We Love Our Summer Staff, Part 4: Sava, Eve, & CiCi

We're back! Sorry for the week hiatus; I was out at two trainings that hopefully will be building an even better CFA for next year. In the interim, I had a BUNCH of our outstanding potential staff members send me their bios, so expect a few extra blog posts this week. Cool? Cool!

A fun fact about the three ladies featured today is that all of them are on deck to be new staff members for 2012! They have had some experiences out at camp and totally understand the amazing "family" feeling that is YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow. These girls bring a lot to the table and are excited to be on board for this summer!

First up is Sava, a fun San Antonio native who has been at CFA for years and years.

Sava, age 17, from San Antonio, TX

Age: 17 (18 by summer!)

College / University attending: Still in high school! Antonian College Prep.

State or country where you're living: Texas

Noteworthy Hobbies, Skills, or Talents: Knitting, baking, cartwheels, and making funny faces! 

What exciting thing(s) have you done this past year that you want campers to know about? I have joined the bowling team at my school! I’m pretty bad though… 

Favorite memory from CFA 2011: Hearing campers say that they couldn’t wait to come back next year and that they didn’t want to leave. 

Place on camp where you could most often be found last summer: Arapaho...

Favorite core value: CARING ♥

Favorite snack time ice cream: Anything chocolate! (minus the banana ones)

Must-have items while working summer camp: WATER and patience 

Advice you'd give to summer campers: You don’t need a date to the dance!

What you're looking forward to most about this upcoming summer: Getting to spend all my time at CFA! 

Quote to live by:  "There are no great acts. Only small acts done with great love." –Mother Teresa

Next up is Eve, an outstanding young woman coming to us from beautiful Northern Ireland.

Eve, age 19, from Northern Ireland

College / University attending (and/or current job): Currently waitressing three jobs before heading to uni in September to study English Literature. Busy, but happy. 

State or country where you're living: Northern Ireland – lots of green and lots of rain!

Noteworthy Hobbies, Skills, or Talents: Horse riding!

What are you looking forward to most about this upcoming summer? Meeting lots of amazing people and making memories I will have forever!

What do you normally do with your summers? I usually work to earn some money and then travel a bit. Last year I went to Majorca with my best friends, and the summer before that I visited Dicky and MA at CFA. Previous summers have been spent surrounded by horses!!

Quotes to live by: “Do what you love, work as hard as you can, and make people happy.” “Just be happy and don’t be stupid” – Adele.

Next up is CiCi, who was a CIT last year at camp and is excited to be back for what will be her first year as a counselor.

Cilaya, or "Cici" as we know her; age 18, from Texas!

College/University attending: I am a full time student, and I am currently a High-School student but next year I will be furthering my studies at Texas Tech University by majoring in Music

Noteworthy Hobbies, Skills, or Talents: I can beat box and hum at the same time, I spend most of my time in extra curricular activities, I run cross country, I am a cheerleader, I am in Band, I am in Winter Guard, and I play Quidditch. Oh and I LOVE to dance.

What exciting thing(s) have you done this past year that you want campers to know about?: I went to Disney World for the 1st time :D

Favorite memory from CFA 2011: I loved it when I got to sit at the lunch table with Anthony and Sheeba, and they ate the table-ware like barbarians.

Place on camp where you could most often be found last summer: Honestly I was running around so much, you really had to look.

Favorite core value: Caring

Favorite snack time ice cream: Ice-cream Sandwich!!!!!

Must-have items while working summer camp: Sun-screen, band-aids, comfortable shoes, bathing supplies, a smile, bug spray, a flashlight, an appetite for smores, and a caring heart.

Advice you'd give to other counselors: Put a smile on your face, because smiles are contagious, and happiness is ALWAYS a great thing to spread around. A child's laughter is the thing that will keep you going and it makes everything a bit easier so strive for a laugh from your campers at all times!!!

Advice you'd give to summer campers: Guys have a blast!!!! When you're at camp, you are bound to have fun!

What you're looking forward to most about this upcoming summer: Meeting new people and seeing how I change campers' lives for the best.

Quote to live by: "The only person that can limit me is myself."

We Love Our Summer Staff, Part 3: Joey and Rebekah

Howdy, howdy, again, CFA! Here is yet another installment of staff interviews, from two of our most charismatic, involved, and creative summer staff members of 2011. Enjoy!

Rebekah (on the right) - age 19 - living in San Antonio, TX

University attending and current job: Full Sail University and barista at Barnes & Noble Cafe 

Noteworthy Hobbies, Skills, or Talents: I'm not quite fluent, but very articulate in French.

