Sprucelands Camp

Order Your Calendar Today

2009-11-17T06:09:00.015-05:00

Good morning everyone! Since I'm looking ahead to the coming holiday season, I thought you might be too. Thanksgiving is next week already. I can't believe we're so far into November and before I blink my eyes again, Christmas will be here. Oh my! I have much to do.

Thought you might consider thinking about holiday gift giving with me for a minute.

This blog alerts you to the really wonderful calendar I've made featuring campers and staff from our 2009 summer. It's filled with photos you'll want to remember and friends you won't want to forget. I went through the pictures from the entire summer and selected a bunch of the best. They are filled with laughter, horse moments, connections with friends, and memories of evening programs galore.

The photos are framed on a black background. I like that because it highlights the photos and helps them stand out. You can see from the selections I've chosen to share that the black background is awesome.

At the bottom of each collection of photos for a particular month, there is a caption that captures the spirit of the page. Best of all, every page is different so you stay interested and caught up in the fun of the calendar.

Lots of pictures are also included on the actual calendar dates. I love that I found a calendar program that would allow me to insert photos here and there randomly. I was also able to write in comments here and there that let you know how special you are or reminds you to send in your registration or forms for camp.

This is a perfect calendar for you to hang by the desk in your bedroom. It's good for an office, the kitchen, even your den. It's a Christmas or Hanukkah gift that you'll treasure no matter whether you are camper or staff.

You'll be able to mark off the days till camp starts on June 27th and feel like you are counting down with your friends. Or you can guard your calendar with your life and save it as a camp memory for years and years.

What is important is that you get your order to me soon so that I get the calendar in your hands by mid December. I already have an order of 20 calendars in my home ready to mail out. So contact me by email, phone call or letter and I'll send one to you. Cost if I hand deliver to those in the local area is $20; cost if I mail the calendar is $25. You can even pay with paypal on the camp website.

Make your holiday gift something special for your son or daughter. This is a gift that I know you will value. Hang it in a place of honor because we love reminders that the Sprucelands Spirit connects us all. Sprucelands forever! Yes! Yes! Yes!

Caption Contest: Photo #3

2009-11-16T04:44:00.012-05:00

We have had two photos in our captions contest. I want to take time to mention that this last photo had four comments made. They were clever comments. This was the photo. Thought you'd get a kick out of knowing what caption we chose.

The winning caption - drum roll please - goes to a reader out there named Emily. Not sure which Emily that would be. The caption however is: "Blech! That's the last time I try eating a lead rope!"

I always like to give an Honorable Mention too because it is usually difficult to decide the best caption. So here goes. Honorable Mention goes to an anonymous entry: Inhaling flies is not my favorite pastime.

It's really fun to hear your input on these photos. By the end of the winter, we'll have quite a collection of fun pictures with photos to match. I'm putting them together in a little slide show for you to eventually upload onto your computer.

I hope you will have fun now with this new photo. It's one of those photos that fools you into wondering what is happening.

Use your imagination a tad especially knowing that Andrew is actually a spotter in the clinic. He was playing around and we were all having fun with it. In some ways, Andrew has created an optical illusion here. Kind of neat.

Remember. All you need to do is enter your comment at the bottom of this post. Click on the comment tab and slip in what you think would be a good caption. Have some fun! Be clever! Be serious or silly. Doesn't matter.

You might even consider what your perspective would be. Write your comment from the viewpoint of Boomer or the scout or Andrew. Hmmm.

I'll post another photo in a few weeks depending on how much of a response we get to this one. Enjoy. I look forward to hearing what you've got to say.

November News

2009-11-10T04:59:00.012-05:00

I am finally re-entering my routine. Was out of the loop for a week with the flu. Not fun. However, we did a wonderful scout clinic over this last weekend. The weather was beautiful, probably perfect would be the better term.

It was great seeing all the clinic helpers again. I love when we sit around the kitchen, talking, giggling, sharing music, even studying together.

Before I slipped into bed for my week's flu retreat, I enjoyed having Tsz and Hayley out for a lesson and trail ride. They had such a good time together. That was another pleasant Saturday and we were surrounded by beautiful color in the trees. The perk was that awesome rustle in the leaves underfoot as you walked in the woods. Lily enjoyed the girls. She was their guide.

I must say we have had periodic respites this fall from cold weather. I keep saying, "This must be our Indian Summer." Fact is we've had several of those 3-4 day stretches when the weather is seasonal and lovely. I take them as gifts and enjoy the moment because all too soon we'll be in the middle of freezing cold and blowing snow.

Thanksgiving is about here. I've ordered my home-grown turkey. The kids are making plans to come for the day. I'm figuring out my menu as many of you must also be doing. At the same time, I find myself reflecting on what I'm thankful for in 2009. This has been a good year with lots of good friends and enthusiasm, a top-notch Dr. Seuss summer, miracles that can't go unnoticed, safe trail rides, and the promise of better economic times ahead.

Sugar, the new horse, is settling in just fine. She had a lot of fun watching the scouts ride in ring #1 this weekend. She's learning we all work here. Actually, I think she and Ellie were eyeing Thunder. They're the three musketeers these days. They go everywhere together.

Anyway, Tarrah surprised me with her presence this last weekend and so she hopped on Sugar for a lesson. Sugar is a willing ride. She even jumped a bit. Doesn't like the rider pulling on her face. She much prefers seat and leg. I like that kind of horse. Really soft mouth.

So this blog catches us up with each other again. I'll start writing more regularly. Remember to get your early bird registrations in because soon the discounts will decrease. I've tried to leave them in place longer than usual so you can take advantage.

Signing off for now. Please leave any comments you might have about this post. I love hearing from you because then I know we're connected again, and connection is everything.

Horse Swapping

2009-10-27T06:06:00.009-04:00

Yesterday I said I'd tell you about the weekend. One highlight was a horse swapping that we did.

Our barn manager, Lorie, connected with the previous owners of Buddy. They were the folks who traded Buddy for our paint, Spanky. You might be interested to know that now Spanky's name is Rocket and he's an award winning star at team penning events. I have to tell you I'm impressed. I'm glad we hung in there until we could find a good place for Spanky.

Anyway, these folks have been interested in our 7 year old paint, Cody. They love paints and since Cody chose a bucking bronco mindset last summer (just ask Agy), I decided we needed to talk with them more. The result is that we swapped Cody for a chestnut mare named Sugar. (I think you'll be pleased, Agy.)

Sugar is seven years old and presents with a positive, quiet attitude. She's very personable, loves attention, and seems to go by the rules. I love how she moves. Of course when she first arrived on Saturday, she was full of it. We put her in the round ring and she rolled, ran circles for what seemed like forever, bucked and kicked and rolled some more. It was fun to watch. Tarrah was here. I asked her if she wanted to ride her and she wisely decided to let her settle in.

