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.

We Love Our Summer Staff, Part 2: Taylor & Gemma

It's been a week, and you guys have asked for more staff bios— so here's two ladies you will remember from last summer and the summer before! Both of these young women plan on being Ad Staff members in 2012, and we are lucky to have them back again. So, without further ado, here's Taylor and Gemma!

Taylor, age 20,  studying in San Marcos, TX

University/Job: Texas State University at San Marcos, Site Director for YMCA of Austin Afterschool

State: Texas

Noteworthy skills/hobbies/talents: Singing, improv, planning & programming

Exciting things you've done this year: Moved into my first apartment!

Favorite memory of CFA 2011: All of my awesome cabins and Raggers!

Place on camp you could always be found last year: Ragger's Point

Favorite core value: Honesty

Favorite snack: Neopolitan ice cream sandwich

Must have items for working at summer camp: Chacos, sunglasses, CamelBak, sunscreen, deodorant and bobby pins!

Advice you'd give to counselors: Sleep on your 24s!

Advice you'd give to counselors: Stick it out and become and LIT, CIT and counselor!

Looking forward to: Being on Ad Staff!!!!

Quote to live by: "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

Gemma, age 24, from England

University attending (and current job): Studying Access to Higher Education at Warwickshire College and working as a Gym Instructor

Country I'm living in: ENGLAND!!! :)

Hobbies, skills, talents: Random skill=Touching my nose with my tongue, Hobby=LOVE working out in the gym and Talent=Being amused by the simplest things...EVER

What exciting things have I done in the past year? Been offered a place on a degree to study Sport & Fitness Management starting on my return from Texas 2012 AND being asked to be a bridesmaid with my sister at my Mum's wedding in May 

Favourite memory from CFA 2011? Leaving the humming bird feeder full of yummy food on the tree outside the cabins and getting super excited with the campers when we spotted one out there (and giving the humming birds we saw their own names...can't remember the names now though)

Place I could most often be found? In the crows nest out at high ropes (once I'd got over the height issue), ORRR....making loads of lanyards down at the arts and craft shed

Favourite core value: Caring, I think that all of the core values can fit into this one, a kind word, thought or action can have a huge impact on somebody or in a situation.

Favourite snack time ice-cream: Ice cream sandwich!!!

Must have items when working at summer camp: Got to be a smile, a camera, and a waer bottle!

Advice I'd give to other counselors: Remember the reason that you are there, be the best that you can be and be somebody that you yourself would be proud to know...and enjoy every second of it - even when you are tired!!! (summer camp goes far too quickly but the memories last forever!!!) :)

Advice I'd give to the summer campers: Don't be afraid to be true to yourself, make the most of the time that you are at camp because all of the friends that you make will be like family, and the experiences and memories that come with camp will last long after you're heading back home.

What I'm looking forward to about this summer: Meeting new and old friends, having a great time with all of the campers and attempting to break my previous photo taking record!

Quote to live by: Be the change that you want to see in the world. —Ghandi

A Note from Angel

The following is a message sent from our 2011 Male Village Leader, Angel, to our new Summer Program Director. Bif had asked his returning staff members what he needed to know about CFA. Below is Angel's response.

Many of you know Angel and have gotten to appreciate his sage words of advice before. If you haven't, we suspect you will be surprised and moved by his eloquence.

Angel, at the BB Range. Summer 2011.

Bif,

... I've never worked at any other camps so I dont really know if it differs but this place is pretty special. It has a soul. You can see it in the kids faces, hear it their laughter, or hear it at night in the winds rustling the treetops around campfire.

It is honestly a place of healing. The world outside may have told the kids and even members of staff that they weren't good enough or left them broken and hurt. But Camp Flaming Arrow aims to be the one place where someone can always help you regain your confidence or find it anew. It has this ability, a sort of magnetism that retains the good and repels the bad.

It may seem that I'm beating around the bush as to what you should be looking forward to, but I cant think of just one thing.