What exciting thing have you done this past year that you want campers to know about?: I got accepted into the school of my dreams!

Favorite memory from CFA 2011: During Operation Purple week, Eskimo and Farrow had sort of a friendly rivalry going, but one night we had a joint embers. It got really deep, there wasn't a dry eye in the house, and it made everybody come together and realize that maybe we're not all that different.

Place on camp where you could most often be found last summer: High ropes course all day everyday, baby!

Favorite core value: Respect - respect yourself and others, and people will respect you back.

Favorite snack time ice cream: FUDGE BARS

Must-have items while working summer camp: Water bottle and a good attitude :)

Advice you'd give to other counselors: SAVE THE DRAMA FO' YO MAMA. The main focus at camp should be the children, not whatever's going on between the counselors. You can't have that on your mind (or other stressors outside of camp for that matter) and be able to give it your all to your campers, and they're what's most important.

Advice you'd give to summer campers: Don't be afraid. Don't be afraid to be yourself, don't be afraid of heights, don't be afraid of trying new foods or meeting new friends or doing things you haven't done before. You will change in the best way possible if you just let go of all your fears, and you're in the perfect place to do that.

What you're looking forward to most about this upcoming summer: Being an even better counselor than last year and changing even more lives for the better :)

Quote to live by: "No, it's not fair, but what makes earth feel like Hell is our expectation that it should feel like Heaven. Earth is earth."

Joey (in the middle!) - age 23 - studying in Muncie, Indiana

University/Job: Ball State University, Marketing intern at ACE

Noteworthy skills/hobbies/talents: I really enjoy taking photos of awkward moments making it into art. Photography has been a hobby of mine for 3 years and it is what makes me happy. Now, most people say that singing is a talent of mine but I just love to do it because it makes others happy. Other skills I'm known for are my abilities to sew, draw, edit, write and do computer programming.

Exciting things you've done this year: This year, I spent New Year's Eve for the first time in NYC. Amazing! Also, I am a registered reading partner where I volunteer at elementary schools and tutor kids in reading. I recently just participated in Photo Week DC where I take pictures on my iPhone of art around the city.

Favorite memory of CFA 2011: My favorite memory of camp was during operation purple week. Watching the transformation of my campers in Ottawa go from silent to crazy, wild and amazing was the best feeling ever. What I can remember most is watching Luke become a better person. They would go running early in the morning to mount vesper singing Mulan "We are Men". Loved these guys.

Place on camp you could always be found last year: You can always find me in the craft shed, singing loudly and scaring the horses. Haha.

Favorite core value: Faith. I challenged myself to face several fears of minds including horseback riding and high ropes. All I had to lean on was faith in myself.

Favorite snack: Orange and Cream Bar. Yum. I used to beg everyone for their bar.

Must-have items for working at summer camp: Water, Water and Water. Comfy shoes, swimwear, sun screen, boots for Thursday and did I say water?

Advice you'd give to counselors: Challenge yourself, be relatable, and be crazy fun. You are there to find yourself, make the best experience ever for the campers and be what you always wanted to be. Think like a kid, act like a kid, be the kid. This is a tool to motivate yourself and the campers. Have a blast!

Advice you'd give to the campers:  Be a kid and go crazy, but be respectful. Challenge yourself through Raggers and make a difference. Be a part of the LIT and CIT program.

Looking forward to: Being on Ad Staff and seeing the old and new campers.

Quote to live by: "Being different isn't a mistake or judgement. Its having a gift to express to others" — me.

My Plate: Dairy

Let's explore dairy. Remember, most of this information is taken from www.myplate.gov, so check it out to learn more.

All fluid milk products and many foods made from milk are considered part of this food group. Most Dairy Group choices should be fat-free or low-fat. Foods made from milk that retain their calcium content are part of the group. Foods made from milk that have little to no calcium, such as cream cheese, cream, and butter, are not. Calcium-fortified soymilk (soy beverage) is also part of the Dairy Group.

Some commonly eaten choices in the Dairy Group are:

1. Milk All fluid milk counts, but it is best if it is fat free (skim) or low fat 1%). See Jamie Oliver's argument for avoiding flavored milk. He claims that if you drink flavored milk everyday at school, you consume nearly 2 gallons of sugar each school year. WOW!
2. Milk based desserts such as puddings, ice milk, frozen yogurt and ice cream fall in this group. Again, look for low fat, low sugar options.
   
