Latest news with #summercamp
CBS News
a day ago
- CBS News
14-year-old suburban Chicago boy drowns at summer camp in Wisconsin
It has already been a deadly summer in Lake Michigan, but a tragic situation in Wisconsin recently proves even smaller bodies of water can be dangerous. A teen from the southwest Chicago suburb of Romeoville drowned while at summer camp. Langston Britton, 14, was grounded in his faith. He was so grounded that he shared his insights to the world on TikTok and YouTube. "He is a leader," said Pastor John Ciesniewski at Community Christian Church in Plainfield. "He's got a smile, and a charisma that cause people to want to follow him, be like him, be around him." Pastor Ciesniewski had known Langston since the teen was born. Last week, Ciensiewski went to a Wisconsin summer camp with 400 other students, and went swimming one day. "It's a parent's worst nightmare for sure, and just, you never think it's going to be your kid," the pastor said. In a statement the camp said the boy's friends alerted lifeguards, who responded quickly. They said the lifeguards recovered Langston and gave him CPR until emergency crews arrived. But Langston died. Langston's family told Ciesniewski he was a strong swimmer. "So clearly, something happened," Ciesniewski said. Dave Benjamin with the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project said there are many things that could have happened. "There could be drop-offs, there could be debris, something that could kind of spook you," Benjamin said. Banjamin said even in smaller lakes, anything could cause someone to panic and inhale water. Langston's death comes just after the drowning of a 14-year-old boy in Lake Michigan at Illinois Beach State Park in Zion. "For anyone who says they know they can swim, go to your local pool that has lap lanes and see," said Benjamin. "Can you swim the length of the pool? Can you swim two lengths?" As for Langston's parents, Ciesniewski said like their son, they are leaning on their faith. "The first people they prayed for were the first responders, for the lifeguards who pulled him out of the water," said Ciensiewski. "May they have no shame or guilt. This is not their fault." The pastor said right now, they are thankful they had Langston for 14 years. The church sent all the students and adult leaders home after Langston's death, and canceled the middle school camp for the next week.
Fox News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Chicago-based group hosted a summer camp for anti-Trumpers
The 'Big Weekend Show' hosts discuss the events that took place at a summer camp hosted by a Chicago taxpayer-funded group where anti-Trumpers to learned how to resist the administration.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Club Med Turns 75, Pivots To Upscale And Grows Mountain Resorts
Club Med Gregolimano in Greece Club Med The famous French, all-inclusive resort brand Club Med has been wooing holiday makers for years. In what many might call a summer camp for all ages (and all times of year), Club Med resorts have included everything from onsite recreation and activities to food and drinks. Some may even call it the catalyst for the booming, all-inclusive market among U.S. hospitality brands like Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt and Hilton Honors, all of which have entered this hotel category (especially in the Caribbean). One of the pool areas at Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic Club Med But, as Club Med completes three quarters of a century, it is realigning its portfolio to key in on more of a luxury-focused customer. It even closed some of its lesser performing resorts several years ago, including its only property in the United States. When the brand first launched, it called its properties villages and focused on an equality-designed approach where everyone enjoyed the same amenities free of charge. As consumers are becoming more segmented in what they are willing to spend and where, Club Med is adding a higher-end category of resorts and accommodations within existing resorts to appeal to that market. Club Med Gregolimano in Greece recently renovated the entire resort, including its guest rooms and suites. Club Med All-inclusive resorts are booming, but can Club Med elevate its brand positioning to go after the same, high-end customer that is willing to pay for the likes of a Ritz-Carlton resort? Or is it seeking to fill a gap between the traditional all-inclusive and the growing number of luxury properties that may outprice certain millennial travelers ticking destinations off their bucket list. This pivot comes from its new Chinese owner Fosun who has led Club Med on a reinvigoration project to elevate its image and draw in more millennials and well-heeled families looking for luxury. Its financial performance tells the story Club Med in the Seychelles Club Med The company's latest numbers highlight just how in demand all-inclusive really is. Last year alone, its business volume reached $2.38 billion, up 7% over 2023. This year, the first quarter already saw a 5.7% increase when compared with last year during the same time period. It also grew its bed capacity by 5%, all of which was in the premium and luxury category, what the brand calls its Premium (four-star resorts) or Exclusive Collection Resorts (five-star properties). The overall number of guests was up 1% to reach 1.5 million people in total last year, and when it comes to those top-tier properties, occupancy rates reached 75% (a 2% year-over-year increase) with the majority being France, China, Brazil, Canada and the United States. One of the newest resort openings is Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic. Club Med expansion of our Exclusive Collection, a curated five-star portfolio that includes resorts, spaces, villas and chalets and our legendary French sailing yacht, Club Med 2. The Exclusive Collection properties include Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic, which has four boutique-style villas catering to those seeking the maximum in privacy, and Club Med Québec Charlevoix with premium lounges offering things like private jacuzzis and a private ski room with dedicated concierge. Club Med in Quebec has quickly become one of the brand's most popular, year-round resorts. Club Med It's these winter properties, some experts say, that are really fueling the growth. According to the South China Morning Post, Fosun Tourism co-president Andrew Xu sees tourist attractions featuring snow and ice to be a major tourist attraction in China, which could be a potential growth region for the brand. This year, Henri Giscard d'Estaing, president of Club Med, announced that the Asia-Pacific region would be key to the brand's growth and announced a restructuring of its executives to help achieve that momentum. Just last month, BusinessToday of Malaysia reported that cold weather-destination bookings from the country have jumped by more than 100%. Club Med Val d'Isère is the newest in its Exclusive Collection of properties. Club Med While many people associate all-inclusive vacations with fun in the sun on the coastline, Club Med has made great strides in growing its winter vacation resorts, which also draw guests during the warmer months for other activities. It has seen a 20% uptick in demand for these destinations, which now accounts for 35% of Club Med's global business. Its mountain properties are not just in the Alps or Quebec's ski destinations. They are also in Vietnam, Japan and China. Its most popular beach properties include locations in Bali and the Maldives. Recent renovations Club Med Gregolimano is fresh from a multi-million-dollar renovation. Club Med Club Med Gregolimano in Greece is one of the newest to show off the shining new effects of this investment. More than $32 million was pumped into this renovation to upgrade interiors with the help of interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel, including guest rooms, public areas, restaurants and recreational amenities. Among the newest perks are an adults-only pool, padel courts and spa wellness areas. Club Med Cancun has a new sports and wellness island with a dedicated palapa for quiet yoga classes, archery, bocce ball, mini golf, multi-sport courts and the iconic Club Med Circus School where guests can participate in their own trapeze lessons and other daredevil acrobatics. Other changes include a new family play area with its own pool and kids bar, pickleball courts, a Mayan-themed splash park, cinema and kids club activities for ages as young as four months. The pool at Club Med Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic Club Med By the end of this year, Club Med Punta Cana will have an all-new design with newly renovated rooms, upgraded dining venues and a poolside bar inspired by a Dominican casita. Club Med Phuket now offers archery, scuba diving, Thai boxing, and coming soon, a family 'oasis' with a dedicated waterpark and almost three dozen guest rooms for parents traveling with kids. Where are the Americans? Club Med Charlevoix in Quebec Club Med Club Med says all-inclusive experiences are driving 'increased momentum' among American guests, especially at resorts like Club Med Québec Charlevoix and those in the French Alps. Last year, it saw a 16% increase in business volume for North America's mountain resorts. Overall, North America represented a 5% year-over-year increase in business volume highlighting brand awareness among American travelers. The lounge of the Club Med Vittel Golf Ermitage in the France Savoy Alps Club Med The majority of guests at Club Med properties are French, and even the staff usually hail from France or French-speaking countries in addition to the local destination. The fact that Americans have not caught onto the idea of Club Med just yet may be due to the fact its brand name is not as well-known within the U.S. and it does not have a formal loyalty program like its primary competition. What it does offer, however, is European touches no matter where you go, which may appeal to some American travelers looking for something more elevated than an all-you-can-drink pool party. The newly added "Zen" adult pool at Club Med Gregolimano in Greece. Club Med And that's just what Club Med is trying to change about the all-inclusive image. Some properties boast adult-only pools without a bar, like the new pool added to its resort in Greece. Other Europeans are also catching onto the Club Med ethos with British travelers being especially intrigued by the brand's winter destinations, according to an article in The Telegraph. What's next The circus school at Club Med Magna Marbella in southern Spain Club Med All of this growth has also been fueled by home-grown tech tools that it is using to reach a wider range of customers. It launched a WhatsApp channel using artificial intelligence, which Club Med's Richard De Villa tells Travolution addresses over 40% of questions. The brand also launched a comparison tool that helps potential travelers compare different ski resorts. Club Med is counting on courting more American travelers to its resorts. The brand's portfolio includes destinations both near and far from the U.S. with plans to grow in U.S. mountain destinations with all-season resorts in the coming years. The private villa accommodations at Club Med Cefalù in Italy Club Med A new resort at Versant Soleil of Mont Tremblant in Canada is planned for a December 2028 opening, adding to its winter portfolio in the region. Coming soon is a new resort in South Africa, which will provide both beach and safari experiences on the 45,000-acre Hluhluwe game reserve. It will be home to Club Med's first ever surf school. Also on traveler radars are new properties in Oman (Club Med Musandam opening in 2028), Brazil (Club Med Granado opening next year) and Malaysia (Club Med Borneo also opening next year).