Well, it didn't take too long. Sugar began to watch the horses in the pasture, looking like she was very ready to meet her new friends. She is sweet, if I do say so myself. We'll fit her to a saddle and bridle and try riding her this week. Then I can let you know more.

For now, we have a horse that will work more effectively and safely than Cody. Sad to say we had to make the decision to trade, but when I realized Cody was standing in the pasture much of the summer, I knew he needed a different placement. He will be ridden western, probably becoming a team penning pro. If he's happy in his new life, then this is a positive move for him.

If you have something to say about this horse swap, feel free to make your comments on my blog. I always love your input. Keeps us in a dialogue of sorts. Happy Tuesday!

Beauty Underfoot

2009-10-26T06:14:00.011-04:00

This is a quick good morning. I'm running a bit late, but wanted to say hi to everyone after what turned out to be a lovely weekend with riding lessons, trail rides, horse swapping, and out of town company.

I'll write more later about the trail rides, horse swapping and out of town company. What I want to share right now are some of our Sprucelands views in the fall. The leaves have been so pretty. I so wish those of you who come in the summertime could see how lovely camp is when the colorful leaves are floating from above and covering the ground with yellows, reds, oranges, and shades of fall green.

There are all kinds of poems out there about the fall. I still think the best feeling is when I take a trail ride into the woods. The carpet is crispy colored leaves and as you walk along the trails, our horses swish the leaves underfoot. Often I think I must be dead and everyone is with me in my heaven. It's so beautiful.

Anyway, here are a few photos that I wanted to share just for fun. They give you a sense of camp's beauty in the fall. Enjoy them. I've got to jump in the shower! Happy Monday.

Any comments you want to share, please post them on my blog. I would love knowing whether you'd like me to make fall happen in summer so you could see the color!

Horse Thoughts

2009-10-23T06:17:00.008-04:00

Days come and days go. I smile when I do riding lessons though, generally after school and on weekends. They are really fun. During camp, I teach some lessons but am more involved behind the scenes in making sure things move forward.

What I love about lessons first and foremost is my contact with riders. Our weekly rides give me an opportunity to hear about school stresses and homework loads. They also are a wonderful way to watch individuals grow and you know I'm big on how you all 'blossom and grow'.

I get such a kick out of watching my riders master a new skill. I am even more excited when they work with a project horse.

Week after week they struggle to help with attitude and skill adjustments in the horse. Their persistence and genuine loving care makes such a difference to whether or not that horse has a purpose to their off season life. Then when the rider feels a positive difference in their rides, they know success is theirs. The smiles after those lessons are the best. I love it!

Erin is becoming a rider who can partner up with almost any horse in the barn and do well. She is a quiet rider who soothes the horse and politely says, "No. This is how you do it." I am amazed at how well the horses accept her. Lately Erin has worked with Mikey, Marea and Ellie. She even hopped on Honey yesterday. I think Honey had the ride of her life.

Courtney loves Bugler. She makes him feel like a king and I think he makes her shine like the queen she is. Recently Courtney has ridden Fella and Honey to work on balance and using her seat and legs more. Soon she will return to Bugler and I believe she will be surprised by how her riding has improved.

This last weekend Kristen and her mom came for a trail ride. Kristen rode Sunrise and her mom rode Patti. I have to tell you I was flabergasted with Patti's energy. She literally did not want to stay behind me on the trail ride. It was go, go, go for her. We actually had to slow her down. Anyway, here is a picture for Kristen's mom. Is this one for your bulletin board, Sue?

I have quite a number of riders come for lessons who are beginners. Many of them are working with the masters and doing well.

What I mean by working with the masters is that these riders are learning on Fella, Honey and Ozzy, horses that partner with me in teaching new riders how to be confident and skilled on their horse. I thoroughly enjoy their enthusiasm. I've in fact taught many a beginner rider their basic skills so they can move on to compete and do well.

At this point, I want to add a footnote for a horse named Glory. She was one of our masters who taught many of you out there how to manage a canter. She worked long and hard here at camp. We retired her to a wonderful family with a daughter named Zoe who connected heart to heart with Glory these past years. Well, I received word this week that Zoe had to say goodbye to Glory, and I know that was hard. We truly feel your sadness Zoe. Thank you for loving Glory the way we loved her. Glory was a special friend to us all.

Odds and Ends

2009-10-21T06:10:00.007-04:00

This is just a quick post this morning to check-in with you all and mention a few things. First of all, winter is coming. Did you know that? Of course you probably did. Wanted to say we've already had two inches of snow here on a few occasions. This week however has been lovely and warmer. Must be our Indian Summer. As far as I am concerned, it can last forever.

Secondly, October 31st is a Saturday. Did you know that? I'm sure you know Halloween is coming and that's Halloween, isn't it? I have a few special needs riders returning with Carol Reis in the afternoon of that Saturday. If there are a couple of clinic helpers wanting to join us, I would love it. If you came early, maybe we could get in a trail ride? That would be fun.

Third, the November 6th weekend is a girl scout riding clinic. Did you know that? Probably not. If you are a clinic helper and would like to come help out, we could have a lot of fun. It's been a while since we've seen each other. The scout troop is bringing about 20 people. This will be Sandy Spencer's girls. They are awesome kids. So bring your enthusiasm and let's connect again.

Finally I want to say that we have things straightened out with the girl scouts. Apparently last spring the young woman who paid us the annual update visit didn't process things and also no longer works for the council. So we fell through the cracks. Now that Yvonne - one of our Hill Moms - talked with the council leaders, we are on the list again. Hallelujah! Thank you, Yvonne. You're our hero for the day!

So have a wonderful Wednesday. Did you know it was Wonderful Wednesday? You do now! Good morning, sunshine! Leave a comment on my blog should you be so moved. Meanwhile, hugs to you all. Go out there and make a difference. Oh and by the way, Lily and Pudge say 'hi'.

After Camp Entertainment

2009-10-19T06:18:00.010-04:00

Lots of fun things happen at camp. Lots of interesting and different things happen at camp after the summer season is over. We settle into off season routines. The scenery changes. Everything here is very quiet. Gradually, the land seems to accept that our wonderful campers have returned to their busy life in the city. A little at a time I move beyond missing you every moment of my day.

Lorie - our barn manager - and I keep trucking along. Lorie works all week long to make sure the horses are clean and fed. I manage them on the weekends while teaching lessons and doing trail rides or slipping into clinics. Day after day we do what we do so that everything is ready for camp again come July and August. Guess you'd say we are working behind the scenes so the summer is a success.

Even though camp is over, the horses still like to have fun. They make everyday different. We never know what they will do to entertain us. A week ago I went to the barn on Saturday morning and Fella was out eating hay in the green stall barn. He looked so smug because somehow he figured out how to open his door. While all the other horses were banging on their doors for breakfast, he was fat and happy in the mud.

