread?”
Shrugging again, I said, “Or to simply leave me off the list of humans they intend to prank next week. You never know. Fae are unpredictable folk. I find it’s best to simply make your offering and go about your business.”
On the beach, I found a chunk of orange feldspar with deep vertical grooves worn into its pattern. Frankie watched me pocket the stone after wiping all the sand off it.
“That’s a pretty little gem,” she said.
I nodded, swapping out a smooth piece of granite I’d found in the woods behind my house and setting it down in the sand.
The newspaper editor just looked at me with a raised eyebrow.
Running my fingers over the feldspar in my pocket, I said, “Oh, the fae never give anything away for free. So if I find a pretty stone here, I always leave one from the forest behind my house as a trade. You NEVER want to owe a fae debt.”
Frankie rubbed her chin and looked down at the rock I’d placed on the beach.
“These fae sure do have a lot of rules,” she said. I waited for a grin or some kind of smirk, any indication that she was making fun of me or not taking this seriously. All I saw was a thoughtful expression, like Frankie was visualizing a notebook in her head and a floating pen writing down every faerie fact I gave her.
The warmth in my chest only grew as she continued thinking and then turned in my direction with a smile. Butterflies in my stomach made me want to leave a note inside the little faerie house we’d built.
It would read, “Dear whoever finds this, Should you find time to help a pitiful lovesick mortal, I could use your assistance in gently persuading my coworker to dissolve our professional boundaries and stick her tongue down my throat. Thanks, your friendly Portland witch, Dawn.” I wouldn’t leave my last name because you never give any creature or being your full name. That only invites trouble from those who would have more influence over your fate.
With my mind turning back to rules, I said, “Fae are strangely obsessed with rules for being such chaotic spirits of nature. They love to follow the letter of their laws while dancing through loopholes and double meanings.”
Nodding, Frankie just added, “Hard tellin’ not knowin’, I suppose.”
Right about that time, I heard the flutter of wings and the call of a familiar black bird in the ash tree above us. The sun was getting lower, and temperatures were dropping. But this was the time my friend usually appeared.
“Well, hello there,” I said. “I’m glad to see you’re well.”
Frankie looked up to see who I was talking to. A large black raven with sleek feathers and a notch on the left side of her beak called down to us and even mimicked a “Hello there,” throwing my voice back at me in the way these smart, playful birds sometimes did.
“A friend of yours?” the newspaper editor asked.
I nodded.
“I named her Varella. Come out here once a week to feed her, even talk about life. When I first moved to Portland, I didn’t know anybody. And the prospect of making friends was a little overwhelming. So imagine my surprise when I came here to explore the faerie houses, and this beautiful bird kept me company, even letting me hand feed her.”
“Varella? That’s kind of a strange name. Why did you pick that one?” Frankie asked, putting her hands in her pockets to warm them.
Shrugging, I pulled out another bag of sunflower seeds and emptied them into my hand. But the raven did not come out of the tree like she normally did to perch on my wrist. We’d secured a good bond, and I loved her company over the last few years. But today she seemed a bit skittish, hopping on the tree’s branches while looking down at us and occasionally swiveling her head from side to side.
“I don’t think she trusts you,” I giggled, piling the sunflower seeds on the ground at the base of the tree. “We should probably go. It’s getting late. It was nice to see you again, Varella. And I’m sorry about my friend. I’m still teaching her about respecting other beings she may not understand.”
We started to leave, and Frankie turned to me and asked, “Do you think I offended her?”
I shrugged.
“Ravens are smart creatures. They can solve puzzles and remember faces, even teach offspring to hate or trust certain people. Don’t worry. I left extra sunflower seeds to make up for your comment,” I said with a chuckle.
Frankie Dee let out a sigh of relief. I couldn’t tell if it was genuine or not.
“Well, thanks,” she said. “I wouldn’t want the local raven community to seek vengeance on me. I live closer to Mackworth than you do.”