3. Calcium-fortified soymilk or Lactose Free milk also contain calcium and are great option for lactose intolerance or strict vegetarians/vegans.
4. Cheese such as hard natural cheeses including cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or Parmesan; soft cheeses including ricotta, cottage cheese; or processed cheeses including American.
5. All Yogurts

*Selection Tips: Choose fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. If you choose milk or yogurt that is not fat-free, or cheese that is not low-fat, the fat in the product counts against your maximum limit for "empty calories" (calories from solid fats and added sugars).

Did you know that you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in most recipes? In baking, it works best if you strain the yogurt in cheese cloth for 1-4 hrs prior to using. However, I often skip this step and reduce the liquid I add (I am not so patient!). Recently, I reworked the Camp Berry Muffin Cake recipe to omit the fat and sour cream. I replaced fat with applesauce and of course the sour cream with Greek yogurt. It was still delicious. So, here is your challenge - find your favorite muffin recipe and see if you can replace any of the items with healthier options. Love ice cream, start substituting frozen yogurt. My kids love Gogurts frozen.

Eat well and be healthy. Remember to check out www.myplate.gov for more information.

In the Spirit of Camp,
Allison

Y182?

Join us for the Youth Empowerment / Ragger Retreat Dec 9-11, 2011

My Plate: Grains

Let's explore grains. Remember, most of this information is taken from www.myplate.gov, so check it out to learn more.

Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel ― the bran, germ, and endosperm. Examples include:

whole-wheat flour

• bulgur (cracked wheat)
• oatmeal
• whole cornmeal
• brown rice

Refined grains have been milled, a process that removes the bran and germ. This is done to give grains a finer texture and improve their shelf life, but it also removes dietary fiber, iron, and many B vitamins. Some examples of refined grain products white bread.

• white flour
• degermed cornmeal
• white bread
• white rice

Refined grains have been milled, a process that removes the bran and germ. This is done to give grains a finer texture and improve their shelf life, but it also removes dietary fiber, iron, and many B vitamins. Some examples of refined grain products white bread.

At camp, we have moved to almost all wheat or whole grain products. Did you know that the pasta, french toast sticks and rolls were wheat? I personally love whole grain products and brown rice. In your home, start the trasistion. For some people, it does take a while to get used to the flavor and texture, but for others, it is not a big deal. I did not find it a big deal and my kids don't seem to know the difference.

Below is a recipe link taken from a retreat camper, Kelsey. She has her own blog, Clean Teen Kelsey. The recipe is long so don't let that daunt you. I am not posting it, but the resulting bread is DELICIOUS. Whole Wheat Bread

Here are some easy ways to start

1. Buy brown rice (note it does take longer to cook, so think ahead)
2. Look into grains such as quinoa, barley, or bulgar. You can make delicious salads, mix into stir fry and more
3. Buy only whole grain breads (make sure to read the labels to avoid high sugar content)
4. And last, buy only whole wheat pasta

Gluten FREE Grains In a later blog, I will dive into Gluten Free products and recipes, but for now, here is a list of gluten free grains: Amaranth, Buckwheat, Corn, Montina (Indian rice grass), Quinoa, Rice, Sorghum, Teff, Wild Rice.

Eat well and be healthy. Remember to check out www.myplate.gov for more information.

In the Spirit of Camp,
Allison

Y182?

Join us for the Youth Empowerment / Ragger Retreat Dec 9-11, 2011

My Plate: Fruits

Let's explore fruits. Remember, most of this information is taken from www.myplate.gov, so check it out to learn more.

FRUITS should complete the vegetable half of the plate, thus making your meal half filled with fruits and vegetables. Any fruit or 100% fruit juice counts as part of the Fruit Group. Fruits may be fresh, canned, frozen, or dried, and may be whole, cut-up, or pureed. Some commonly eaten fruits are apples, oranges, melon, berries, grapes, pineapple and more. Be cautious of those fruits that are high in sugar such as bananas and grapes. While healthy, they do add a large amount of sugar to your diet. Melons and berries are great, low sugar choices.

Check out the Fruit Gallery on the My Plate website to learn more about fruit size/amount and portion sizes.

Fresh Fruit Smoothie

Get out your cup/glass that you will use to drink your smoothie (a healthy choice is one that is about 8 ounces big). Fill it with a combination of your favorite fruits (see list below). If using yogurt, pour that in over the fruit, then pour in apple juice to just cover the fruit. Pour all into a blender. Blend until smooth. If too think, add a bit more apple juice. Pour back into your cup / glass and enjoy!

• Strawberries, frozen
• Peaches, frozen
• Bananas
• 1 drinkable yogurt, strawberry or strawberry banana (optional)
• 100% Apple Juice

Other fruit options are kiwi, pineapple, melon, mango, papaya or any fruit you love. You can also add a bit of honey to sweeten.

