News from Camp: December 1, 2019

by Jane Sanborn on December 10

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Winter has come to camp and we have snow on the ground, with some pretty frigid temperatures in the mornings. The animals which have not gone into hibernation have been active in the center of camp. We often see deer in the middle of Big Spring and High Trails and the elk have been hanging out at Potts Spring. There are still a few porcupines waddling around in the dusk, and our winter birds are clustered around the feeders.

We are all in a festive mood. The office is a fun place to be these days as the elves are all busy getting ready for the holidays, preparing gifts, cards and other seasonal mailings. We are keeping UPS and the local post office busy!

Plans are well underway for Mike Adler’s and Elizabeth’s trip through the Midwest in January. They look forward to meeting camp families, alums, and those who would like to explore the opportunities at camp. We will be sending a mailing in early January with dates and times for the Midwest trip. This information will also be posted on our website. These fun gatherings are a great way to reconnect with camp friends and also provide an opportunity for families interested in camp to learn more about our programs.

We have big plans for the winter! This is always a time when we can focus on projects designed to improve our programs and facilities. We’ve already planned and submitted our proposed high mountain and horse trips to the Forest Service for the summer of 2020 and can’t wait to share these amazing adventures with our campers next summer. We will be working on all aspects of our program from crafts to horseback riding to rock climbing to improve and refresh all of our activities.

Our maintenance crew is busy working on projects to improve our facility. Our team of 5 carpenters, plumbers, and electricians keeps busy year-round keeping the buildings at High Trails and Big Spring in excellent repair. Our big project this year is rebuilding Ponderosa cabin at High Trails. Work is well underway and it will be ready to welcome campers next summer!

We are also expanding and improving our staff training, using research that is current in youth development. And, of course, hiring the best counselors and program leaders is one of our major winter projects. Some great staff members have already promised to return!

Enrollment for next summer has been flowing in and we are very excited about the communities that are shaping up at Big Spring, High Trails and Sanborn Junior for 2020. Everyone at camp wishes all of our friends the happiest of holiday seasons!

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Jane Sanborn
About Jane Sanborn

Jane began her career as a counselor at High Trails and has worked with the camps and COEC since graduating from Colorado College with a degree in English and Education. She served as the Director/Program Director of High Trails from 1970-99, and as the Executive Director of COEC for many years. She retired as Executive Director in October 2017, and assumed the role of Director of Development. Jane is also active in the American Camp Association and has served in many leadership roles. Currently, she is the Program Chair for the ACA National Conference and sits on the National Public Policy Committee.