For some people it may be hard to understand something which they have never, seen, touched, heard, experienced so this may not make sense to them or even seem real but once you experience it and feel the spirit of this place you are faced with the unrelenting reality that you have stumbled upon a sanctuary for the willing, the broken, the sad, the happy, the talkative and everyone in between.

So in an attempt to encapsulate this thought into answer I should say that you should look forward to the experience that you'll be a part of for so many kids and staff.

Angel

We Love Our Summer Staff, Part 1: Donncha & Sarah

Howdy, howdy, CFA friends & families. Us professional staff members are enjoying the unseasonable lack of cold weather here in the Hill Country. (Bill is biking and running hundreds of miles— literally! Allison is planning her garden and tending to her chickens. Stephanie is out walking with her dogs. Becky is beginning to clean up the camp trails for the Rock-Y 5K next month. Bif is getting to know his new Texas home. And me? I'm riding, of course!) But we are also spending a lot of time planning and preparing for this upcoming summer— and that means talking with new and former staff members to create eight great weeks at YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow. 

So today starts the first in a series of posts focusing on former camp staff who are making plans to come back for Summer 2012. These guys could potentially be your counselors and ad staff in 2012!

Donncha, age 19, from Ireland

University attending: Limerick I.T - studying Business with Sports Management

Noteworthy Hobbies, Skills, or Talents: Love to play hurling and soccer and discovering new music. 

What exciting thing(s) have you done this past year that you want campers to know about? I have completed one of my ragger goals and I went to England over the Christmas to visit some of the amazing friends I made at camp during the summer.

Favorite memory from CFA 2011: The amazing things that happen in Carabineer club where the campers conquer their fears. 

Place on camp where you could most often be found last summer: Definitely High Ropes.

Favorite Core Value: Respect because everyone loves when their thoughts are listened to and appreciated.

Favorite snack time ice cream: Has to be the Ice-cream sandwich.

Must-have items while working summer camp: A water bottle, sun cream (especially for me) and a HUGE smile on your face every day.

Advice you'd give to other counselors: Treat everyone the way you would like to be treated and reflect on each and every good moment over the summer because time flies when you are having a great time.

Advice you'd give to summer campers: Arrive at camp with a smile on your face, lots of energy and be ready to have lots of fun because you are there for an awesome time that flies by.

What you're looking forward to most about this upcoming summer: Has to be renewing old friendships and gaining new ones and seeing how each and every camper has grown into a better person because of their experiences at camp.

Quote to live by: Be the best you can be!

Sarah, age 20, living in Missouri

University attending & job: University of Missouri. I teach hip hop classes and I'm Mizzou's American Eagle Campus Rep 

Noteworthy Hobbies, Skills, or Talents: Been dancing since I was 4.

What exciting thing(s) have you done this past year that you want campers to know about? I have been working with organizations such as Mizzou Relay for Life and Mizzou for Movember to raise money for cancer research and cancer awareness. 

Favorite memory from CFA 2010: Since I wasn't able to make it back last year I'm using CFA 2010. My favorite memory has to be my first trip up to Mount Vesper. Seeing that site made me realize how lucky I was to get to spend the summer at CFA. 

Place on camp where you could most often be found: I tended to be down by the water activities as much as possible. 

Favorite core value: Caring 

Favorite snack time ice cream: Drumsticks 

Must-have items while working summer camp: Water bottle 

Advice you'd give to other counselors: Even when we are tired and its been a long day, remember the reason we are there: to make the kids have a great time. 

Advice you'd give to summer campers: Be willing to step out of your comfort zone. The people you will meet here will be long term friends. 

What you're looking forward to most about this upcoming summer: Getting to see old friends and campers from 2010. I miss everything about camp right now! 

Quote to live by: Life's too short to be anything but happy.

Summer Camper = Better College Student?

In a recent Psychology Today blog, Steve Baskin, the Camp Director at a beautiful private camp in Marble Falls, Texas, wrote the following article suggesting that being a summer camper has advantages much later in life than early childhood. Here's a sampling from Summer Camp - Creating Advantage in College:

Camp helps students adjust to being away-from-home by giving them practice being away-from-home. Campers coming to camp (often as young as Kindergarten or 1st grade) get to experience being separated from home successfully. Certainly, most campers have some homesickness, but the supportive camp community and the fun activities help ease them through this initial challenge. Homesickness is natural. Children will miss their parents.

