CFA Buildings Part 2

This is a continuation from our last blog post about the history of our buildings around camp. Hopefully you learned something new in our last blog. This blog will be no different. Here is part 2 of a 2 part series on the history of CFA's buildings:

The Flag Pole

The flag pole is kind of the center piece of a camp. We meet there every morning and nice to raise and lower the colors. It used to be located in front of Strong Hall and was moved over by the cabins a few years ago when Allison and the Summer '07 staff built this site. You can the remains of where the flag pole used to stand in front of Strong Hall near the GaGa pit.

Wheel & Wagon

Back in the 60's and before these were cabins that the boys stayed in. Later on in camp's life they were equestrian staff housing. Now they are used as the cleaning shed and the Ad Staff office.

Pioneer Health Lodge

Now used as the infirmary for the clinical specialists out at camp the Health Lodge has served many purposes out at camp. Ranging from a bath house to professional staff housing. The biggest debate going on about this building right now is that Ryne thinks there is an elk head stuffed in there but Bill thinks it is a axis deer.

Craft Shed

Before it became the craft shed in the late 90's it was the maintenance shop. Joseph, our current Property Manager, worked out of this until his shop was built at the front of the property. Now the craft shed is where Arts ad Crafts take place during the summer. It is cleaned out and not used in the offseason very often.

Equestrian Center

Not much is known about the history of the Equestrian Center. It has been located in the same place for quite some time now. About 20-30 horses call it home and it probably has the most animal and human traffic on camp.

LIT Pit

Built in the summer 2010 by LITs, the LIT pit is the focal point for late night embers after the dance for Farrow, Ottawa and the LITs.

The Dining Hall

The facility was built in August of 1964. It is two stories and the bottom floor is used mainly for its restrooms and overflow. Little known fact about the dining hall is that there used to be a food elevator (a small pully elevator) that would take food from the kitchen to the bottom floor. Within the past 7 years it finally got air conditioning. No more sweating during meals. The dining hall used to be located down near the pool. Next to it was the tennis courts and trampolines, both of which have been removed from camp.

The Pool

The pool was built the same year as the dining hall (1964). It also had diving boards, which has since been removed because the design of the pool makes any type of diving dangerous. It also added a shade structure added to give the kids who don't want to swim a cool place to hangout and play games.

The Gaga Pit

Built in spring 2010 it quickly became one of camp's favorite places due to the game gaga, especially during snack time. It became so popular that we built another one and put it next to the pool for kids who didn't want to swim.

The Council Ring

We don't know when it was built (it shows up in pictures from the early 50's). It is home to our campfires. It is always filled with songs and laughter. If you know anything about the history of this place, let us know.

The Blakley Chapel

Now home to daily Pow Wows, the Blakley Chapel has been around for a long time, but little is known about its history. We are currently looking to renovate the site to make it as beautiful as it deserves. Let us know if you would like to help or if you know any history behind it.

Another Awesome Video

Here is another awesome video that summarizes what camp is about really well:



Some thoughts:
-It is a well done video that gets to the heart of camp and what camp does for kids.
-Yes, it is a video about thanking camp directors. Camp directors do tons of work and put a lot of heart and effort into making summer camp happen. They should be thanked for everything that they do (I am one and I not asking you to thank me but I know how hard it is to put a camp together).
-If you could make a video about camp what would you do?

CFA FAQ Files: What's the deal with Clubs?

Hello, blog friends!

In searching for new topics to blog about, we snagged an idea from www.campmarketingnews.com that suggested taking a look at some of the most frequently asked questions from parents, and delving deeper into those subjects to thoroughly provide an answer and explain why CFA functions the way it does.

One question we all field quite often deals with the the various Clubs at summer camp. Are Clubs different than activities? Can campers do both? If a camper isn't signed up for a particular club, like River Rats or Saddle Club, will they not get a chance to swim or canoe or ride a horse?

FAQ— What's the deal with Clubs at CFA?

Each traditional camper (not Rookie Campers, not LITs or CITs) has the opportunity to choose a Club to attend for their week of camp. Clubs happen in the morning, after breakfast, generally before the most intense heat of the day. They last approximately an hour and a half, and are lead by the same two to three counselors, who normally have an interest or passion relating to the subject matter of the Club. Campers attend the same club every single morning for a week. If a camper comes for multiple weeks, she or he may pick a different club for each week.