The same weekend I went to the barn on Sunday morning and Casper was out of the ring. It had been a warm night and so the horses stayed in the pasture. I had separated Casper and Mikey because Casper has been a bit of a kicker with the horses lately. They had plenty of hay in ring #3 but Casper was having none of that. He wanted grass included in his buffet and so he broke the fence and was waiting for me to ask what in the world he was doing.

And so it goes. We are of course amused daily by the ongoing contest the horses run with each other, decorating manes and tails with burdock. I need to take a few photos of them because you wouldn't believe how many burdock get a free ride into our barn. Usually Kokomo wins the contest although Audi is running a close second.

So this is my quick blog for today. Write me a comment or two if you have something to say. I love getting comments because then I know you are reading what I write. Happy Monday!

Trip to the Adirondacks

2009-10-19T05:33:00.009-04:00

Time to catch up. My blogging rhythm was interrupted when my folks came from Indiana for a week long visit. They wanted to celebrate my birthday with me because they couldn't believe they had a daughter that was so old. I had to laugh at that because I can't believe my parents are so old. At 89 and 91, they drove all the way from Indiana. Of course, when you do the math, you can see I'm getting up there as well. Ah...life is good.

Anyway, as part of our week I took two days off school and we drove to the Adirondacks to see the leaves. My mom and dad wanted to see them at peak and see them at peak is what we did. They were beautiful. Actually, the Adirondacks is 2-3 weeks ahead of us. I was pretty amazed.

We visited our old haunts - Old Forge, Inlet, Seventh Lake - and relived memories of camping on the shores of Seventh Lake as we posed, snapped photos and giggled.

Something we love to do is drive the back road from Old Forge to Inlet looking for deer. These days the road is paved smooth. There are beautiful homes everywhere. Civilization has come to what used to be such wilderness.

Well, when I thought my mom would be disappointed at not seeing any deer we came upon four of them not far from where we were staying. They walked up to our car and would have kissed my mom had she let them. That had to be the highlight of her trip.

Anyway, it's been a week since my folks were here. They drove all the way home to Indiana and snuggled back into their routine. Now my dad is in the hospital because he fell while shaving and broke his hip. Go figure. Sounds like he had a bout of vertigo and the vertigo won. So maybe the doctors can do the figuring and help him with that so the room doesn't become a fun house at the fair. Glad he didn't experience that vertigo thing while driving on his long trip.

I guess I put this out there because we never know how our lives can change in a week's time. We can so easily be thrown a curve and suddenly we're dealing with a whole new set of challenges. I thank the good Lord for everyday that I wake up to face the normal routines. No matter how easy or difficult those routines become, I know I am alive and well and happy in what I am doing.

Caption Contest #2

2009-09-29T21:56:00.008-04:00

A few weeks ago I initiated a contest inviting you who read the blog to enter a caption under the photo I posted. The response was fairly positive.

I would love for even more of you to participate. You don't have to be from Sprucelands. We welcome entries from everyone. Just make sure that you send us an email so we can contact you if you win.

So this time around I am putting up a different kind of photo in hopes you will have some fun with it. Please send me your caption suggestions by clicking on comments at the foot of this post and writing your entries there.

Meanwhile, we have chosen a winner from our first photo. I've asked a number of people to look at the photo and review the caption entries. We've decided to post a winner and an honorable mention.

And the winner is...drum roll please...Sue where are you when we need you...a little louder...now softer...watch my eyes....and the winner is Courtney James with the caption: Horses talk too. You just have to listen.

Honorable mention goes to Vicki and Jacob Cicero. They entered the following: What? You've never seen a horse with this many legs? Why I can out run you anyday!

Courtney will be coming for a riding lesson this weekend and she will receive her prize at that time. Congratulations, Courtney. Nice job.

Thank you judges one and all. I appreciate your help. We will start an album of our caption contest photos. Should be fun to look back at over the off season. Enjoy!

Clinic Friendships

2009-09-23T06:15:00.006-04:00

At our weekend riding clinics, I have clinic helpers. They are young people who go through a training in February or March. Then they come on Fridays, stay the weekend, and help me run the clinic. In the end they are not only providing safety for our riders, but they are also sharing their knowledge of horses and in the end they are emerging teachers.

I love my clinic helpers. I celebrate them and am grateful for their dedicated hard work and enthusiasm for Sprucelands. I throughly enjoy their sense of humor and get a kick out of the conversations we have in our down time.

Often my clinic helpers are campers who have gone through weeks of camp. They know the routines and have basically enhanced their horse experience with consistent day to day riding, horse care and learning about horse theory. Many keep up regular riding lessons so they can easily pass on what they learn to others.

What I enjoy most of all is watching my clinic helpers grow as individuals and in relationships with each other. Often friendships emerge that last a lifetime. They are tender, caring friendships where age doesn't matter.

Matt and Hope for example help each other out. Matt very nicely nudges Hope and Hope nudges Matt. Here they were working together with our horse Patti at our Special Needs Clinic. While they waited for their next rider, Hope climbed up on the mounting block and talked with Matt. The picture is priceless, and so I wanted to share it with you because it warms my heart.

Special Relationships and Unforgettable Fun

2009-09-14T21:26:00.020-04:00

For years I've been contacted by magazine advertizers for Sprucelands Camp ads. Generally, I have to turn them away because I just don't have the money for expensive ads. But then there are the advertizers who take time to negotiate with me about our program and before you know it, they have lured me in!

One question I am often asked is: Do you run clinics or camp for those with special needs? And my answer is always: I believe everyone has special needs, me included.

There are those with physical limitations, and those with mental limitations. But then there are those who are shy and retiring or those who lack confidence. Because every one of us is a unique individual, it follows quite naturally that we all have special needs.

With that in mind, each fall - the first weekend after school starts - we run a weekend riding clinic for educable adults who are working hard at improving their balance and their confidence. They anticipate their riding weekend all year long, marking their calendar so they can count the days. And when the cars drive into camp, they whoop and holler and celebrate because like kids who come in the summer time their dream of camp and horses and riding has once again come true.

Originally, we started this weekend riding clinic 20 years ago for non-verbal, severly handicapped individuals. That was an experimental weekend.

Well, the weekend caught hold and with tweaks over the years, the clinic has evolved into a major event. Some of these riders in fact have attended 17 of the 20 clinics we've run. Now they can ride without spotters on both sides of them. They look where they are going and proudly they maintain their balance, even steering on their own.

I'm very impressed with the maturity I've seen in these folks. Some have confronted pretty major fears or insecurities. Brian for example has learned to let go of the saddle with one hand as he rides. That is a major accomplishment. Emily can set aside her anxiety issues so she can trot, and Megan is learning to just be. They have grown up, come out of themselves, learned to handle social situations, practiced making decisions, and in some instances, responsibly hold jobs.

Most of these wonderful folks have built relationships with our horses and with those of us on staff. Their sense of humor is priceless. Their goofy, silly singing and dancing after supper on Saturday night is something we love because it gives us an opportunity to be silly too. Always there is routy entertainment, joking, teasing, and flat out belly laughter. It's awesome.