Further, we live in a society that sometimes suggests to children that they are only safe within eyeshot of their parents. Yet, we parents want our children to grow in confidence and independence so that they can live productive, fulfilling and joyous lives. Camp enables children to experience successful independence. Like college, they are away-from-home. Unlike college, they are in a community committed to their physical and emotional safety.

What are your thoughts? I only spent one summer (two weeks, actually) of my childhood at a traditional, overnight summer camp, so I'm not sure how good my perspective is. By most measures, I was a successful college student from my first semester onward. Can some of those coping mechanisms be attached to even just a short week or two in a traditional camp setting?

It's true— camp is all about community. Specifically, a community that is not part of the traditional family unit. A standard camp cabin, with two "parents" or head counselors, and a handful of children functioning together to keep spaces clean and eat meals and have fun together definitely resembles a family. And it takes a whole lot of cooperation, compromise, and compassion to function well. So does a successful week of camp teach those lessons in the long-haul?

I can't be certain,  but I think Mr. Baskin makes some great points.

— MaryAshley

Will having a camp family like this one make for a better college student later on?

Erin's Dream Lanyards Update

Hey, hey, campers,

Remember that beaded lanyard you made last summer, probably with the help of your counselor (or fearless Craft Guy Joey?)

Those have gone to good use!

The Erin's Dream Lanyard Project is going strong. While we don't have a total count of the number of lanyards produced by CFA in the summer of 2011, we can estimate that it was well over five hundred— which is incredible! Tons of them sold in the camp store to parents and families who stopped by on closing day. I spoke to one mom who had bought six to give to her friends at work. Since the message of Erin's project was fastened to every lanyard made here at CFA, the tenacity and love that their namesake possessed in her short eleven years on earth has been multiplied over and over.. Thanks in part to all of you guys, campers!

As we get close to the holidays —most of us here at CFA are celebrating Christmas, but we know there's plenty of other holidays to remember this season— start brainstorming ways you can put your energy, creativity, or talent into helping others. After our third annual Youth Empowerment Retreat, I find myself realizing again just how great a resource our camp family is. Take a look at these charities that were founded by people well under the age of 20. Consider donating to these charities this winter— or, even greater, consider starting a charity of your own. All of these organizations started very small and very locally, and were started by kids who saw a need. Is there a cause that really moves you? Your CFA family can help! Get in touch with us if you need help getting started.

The Ladybug Foundation was created by a girl of 8, named Hannah, who saw a homeless man eating out of a dumpster. She was determined that no human should have to go to such measures to find a meal, so she started a change drive that has since grown to reach all of Canada and parts of the US.

Free the Children was the dream of a 12-year-old boy back in 1995. It has since grown to a massive, global organization that works to eliminate child labor from the world.

Alex's Lemonade Stand  was created by a 4-year-old cancer patient, Alexandra, in her front yard. Alex was a childhood cancer patient, much like Erin, whose lanyards we made this summer at camp. Though Alex has sadly passed away because of the disease she rallied to fight, the organization she founded has now raised over $50,000,000 (that's fifty million bucks!) for childhood cancer research. That's amazing.

Check out those organizations over your winter break and brainstorm what you could do to better your community, country, and planet!

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment

before starting to improve the world.  

— Anne Frank

My Top Ten

Here is the Top 10 reasons why I love CFA:

10. The Waterslide
9. Snack Time
8. The CFA Dog Pack
7. Watching the dust cloud during a GaGa game
6. The refreshing free swim
5. Mt. Vesper
4. The LIT Pit
3. The Dance
2. Opening Campfire
1.

The People

What is your top 10 reasons you love CFA?

My Thanksgiving Plate

So Thanksgiving is upon us and for many, that means lots of good food. It also means lots of extra fat, sugar and calories. In this blog, we will explore ways to trim the calories, fat and sugar from your Thanksgiving plate while keeping yummy goodness! Think it can not be done? Well, keep reading and let's see.