Grilled Fruit

The next time your parents are grilling, ask them to grill some fruit as well. Great fruits are stone fruits such as peaches, plums, or nectarines and pineapple. For the stone fruit, cut in half, remove the stone (seed) and brush with olive oil. For pineapple, cut into 1 inch thick rounds and brush with olive oil. Place on grill, cut side down. Grill for 5 minutes and then flip. Grill for 5 more minutes. Goes great with fish, chicken, or drizzled with honey and served as dessert.

Another idea is to take stone fruit, pears, pineapple and cut into large chunks. Skewer making kabobs. Brush with oil and grill, turning every few minutes until heated, about 6 minutes. Brush with honey before serving.

Eat well and be healthy. Remember to check out www.myplate.gov for more information.

In the Spirit of Camp,
Allison

Y182?

Join us for the Youth Empowerment / Ragger Retreat Dec 9-11, 2011

Taking It Apart: Ragger Emblem

The Rag has had a long and eventful life and it has changed in many ways, but it as still an instrument to aid in the building of Christian character at YMCA summer camps. The real test of the Rag is in how its members conduct themselves in the year round program of the YMCA, and in their home, school, church and community. The design of the rag blends four well-known shapes - the traditional YMCA triangle, the square, the circle, and the cross.

You see above the Emblem of the Ragger.

THE CIRCLE stands for the circle of friendship of all YMCA’s and people around the world – wherever they may be.



THE SQUARE represents the foursquare life of a true Ragger: physical, social, spiritual, and mental.




THE TRIANGLE stands for strength because it is the strongest geometric figure known to man. Because of this strength – we have named the three points: Body, Mind, and Spirit – to remind you to keep the challenge that you have accepted for yourself.


And at the center of our emblem and at the center of our hearts – lies THE CROSS. It appears so that we never forget the wonderful lesson that Jesus taught to us through His life – His example and His words.


The above information is taken directly from the Rag Ceremonies.

In the Spirit of Camp,
Allison

It Only Takes a Dream

This past weekend, Bill and I had the privilege to help an idea spark into life. long time Camper Tessa, had the dream of there being a Rag site in her neighborhood. She bravely called camp to inquire about this idea. With a little research, we were able to locate a beautiful location at her neighborhood YMCA, the Mays Family YMCA off Blanco Rd in San Antonio.

Then, on Saturday, Feb 12, 2011, we set out to clear the site, collect large rocks, construct a cross and create serenity. With help from campers Tessa, Franki and Kayle, Tessa's and Franki's Father, plus Bill and I, we spent 2 hours working on that dream. Now, there is a majestic, serene location for all to sit and reflect on their goals, feel the presence of God and be in Nature. It is a little bit of camp brought to San Antonio.

But how exactly do ideas become reality? We all know for a fact that to make ideas happen it takes a lot more than just the idea itself.Let's take a moment to talk about putting ideas into actions. There are several steps you must follow in order to be successful.

1. Set Goals

The first and most important thing to do once you have an idea is to set goals. Goal setting doesn’t mean reaching for the sky at once. A goal is what you want to achieve in the future, within a certain time frame. Set goals that you can attain, goals that when accomplished will make you proud and want to reach for more. Goals that will allow you to learn in the process, goals that will make you want to aim higher and know you can do it.

Set reasonable goals while starting out with an idea. Don’t try to run right away, learn to walk first.

2. Don’t Rush

Imagine if Tessa had this idea to build a Rag site in San Antonio and just done it in a random location? What would that have accomplished? Not much for anyone else. Or what if Bill and I would have said, "great idea, lets do it today." That would not have allowed us to think through the location, gain proper permission, collect the appropriate tools and I think most importantly, have our own idea to cut the cross timbers from trees at CFA, used climbing rope for the cross, and to collect special rocks from camp for the center cross and 4 corners of the square. By taking our time, we let our goals develop, other ideas add to the magic and where able to create a wonderful, CFA inspired Rag site.

3. Learn From Other People’s Mistakes

This might sound wrong but if your idea has already been implemented by somebody, don’t worry, learn from who did it first and try to learn from their mistakes, what they did wrong. If you analyze the mistakes and find out what others did wrong you will know what not to do.

I have built several Rag sites in my 15 years as a Ragger. I learned that you need certain tools, that rocks are REALLY heavy and if the spot doesn't feel right before you begin, it will never feel right. Tessa listened well when I shared some in site and was not worried that I was taking over.