I find myself wishing more people in the world 'out there' could experience the genuine spirit we share with one another. But then...that's the way we do it at Sprucelands. We accept each other's differences, respect them and celebrate the individuals we are. All of us leave the drama behind because we don't want anything to interfere with our quality time together. We share and care, valuing every moment.

Even the horses seem to know to put herd dynamics aside. They walk a little slower, stand a little straighter, and nuzzle a little more gently. In some strange way I believe the horses anticipate this weekend as we do. They make this riding adventure a positive experience, something wonderful for us all to remember until next year.

At this point last weekend is barely a memory, but most of the riders are planning their return to Sprucelands in September 2010. They are already buzzing about next year's campfire, horse show, and Saturday night entertainment. They make me laugh.

I don't think they're the only ones planning for next year though. Since the staff is so involved with the spirit of this big event, I dare say they have rushed home to pencil this weekend clinic into their calendars as well.

Manure Pile Madness

2009-09-09T05:45:00.008-04:00

This is going to be a quick post because I am writing before school. Wanted to share some of the excitement from last weekend.

On a beautiful blue sky summer weekend, Stacey had a friend come into camp to remove our manure pile. The aromas that filled the air around the barn were what I would call a mixture of fertile and ripe, an aroma that really spiced up the riding lessons I taught on Saturday and Sunday!

It's impossible of course to take all of our pile away because it is nearly 30 years worth of our dumping one wheelbarrow at a time. In fact, Stacey's friend brought a ten wheel truck and took out about 20 loads of wonderful black dirt to rebuild a field on his farm. He said at one point, "I never thought there was this much here!"

Anyway, he used a machine that I would call a backhoe but it was more sophisticated than that and he dug until his heart's content. Only problem was at one point his ten wheeler sunk into the pile - egads! - partly because it was still pretty wet from the wet summer we had. That was quite a sight. I think you'll agree. While this isn't the best photography in the world, it does show you the challenge these guys faced.

Well, getting that truck out of the pile was the adventure of all adventures. But with Stacey driving the truck and his friend operating the big machine, they finally succeeded.

I have to add that the horses handled all this noise and smell really well. Even Jax went into his stall when it was feeding time without flinching. He was a real trooper and that of course gave the horses permission to manage the situation with flying colors. You would have been proud of your four-legged friends.

Caption Contest and Discounts

2009-09-04T10:50:00.008-04:00

Okay. So we all know the summer is done figuratively speaking and we are moving on with our lives. School has begun for many or most of you. That means scurrying around for school supplies, getting lockers organized (or rooms depending on whether you're in secondary school or college), and managing schedules again. It also means figuring out teachers, bus routes, homework and extra curricular activities or sports. It's all pretty overwhelming at the start.

On the Sprucelands end, things are in gear for 2010. The theme - Finding Nemo - is a go, and the website has all the new data for camp registrations. Many of you like to get in on the early bird discounts. That's something I want to share.

Check out those discounts on the camp application itself. (Just click on the Fashion Show photo at the right and you'll go to the application.) You will benefit from $30 off each week of camp if you register before September 30th. AND if you are able to pay in full, then you save $50 on each week of camp. That's a real savings that many appreciate. I don't know any other camp 'out there' that offers such discounts.

Also, I want you all to know that I will be sending out a flyer each month to update you on specials, events, things to look forward to, and even contests. I want to make camp more fun this year in the off season.

Something I'm initiating with this blog post is what I call a caption contest. I will post a photo like the photo on this blog post and ask for a quote or caption that you would put with that photo. We could have some fun and it shouldn't take much of your time. Just a one liner. Then a winner will be chosen and there may even be a little prize...like dipping into Jaime's prize box.

So see what you can come up with for today! You can enter your caption as a comment on this blog. Have fun. I miss you all.

A Visit to the Indianapolis Zoo

2009-09-02T11:08:00.012-04:00

Last week I had a marvelous break from the busy-ness of summer. I went to see my folks in Indiana and it was restful. I slept and read and wrote on my book and evaluated the summer and slept and read and played.

Wednesday evening we went to something called 'Beef and Board' to have dinner and watch the live production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. We explored the quaint Canal Zone of downtown Indianapolis, ate in a restaurant that was a renovated church, and on Saturday we visited the Indianapolis Zoo. The kid in me of course loved the zoo. It was the highlight of my vacation.

Now that isn't a bad week, especially when you stop to think that my mom is 91 and dad is 89. I had to giggle a bit when we went to the zoo because here I was going to the zoo like I was kid, only my parents are all grown up and taking their 63 year old daughter! Didn't matter. We had a ball.

All three of us throughly enjoyed the dolphin show which by the way - in case you go to the Indianapolis Zoo - is very well done. I marvel at how intelligent dolphins are and love that we humans are discovering what they can do.

Later in our day we stopped for lunch and watched the elephants perform. The trainers were clever, kind and loving toward their huge elephant friends. After the show, they invited everyone in the audience to stroke the leathery hide of their new elephant acquaintances and ask questions. No question was a stupid question. Every question was answered.

Now because mom and dad and I had just finished eating lunch from one of the nearby zoo concession stands, we were the last ones out of the arena area. Thoughtfully showing off his pride and joy, one trainer brought his elephant to visit with us and invited the elephant to perform a few of the 50 tricks he is trained to do.

It was awesome. I think if I didn't work with horses, I might want to work with elephants! You're laughing! I can hear you! But you know, those elephants loved being touched by everyone the same way our horses like to be touched. I could feel a connection as I looked in the elephant's eye and realized the trainer was helping his elephant keep the 'stroke bank' full.

So here's a thought. One of our camp safety rules is "Watch your elephants". Maybe we truly should take on some elephants and use them to challenge our advanced riders? Or maybe we could use them as the literal interpretation of the safety rule. Wouldn't it be fun to clean their stall after a night in the barn? You thought you had it bad last summer!

I know some new people won't have a clue about the "Watch your elephants" safety rule. So I'll simply conclude by saying that is our Sprucelands way of alerting riders to keep a big space between their horse and the other horses around them. That way no one gets kicked. Hmmm. I wonder what the horses would think of including an elephant in their ring lessons. Just imagine.

An After Camp Smile

2009-09-02T10:52:00.007-04:00

Often when I go to the barn during the year, I see interesting sights. As some of you remember, I put a picture on the website last winter of Madge standing in the middle of a feed ring. Made me laugh and in the end I received all kinds of comments from you.

Well, I want to upload this photo of Laredo. He was intent on coming in for supper and stood at the gate with his halter on upside down and backwards. I couldn't figure out what had kept the halter on his head. He wasn't about to let me figure it out either until I of course had food in my hand.

That was when I discovered he had so many burdock in his forelock that they had wrapped around the halter and firmly secured it in place. Readjusting the halter meant pulling out all those burdock, and for that Laredo was minimally patient. But in the end he made me smile on that day.