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: This summer camp offers people of determination safe space to interact since 1999
At an inclusive summer camp in Dubai for people of determination (POD), four-year old Nepalese boy Divyan Bajracharya, who has cerebral palsy, sits excitedly with other participants. Aided by his mother Ishwori, Divyan kicks the bowling ball and strikes down a few pins. Ecstatic with his first bowling experience, he conveys his joy through a lopsided grin and frantic hand gestures. Now, in its 26th year, this summer camp run by the Special Families Support Group (SFS) offers daytrips, community bonding to PODs and their family members. More than 100 participants are enrolled on the two-month camp held in July and August. Their first outing was attended by over 60 members. For Divyan and Ishwori, the day had started early. They first walked from their home in Bur Dubai to board the metro for an hour-long journey, culminating in a bus ride to reach the bowling centre. 'Divyan is very happy when he gets to go out. This summer camp experience along with the other SFS members feels like a family outing to me,' Ishwori, who is a single mother, shared with Khaleej Times. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Next to Divyan, patiently awaiting his turn was Mubashir Bahadur, 24, who took a day off from work to be part of the camp's first outing. The Indian expat with autism, was accompanied by both his parents. His mom, Fauzia shared that he has been a regular at the camp for the past few years. 'Although my son does not communicate much with others, he feels a sense of security among the familiar group of people at the camp. Last year, he enjoyed visiting the Butterfly Park in Sharjah, the Chillout Ice Lounge, in Dubai, and the Museum of Future,' she added. Safe space First founded in 1999, by Dubai resident Gulshan Kavarana, SFS offers a supportive and safe space for people with special needs and their families. Kavarana recollects that their first summer camp began with just 35 members at the Jumeirah home of a patron called Jeroo Gupta. 'Many families struggle to entertain their PODs during the scorching summer months. Some prefer not to travel due to the unique needs of their loved ones. Recognising these challenges, we introduced the summer camp in 1999,' said Kavarana. Initially, the camp was held in homes and later in schools, but eventually she and her group members realised that PODs mostly enjoyed outdoor visits. Now, the camp primarily involves outings to well-known fun places in the UAE. A significant aspect of the camp hinges on the generosity of the community, who selflessly arrange free access to several venues enabling a memorable trip for not only the special needs individuals but also for their siblings and other family members. 'When we started the camp, there were no POD cards. We would request venues for free entry, and most would oblige. For many families the camp is the highlight of the summer in the UAE. Over the years, along with participants from Dubai, many others joined in from Sharjah and Ajman,' Kavarana noted. Muhammad Hamza, 30, from Pakistan with mild intellectual disability, had been counting days to attend the bowling event. He had his bag packed days before the trip so that he would not miss the bus that would take him from his home in Ajman to the bowling venue. 'The summer camp is a great opportunity for him to explore interesting places in the UAE that he would otherwise be unable to visit,' said his mother, Shameem Akhtar. Where will they go? This year, the camp participants are scheduled to visit the newly opened House of Hype, the Museum of Candy, the Museum of Illusions, Aya Universe, Arte Museum, the Dubai Dolphinarium, among several other leisure spots. Preparations for the summer camp begin in May when volunteers start sending emails to venues to arrange entry tickets. For the past four years a majority of the organisational work has been handled by SFS member, Sharan Anil. Despite battling health challenges associated with muscular dystrophy, Sharan sends emails and makes follow-up phone calls from his adjustable bed. 'As I am unable to sit for more than two to three hours at a stretch due to the pressure sores in my body, I cannot attend the summer camp. Yet helping out with its management gives me immense motivation and satisfaction,' Sharan shared. Each outing of the camp is an invaluable experience for all the PODs. Being part of a community and engaging in recreation activities is vital for their well-being. Besides improving their physical and mental health, it boosts their self-esteem and gives them a sense of belonging. At the bowling event, Pakistani expat Savita Kumar, a volunteer and mother of teenager Eshaan with autism, pointed out: 'Thanks to the camp, my son is happily engaged through the summer months and not sitting isolated at home. Most of all in this inclusive group, there is no judgement of anyone's behaviour; instead, there is incredible support for each individual's needs.'