We got back to the parking lot a few minutes later, and I looked at Frankie as the last few rays of today’s sunlight washed over her bright blonde hair. As I stared into her chestnut eyes, all I wanted to do was take her home and curl up on the couch together, watching a movie.
Instead, I said, “C’mon. Let’s go get something to eat.”
Frankie raised an eyebrow.
“I’ve got you figured out, FeeDee. If we part now, you’ll probably try to sneak back to the office and squeeze in a few more hours of work, getting a sad ‘dinner’ from the breakroom vending machine or skipping it altogether. Or I could pester you to come with me, and we could hit up a little burrito place I like over by the Westing Hotel,” I said.
The newspaper editor rubbed her arm while thinking this over.
“Why do you do that?” she asked.
“Do what?”
“Try to. . . take care of me all the time?”
And suddenly we’d left the witchcraft lesson behind and moved into a conversation of dangerous proportions. A man in a leather jacket walked past us and climbed into his pickup truck, pulling out of the lot and driving across the narrow bridge that connected Mackworth Island to Route 1.
“Because friends look out for each other?” I offered.
“Friends?” she asked, and the question suddenly felt like a fence being posted in front of the gate to Frankie’s heart. I didn’t like that, but I wanted to respect her boundaries.
“Colleagues,” I offered instead.
She cocked her head to the side.
“I don’t like that word anymore,” the newspaper editor whispered, rubbing her arm a little harder now.
I could do nothing but wait while Frankie worked out what she wanted to say next.
And then the fence came down entirely as she said, “I think I like pals better.”
It was almost a whisper from her lips to my ears, and my gay little heart nearly came to a halt hearing her speak the words.
“Okay, Frankie. Pals,” I said.
She nodded, scratching her chin again. And as we left the island of faerie houses behind, my brain, perhaps a little inappropriately, thought, gals being pals.

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Experiencing the "Big Five" in the Serengeti is a highlight for many safari enthusiasts. The term "Big Five" originally referred to the five most challenging animals to hunt on foot, but today, it represents the must-see animals on an African safari: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania offers an unparalleled opportunity to encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
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92ny Summer Camps Camp Yomi 0 Have you ever wondered what makes Camp Yomi stand out among the many summer camps in New York? Well, let me tell you, there's something truly special about the experience we offer.From the moment you step foot on our grounds, you'll be captivated by the wide range of activities and the sense of adventure that fills the air. But that's just the beginning.Stay tuned to discover the unparalleled safety measures we have in place, the idyllic location that sets us apart, and the glowing reviews from satisfied campers and parents alike.So, are you ready to embark on a journey that will leave you wanting more?Key TakeawaysCamp Yomi offers a diverse range of activities and programming, including swimming, arts and crafts, drama, and music, allowing campers to express themselves and discover their passions.The camp prioritizes safety, with fully vaccinated campers and staff, adherence to CDC guidelines, and transportation arrangements designed with safety in mind.Located in Rockland County, New York, Camp Yomi provides a refreshing summer camp experience in a serene environment, with easy access to nearby attractions such as hiking trails, parks, historical sites, and museums.Camp Yomi is part of the 92Y Camps network, which offers a safe and supportive environment for children to explore interests, build skills, and develop problem-solving and teamwork abilities through a wide variety of activities.Camp Yomi ActivitiesCamp Yomi offers campers a wide variety of activities to engage in throughout their summer camp experience. One of the highlights of the camp is the swim instruction provided to campers. With two swims per day, campers have the opportunity to improve their swimming skills and build confidence in the water. The instructional swim sessions are led by certified instructors who focus on teaching proper techniques and water safety.In addition to swim instruction, Camp Yomi also offers a diverse range of creative programming. Campers have the chance to explore their artistic side through activities such as arts and crafts, drama, and music. They can express themselves and unleash their creativity in a supportive and encouraging environment.The camp's emphasis on creative programming allows campers to try new activities and discover their passions. Whether it's painting, acting, or playing a musical instrument, campers are encouraged to take safe risks and learn through trial and error. This approach fosters a sense of freedom and exploration, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in the activities and experience personal growth.Camp Yomi Safety MeasuresEnsuring the safety and well-being of all campers and staff is of paramount importance