I thought I'd share that smile with you at home. Julie, enjoy! I know the photo is a little dark, but you can pretty much see the off-the-ear halter fashion of the moment. Go ahead and chuckle. Feels good to chuckle about a silly horse as you are deciding what your goals will be for this busy day of yours.

Horseback Riding Feedback

2009-08-21T20:09:00.009-04:00

One of the things I love about teaching riding is the satisfied look I see on the faces of my riders. They come eager for a lesson. Most anticipate a great ride even when they are a bit nervous.

With supervision, they groom and tack their horse. And as they walk into the riding arena, in their mind's eye, they see themselves as hard-working riders that want to be the best of the best, in control, balanced, and with a sensitivity for riding that makes them a partner to their horse.

I see that same satisfied, confident look on the faces of campers who come to Sprucelands summer camp. When they ride in their final horse show, it is fun to watch. Riders do everything in their power to prove to themselves that they made progress and they want to show mom and dad how much they have learned during their camp time.

Of course, our horse shows are different from others. Individual riders complete a horse show sheet. On that sheet, they indicate what they want to be judged on, outlining the skills they have practiced during their time at camp and electing specific skills for feedback from the horse show judges.

Often the skills our riders highlight are not those that parents might want to see. It may be they've chosen to be judged on posting on the correct diagonal or picking up the correct lead in a canter. It may be successfully staying on their horse over a small jump and something as simple as looking where they are going rather than looking at the ground.

Sometimes I hear parents disappointed. They are confused about why riders aren't doing more than they are doing. Some wonder why it doesn't look as though their camper hasn't made more progress. What they don't understand is how hard the kids work at consistency in their individual skills, and those very specific skills are what the kids have chosen to show the judges.

At the end of each horse show, campers may retrieve their horse show sheets from the judges so they have access to the written feedback. It's a great way to grow as an individual and a rider. Often it's not the ribbon that's so important. To the kids, those horse show sheets say it all.

Jake is a first time camper and rider at Sprucelands. He was unsure whether he would make it through his camptime without being homesick. Thinking about riding everyday was a bit overwhelming, but he developed a relationship with his horse that took him far beyond homesick. His daily lessons introduced him to how well he could stretch his learning and when it came time for the horse show, Jake was one of those riders with a confident smile from ear to ear.

I just wanted to say thanks to Jake for how hard he worked. He caught our Sprucelands spirit and I'm sure will spread it to others across the year. Congratulations, Jake! I'm so proud of you and your willingness to keep on learning. You look proud of you too, and that's the best part of all.

New Theme for 2010

2009-08-20T06:39:00.016-04:00

Ta-dah! Guess this is it for the 2009 season. My 30th year at Sprucelands. The best yet. How you made me smile and laugh genuine belly laughs in a way that I haven't laughed for years.

I can't say enough about the spontaneous laughs we shared. And the positive feeling we enjoyed, each one of you contributed to that upbeat atmosphere. From the bottom of my heart, I say 'thanks for the memories'. I know that sounds corny, but it's real. Makes me realize I need to look for more humor in my days because laughing feels so good. Somehow it cleanses my soul.

From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere. Dr. Seuss

I want to say thanks to all my staff. They are so wonderful. Their hard work takes them far beyond what we campers know. They work in the artroom and the kitchen. Remember the pies? They tuck you into bed and make sure you wake up in the morning. They supervise attendance, come up with clever program ideas, hold hands, give hugs, tickle your fancy with spontaneous announcements, and inspire you to clean your cabins, be independent and use your imagination. Just think about Whacky Wednesday! That was a Hill Mom inspiration from Sue, our Hills Director. Whacky Wednesday I will never forget.

Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try. Dr. Seuss

Anyway, the Hill Parents keep me on my toes. They challenge me to think and rethink and evaluate so Sprucelands is constantly improving. Already they have a little notebook started for 2010 with a list of tweaks from 2009 that they want to remember. Makes me smile.

I can't forget to mention how I love that the Hill Moms rattle my cage when it needs rattling and love me when I need loving. Best of all, they percolate the Sprucelands spirit all year long and then rekindle it again in the summer for all to enjoy.

I had a little extra Hill Mom happiness this summer when one of my campers from 17 years ago returned to camp as a Hill Parent. Sara had been a camper, a CIT and a Counselor. She found me on facebook and before we knew it, we made plans for her to be on the Hill staff this summer.

What fun it was to see her again. I felt as though I had a special connection because we shared so much in the past. Now here she was in my present, falling in love with Boomer again, and I think she went home knowing that the Sprucelands spirit never dies.

The last week of camp was busy. We had our talent show on Wednesday. Campers played the piano and sang and danced and performed clever skits. Kenny treated everyone to his sense of humor. On Thursday, we shared our Closing Ceremony. With singing, candles, poems, stories and more, we joined hearts to bid the Dr. Seuss season farewell.

I did something differently this year because I wanted to give campers and staff something they could hold in their hand. I laminated a 3" x 4" card and presented it to each individual at closing. This card is for hanging on your refrigerator or tacking onto your bedroom bulletin board.

One side of the card has a photo of Fella - our resident 'Skin Horse' - with the Sprucelands logo, address and phone number. The other side presents for you what we emphasized here at camp this summer. It is a reminder to keep practicing the Sprucelands spirit all year long as you move through your off season adventures in school and beyond. If you are a camper or staff member in an earlier session, let me know that you would like to receive one of these and I'll mail it this afternoon.

You're on your own, and you know what you know. And you will be the guy who'll decide where you'll go. Oh the places you'll go. Dr. Seuss

So now camp is done for the summer. Tarrah left Tuesday; Jaime left yesterday. I've been filling my time with hard work so I don't pause too long and think about missing you.

Actually, I think about you every minute of every day as I scrub the lodge kitchen, get new loads of hay into the barn, help with feedings, pour over end of the season paperwork, weed my garden (yes, I'm finally doing that), go blueberry picking (stocking up for the winter), even sleep. It's so quiet here...and already I'm dreaming about having fun with you all next year.

Of course that brings me to the theme for 2010. Those of us who were the last in camp had a bit of an informal business meeting. Ann-Marie was the representative Hill Mom. We hashed over theme ideas, the kind of hashing over things that happens at the end of camp.

Anyway because we wanted something to look forward to over the winter, there was a vote taken and we've chosen Finding Nemo as next summer's theme. We even asked the horses about it and you can see how enthusiastically they responded. Came running right in from the pasture to make their hooves heard. So Finding Nemo it is! And on that note, I leave you for today, looking forward to Nemo in 2010.

So you see! There's no end to the thing you might know, depending how far beyond Zebra you go. Dr. Seuss

Thank you, Dr. Seuss.