Condé Nast Traveler
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Condé Nast Traveler
Ruschmeyers
Why book? Ruschmeyers is a Montauk icon. Equal parts creative sanctuary, adult summer camp, and laid-back retreat, it's home to 19 uniquely styled cabins, a serious culinary program, and simple-yet-intentional design across every detail. It's the place for those craving a fresh, grown-up (yet still fun) take on an East End escape. Set the scene Once a magnet for party-heavy weekends, Montauk now sits at a unique crossroads in the Hamptons ecosystem. It's more laid-back than glitzy Southampton, and more free-spirited than buttoned-up East Hampton—a place where surfers, artists, and stylish visitors converge at the very edge of the South Fork of Long Island. Ruschmeyers taps into that sweet spot: effortlessly cool and quietly elevated. Tucked along the edge of Fort Pond, the hotel trades the scene-y energy of its past for something more soulful and refined—with Bauhaus loungers under string lights, soft beds a stone's throw from the water, and a dinner party vibe that eases into dancing as the night stretches on. The woodsy lodges are part nature and part nostalgia, now modernized with simple luxurious touches (think old-fashioned stereo radios in each room and complimentary Voss waters by the bed). Come for the sun-soaked spaces where light pours through large windows and bounces off high ceilings; stay for lavender-garnished cocktails and cozy campfire nights. The backstory First opened in 1952 as a fishing and summer camp, Ruschmeyers has always been a quiet Montauk escape. Boutique hotelier Bridgeton (behind Marram Montauk and Journey East Hampton) revamped the property ahead of the 2025 season, reviving its spirit with modern, earthy sophistication in the form of refined design in the suites and common areas. The reimagining of design and intention comes courtesy of Bridgeton Studio, alongside Brian Smith (of well-loved Scribner's Catskill Lodge) and Whitney Clark (of Marram and Dawn Ranch), infusing the space with a sense of community, plus a little bit of edgy cool. The rooms Each of the 19 cabins is an eclectic, cozy retreat, balancing Montauk's relaxed style with simple, artful interiors. Expect queen or king room options and one standout suite, all outfitted with cozy linens, Byredo amenities, Noguchi lanterns, and Donald Judd-inspired desks. The suite doors pop thanks to vivid, forest green paint—a bold choice that invites guests to their room with coastal freshness. Sidenote: You might just catch a deer sighting from your window—I watched one quietly eat sweetgrass from mine, one morning. Once I snapped out of this meditative minute, I couldn't believe this amount of calm could exist at a place that was best known for it's late-night scene a few years back. Things have definitely changed. Food and drink Chef Jordan Heissenberger (of New York City's Buvette, Walter's, Rucola, and Apollonia) leads the kitchen with a menu rooted in the region, with local seafood, farm-fresh produce, and home-grown garnishes for its tasty cocktails. The Grill at Ruschmeyers serves up dishes sourced from Montauk mainstays like Gosman's and Montauk Pearl Oysters, while Balsam Farms' vibrant vegetables keep the plates fresh. Don't miss the signature Pillow Tauk cocktail, garnished with lavender grown right on the property. For dessert, you mustn't skip the key lime pie. After that, you'll likely want to move the party moves to the Lounge, featuring late-night lounge DJ sets, curated bottle service, and low-lit beats that stretch well into the night. Gospël, a well-known and exclusive NYC collective hospitality brand, or 'social club,' has a residency at Ruschmeyers for the summer, so expect plenty of dancing. The neighborhood/area Set on Fort Pond and minutes from both Montauk Village and the ocean—not to mention another buzzy Montauk hotspot, Surf Lodge—Ruschmeyers is ideally placed for beach days, bike rides, and bonfire nights. It's tucked just off Second House Road, in a leafy stretch that feels removed from the crowds but still close to the action. This part of Montauk draws a mix of barefoot beachgoers, creative types, and in-the-know city escapees who come for the natural beauty as much as the scene. You're a short drive from fresh seafood shacks, surf shops, and some of the best sunset spots in town. Ruschmeyers fits right in: relaxed, slightly nostalgic, and made for long weekends that blend nature, music, and a touch of mischief. The service Friendly and unfussy, the team at Ruschmeyers nails the balance between casual charm and thoughtful care. Expect warm welcomes, low-key attentiveness, and a genuine desire to help you settle in and stay a while. Exhibit A: Upon my arrival, the chef was just finishing up a fresh batch of brownies for dessert later in the evening—the manager wrapped up a warm one and left it in my room for me following check-in. Eco effort From Parachute's eco-conscious linens to Lesser Evil's snacks and blockchain-tracked Segafredo coffee, it's noticeable that in-room amenities are carefully chosen for less waste. The restaurant's commitment to Ocean Wise-certified seafood and hyper-local sourcing (including growing lavender on-site) echoes an alliance with the land and water that surrounds it. Anything else to mention? The property is open for visitors on a seasonal basis, timed to the summer season on Long Island's East End.
