Monthly Archives: July 2012
Final day of AdVill: Storms and Tears!
It was fitting that on the last day of such a wonderful session that nature would react the same way we are. A severe storm rolled through the Catskill Mountains just south of Frost Valley. All of AdVill was hunkered down in the theater playing campfire games and dancing. When things started to slow down and we were dismissed for dinner it hit hard that this was the last day of Session 2.
I’m proud to say that all cases of homesickness were cured and Frost Valley and Adventure Village has yet again worked it’s magic on a great group of campers.
See you soon!
Boots and Boats – Update
The Adirondacks backpacking and canoeing trip rolled in late. They started early but were slowed by a flat tire early this morning. Just another excuse to spend a couple more hours in Tupper Lake I presume.
All campers are safe and soundly tucked into their sleeping bags for the night. I’m sure the beautiful Adirondack paddling vistas are still painted across their memories.
See you soon!
Maine Coast- Update
The Maine Coast trips both rolled in safely from their adventures in the north.
The sea kayaking trip was a hit. One of the trips actually caught enough fish during the drip for dinner. Super cool move by a camper!
After such a long drive one would expect the crew to be tired and ready for bed but they bounced right into playing games and unpacking without any reminders or coaxing. This just goes to show what a solid group of young adults are on the Maine Coast trip.
See you soon!
Maine Trail Builders- Update
You certainly know that everyone has had a great trip when they are all smiles when they get out of the bus. MTB finished up there trip this morning with an early morning hike up Cadillac Mountain, the highest point in Acadia National Park, to watch the sunrise. They got up at three this morning to pack the bus and make it to the trail head. And without a complaint, actually the campers suggested this ending to their trip!
MTB’s week started out with rock climbing at Otter Cliffs. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. One camper in particular challenged and overcame his fear of heights climbing every climb and even rappelling! Actually, everyone on MTB finished all of the routes that the guides set up and had a really wonderful time climbing!
The rest of their week was spent back on the trails. This group really put their all into building and repairing the trails of Acadia National Park. Pictures and Videos will be online tomorrow!
Welcome Home Mini Trips!
Today all campers came slamming back into camp! They were all smiles and stories.
The backpackers hiked in from Echo Lake and a fire tower before spending the last moments of their trips infront of a Buddhist monastery at the trail head.
Campers on the canoe trip paddled the last leg of their trip up to the western edge of the Pepacton Reservoir near the dam and beached their ship under the shady trees that surround the reservoir.
Climbers took on two more climbs this morning. A pinicle to their trip and the skills they have gained from 3 days of climbing.
Bikers rode for a half day around the Minnawaska, taking one last dip into the pristine mountain lakes and one last ride at full speed down the trails. Wind in your hair is the only way to feel the freedom of the hills.
Everyone is sure to rest well tonight after all the adventuring and exercise they have done over the last four days. The village is looking forward to a relaxing day tomorrow where they can catch up and do a few last activities together before packing up and heading home.
Olympix Redux
After a slight rain delay that postponed Olympix two days we are back in the swing of it. We have beautiful weather and clear skies. Our ten teams will be shouting and running and swimming to see which team will win the coveted Spirit Award.
Wet Morning
Just about everyone in the Catskills woke up this morning to rain and thunder! Our campers were no exception.
Our climbing mini trip was the only one to have their entire day effected by the early morning rain. It’s pretty hard to climb wet rocks so they went hiking instead. Campers and staff hiked from Camp Slime to Mohonk Mountain House area of the Preserve. They enjoyed breathtaking views and wonderful companions.
Bikers had a great time exploring the many trails of Mohonk and Minnewaska Preserves.
Our canoers were a little slow this morning because of the weather. They had an easy 2.5 mile paddle from the put-in to their first campsite.
Our two hiking trips our both doing well. The first hiking trip hiked from Poets Ledge to Huckleberry Point for a total of 7.09 mile. Highlights of this beautiful hike are Hunter Mountain and The Huckleberry Lean-to.
The second hiking trip hiked from their lean-to on the Devil’s Path Trail to Devil’s Kitchen lean-to which is tucked away in the pines. Highlights of this 6.24 mile include the steep climb up Twin Mountains and the views at the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Frost Valley YMCA Summer Camp Olympix 2012
The Olympix of 2012 has begun at Frost Valley YMCA! Campers and counselors have split into respective countries such as South Africa, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, Ireland, and Serbia. The opening ceremony commenced last night with dances, skits, and songs representing the cultural traditions of each country. Teams also developed cheers and chants to display unity and pride for their countries. Activities will resume on Wednesday! More photos will be up soon. 
Columbia independence Day on the Farm
This past Friday at the Farm, we celebrated with counselor Tatiana from Columbia the National Day of Independence. Campers from Yurt 5 made arepa’s. The arepa is a flat, round, unleavened patty made of cornmeal or flour which can be grilled, baked, boiled, or fried. The characteristics vary by color, flavor, size, thickness, garnishment, and the food with which it may be stuffed, depending on the region. Arepa is a native sort of bread made of ground corn, water, and salt which is fried into a pancake-like bread. Ours on the Farm were filled with cheese! Take a look!