Kickball 4th Session

2009-08-12T22:47:00.018-04:00

We have this amazing group of people at Sprucelands. What more can I say? Many are well-spirited staff members and CITs who have a heart of gold that swells to bursting when it comes time to play kickball. That's right. It's the highlight of every session.

Just announce we're going to have a kickball game and the cheers rise from all corners of the dining hall. Next thing I know, they're tye-dying tshirts and shouting 'assume the position' so they can look ferocious, overpowering and scary to their opposing team.

The opposing team is of course the campers: the mighty, mighty campers. And let me tell you those campers are pretty unnerving when you look at them. They give our staff and CITs a run for their money. I am amazed at their strength, their stamina, their agility and their sense of humor as they do whatever they can to stump the staff and win the game.

Now the staff rallies themselves. I will say that. Matt gets everyone to put their hands in the circle. There's a rousing cheer and then these 'old folks' spend time stretching with warm-up exercises. Routy jumping jacks let the campers know they mean business. Of course what the staff doesn't realize is how much they look like they need that warm-up. LOL Our campers are good sports though. They get in the spirit and before you know it, the game begins.

Different campers take turn pitching for their team. Subtly they eye the staff and roll the ball so the staff either misses it or boots it out of the park. It's a hoot. I laugh and snap photos as the kids run in for home runs amidst cheers and jeers from anyone and everyone. I just wish you could here the noise! It's better than any football or baseball game in any big stadium!

What is really flabergasting to the staffers is when a camper catches one of their high flying kicks. The ball is caught, everyone runs around celebrating the kicker, and the staffers forget to run. Next thing you know, there are two outs. What just happened? Surprise! Surprise!

Campers always feel as though they've pulled a fast one on the staff; staff members wink at each other and miss a catch or trip and fall. It's such fun to watch.

Suddenly the staff is back in the field and 'assume the position' rings out loud and clear. Everyone on the staff team squats down looking scary with one eye while they laugh with the other. Hannah above did some pitching for the camper team. She's calculating just what she's going to do next. Hmmm.

Meanwhile, Kenny and Emily are losing it to laughter as they hop up and down trying to distract the staffers. They're guarding our hoola hoop first base so no one can easily slide in or pick it up and run away with it.
As the kids wait their turn to kick, they keep abreast of what is happening out on the field. You can just imagine what is going on when you look at their faces.

The antics are ongoing. Matt and Andrew, Jaime and Julie, everyone gets in on the act. Even Jaime's dog Flirty and my dog Lily chase the ball when it rolls to be kicked. My sides hurt from laughing. This could be a comedy routine for the Three Stooges.

Now I have to add something here. In a week's time, this athletic field will be empty of all these cheers and funny carrying on. I will pass by the field on my way to the barn and pause to listen for the sounds of the game. Lily and Pudge and I may even sit in the middle of the field after supper some evening just to recall for a moment the sounds of silly laughter that are so dear to our hearts.

I do have a theory you know. I believe that when every camper and staff member departs, they leave a piece of their soul behind. It is either a little corner of their fun-loving self or it is a memory of how they changed while they were here, handled homesickness, learned how to be a better friend, or became a better leader. Perhaps there are resolved issues that get left behind to blow away on the wind or the ultimate high that lingers after a canter up boys hill. No matter. What I sense every year - and I've been here 30 years now - is the strength of a combined, ongoing presence that stays behind to support me as the new season begins.

Just look at this last photo. The kids are celebrating another completed kickball game and as they pass by each other, you can see their very real, genuine spirits agreeing to leave just a little fun behind so Eileen and Lily and Pudge are not alone. In fact, look at the right of the photo. Aren't those good friends from last year that have come out of the shadows to share our fun? Hey! You never know.

Treasure Hunt Sprucelands Style

2009-08-12T17:41:00.009-04:00

Friday evening we had a challenging evening program. The staff asked me to plan out one of my age-old treasure hunts and so plan a treasure hunt is what I did. Great fun on a Friday night.

It took me a week to put the hunt together because there were ten teams and ten clues. The clues were rhymes I wrote and they were placed in envelopes at ten different locations in camp. Each team consisted of 4-5 individuals who were handed their first clue and then progressed from there. The first clues of course sent all ten teams to a different place.

We started at 7:30 instead of 8:00 p.m. Everyone was supposed to report back to the lodge by 9:00 p.m. even if they didn't finish. Darkness is an issue this time in the summer.

Because I wanted the treasure hunt to coincide with our Seussical theme, some of Dr. Seuss's favorite sayings were included with the clues, and the end event was an ice cream social with Julie singing "Anything is Possible" from Seussical. Interestingly, all teams were busy until 9 p.m.

If you're a camper wanting to know a few of the clues, I will share. See if you can figure these out on your own. I'll put the answers at the end of this post. Of course, they'll only work if you know your way around Sprucelands. Have fun. Go on your own hunt right here. Nope. No tips. Giggle. Giggle.

(1) Colored flowers near white/Eileen's path and to the right/ You'll see a picket sight/That points upward at night. Hmmm....tell me where that takes you.

(2) Crafts and beads and games are fun/Long and brown with seats for you/This is a cool place for everyone/Especially if you have a trunk. Tee hee hee. Get it?

(3) Reaching for the sky/I listen to you play/And stand tall/Ready to catch/Whatever you toss my way. Now that one is simple, don't you think?

(4) I'm alone for another year/Feeling sad and abandoned/Wish the kids loved me/And my little critters/'Cause I love them. Not hard really, but easier if you were here in 3rd or 4th session.

(5) Sometimes I get hot/I hear challenges that warm/Our hearts and souls/There's talk of making a difference/For little and big, young and old. This riddle tricked many. Can you get it?

(6) I am big/I am smart/I open my stall/And I have a sign/On a tree/That celebrates me. I dare you to figure this one out in a hurry. Where would you go first?

(7) Once upon a time/I was a horse at Sprucelands/Now I have a cabin that guards a famous trail/So all who pass me by are safe. I love these, don't you?

(8) Roses are red, violets are blue/I'm in the village that once was Pooh. I quietly watch over/Campers who sleep/or sometimes I see/you sing and eat.

(9) In an emergency/I stand ready for you/Sometimes Flirty helps me. Other times Hill Parents linger about. Now you should get this one in a jiffy.

(10) Jump, jump, jump./High, high, higher./I'm talking #1 here./A standard for kids/Who trust enough/To reach the stars.

So let me know if you figured them out. I'll be interested to hear what you think. As a result of my riddles and the clues given on Wednesday night for the cookout, we asked our Trail Pace riders to write a riddle Saturday morning as they were doing their trail pace ride. Made the ride a bit interesting actually.

Well, I know you want the clue answers. See if you figured them out. (1) White picket fence at Eileen's house; (2) Horton's Hut; (3) basketball nets on tennis court; (4) Dolly's Dollhouse which has no campers in it 4th session; (5) Fireplace in the lodge; (6) Boomer's Boys sign on boys hill; (7) Jaime's cabin, General's View; (8) Rose Bed Cabin in lower village; (9) Emergency Doors by Jaime's desk in the lodge; (10) Jump standard in Ring #1 at the barn.