There are eight Clubs for Summer 2011:

1. Bull's Eye Club, focusing on the target sports of archery and BB guns.
   
2. Carabiner Club, featuring ropes safety, belaying, and our high ropes challenge course.
3. Crafter's Club, where campers spend time creating artwork and crafts. Pottery is a favorite.
4. Guadalupe River Rats Club, putting campers in the river via the rope swing, canoeing and kayaking, and water slide.
5. O.W.L.S., or Outdoor Wellness and Living Skills, for the hiker, camper, outdoor chef, and survivalist-minded camper.
6. Pan-Handlers, our newest club in 2011, teaching cooking skills that run from the very basics to pasta and sushi making.
7. Saddle Club, full of daily riding and horsemanship skills, for the aspiring cowboy, cowgirl, or equestrian.
8. Varsity Club, specially created for the athlete or camper who wants to learn and play a wide variety of sports.

Varsity Sports campers learn the art and skill of GaGa, a sport originating in Isarel.

How much prior experience does a camper need to succeed?

Each of these Clubs is designed to enforce our five Core Values— Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith. With that in mind, Clubs serve a wide variety of experience levels: not everyone who signs up for Saddle Club has taken professional riding lessons, for example— some have never really ridden a horse before in their life! Our staff are trained and able to handle all levels of competency and the only criteria for selecting a Club is that the camper should have an interest in learning more about the featured activities. Fun is part of the package, and everything we do at YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow follows strict safety guidelines enforced by both the American Camp Association and the YMCA.

The Pan-Handlers Club will give campers a taste of Chef Allison's skills and more exciting recipes.

My camper isn't signed up for (as an example) Bull's Eye Club— will they not get to do archery?

All traditional campers, teens and younger folks (called "Pioneers") alike, have the opportunity to try other camp activities during the rest of their day at camp. Pioneers rotate with their cabin every day and experience all of the basic camp activities during their week-long stay. Teens are now divided into smaller "Quest Groups," a group of boys and girls who meet daily to decide what activity to do as a unit and spend the week working together to create friendships and community spirit. So yes, each camper has a chance to try everything else at camp. Their Club is simply their main activity focus, and where they are likely to develop the most practical skills.

Carabiner Club challenges campers to experience the thrill of high ropes, instilling faith in themselves.

My child is an experienced horseback rider. Is it worth their time to be involved in the Saddle Club?

In the case of Saddle Club, we make it a policy to staff highly skilled wranglers who not only know horsemanship, but have specialized skills they are qualified to teach. For example, this summer, our Head Wrangler can teach basic roping skills and also competes in Competitive Trail Rides— she is expanding our obstacle course and games repertoire. The other full time Wrangler has been jumping for years, and we now have the equipment to teach introductory jumping to our advanced Saddle Club students. Since last year, we have worked to make an Advanced Class available to Saddle Club participants at least two days out of the week, if there is enough interest.

One advanced Saddle Club camper takes his skills to the next level— instructing!

In closing..

Clubs give CFA campers a chance to delve into a subject that they may love with a passion or just be curious about. In everything we do here at YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow, the five Core Values and our mission stand out above all else. Keeping those things and safety (always of utmost importance) close to the hearts and minds of the counselors and leadership staff who run the Club program creates an opportunity for practice, growth, and learning that is unique to summer camp and to CFA.

Challenge Yourself

When is the last time you challenged yourself to something? If you don't remember, then think of a challenge for yourself right now. It can be wildly out there or something very simple. Hopefully it will make you a healthier person in spirit, mind and body.

I will hopefully be finishing up a challenge for myself that is actually a life goal of mine this weekend. On Saturday I will be running in my first marathon. As the race inches closer the more nervous/excited I get. I have spent serval months training for this race and have cleared several road blocks that were in my path. I have overcome them to get to the point where I am happy even if I don't finish the marathon. It isn't about the end result it about the path that got you there. I feel like this whole marathon training journey has made me into a better person and that is what is all about. I can't lie though, it is going to be awesome to see that finish line on Saturday.

Where is your finish line and how will you get there?

Because of Camp

Here is a good video to watch that has celebrities talking about how camp made a difference in their lives:




So here is my because of camp:

Because of Camp I learn to Love others and to become a person who wants to positively impact the world.