4. Be Positive, Stay Focused

If you think “ What if it doesn’t work?” Guess what? It most probably won’t. You are past the thought process since that’s how you got the idea. It’s time to put that idea into action and for something to succeed you need to have a positive attitude. Just think if Tessa hadn't contacted camp because she was worried we would not listen or just say no? Or if she thought, "well, I am just a teenagers, they won't listen to me." We would not today have this site to talk about.

Another most important thing to keep in mind while executing your idea is to stay focused. You will have enough barriers to stir you away from reaching that final goal. Be strong, be focused and you will pass any hurdle thrown at you.

Don’t be a sunken ship. Stay focused and you and your idea will get to the shore, together.

5. Creating Hype

If you have already reached this stage, let me first congratulate you, Congratulation! You must have set goals, learned from others, let your idea grow and stayed focus during your implementation process.

Once your idea becomes a product or service, the next thing to do is market. Without marketing your idea is nothing but, well, just an idea that took shape but achieved nothing. There is a difference between marketing and creating hype. When you try and create hype it’s pretty much like over marketing. You are shouting at the top of your lungs to your target customers “ Come on, we have got what you need and nobody can offer this to you but us “, are you sure? Create hype only if you can live up to it.

When you create that much buzz around something, there will be anticipation and excitement in the market and although your idea has shaped into a worthwhile product or service if it doesn’t live up to the expectations, you have just dug yourself a hole. Start out slow and market slowly. If you can take the time to let your idea grow then you certainly have the patience to let the final outcome grow with time as well.

Now we don't need to create hype about this Rag site or try to sell anything, but if you create a product, then you will need to focus on this step.

How about you? What are you ideas? What stage is your idea in? Who do you need to contact to learn more, get the ball rolling and to implement your idea?

This site before we started.

The site! Kayle, Allison, Bill (Laine), Larry, Tessa, Franki

Get out there and pursue your dreams. It only takes a spark to get a fire burning. Thank you Tessa for your spark and thank you Kayla, Larry and Franki for your hard work.

In the Spirit of Camp,
Allison

Y182?

What the Rag Means to Me - Taylor & Alex

For the next few weeks, I am going to share words from your fellow counselors, Ragger leaders, campers and beyond. I have asked the same questions to various Raggers - if I didn't ask you, please feel free to Facebook or email me your answers.

First up is Taylor, 2010 Counselor and Co-Ragger Coordinator. She is pictured with her Ragger Counselor and long time CFA staff, Garrett.

1. What Rag are you currently challenging? The Gold Rag

2. Why are you a Ragger? I’m a Ragger because since I was thirteen years old, I’ve been able to stay on the right track because of this program. It’s kept things in perspective for me and always reminded me that I have higher expectations of myself. It reminds me that I am able to be a better person, and it reminds me that there is always someone there that cares about me and wants me to succeed in my goals.

3. How has it changed your life? The Ragger program has changed my life in so many different ways. As a camper, it made me see that there was more to camp than just having fun and hanging out with your friends. There was a strong spiritual aspect that wasn’t necessarily exclusive to Raggers, but they got to see it in a different light than the rest of the camp did. As an LIT, CIT and eventually when I became Raggers Co-Coordinator my first year as a counselor, it changed me in a sense that I knew that Raggers was the backbone of CFA. Every Friday night, whether it was two teary eyes or fifteen, it changed my heart and humbled me more than I can even describe. It’s a program that keeps you on your toes and really makes you reflect on the person that you are becoming. When I look at my Gold rag, I’m reminded that I’ve set a goal for myself, and that puts me back on track even in the hardest of situations.

4. Are you able to keep challenging the Rag outside of camp and if yes, how do you stay focused? Yes, I continue to challenge my Ragger goals outside of camp. I think the hardest part of the program is being able to stay on the right track even when your counselor or your coordinator aren’t around to push you in the right direction. Staying focused on your particular goals is never easy when you’ve got all of the pressure of the real world on your shoulders. The way I try to think about it is: There’s a small, tight Raggers family that’s out there, in this big world, that genuinely cares about whether or not I reach my goals. I don’t want to let them down, and I don’t want to let myself down. When you remember that you’re not alone in challenging these goals, it helps to alleviate some of the stress from school, work, or other hardships that you may be facing outside of camp.

Next up is Alex, 2010 Counselor and Co-Ragger Coordinator:

1. What Rag are you currently challenging? I've been challenging my Red Rag for the last two years.

2. Why are you a Ragger? I became a Ragger when the program was just re-starting at CFA as a young camper, I wanted to better myself and becoming a Ragger has been a great way to do so.

3. How has it changed your life? Being a Ragger has changed my life by enabling me to set goals that seemed difficulty to do, that at the time I didn't think I would be able to do, and going out and accomplishing those goals. Being a Ragger has taught me to never give up on something that I want to do.