at Camp Yomi. We take several measures to create a secure environment for everyone involved.Firstly, all campers and staff must be fully vaccinated, following the camp Yomi vaccination requirements. This helps to minimize the risk of any potential health issues and ensures the safety of the entire camp community.In addition to vaccination requirements, Camp Yomi follows additional CDC guidelines to further enhance safety. These guidelines include practicing good hygiene, encouraging frequent handwashing, and promoting social distancing whenever possible. Our focus is on maintaining a warm and fun atmosphere while prioritizing the health and well-being of everyone.Transportation arrangements at Camp Yomi are also designed with safety in mind. Campers travel in air-conditioned Coach buses with a bathroom on board. This ensures a comfortable and secure journey to and from the camp. Our transportation system is well-maintained and regularly inspected to meet the highest safety standards.At Camp Yomi, we believe that safety is a collective responsibility. We have a dedicated team of trained professionals who oversee the implementation of safety measures and ensure that all campers and staff are protected throughout their time at camp.Camp Yomi LocationAfter prioritizing safety measures at Camp Yomi, it's important to now explore the camp's location in Rockland County. Located in beautiful Rockland County, Camp Yomi offers a break from the city environment, providing campers with a refreshing experience in the fresh air. Here are three reasons why the location of Camp Yomi is worth considering:Close proximity to New York City: Camp Yomi is conveniently located near New York City, allowing campers to enjoy the best of both worlds. They can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in nature at the camp, while still being just a short distance away from the vibrant city life.Rockland County attractions: The camp's location in Rockland County offers campers the opportunity to explore and enjoy a variety of attractions. From hiking trails and parks to historical sites and museums, there's something for everyone. Campers can engage in outdoor activities, learn about the local history, and make memories that will last a lifetime.Transportation options: Camp Yomi understands the importance of convenient transportation for campers and their families. The camp provides transportation options, ensuring that campers can easily travel to and from the camp. Campers will travel in air-conditioned Coach buses with a bathroom on board, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey.With its proximity to New York City, the variety of attractions in Rockland County, and convenient transportation options, Camp Yomi's location offers campers the freedom to explore, have fun, and create unforgettable summer memories.Camp Yomi ReviewsBased on the overall rating of 4.5 and positive feedback from Anna Fader, Camp Yomi has received high praise for its engaging activities and enjoyable outdoor experience. The camp Yomi staff is highly regarded for their dedication and expertise in creating a safe and fun environment for campers. The staff ensures that all campers and staff are fully vaccinated, and they follow additional CDC guidelines to maintain a secure environment. Camp Yomi takes safety seriously, providing campers with convenient transportation options in air-conditioned Coach buses equipped with a bathroom.Camp Yomi facilities are well-maintained and offer a range of amenities to enhance the camp experience. The location in beautiful Rockland County provides a break from the city environment and offers a refreshing experience in fresh air. Campers have access to a wide variety of activities, including two swims per day, sports programming, and an incredible array of creative activities. Camp Yomi encourages campers to take safe risks and learn through trial and error, fostering personal growth and development.Feedback from Anna Fader highlights her daughter's enjoyment of the camp and the opportunity to try out new activities. The camp's emphasis on maintaining a warm and fun atmosphere is appreciated by both campers and parents. Anna Fader encourages others to leave a review, emphasizing the positive experience her daughter had at Camp Yomi.92Y Camps InformationY Camps Information includes a variety of activities and day camp options for children in New York City. Here are three key things to know about Y Camps:Y Camps Benefits:Y Camps offer a safe and supportive environment for children to explore their interests and build lifelong skills.Campers get to participate in a wide variety of activities, including sports programming and an incredible array of creative activities.Y Camps encourage campers to take safe risks, learn through trial and error, and develop valuable problem-solving and teamwork skills.Y Camps Age Groups:Y Camps cater to children of different age groups, providing age-appropriate activities and experiences.The camps offer programs for children as young as preschool age, providing a fun and nurturing environment for their growth and development.Older children and teenagers can also benefit from Y Camps, as they offer programs designed to challenge and