What is your because of camp?

Remember to live, laugh, Love and look up!

Ryne

The Smaller Animals at Camp

So we have big animals out here at camp (the horses) that you get to ride and have fun with but we have a smaller herd of animals here at camp that make a big difference in our lives as well.

CFA has 5 dogs and a few cats on the property that come out and play as well help kids feel like home. Several times whenever a camper gets homesick or is just feeling down I bring my dog (Kansas) over to hang out for a while. The camper usually opens up and starts to feel better. Kansas doesn't talk to him or her. He just smiles, licks and lets the kid pet him. Just like your pet at home.

CFA is a better place because of our dog pack and cat herd. I can't think of camp without them. Here are some benefits of owning a pet:

• Pets can improve your mood
• Pets encourage you to get outside and exercise
• Pets stave off loneliness and provide unconditional love
• Pets can reduce your stress and blood pressure

Here are some of our favorite animal mascots out here at CFA

Atticus Finch sitting where he would if he was a human.

The calmest and most mature dog we have Hop.

The dog that is as big as a horse, Tuck. His personality matches also.

Betty Davis hunting something

Becky's (our retreat director) cat named See-Wah wondering what the heck is going on.

Remi being the usual wet self that she usually is. She even went swimming when it was 17 degrees outside.

Princess Sophia Sparkles is ready for Valentine's Day.

My favorite picture of Kansas as a puppy. He was and still is beyond awesome.

Hope these pictures remind you of camp and how awesome it is. 

As always remember to live, laugh, Love and look up.

Ryne

Food for thought — camp style

Dear camp friends and families,

*Almost* wherever you are, if you are in the 'States today, it is c-o-l-d. Camp is drastically cold; pipes are freezing to buildings we didn't think they would (good thing Joseph is a call away to fix things as best he can.) While we go about our work, planning for both summer camp and the many groups who visit CFA and grow in our outdoors experience, the weather can be a nuisance and a distraction and it is sometimes hard to envision the lush green trees of summer and the shrieks and laughter of a hundred kids in motion. With that in mind, here's three little thoughts to share and some memories of seven months ago, in the spirit of camp.

I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.

—Pablo Picasso

It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference.
—Tom Brokaw

The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend.
— Henry David Thoreau

Stay warm, keep loving those around you, and see you next time!

Cross-blog posting

Fantastic post from the blog of South Mountain YMCA Camps— one of their Irish counselors wrote an essay entitled "A Day in the Life of a Camp Counselor."

Enjoy!

(PS; South Mountain Y.. Keep blogging! We love your stuff.)

A Day in the life of a camper.. Through the eyes of a camp counselor.

Counselor Interview: Sheeba

It is time for another Counselor Interview. This time it is Sheeba. She is coming back for her third summer out at CFA and she will be helping out in the store. Check out her answer and catch up with what is going on in her life.

Sheeba

What is your favorite memory about camp last summer?
Last summer was made up of many great memories, but one that I think has been the most memorable was first week my coco, Sarah and I had an Absolutely AMAZING embers. We all told stories about ourselves and "the person we are." The girls really bonded the first night, opening up about their feelings and the things they dealt with everyday. They really got to see life from each others perspectives and I think that was what made them closer. There was no judgments, no arguments, no prejudices. It made the week awesome and I think more of a memorable week for the girls.

Anything new or big going on in your life?
Everyday is a new learning experience, but I'm in my senior year of college and taking the time to enjoy it. Soon I'll have to get a grown-up job and pay REAL bills. So, I'm trying to enjoy it while it's here. I have great roommates who inspire me and encourage me. I'm so blessed.

What does summer camp mean to you?
Camp has always been a place that allowed me to be the rawest version of me. At camp I learned just as much as the kids did. I grew, I challenged myself and faced my fears. I never thought it would change my life the way it did. Summer Camp to me means freedom to be whoever you are, and the means to getting to know who that person is.

What was your favorite activity to teach and why?
I LOVED being the crafts coordinator last summer. As a fashion major, making art has always been a passion of mine since childhood. The idea of making something out of nothing is just so exciting. I enjoyed sharing my passion for creation with the kids.