4. Are you able to keep challenging the Rag outside of camp and if yes, how do you stay focused?Staying focused on your Ragger goals outside of camp can be a difficult thing to do, I'll admit that I've had difficulty accomplishing my goals over the last few years, but if it's something that you truly want to improve on, you should have no problem staying focused.

The way that I stay focused on my Rag is putting it on my door knob, that way I'll see it everyday and be reminded of the goals I've set. I told every Ragger and the end of the ceremony to put it somewhere that you'll see and be reminded of your goals.

I miss camp :( Hope all is well with y'all
Alex

So remember to keep your Rag at the top of your priority list. If you want to submit your answers, please send them to Allison.

1. What Rag are you currently challenging?
2. Why are you a Ragger?
3. How has it changed your life?
4. Are you able to keep challenging the Rag outside of camp and if yes, how do you stay focused?

In the Spirit of Camp,
Allison

Y182?

The White Rag

In challenging the White Rag, you are accepting the challenge of dedication of your life to Christian Service.

As the Rag Program culminates in this seventh Rag, all the challenges you have faced in the previous six rags are brought together. You have learned to be goal oriented; to live a Christian life; to give to others and accept them fully; to put aside your needs and think of others; and to give of yourself in the best way possible even if you have to sacrifice your wants. To live in Christian Service is to give completely to others.

Let's define those two words:
Christian: adj "all that is noble, and good, and Christ-like."
While there are MANY definitions of Christian, I felt this definition summed it up nicely. Noble, Good, Christ-like - that is what the Rag program is all about.
Service: noun "an act of helpful activity; help; aid"
This is what is meant by service, not being a waiter, providing a service as in fixing something; but rather to bring something greater to someone else through your work, your giving.

I pulled the following from the White Rag Ceremony. It reviews the Raggers Creed and this is talking of humility:

Teach me to do the best I can,
To help and cheer our fellowmen;
Teach me to lose my selfish need,
And glory in the larger deed;
Which smooths the road and lights the day,
For all who chance to come my way.

Through the seven steps of the Rag, that is what you should have learned and directed yourself to be - lose your selfish ways, cheer on your fellowman, and smooth the way for others. As I look to challenge the White Rag this summer, I think of my life, my career and my path forward. I hope that in all I do as a YMCA employee, a School Board member, a mother and a friend, I am begin selfless, encouraging and smoothing the way for others. I pray that in each deed I do, I remember to give to others and not myself. I pray that I can put aside my selfish wants and put ahead others. What a hard task to live up to daily. But with the Rag, my peers and my friends, I know I can do this.

• So where are you in your walk? Just starting your Rag journey to a better you? Three rags into it? Are you living up to the challenge?
• Again, I ask you, how can you better yourself today in giving to others?
• Where do you see the Rag program taking you?
• How will you measure up when challenge calls?
  
• Are you prepared to sacrifice selfish wants for others needs?

As you walk your journey, remember that there are those that care and to always live, laugh, love and lift.

In the Spirit of Camp,
Allison

Y182?

The Purple Rag

For Raggers 18 years and older, acceptance of the Purple Rag is an acceptance of dedication toward high and noble living in whatever Christian service opportunities that come your way. And yet again, we take a step towards higher living, putting all those Rag goals into play as you work to become a stronger, more noble person. Right now, there are two Purple Raggers active in YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow summer camp. It is something we do not take lightly, now is an easy challenge to accept.

The following is an expert from the conclusion of the Purple Rag Ceremony:

Your fellow Raggers attest to your purity, truthfulness, courage, and resolve, and deem you worthy. Prove by your acts at all times that their trust is rightfully offered. I, as your friend, challenge you to be truly noble. True nobility does not regard the wearing of the Purple as merely an honor, but as an obligation to those who are weaker in respect and need help. May you be noble and may God be with you in your quest.

Wow- a true calling to be a more Noble, more trustworthy person. To be able to live each day in this way would make you darn near perfect. But come on, we all know we are not perfect and most of us are not even close. This is why the Rag program is so helpful in challenging each one of us to be more, to work towards a noble and up standing life style. I know for me, the Purple Rag has been a big step. Finding time to reach out and help others is often just one more thing to do in my already busy lifestyle. However, as a Ragger, I have the knowledge to push myself to dig deeper in order to accomplish this. Several ways I do this is by serving on the local School Board and through my membership in a local women's service organization in which we serve 25 hours each year in service to others.

