Dear Friends and Family,

As I reflect on the season and watch the snow begin to melt, I think about change.  I stumbled upon this quote and wanted to share it with all of you.  It seems pertinent to our family.

“Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.” –Unknown
 
There have been many changes here at Frost Valley, but none so big that prevents us from remaining forever friends.  May we continue to reconnect and stay in.  If you know someone who is not getting this newsletter who you think would enjoy, please let me know!  Email me (alumni@frostvalley.org) or call me (845.985.2291 x208) anytime!
 
We’ve heard many great stories of couples meeting here, childhood memories from long ago.  We have shared them on our online scrapbook: http://www.frostvalley.org/alumni_volunteer/alumni/scrap_book/memories.htm and you can always check out Al’s Blog: http://frostvalleyalumni.blogspot.com/
 
Both the scrapbook and the blog will remind you “That Wawayanda Spirit, it never does die…”

Best wishes,
Melissa
 
PS Click on the links below to go to your favorite section!

 
Celebrating 50 Years in the Valley  •  Changes/New Happenings  •  Summer Camp
Upcoming Events  • Maple Syrup Update  •  Job Openings •  Recently Reconnected

Celebrating 50 Years in the Valley A note from our CEO, Jerry Huncosky: “This year, Frost Valley celebrates a very special anniversary. Fifty years ago, our camp made its permanent home here in the High Peaks of the Catskill Mountains at the Forstmann’s family farm in what they called “Contentment Corner.” Since then, thousands of campers and staff have traveled many roads from New Jersey, New York, and other states and countries across the U.S. and the world, to be here, grow here and make their special contributions to this unique place. Some kind of celebration is in order. We’d like to thank the hundreds of people who helped in our recent effort to survey the Frost Valley community. Through group conversations and an online survey this summer, we spoke with hundreds of people who care deeply about our camp. Hearing the voices of so many people who treasure the Frost Valley experience helps us in many ways. Some camp alumni and families feel they’ve literally raised their children with here. So we begin our 50th year in the Catskills by celebrating a Frost Valley Life Issue mailing this week with beautiful historic photos, and stories of our beginnings as the Forstmann Estate.  Thanks for helping us Build Strong,”

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Changes/New Happenings

Margetts has been adapted from lodges to program offices.  Our program department staff is the face of Frost Valley and are the “front-lines” of our customer service.  The change is a really nice addition and the coolest part—each one has their own bathroom!
 
The Wellness Center is still on schedule to be ready for the summer.  It is looking more and more like a finished building every day! It amazes me that even with all the snow and ice, they continue to build and work and make progress! 
 
We have scheduled the opening for the Guenther Family Wellness Center on Sept. 13, 2008.  During that weekend, we are also looking to have a mini-reunion for alumni here at camp.  For more information, please contact myself or Dari Litchman (Dari_litchman@gap.com).  Space is limited. 
 

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Summer Camp

Habitat New Orleans: Our Adventure Department is giving kids an opportunity to serve others and learn about life outside of the East Coast on their Spring Break.  Families in New Orleans are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Katrina. The youth will work with New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing with deserving families.  Besides earning up to 40 hours of community service, they will visit one of the country’s premier aquariums, take a voodoo walking tour, and experience Cajun life in the Crescent City.  Dates are from April 20-26th.  Deadline for registration is March 14th.  There are only 2 spots left! Email adventure@frostvalley.org  or call 845.985.2291 x265. 
 
Farm Camp: Farm Camp is our two-week co-ed program during which campers live and work together on our 250-acre farm, where they learn new skills during daily farm chores, plus all that it takes to grow together as a farm family.  Spots are filling up quickly!  Open to children grades 2-10.  To learn more, email farm@frostvalley.org or call 845.985.2291 x240. 
 
Horseback Riding:  The goal of the Equestrian Center is to teach participants the fundamentals of riding while developing skills, coordination and confidence.  The equestrian staff is comprised of experience horse lovers from all over the world, eager to share their knowledge with campers.  There are several programs to choose from for the season including: Girl Scout Equestrian Weekend, Trailblazers (SC), Ranch Leaders (SC), WIT’s (SC) and our Mother-Daughter Horse Weekend.  For more information, please email horses@frostvalley.org or call 845.985.2291 x240. 
 

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Upcoming Events

Our Annual Alumni Volunteer Work Weekend is coming up quickly! April 25-27 is the date this year.  If you can’t make it for the whole weekend, on the 26th we will be having a short meeting to discuss upcoming alumni events and our 50th Anniversary.  We would love to have your input and see you here in the valley!  The project will be announced as the date gets closer.  To make reservations, please email alumni@frostvalley.org. 
 
Our 4th Annual Frost Valley Bowl-A-Thon is ready for action! This Sunday, March 9, Kiamesha Lanes will host over 50 bowlers who come out with a common purpose—to send local kids to camp.  Last year, we raised over $8,000 to send over 60 kids and families to our Day Camp and After-School Programs.  This year we hope to raise over $10,000! There is still time to sign-up! If you would like to come and bowl or simply make a donation to the Campership Fund, please email us at info@frostvalley.org or call 845.985.2291 x208.  
 

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Maple Sugar Weekend

It’s that time of year again, when the snow melts and the sap begins to flow.  That’s right, Maple Syrup time and Frost Valley has all the trees tapped and ready to go.  Bud Cox is still giving tours every weekend of our Sugar Shack and March 29-30 is the premier weekend with the New York Maple Production Association.  Frost Valley is in the heart of Sugar Maple country. Northeastern North America is the only place in the world where Sugar Maple Trees grow and where Maple Syrup is made.  March is the magic Maple Syrup Month! At the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring, freezing nights followed by those beautiful sun-warmed days, sap begins to flow through the maple trees. This time of year pioneer farmers would call "the unlocking." Experience all the elements of Sugaring, a snowy forest hike, brisk mountain air, sun melting snow, the scents of good soil, swelling buds, tapping trees, collecting sweet sap, the heat of a good wood fire, the steam of evaporating water, and the sweet taste of arriving at 67% sugar content Maple Syrup! For those Sunday morning pancakes, you can buy our syrup online: http://www.frostvalleystore.org/frost-valley-maple-syrup.html Call 845.985.2291 x269 for more information. 
 

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Job Openings

Frost Valley is 75% finished with Summer Staff hiring, however there are still spots left! Some of the jobs available are male counselors over 18, a camp driver (perfect for alum), 2 office managers, Yoga instructor, Lead Swim Instructor, and Arts and Crafts instructor.  If you know someone who would be a perfect fit into our summer staff, please email Dan Weir (dweir@frostvalley.org) or Kelly Zingone (kzingone@frostvalley.org). 
 

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Recently Reconnected

Lisa Tenenbaum  (FV 6 summers)- living in Florida and working as a Fourth Grade Teacher. 
 
Mike Gold (of Funky Monkeys fame) and his wife Jen Nails - they had a baby on Dec 3rd - here are the stats: Zachary Nails Gold, Dec 3 2007 11:03 pm, 7 lbs 9.6 ozs, 20 inches
Zach, Mom and Dad are doing great. If anyone wants to send a shout-out, Mike can be reached at mwgold@yahoo.com
 
Afua Preston (FV 1976-89) Currently living in NYC
 
Laura Harnisch Scott (FV 1993-94) Currently living in Raleigh, NC
 
Denis Abidi (FV 1980) Currently living in Washington, IL
 
Andrew Karp (FV 1969-70) Currently living in Sonoma, CA—watch our website soon for his recollection of watching the moon landing on Castle Lawn!