1. Turkey is actually a lean protein when eaten in moderation, so keep the roasted, not fried, turkey.
   
2. Dressing / Stuffing is not that healthy when made with white bread, corn bread, cream based soups, butter, etc. I have included a healthier option
3. Green Bean Casserole is one of my favorite holiday dishes, but with all that fat and sodium in it, the value is lost to the bad stuff.
4. Cranberry Sauce is something I can not do without! I love the sweetness, but there are healthier recipes to be found
5. Pumpkin Pie is again, a favorite dish. Somethings just shouldn't be messed with, but I will give it a try.

Allison's Roast Turkey

• 3 Cups warm water
• 1 C Brown sugar
• 1/2 C salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 T Poultry seasoning (optional)
• turkey, mostly thawed
• Something to place turkey in for marinating: If you have a big fridge, then use a closeable tub OR if it is not, then a large zip top bag or trash bag and a cooler (you will need ice)
• 1 large onion, wedged
• 6 stalks celery, cut into 3 inch pieces
• 1 head garlic coves, peeled
• 1 small bag baby carrots or carrots, peeled and cut into 3 inch pieces.
  
• salt and pepper
  

24 hours prior to roasting, mix first 5 ingredients until dissolved. Place turkey in marinating holder. Poor brine over then add water to cover. Seal and place in fridge OR in cooler and cover with ice. Make sure to keep the ice refilled as needed.

When you are ready to roast, there are 2 methods to choose from. The first is the traditional method, breast side up. Cook as you normally would, but instead of a rack, place onion wedges, garlic, celery, and carrots in the bottom of the panto serve as the rack, adding about 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth. Place a handful inside the turkey as well. Salt and Pepper the inside and outside of the Turkey. Or, if you do not need to present the turkey whole, then follow this method for a tender turkey. Again create a "rack" with the veggies. Place the turkey breast side DOWN and cook for 2/3 time. Carefully flip the turkey breast side up and cook until done. This allows the breast skin to brown and sometimes you get a presentable turkey. Cooking the turkey upside down allows the breast to stay moist. Use the veggies and dripping to make a gravy.

Mayo Clinic Recommended Stuffing

Serves 6

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 10 slices whole-wheat bread, toasted and cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cranberries
• 1 cup whole water chestnuts
• 1 cup chopped apple

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, heat the chicken broth over medium heat. Add the celery and onion and saute until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, parsley, tarragon, paprika, nutmeg, cranberries, water chestnuts and chopped apples. Add the onion and celery mixture. Stir to mix evenly.
4. Spoon stuffing into the prepared baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes.
   

Green Bean Casserole from Eating Well

• 1 tablespoons canola oil, divided
• 1 medium sweet onion, (half diced, half thinly sliced), divided
• 8 ounces mushrooms, chopped
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 cup low-fat milk
• 3 tablespoons dry sherry, (can omit)
  
• 1 pound frozen French-cut green beans, (about 4 cups)
• 1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream
• 3 tablespoons buttermilk powder, (might give a sour taste, so you can omit)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a 2 1/2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook, stirring often, until softened and slightly translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in mushrooms, onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, thyme and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the mushroom juices are almost evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle 1/3 cup flour over the vegetables; stir to coat. Add milk and sherry and bring to a simmer, stirring often. Stir in green beans and return to a simmer. Cook, stirring, until heated through, about 1 minute. Stir in sour cream and buttermilk powder. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
3. Whisk the remaining 1/3 cup flour, paprika, garlic powder and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a shallow dish. Add sliced onion; toss to coat. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion along with any remaining flour mixture and cook, turning once or twice, until golden and crispy, 4 to 5 minutes. Spread the onion topping over the casserole.
4. Bake the casserole until bubbling, about 15 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Cranberry Salsa from Health.com

I added this as I thought it look yummy. I have never tried it, so be brave. You can also google "healthy cranberry sauce" and find your own recipe.