engage them, fostering personal growth and independence.Additional Information:Y Camps are part of the KidsUptown network in New York City, ensuring high-quality programming and a strong support system.Located in New York, NY, Y Camps offer convenient transportation options for campers and their families.More information about the camps and additional activities can be found on their website, and their contact number is 212-415-5573.With their diverse range of activities, age-appropriate programming, and numerous benefits, Y Camps provide an exciting and enriching summer camp experience for children in New York City.Contact and Location DetailsLocated in beautiful Rockland County, Camp Yomi offers a refreshing summer camp experience in a convenient location with transportation options available. Our camp is situated in a serene environment that provides a break from the city hustle and bustle, allowing campers to enjoy the fresh air and natural surroundings. With close proximity to New York City, Camp Yomi offers the best of both worlds - a peaceful retreat and easy access to nearby attractions.To provide you with a clear overview of our location and contact details, please refer to the table below:Contact DetailsNearby AttractionsPhone: 212-415-5573- Bear Mountain State ParkEmail: info@campyomi.org- Palisades Center MallWebsite: www.campyomi.org- Hudson River MuseumAddress: 92nd Street Y Camps, 1395 Brick Church Road, Rockland County, NY- Rockland Lake State ParkFor any inquiries or to schedule a visit, you can reach us at the provided phone number or email address. Our friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you.In addition to the enriching camp experience, Camp Yomi is surrounded by various nearby attractions that campers can explore during their time here. From the picturesque Bear Mountain State Park to the Palisades Center Mall for some retail therapy, there is something for everyone. The Hudson River Museum and Rockland Lake State Park are also popular destinations for campers to enjoy educational and outdoor activities.At Camp Yomi, we understand the importance of providing a convenient and accessible location for families. With transportation options available, we strive to make the camp experience as hassle-free as possible. Join us at Camp Yomi for an unforgettable summer filled with adventure, fun, and lifelong memories.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat Is the Average Camper-To-Staff Ratio at Camp Yomi?The average camper-to-staff ratio at Camp Yomi is low, which has many benefits. With more staff members available, each camper receives more individual attention and supervision. This allows for a safer and more personalized experience.Campers can fully engage in activities and receive guidance when needed. The low ratio also promotes a sense of community and fosters strong relationships between campers and staff.Are There Any Additional Fees for the Sports Programming at Camp Yomi?There are no additional fees for the sports programming at Camp Yomi. Campers can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including sports, without any extra cost.Our camp emphasizes providing a fun and inclusive experience for all campers, and that includes offering a range of activities without any hidden fees.Can Parents Visit and Observe the Camp Activities at Camp Yomi?Yes, parents can visit and observe the camp activities at Camp Yomi. We believe that parent involvement is crucial in creating a positive camp experience for the campers.By observing the activities, parents can witness their child's growth, development, and enjoyment firsthand. It also allows parents to see the safe and secure environment we provide at Camp Yomi.We encourage parents to come and be a part of their child's camp journey.Is Transportation Provided to and From Camp Yomi?Transportation is provided to and from Camp Yomi. We've various transportation options available to ensure a smooth and convenient experience for campers. Our transportation logistics are well-organized, with campers traveling in air-conditioned Coach buses that have a bathroom on board.We prioritize the safety and comfort of our campers during transportation. Whether you're coming from New York City or the surrounding areas, we've convenient transportation options to make getting to camp a breeze.Are There Any Age Restrictions for Campers at Camp Yomi?There are no age restrictions for campers at Camp Yomi. All children are eligible to attend the camp and participate in the wide variety of activities offered.Camp Yomi provides a safe environment for campers to explore, learn, and have fun. With two swims per day, sports programming, and an incredible array of creative activities, campers of all ages can enjoy their time at Camp Yomi.ConclusionIn conclusion, Camp Yomi offers an exceptional summer experience for campers with a wide range of activities and a focus on safety. Located in beautiful Rockland County, it provides a serene natural setting while being conveniently close to New York City.With positive reviews from campers like Anna Fader, it's clear that Camp Yomi delivers a memorable and enjoyable summer camp experience.Join us at Camp Yomi and create lasting memories this summer!