How did you do? Was it fun? We had an awesome time running around camp. Everyone liked the treasure hunt, even me, because I got to watch the adventure and give tips on the clues.

Initiative as a Life Lesson

2009-08-12T15:57:00.008-04:00

Trail pace 4th Session was another busy time. We appreciated that we could squeeze it in between rainstorms. Thankfully, the barn area is high up and on gravel so our drainage is excellent. The footing was pretty dry.

Our trails in the woods were and still are muddy. I don't think they've ever really dried up this summer. We just think we're getting to a point where we don't have to slip and slide and then there's another thunderstorm. Anyway, the rain held off Saturday until rest hour and that meant we all finished in fine time.

I take out the first ride on Trail Pace Saturday to see if the trail I marked in the wee early morning hours will work okay. This week Lia helped me mark the trail at 6 a.m. It didn't rain. That was a plus. We had fun tying surveyor's tape to the trees from the 4-wheeler and 'hoofing' it through more narrow passageways. I've got to say sharing that job with another friendly soul sure makes it go quicker. We talked and chattered the whole way.

After my ride, I love watching campers, Counselors and CITs help each other mount, do fly spray, check stirrup lengths and girths. Our emphasis on safety makes each one of those jobs high priority. Each helper knows they have a big responsibility to insure that both the horse and rider are balanced and secure.

Reassurances are shared with nervous riders so they are thinking positively about their upcoming ride. Guestimates are taken and written on a clipboard right before each pair of riders departs. All the while, other riders are busy in the barn with stalls and feeding as they await their turn to steer through the twists and turns in the woods.

I fade into the background at the barn to take photographs. Amazingly I think the kids forget I'm there. Since I don't ask for poses often, it's easy to move around and snap my shutter wherever and whenever. Gives me an opportunity to see independence in action.

The kids by now know the routines. No one is around telling them what to do. Sometimes you'll hear a request for help. Often there are thanks for jobs well done. I think more than anything, realizing they can safely manage themselves and these huge four-legged creatures builds confidence and aids maturity. Kids like Sergio know they have jobs to do. They know what the jobs are and they get them done. I am amazed at how comfortable each one seems. To me it feels good to be a fly on the wall...with a camera.

One big emphasis this year has been taking initiative. Since the first session of camp, we've been stressing the idea that each individual can move themselves to do things without being asked. If a horse makes a mess in the parking lot, anyone can take the initiative to get a pitchfork, pick it up and toss it in the manure pile. In fact there is an understanding at Sprucelands that intiative rules.

My hope with pushing initiative is that Sprucelands campers will become better babysitters, more positive additions to school clubs and sports, active students that will start projects and finish them on time, all because they have practiced taking initiative here. Taking initiative is difficult at first, but in time it becomes more habit. Of course, peer pressure and the fact that mom or dad isn't here to do it for them helps to get the point across. When everyone is doing it after all, the expectation is in place and initiative becomes effortless.

A question that pops up as a result of taking initiative is "what makes sense"? In other words, if you see that pile in the parking lot, you might ask, "Does it make sense to leave that there for everyone to walk through or does it make more sense to clean it up?"

If a horse's water bucket is empty on a hot day, does it make sense to leave it empty or take the initiative to fill it and in the end practice good horsemanship? Or if you are going to ride a lengthy trail ride, does it make sense to snuggle your girth so your saddle is secure? Are you going to take the initiative to do that or are you going to ignore the loose girth and risk your own safety?

There are multitudinous (is that a word?)opportunities here, there and everywhere for taking initiative and doing what makes sense. At Sprucelands we practice this life lesson daily, hoping that somehow it transfers back home.

I keep telling the kids how much happier their household will be if they clean their room without being told or set the table for dinner or get their homework done. In the end I hope the kids will begin to please themselves with the initiative they are taking. That after all is evidence that maturity is really happening, especially if they stop and ask, "What makes sense?"

A Dr. Seuss Goodbye

2009-08-12T14:02:00.021-04:00

Sprucelands is all about friends - horses and human friends. It's about meeting, saying ' hello', and knowing in a second that you are each other's best friend for the next few weeks. You eat together, share 'good mornings' and 'good night' after visits to the outhouse, and you trip over each other's dirty socks and wonder why the health department insists you make your bed.

Amelia and Emily are really good friends. They play store together, splash in the creek, have belly laughs over funny songs in the dining hall, share riding lessons and walks up and down the road between the lodge and the barn. Always there is an interesting conversation. Often imaginations spark creative thinking and before you know it, they are off on a tangent that only children or children at heart can understand.

Taylor and Ciaran are also close. In the photo on the right they are sharing precious moments at the trail pace before Taylor's departure back home. Taylor was only here for a week, and she learned how hard it is to do only one week. It is rough leaving friends and horses behind when you've only just become acquainted.

Taylor earned her own way to camp this summer. She is a member of the EXCEL Club at Perry Elementary/Middle School in Perry, New York. The club is a motivational club which supports students during their school stresses with homework and assigned projects. Study skills are discussed as is responsibility and student follow-through with meeting deadlines. Most important is that these group members realize there is someone interested in their progress who is willing to share tips for studying and be a willing advocate if one is needed.

As a fringe benefit of studying hard, any EXCEL Club student in grades 6-12 with an overall average between 85-90 earns a free week at Sprucelands. Students with an average between 95-100 earn two weeks at camp.

The horseback riding/camp piece is not sponsored by the Perry School. For insurance reasons, the school needs to be separate from any horse liability. So those camp weeks are a gift from Sprucelands Camp in hopes these young people will experience the earning power of their mind. In the end, the Sprucelands investment for kids like Taylor may just make a difference to their confidence and overall life goals.

Fact of the matter is that all kids at Sprucelands try new things as they step outside their comfort zone. Whether they are an EXCEL Club member or they live in other cities, states, and countries, they immerse themselves in the friendship process and they're happy they did.

Friends at Sprucelands are unique. They are very accepting. Walls crumble here. Horses and campers touch souls in a way that doesn't happen in school settings. Because the camp atmosphere promotes a family feeling, many come to think of themselves as a virtual member of our summer family. The across-camp caring is awesome.

On sunny days I'll often see a group gathered to just talk about common ground. I overhear them discussing challenges they will face in school this fall, good books they are reading, a horse they love, or ways they are changing here at camp. It's something special as cultures exchange, individual senses of humor spark giggles, talents emerge, and positive leadership blossoms.

Since we are three days away from the end of camp, everyone has the new academic year on their mind. No matter whether a camper lives in Florida, Georgia, Texas, PA, NJ, NC or countries far, far away, school is around the corner.

