We’re kicking off the month of February with all the things we LOVE, one of which is our partner camp and friends at Brant Lake Sports Academy. Nestled in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, BLSA is a unique all girls summer experience in a traditional camp environment where expert sports coaching is combined with a deep tradition of caring for kids and classic camp fun. Girls learn teamwork, self-confidence, perseverance, and self-discipline. They develop a positive self-image and a respect for their inherent talents, strengths, and abilities. And let’s be honest women’s sports are having a moment! So it’s no surprise BLSA has grown their program for summer 2025.
New this year, BLSA has expanded their age range and is introducing Junior Camp with two dedicated sessions (11 and 12 days) just for girls who have completed 2nd through 5th grade. Their junior campers will enjoy a well-rounded, structured program of activities that provides a strong foundation for their future years at BLSA. These new sessions focused on younger campers build on the evergreen Senior Camp session (3 weeks) for girls who have completed 6th through 10th grades.
We got to chat with Rachel Milim, the Director at Brant Lake Sports Academy for a Rapid Fire Round of 20 Questions. Check out what we got to know about the ins + outs of what makes BLSA so special:
- What’s the first thing campers do when they arrive at Brant Lake Sports Academy?
After giving their friends big hugs, they run to their bunks to pick out their bed for the next few weeks.
- What’s the campers most fave spot to hang out at camp?
Chill vibes down at the lake – IYKYK!
- If BLSA had a signature catchphrase, slogan, or hashtag – what would it be?
#itscooltobeatryhard #todayisagooddayforagreatday
- What sport brings out the most competition at camp?
Anything green and gray related – The girls are the best competitors in camp!
- What is the most underrated activity there that every camper should try?
My favorite would be street hockey.
- How would you describe the camp spirit in 3 words?
Camaraderie, teamwork, adventure
- What’s the best meal in the dining hall?
I absolutely LOVE Gyro night, but if you’re a camper, you’re going with PASTA, PASTA, PASTA!
- What is the must have item for your campers to pack for camp?
Anything Green or Gray!
- If BLSA had an official soundtrack – what song would have to be on it?
Party in the USA – Miley Cyrus or Run the World – Beyonce
- What’s the best way to spend a rainy day at camp?
Basketball Kickball (BBK!) in the field house, dodgeball in the Arena, bracelets on the bead porch at Arts and Crafts or performing a lip sync competition with your bunk.
- Who has the most legendary half court shot at camp?
Richie G of course! IYKYK.
- What is the one camp tradition that every camper looks forward to?
GREEN AND GRAY! Aka color war 🙂
- What is the biggest lesson campers take home with them?
The most confident athletes are the multiport athletes who aren’t afraid to give everything 110%!
- What’s a little-known fact about BLSA you want people to know?
You don’t have to be the greatest athlete; you just have to love to play.
- If you had to pick one word that alumni would use to describe camp – what would it be?
Impactful
- What is the best part about being a camper there?
You get to meet other incredible girls who share the same passion for sports and life.
- If you had a mascot – what would it be?
Chloe and I are already enough. We don’t need a mascot!
- How do you know you’ve truly become a BLSA camper?
It’s coming home and finding yourself trying out for a new sport you had never played prior to arriving at camp. It’s finding yourself pushing your limits, taking on new challenges, and encouraging teammates to do the same. It’s counting down the minutes until you can go back to camp and do it all over again.
- What’s your favorite time of day at camp?
My favorite time of day is evening activity. I get to see girls out of their sports comfort zone and getting into the spirit of traditional camp activities!
- The most popular sport at camp in Summer 2024 was? and what do you think it will be in 2025? (ok 21 questions!)
It’s close between volleyball and flag football. If the weather is perfect this summer, my guess is it will be our water sports. Our campers love waterskiing, wakeboarding and wake surfing. They love trying sports they don’t typically get to do at home.
You can learn more about their program at Brant Lake Sports Academy For Girls.