As sad it is, Session 2 is over already! Everyone had a relaxed day today, still catching up with everyone at main camp after being away on mini-trips, and reminiscing on the session with friends.  So many new friends were made, and old friendships renewed after being away for most of the year.

After every tent was packed away and all the campers exchanged e-mails and addresses of new found friends, AdVill had a wonderful closing campfire, where they got to sing, dance, and reflect back on what they have gained after being part of this community for two whole weeks.

We wish everyone safe travels home tomorrow and hope to see everyone back next year!

We are very happy to say that all of the mini-trips have returned safe and sound!  The excitement coming from the AdVillians in the dining hall tonight was astonishing, everyone was running around back and forth to friends who were on different mini-trips to exchange stories and hello’s, as well as opening any mail and packages that had arrived while they were away.

All the trips had a rainy start, but after that first day, the weather was wonderful!  The backpackers actually got to watch a storm roll around off in the distance from the top of Slide Mountain, the highest peak in the Catskills!

The climbers still got a few climbs in on the first day, even though it rained a little.  After that first day, we could hardly keep the campers off the rocks!  They loved climbing, bouldering, and hiking around in Mohonk Preserve.

The biking trip enjoyed some awesome views around the Minnewaska and Mohonk preserves.  Some of the hills were pretty challenging for them, but the ride downhill made up for it!

The canoeing trips got off to a slow start because of the storms, but once they got going they were having a blast!  They got to see some cool wildlife and gorgeous views in the Delaware Water Gap.

The campers are mostly sad that tomorrow is their last day in Adventure Village, but also excited to be going back home.  (Most of the mini-trip pictures are up now, check back tomorrow for any stragglers!)

They group is doing great today!  On Monday they completed their goal of finishing up the construction stand that they had been working on, in addition to putting up siding, painting, sanding, sealing cracks and nailing boards together.  Tuesday was the group’s planned free day and they went into the town of Lake Placid to do some swimming, watch the new Harry Potter film and to go to a music festival in town that evening. 

On Monday, they had a head’s up that there would not be work on Wednesday as originally planned (the group was okay with this – they felt their goals had been met and they had over 30 hours under their belt already), so the group decided to go to the Great Escape Theme and Water Park near Lake George.  They had a great time today going down the water slides, riding the coasters and being in real civilization again! 

The group will be heading out early tomorrow to return to camp for the afternoon.  Sounds like everyone had a chance to learn some news skills and meet some new people.  See everyone Friday!

Our Boots & Boats had great cell service tonight so they called in to say hi and that everything was going well.  Although weather was perfect for backpacking, sounds like canoeing was a bit soggier and that the skies poured down water every moment.  However – on the positive side – the clouds parted just long enough for the group to pick some fresh blueberries and to make some blueberry pancakes on shore before it poured yet again!  Everyone is still meshing well, the campers are taking on a lot of leadership ability (a lot of it unprompted by the counselors!) and are very strong paddlers overall.   

They will be heading on back to camp tomorrow to unpack, clean up and head on home Friday.  See y’all then!

A quick check in from our Maine Coasters tonight said the group LOVED sea kayaking and were pretty lucky to have perfect weather for the trip.  I always hear stories of the fog and wet air on this trip, but not these guys!  Nope – sunshine and clear skies every single day! The crew was just finishing up dinner and will be waking up nice and early head on back to camp tomorrow.  Everything is still going well, they are alive and healthy and getting along fabulously.