Now, about that living noble part. First, this does not mean noble as in "Your Royal Highness" or coming from a higher standing. This means: Noble (nō'bəl) Having or showing qualities of high moral character, such as courage, generosity, or honor: a noble spirit. Sound familiar to any Y Camp you have attended? Those core values really come into play here - caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith. Being an upstanding person, one who is trustworthy, giving, loving in spirit (I.L.L.), pure. Someone we can all count on at all times, not just when trouble calls or something great happens.

• So, how do you define noble?
• How will you step up to the plate and be worthy of the Purple Rag?
• What will you stand for in all times?

Start thinking about ways to prove your fellow Raggers can "attest to your purity, truthfulness, courage, and resolve, and deem you worthy." Before you know it, the Purple Rag will call your name, you will stand proud before your fellow Raggers and God and attest to your readiness to wear this Rag as your live a True and Noble life. Good luck and stay focused.

In the Spirit of Camp,
Allison

Y 182?

What moves you?

There's a lot to be excited about this spring at CFA. With Camp Ruff'n It looking to bring a whole herd more dogs to camp, a never-before-seen trail run 5K to test Texas runners on our gorgeous rocky terrain, and dozens of groups who are coming to camp for the first, second, third, or maybe even tenth time. Sharing camp with people is what jazzes us up and drives us to keep working sometimes ridiculous hours.

When the Youth Empowerment Retreat group was here, we talked a lot about identifying your personal passion— the force that makes you want to work on something all night, not because it's overdue, but because it gets you excited. For some people, it was working with animals. For other people, it was sports or music. There was at least a third of the room, though, who really couldn't tell what their passion was.. at least, they knew what they enjoyed, but they couldn't imagine it consuming their life.

Terri Guillemets said, "Chase down your passion like it's the last bus of the night." Sounds like some super famous author or philosopher, right? Wrong. Terri is a seemingly quite average human being who has a deep love of famous and insightful quotations and the written word. Pretty much on her own, she has built and maintained www.QuoteGarden.com, one of the most-frequented websites on the net, though not because of its flashiness (in fact, the site is pretty early-2000s outdated) or extreme content. (Most of the "contributors" of the quotations are dead; they're historical figures or famous people from years gone by.) She didn't build the site to pocket money; she built it because she loved the subject enough to share it with people. That's passion.

I hope next time you're at camp, you get a chance to act on something that really drives you. It might be a sport or activity (hey, you guys all know how much I dig horseback riding— I've made that hobby into a career!) or it could be a service project or some kind of leadership you show at camp. (What about being a Raggers counselor?) What about that thing lights you up inside? Can you take that from an interest to a passion— can you do something with it?

The Red Rag

The Red Rag is for campers/staff 16 years of age and over who are accepting the challenge toward sacrifice of time, talent, and personal will. Wow-this one is really stepping things up a notch. It is asking you to sacrifice things you love and possibly things you are really good at in light of the good of others.

In the ceremony, there is this story of Albert Schweitzer:

His talent for music could have given him fame as the greatest authority on the music of Bach, and as a great organist. But he sacrificed this talent to use another more needed to God, and prepared himself to become a doctor, founding a hospital in the heart of Africa, and serving the sick of the land.

Wow-to sacrificae his great love of music and purpose himself to become a doctor in Africa is great. How can you do this? Maybe not on such a grand scale, but what can you do TODAY to sacrifice for others?

Before, you have geared yourself to personal goal setting, concern for others and a Christian way of life. Now the Rag is asking you to take time out of your everyday life and give to others. There are so many ways to do this. By mentoring, serving at church, volunteering in your school, community or local YMCA. The Red Rag is focusing you on discovering and utilizing your talents in each day, but also putting aside one great talent to pursue another for the good of others .

• So I ask, what are your talents?
• Are you a musician, an athlete, a chef?
• What are you good at that you can put to task for others?
• Is there something you are really good out but is just self serving and not serving to others? If so, how will you put this aside?

Many of you know I have really discovered my ability to prepare food. While I was good at being a camp program director, I really felt there was something else I could be doing to better serve others. n taking over food service at camp, not only have I found that I love doing it, but I am good at it. For me, cooking is not work, it is joy. So really look and explore yourself and give of time and talent to others.

Find your talent, find an area to focus your talent and serve others. Remember, others before self. Good luck and stay focused.

In the Spirit of Camp,
Allison

Y 182?

The Silver Rag

The Silver Rag begins with a commitment to the Christian way of life. For many, this Rag presents a struggle. What does this mean? Do I have to read the Bible in full? Am I not already a Christian? What do I do? I know this Rag presented me with most of these when I tied my Silver Rag in 1996.