• 1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries, picked over and stems removed
• 2 finely diced large celery stalks
• 1 finely diced small white onion
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced*
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1. Process the cranberries in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Transfer the cranberries to a medium bowl, and add the remaining ingredients. Stir the mixture well to combine.
2. Transfer the cranberry mixture to a serving bowl; cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

* For spicier salsa, include the seeds and ribs from the jalapeño. Or use a serrano chile, which has more heat.

Hungry Girl Healthy Pumpkin Pie

For Crust

• 2 cups Fiber One bran cereal (original)
• 1/4 cup light whipped butter or light buttery spread (like Brummel & Brown)
• 3 tbsp. Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
• 1 tsp. cinnamon

For Filling

• One 15-oz. can pure pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling!)
• One 12-oz. can evaporated fat-free milk
• 1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)
• 3/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
• 1/4 cup sugar-free pancake syrup
• 1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• Optional Topping: Fat Free Reddi-wip or Cool Whip Free
  

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine butter with 2 tbsp. water. Microwave until just melted, and set aside. In a blender or food processor, grind Fiber One to a breadcrumb-like consistency.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine butter mixture and crumbs with remaining ingredients for crust. Stir until mixed well.
4. Spray an oven-safe 9-inch pie dish lightly with nonstick spray. Evenly distribute crust mixture, using your hands or a flat utensil to firmly press and form the crust. Press it into the edges and up along the sides of the dish. Set aside.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for the filling. Mix well. Pour mixture into pie crust. The filling may be taller than the crust.
6. Bake pie in the oven for 45 minutes. Allow pie to cool slightly. Refrigerate for several hours, overnight if possible. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
7. Cut into 8 slices and, if you like, top with Reddi-wip or Cool Whip before serving!

Another favorite holiday recipe for me is from a previous blog, the roasted root veggies. This has been a huge hit at my family holiday meals. Another great idea is instead of traditional sweet potatoes, roast them.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

1 large sweet potato per 1.5 persons
1 T olive oil per potato (or just enough to coat)
salt and pepper

pre heat oven to 375 degrees (you can cook these at various temps, just might take longer. so if you have other things in the oven, these can be added, just watch). Cut potatoes, unpeeled, into 1/2 chunks. Toss with oil. Place in a dark roasting pan or on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and any other spice you like. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring several times.

So that is all I have for now. Get on the internet and see what healthy recipe you can find to substitute those unhealthy options we often cook. And remember, to go for a long walk after the big meal.

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

A Simple Way to Good Health, Get Outside

I was reading today about the time kids spend outside compared to what they used to and I have read some of the Richard Louv's book, Last Child in the Woods, but these numbers startled me:

"Recent studies indicate that American children, on average, spend about 30 minutes of unstructured play time outdoors each week."


"A Hofstra University survey of 800 mothers, with children between the ages of 3 and 12, found that 70 percent of mothers reported playing outdoors every day when they were young, compared with only 31 percent of their children. Also, 56 percent of mothers reported that, when they were children, they remained outdoors for three hours at a time or longer, compared with only 22 percent of their children."


"In general, children ages 8 to 18 spend more time (44.5 hours per week) in front of computers, televisions and game screens than any other activity in their lives except sleeping, according to studies by the Kaiser Family Foundation."


All of those are amazing stats and also a cause for alarm. In the cliche old saying "back in the good ol' days" kids were always outside. Digging holes, playing in the sand, climbing trees, talking face to face with one another, etc... Now we (adults and children) make excuses to be stuck behind a screen. Whether it is a new show we want to watch or our favorite team is playing and we can attend live. We now live our lives through technology instead of going out and really experiencing it. As adults we not only need to tell kids to get outside but we need to as well.


Get outside, there are some amazing benefits of being active in the great outdoors (somewhat self explanatory but from this article):

"Body

• Outdoor play increases fitness levels and builds active, healthy bodies, an important strategy in helping the one in three American kids who are obese get fit.
• Spending time outside raises levels of Vitamin D, helping protect children from future bone problems, heart disease, diabetes and other health issues.
• Being out there improves distance vision and lowers the chance of nearsightedness.