What are you looking forward to the most this upcoming summer?
I am so excited to work in the camp store for my internship for my fashion merchandising major. I'm excited to learn more about manufacturing, owning a store, merchandising and store layouts. I'm also excited to go to camp fires sing songs and make memories both the campers and I will never forget.

The Campfire

The Campfire is a mythical being at a lot of camps, including ours. The thing about a campfire that is so gracefully beautiful is its ability to free kids from negative self consciousness. It frees them from what other people think and in turn lets them be themselves. It provides laughter and smiles. Sometimes it can even provide tears. I hear of some camps that don't do a campfire where songs, skit and stories are performed and I wonder how they set their camps culture or atmosphere.

A camp's culture can be established on that campfire night, which is opening night for us. The campers have basically done three things since arriving at camp: check-in, swim/health checks and dinner. They really haven't been able to shake off that outside world rust yet. Some are still insecure about themselves and don't really know what to think of the people around them. The announcement of announcements is made after dinner, "Sign up for campfire with Ryne outside." I stand outside waiting for people to come sign up. Of course counselors come, they are the wily ol' vets of the opening campfire. They have their go to songs and skits. They are ready for campfire at moment in time. The kids that come and sign up usually have their head down and tell me what they want to do in a soft voice. I ask them to look up and tell me because I can't hear them, their eyes catch mine and they say, "I have been thinking about this for a year. I hope I don't screw up." Little do they know it doesn't matter if they screw up or not, they will still be awesome for just being up there.

Once we are at campfire we do introductions. The counselors always take a long time to answer the get to know you question but they laugh and smile the whole time, which trickles down to the kids. The campers' faces have smiles for the rest of the time. After that, rules and our no-bullying policy are given, but then the fun stuff starts. Songs and skits commence and it starts with this one:




That sets the tone for the rest of the songs and skits. Campers do come up and screw up but that is ok. We cheer for them and help them through it. It takes tons of guts to get in front of 100 people and sing a song or perform a skit. Here is a sample of a random talent a CIT and an Ad Staff member did in the summer of 2009:




At the end of campfire is when we really set the culture of camp. We give a speech about I.I.L. (Is It Loving) and I tell a story about when I was a counselor at a different camp. It is a story about a young camper who struggles at a hiking camp because he doesn't have balance (he is deaf). The main theme of the story is that the love of people at camp and the love that he has inside get him to the tops of mountains. Some people cry, some disregard the story and some really think about it. After that we do flag and go to embers (our devotion).

All of this is done to get the kids to laugh, think and cry. As Jimmy Valvano (a former college basketball coach) said at a speech right before he died of cancer, "If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special."

Ryne

Stuff I Learned at Summer Camp

Whether we like it or not, when Christmas shows up, the end of the year is close at hand. Summer camp seems incredibly far away, and it really is, if you count the months— just about as far away as you could be. I don't know about you, but all of the love and togetherness of Christmas makes me miss camp and all of the CFA folks we love the most— even while I'm enjoying my family and out-of-camp friends.

Yet it seems like a wildly appropriate time to remember All The Good Stuff from summer. The lessons you learn, whether you're a counselor, camper, or even a parent on the sidelines at Closing Day, mean just as much when we sit down with friends, family, or even on your own at the holidays.

In case you've forgotten, some of those lessons include—

#1 — A good friend will always help you with your safety gear.

#2 — Take every opportunity to be a little silly in the name of fun.

#3 — Have some faith in yourself to try something new.

#4 — Love your brothers and sisters. If you don't have brothers and sisters, love the people you're with like they're family.

#5 — Music comes in many forms. It is powerful stuff, especially around a campfire.


#6 — You can make anything you want out of lanyard, beads, Popsicle sticks, and paint.

#7 — Caring about people means lending a shoulder of support whenever they need it.

#8 — Be respectful of other people, but don't be afraid to dance like nobody's watching.

#9 — Responsibility means seeking ways to take care of everyone, not just yourself.


#10— Find happiness in the simple stuff.

Happy Christmas. Happy Holidays.
Love, MaryAshley

Writing Letters

I found this article from late this summer in USA Today. It is really interesting. It explains that summer camp is a reason why to get the pen and pencil out instead of the computer and how that is important. I really like and if you have time, take a few minutes and read it. 

Can summer camps revive the lost art of letter writing?

Just another reason why summer camp is really important to the growth of kids.