The one thing I tell my campers and staff - a life lesson for us all - is that it's easier to say goodbye if we're mad at each other. The time before parting is when squabbles can happen. Doesn't matter whether you're leaving home to come to camp or leaving camp to go home, squabbles can happen. Why? Because it's hard to say 'goodbye'.

So...having that data in front of us, we constantly remind ourselves to continue our good spirit until Saturday so we have no bad feelings or regrets when we part.

Yes, it's difficult to say 'goodbye', but every 'hello' means there is one day a 'goodbye', and ours is coming quickly. I am frequently reminded that this is a Dr. Seuss summer and in his wise words: Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.

Whacky Wednesday 4th Session

2009-08-08T09:01:00.011-04:00

You might wonder what we are doing to your children here at camp. Of course, the kids know full well that whatever we do during a Dr. Seuss summer of fun is totally 'out there' and silly. On the left you see two campers - Jade and Jenny - as they don their 'dos' and faces for Whacky Wednesday.

Yes. That's right. This is another Whacky Wednesday. This in fact is the final Whacky Wednesday for the summer, and I have to tell you we did the day up BIG!!

Everyone decorated their faces and braided or puffed up their hair in unimaginable ways. We had pigtails coming out of the top of heads and braids that included colorful decorations. Clothes were on backwards and inside out. One of the girls wore a laundry bag. Others wore bathing suits on top of sweatpants. Still others like Lia and her cabinmates went for a totally different look. They were the talk of the Sprucelands Seussical town better known as Whoville.

At suppertime, the Hill Moms in their fits of silliness - inspired by none other than Sue Mom - challenged all campers to find their dinnerware. In order to eat, they needed to participate in a bit of a search.

Ropes were tied in square knots to make one long rope. You would be proud of us, Amy. Then the kids were asked to hold onto the long rope and as a camp group follow a journey of clues. The clues took them to Hortons Hut, to the bench at the edge of the lake and then to the back of Jamie's car in the parking lot.

At each place, the kids picked up what they needed in order to eat supper: a plate, a cup and then their silverware. Most fun was the surprise fact that the entire camp ended up on the tennis courts for an awesome picnic. Great activity for one of the rare, wonderful summer days we enjoyed this session. I've got to tell you the kids had a ball getting to the picnic! Where else but at Sprucelands would something so corny be a happening? Totally whacky.

Now I do have to take a minute to pay tribute to our Hill Parents. Each session we have 3-4 Hill Moms who bring their creativity to Sprucelands and then bless us all with their clever wit and often very strange ideas. Fact of the matter is they bring out the kid in each of us. It's wonderful.

While Hill Parents are here for extra supervision, they are the grease that keep our camp wheels in motion. Without them, camp would feel very strange. Of course, camp is a bit strange with them here, but no matter. They balance nurturing with play and inspire campers to knock down the psychological walls that protect them in the stressful confines of school. Besides, that's what summer is for, isn't it?

Anyway, we love all our Hill Parents and applaud their whackyness all summer long. Above you see Sara, Sue and Trish. Interesting mix? Uh-huh. Betty joined us on Friday.

A Whacky Wednesday fashion show happened one last time in the evening. Music was turned up and the kids and staff strut their stuff along the tennis court runway. Thanks to our active imaginations we can create runways out of tennis court boundaries.

I snapped photos as the kids posed in their outfits. That's the best part of my photo job because I get to see the best of the best and then share that with you. Enjoy! Makes you think different about Wednesdays, doesn't it?

Evening Program Challenge

2009-08-05T09:29:00.007-04:00

Monday night's evening program was really interesting and fun at the same time. The kids moved from one station to another. At each station, there were unique activities for them to do. Either they were playing clever games that challenged them to find the trick to the game or they were involved in some kind of trust activity. Dr. Seuss was on the loose!

One such station was this one challenging the kids problem solving techniques. Here was the deal.

They started out as a group standing on a large square of heavy plastic on the ground. Actually the plastic was an old tablecloth. Their job was to get everyone on the tablecloth. One way or another they were supposed to have their feet on the cloth. Reality was that the cloth was folded into a smaller and smaller square after each successful attempt at gathering the whole group on the plot they were given.

Above you see the kids lifting each other up to manage the challenge. As the cloth got smaller and smaller, the human sculptures I saw were quite novel. Many collapsed and started over. Eventually, they had to give up the game because it was next to impossible for everyone to connect with the small square on the ground. Didn't matter. They chattered about the challenge and laughed doing it.

On the right you see another group involved in a game called Wink. The kids took turns being detectives and murderers. Then the same group moved on to play Indian Chief and that was another test of camper observation skills.

The third station started off with the leader holding a 'noodle' and making that noodle move quickly under their feet and over their heads. If they got caught and were bumped by the noodle, then they were eliminated. Gradually the group decreased in size to just a few until there was a winner to celebrate.

What is unique about an activity like this is how well the kids suddenly interact with each other. When there is a challenge for them to meet, they pull together. Both new friends and old find themselves on the same page and in the end they celebrate their comraderie and shared trust.

Evening programs have been overseen all summer by staff member, Kristin. She has worked with counselors, CITs and senior staff to inspire clever, creative opportunities for campers to channel their energies outside horsemanship into everything from drama to sports, talent shows, group wide games, treasure hunts, and more. She herself has gained huge insights and wonderful skills for group organization. We all look forward to evening programs. Next to riding, that's the best time of our day.

New Riders

2009-08-04T16:41:00.008-04:00

Riding classes for our more beginner riders are thorough. Safety is the number one issue. In fact, safety rules are reviewed during the first few days with everyone, and then often to start riding, a rider needs to come up with a safety rule they have learned before they even mount. We are also careful to teach new riders things like saddle and bridle parts so from the beginning they pick up tidbits of knowledge that are helpful later on.

This class is a group of new riders that rode in the round ring. After reviewing saddle and bridle parts, they mounted their horses with help and then participated in exercises to insure that they would relax in the saddle. Besides, it's kind of fun to stretch to the moon and then reach up and touch the horse between the ears or turn around and touch the horse above the tail.

Every one of these riders had a spotter. That is a staff member or willing older camper who helps their rider mount and then walks next to them during the lesson. Spotters are used as a safety net for the kids so horses listen well and riders build the necessary trust for good riding.

I was pretty amazed at how in two days time these riders are confident and eager. The smiles on their faces are amazing. Whatever the instructor asked them to do, they were able to do. You would think they had been riding forever and ever.

Of course, we are big on balance. Getting the kids to sit up straight and look where they are going is major. I love that we are giving them their foundation in riding because we have started many riders and we start them well.

As our riders progress, their confidence in the saddle and around the horses shows. When you see them in the ending horse show, you will be amazed and surprised at how nicely they are doing. Their interest and dedication to the hard work of riding makes a big difference. It is our job to keep them inspired.

I hope seeing the kids and what they are doing helps you parents relax. We really are having fun already. I think they like their horses and are feeling proud about what they are doing. Hang in there moms and dads. I'll keep you posted.