Frost Valley Ymca Friends & Family: A lot of people have been asking how they can help us clean up the damage caused by Hurricane Irene. Right now giving to our relief fund is the best way. Once the roads open up, we’ll figure out a way for people to come volunteer. In the mean time, please donate. Every little bit helps.
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Our adventurers started their morning with some beautiful nature art with an overcast, but dry, sky. The creations included rock sculptures, artistic placement of colorful leaves over rocks, and pictures with items found outdoors. Next, our group transitioned to their final high element of the week including walking on a log 30 feet up in the air. After some delicious lunch, counselors surprised our campers with a make-your-own ice-cream sundae party. By this point, a drizzle started to fall as campers strapped on protective gear and rode down the hills on mountain boards. Now, we have off and on showers, which AdVill is happily out playing in by splashing in puddles and using the slip in the grass to catch frisbees better!
As we come to the end of the summer we are able to look back at the last two months with amazement and wonder. Our campers arrived two weeks ago (in some cases four or even eight) and the memories they have made will last them the year or even a lifetime. This summer was filled with all the hallmarks of a summer never to be forgotten. When your campers come home tomorrow ask them what they did. Keep asking questions and you’ll find they have grown up, discovered who they are and made friendships that will not soon be forgotten. This was an amazing summer; one of the best that I can remember. And as we wrap up and all head back to school remember that we look forward to seeing you next summer!
And they’re back! Our backpackers and climbers have both arrived back on site. Here’s what they have to say:
Backpackers – the hike was great! The best part (besides lunch out at the end!) was the view from the fire tower and the really cool, super huge snake they saw on the trail. Their legs “weren’t tired anymore” at the end of the hike – but they sure did get a workout during the hike. That, of course, didn’t stop several group members from doing continuous squats during the clean-up process to prove how not tired their legs were. Setting up camp each night was good and the weather was great for them the whole trip.
Climbers – had a great time as well. When I asked what the best part was they all said “the climbing – all of it.” So, after asking for a few more details they also said they liked the more challenging climbs and had a variety of different options including “Ken’s Crack” and “Boston.” At the campsite they made a crazy tarp canopy just in case rain came on Sunday and of course they got nothing more than a light drizzle. Other than that, the weather held out for the crew. They were talking about maybe setting up a climbing competition tomorrow to tackle our overhang on the Y – Tower. Our overhang is a feat that most of our campers have yet to successfully finish. We’ll see if this group actually tries it tomorrow or if they pick a different activity instead!
Today Outpost is having the most original theme day: Lemonade Day! All of their activities are designed to incorporate lemonade. This picture is of Sam, the village chief, with all their lemonade stand materials. They set up lemonade stands all over camp and had campers answer trivia questions in order to “buy” their lemonade.
A long standing tradition at Frost Valley of eating spaghetti without utensils. This often results in some very funny and even over the top spaghetti faces. With so many funny faces I couldn’t help but have a little photo contest. Campers from MAC, Resident Camp, Adventure and even staff participated. Here is everyone that answered the call.
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It’s a little chilly today, so kids got a little silly trying to figure out how many people could fit into a hoodie.
EVR has been making the most of the beautiful weather that we have been having for the past few days… We have played on the slip and slide and also played our FAVORITE game – the EVR bucket drop… A game where the girls have to read our minds to guess the category we are thinking of and if they guess correctly they have a bucket of water dropped on their head!
The sunshine also means that we have had a very long day of riding… 
:):) most of the girls have been working on their independent trotting, group trotting and some groups even completed their first cantering lesson of the session today. The girls specially requested extra time in the arenas today to work on their skills and progress as a group. The ground lessons today were ‘design your own barn’ and ‘how to plan a drill team’… The girls really enjoyed learning about both.
Tonight’s evening program will be making SMORES around the campfire!! The girls will also have the chance to share any stories and sing a few songs by the fire.
WE <3 EVR!!!!
Over the weekend Mustang girls learned about Native American symbols and the belief that painting a horse gave them extra powers and strength. Then the girls put this new information to use as they painted some of our h
orses. Don’t worry, all of the paint is washable. I think the horses secretly love the extra attention!
Even though the weather can’t seem to make up its mind….Mustang still loves to head to waterfront. Spending time with friends at the Lake is one of the favorite Mustang past times.