In the world of early childhood education, the concept of play-based learning has become increasingly popular due to its remarkable benefits in nurturing young minds. Haebix Preschool is at the forefront of this educational approach, providing an enriching environment where play isn't just a pastime, but a fundamental tool for learning and development. Let's find out how Haebix Preschool is redefining early childhood education and why it deserves a place among the best preschools in India.

Understanding play-based learning:

Play-based learning is based on the idea that children learn best when they actively participate in meaningful activities that interest them. It's not about formal lessons or structured activities, but about creating an environment where children can explore, experiment and discover at their own pace.
At Haebix Preschool, play is at the heart of the curriculum. From sensory activities to imaginative play, every experience is designed to promote cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. Through play, children learn to solve problems, communicate effectively and develop important skills that form the foundation for later learning.
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The Haebix experience:
Haebix Preschool is one of the best pre schools in india because it's committed to providing a holistic learning experience that nurtures all aspects of a child's development. Here's how Haebix achieves this:
Child-centered approach: at Haebix, the children are at the center of everything. Teachers observe each child's interests, strengths and challenges in order to design activities that promote individual development. Whether building with blocks, painting or acting, each activity is designed to support the children's individual developmental needs.
Exploration and discovery: Haebix believes that children learn best through hands-on experiences. The curriculum is designed to encourage exploration and discovery, allowing children to learn through their senses and interaction with their environment. From nature walks to science experiments, children at Haebix are constantly involved in meaningful learning experiences.
Social and emotional development: Learning through play promotes social skills such as cooperation, empathy and communication. Through group activities and collaborative play, children learn to navigate social interactions, resolve conflicts and build strong relationships with peers and teachers. Haebix creates a supportive environment where children feel safe to express themselves and explore their feelings.
Preparing for the future: Even though play is at the forefront of Haebix, the preschool also ensures that children develop important academic skills that prepare them for future success. Through guided activities and play-based learning experiences, children acquire early literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills that provide a solid foundation for their school careers.
Why Haebix Preschool stands out
In a country known for its diverse educational landscape, Haebix Preschool stands out as one of the best preschool in india for several reasons:
Commitment to excellence: Haebix is committed to providing the best quality early childhood education. The dedicated team of educators constantly strive to innovate and improve the curriculum to meet the evolving needs of the young learners.
Parent involvement: Haebix recognizes the importance of parent involvement in the child's educational process. The preschool maintains a close partnership with parents, keeping them informed of their child's progress and involving them in the decision-making process.
Safe and nurturing environment: Safety and well-being are paramount at Haebix Preschool. The school provides a safe and nurturing environment where children feel valued, respected and supported in their learning process.
In summary, Haebix Preschool is a beacon of excellence in early childhood education, providing a play-based learning experience that transforms the way children learn and grow. By emphasizing exploration, discovery and individualized learning, Haebix ensures that every child receives the foundation they need to succeed in school and beyond. As one of the best preschools in India, Haebix is shaping the future of education from one playful moment to the next.
In the world of early childhood education, the concept of play-based learning has become increasingly popular due to its remarkable benefits in nurturing young minds. Haebix Preschool is at the forefront of this educational approach, providing an enriching environment where play isn't just a pastime, but a fundamental tool for learning and development. Let's find out how Haebix Preschool is redefining early childhood education and why it deserves a place among the best preschools in India.

Understanding play-based learning:

Play-based learning is based on the idea that children learn best when they actively participate in meaningful activities that interest them. It's not about formal lessons or structured activities, but about creating an environment where children can explore, experiment and discover at their own pace.
At Haebix Preschool, play is at the heart of the curriculum. From sensory activities to imaginative play, every experience is designed to promote cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. Through play, children learn to solve problems, communicate effectively and develop important skills that form the foundation for later learning.