As I have grown in the YMCA, I realize that the "Christian way of life" is a broad term defined differently by many people. I feel that is living with courage and character, doing your best at all times and seeking to help others is being a good Christian. That is why I love the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith. If I work to live a life full of the values, than I am living a "Christian way of life".

When I attend Silver Rag ceremonies, I like to read the following poem, "A Tandem Ride With God." It helps me visualize God, Jesus and me; how we can work together and how I need to trust Him.

I used to think of God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I didn't really know Him.

But later on, when I met Jesus, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Jesus was in the back helping me pedal. I didn't know just when it was He suggested we change, but life has not been the same since I took the back-seat to Jesus, my Lord. He makes life exciting. When I had control, I thought I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable. It was the shortest distance between two points.

But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places and at break-through speeds; it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it often looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!" I was worried and anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into adventure. And when I'd say, "I'm scared", He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey, our journey, my Lord's and mine. And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found in giving I received, and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it, but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jump to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus.

And when I'm sure I just can't do any more, He just smiles and says... "Pedal."

(Author unknown)

For me, this allowed me to explore my fears of being Christian and the thought that I would somehow be judged "not enough." I wouldn't know the Bible well enough, I wouldn't go to church enough, I wouldn't be able to speak about God/Jesus smart enough, etc, etc, etc. As I have learned, being a Christian is so much more than all those things. It is trusting in oneself, listening to your heart, taking time to be quiet and listen to God, and to see the beauty He gives us each day. I still have my days and moments when I feel not enough, but I just have to push those aside and "Pedal."

So I challenge you to take some time this Holiday season to still your mind and allow your soul to listen to the voices around you, with in you. When you don't think you can, just shush up and pedal. Let Him do the rest, because he "knows bike secrets".

Remember-Youth Empowerment Retreat is coming up FRIDAY, December 10, 2010! Sign up today and take this time to renew your Rag goals at camp. It is not too late to sign up for the retreat - call us! 800-765-9622

Hey Hey CFA-register today!

In the Spirit of Camp
Allison

Y 182?

I Would Be Strong

The third line of the Ragger's Creed is "I would be strong, for there is much to suffer."

What does this line make you think of or feel? Does it give you a feeling of self doubt or cause you to work harder to succeed?

For me, this is not just physical strength. What this line is referring to is mental strength, having the integrity and confidence to keep trying, to keep working, to dust yourself off and move forward. For this, you need to pay attention, study hard in school, make the most of your education and learn from all kinds of life experience. The line "learn from your mistakes" fits well into this third line of the Ragger's Creed. If you just give up and do not stay strong ton try again, then life is just going to run past you. If you let your life sufferings like failing a test, getting a grade, falling off your bike, not making the A team or losing site of your goals, then you are letting your "sufferings" get the best of you. Stay strong, dig deep into yourself and keep going. Refocus on your goals, reset your self and seek advice from adults.

Remember-Youth Empowerment Retreat (click and look for tan box) is coming up December 10, 2010! Sign up today and take this time to renew your Rag goals at camp. Hey Hey CFA-stay pure, stay true, stay strong and stay CFA.

I would be true, for there are those who trust me;
I would be pure, for there are those who care;
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer...

In the Spirit of Camp,
Allison

I Would Be Pure

The second line of the Ragger's Creed is "I would be pure for there are those who care."

What is the first thing that comes to mind? What does pure mean to you? How are you prepared to be pure?

Found on Answers.com: "What is a pure heart? A heart free of possessiveness, a heart able to feel the sorrow of others, a heart that thirsts for what is right, a heart that is not vengeful. We see a pure heart in the face of any saintly person."

I love this. Working to be free of possessiveness and not vengeful or jealous - this is a daily task for me, I know. Part of YMCA Ragger's is to look with in yourself and command the best of yourself. Keeping your heart open and honest, searching for the good and loving others - that is pure of heart. Sound a little bit like I.L.L. (is it loving)?

I think this also means to be pure in the sense of drug or alcohol abuse. It doesn't lead to success in life, it doesn't keep you cool (though you may think you are cool when participating) and it doesn't help you. Keep your body pure-eat well, exercise, educate yourself and reach out to others. Be pure in what you watch on TV or read or when surf the net, don't join in on harassment or picking on of others, stand up for your convictions and strive to be better than you were yesterday.

Remember-Youth Empowerment Retreat (click and look for tan box) is coming up December 10, 2010! Sign up today and take this time to renew your Rag goals at camp. Hey Hey CFA-stay pure, stay true and stay CFA Strong!

I would be true, for there are those that trust me;
I would be pure, for there are those that care. . .

In the Spirit of Camp,

Allison