Mind

• Exposure to natural settings may be widely effective in reducing ADHD symptoms.
• Schools with environmental education programs score higher on standardized tests in math, reading, writing and listening.
• Exposure to environment-based education significantly increases student performance on tests of their critical thinking skills.

Spirit

• Children’s stress levels fall within minutes of seeing green spaces.
• Play protects children’s emotional development whereas loss of free time and a hurried lifestyle can contribute to anxiety and depression.
• Nature makes you nicer, enhancing social interactions, value for community and close relationships."

Needless to say summer camp and retreats is a great opportunity for child to get outside, but just get outside, whether it is a walk or just going to the park. let your kids get a little dirty it is good for them and while they are at it. You get in there as well and play in the mud.

My Plate: Physical Activity

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

MyPlate.gov states to make physical activity a regular part of the day. Choose activities that you enjoy and can do regularly. Fitting activity into a daily routine can be easy — such as taking a brisk 10 minute walk to and from the parking lot, bus stop, or subway station. Or, join an exercise class. Keep it interesting by trying something different on alternate days. Every little bit adds up and doing something is better than doing nothing. Make sure to do at least 10 minutes of activity at a time, shorter bursts of activity will not have the same health benefits. For example, walking the dog for 10 minutes before and after work or adding a 10 minute walk at lunchtime can add to your weekly goal. Mix it up. Swim, take a yoga class, garden or lift weights. To be ready anytime, keep some comfortable clothes and a pair of walking or running shoes in the car and at the office.

We all know we are supposed to exercise often. But do we really? As youth, we tend to run just for fun or play sports. As people get older, their exercise level tends to drop. We all are guilty of spending more time inside and on electronic products like computers, gaming systems and phones. I know I am guilty - are you? So kids, it is your responsibility to develop healthy habits now and encourage your parents.

• Ask your parents to park at the far side of parking lots
• Purposely crisscross the grocery store to add mileage to your day
• Take the stairs when possible
• Just go for a walk - after dinner is a good time for the family. Those dishes can wait.
  

Do you know how much and what type of exercise to get? Here are some tips:

• Adults should get 2 hours of exercise per week
• Kids need up to 1 hour each day!
  

This exercise needs to increase the heart rate, but can be done in 10 minute burst. a brisk 20 minute walk is great. Why do we need exercise? According to Health and Wellness, we know it prolongs life, decrease number of infections, makes one feel happier and, probably most importantly, builds bones so that older people do not have as many fractures.

So get out there and walk, 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: 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

Inspirational Video

Here is a video that I thought was inspirational. It has some of the values that we try and teach out at camp. Plus, it just makes my day to watch this type of stuff. So if you ever need a pick me up just look this type of stuff up on Youtube and it will make you smile. 

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

Counselor Interview: Isabel

It is time for another Counselor Interview. This time it is Isabel. She is coming back for her second summer out at CFA in 2012. She is a freshman at UT-Austin right now and helping out with retreats. Check out her answer and catch up with what is going on in her life.

Isabel

So how many summer summer have you been going to CFA as a camper then counselor?

11 summers

This past summer was your first summer as a counselor, what was your favorite memory?

As a counselor, it was any Sunday night because of campfire, getting to know my new campers and all the excitement that comes with a new session.

What was your favorite memory as a camper?

It had to be the LIT embers. Through embers I was able to get closer to my peers than ever before. Also, it allowed me to grow as a person because I was able to open up and share my dreams/fear/hopes etc...

What counselor or staff member most influenced your life and why?

John Deaso (LIT coordinator summer '09, now a Y professional in Austin)! He gave me a role model to aspire to be (besides my parents) both as a camp counselor and a person. He made my entire LIT session really feel and know what camp love is.

What is your favorite song/skit?

Favorite song is the one that goes, "cause I came to CFA I know what I wanna be, cause I came to CFA, a ______ I will be". I don't know its proper title. It's my favorite because it has the best dance moves ever.

What is the Most important thing you learned at CFA?

Umm, it's really cheesy but through camp I learned how to live a positive fulfilling life.

Last one, if you could describe CFA in three words what would they be?

1. Best

2. Place

3. Ever