News from Camp: February 1, 2019
We have enjoyed a good amount of snow this month with more in our immediate forecast. We are grateful for the moisture and look forward to enjoying lush green meadows filled with wildflowers this summer. Although we avoided the Polar Vortex that many of you endured during the past two weeks, it has been plenty chilly here at camp. The deer, elk, squirrels and other wildlife are sporting heavy winter coats and the birds have been dining at our feeders.
Elizabeth and Mike Adler enjoyed seeing many of you as they traveled through the Midwest with our digital slide show program in January. They appreciated their warm receptions and enthusiasm for the coming summer.
February is a busy month as we prepare for the summer of 2019. A major project throughout the winter is to hire the summer staff—counselors and wranglers, nurses and A.C.s. We are always so proud of the outstanding college men and women who spend their summers contributing enthusiasm, fun, and nurturing leadership for the young people who attend Big Spring, High Trails, and Sanborn Junior. We already have a great group of returning staff lined up and are making careful selections among new applicants now.
The National Convention of the American Camp Association will be held in Nashville in mid-February, and we will be participating in full force. Jane is the Program Chairperson for the conference and has been working on an outstanding educational program for many months. Ariella and Elizabeth will be leading educational sessions at the conference, and Jessie is an official photographer for the event. Mike Mac, Mike Adler, Mark, Carlotta, Anne, Sarah, Logan, Martie, Noah, and Phil will also be attending the conference. This type of training helps us to stay on top of evolving issues and inspires us to continue to improve our program each summer.
Our maintenance team continues to work on various projects to improve our facilities. Very soon now, we plan to start a major addition to the Big Spring Lodge which will give the boys more elbow room as they eat.
Maren, Sarah, and Alex are hard at work preparing the riding program for next summer and making sure the horses are all ready for their busy season. It won’t be long before we start having new calves at the Witcher Ranch.
We are all excited about the community that is coming together for the summer of 2019 and can’t wait to begin the fun. We are happy to mail our brochure to anyone interested in camp and to provide references for new families. If camp is in your plans, please let us know soon, as we have many grades in both terms at High Trails and Big Spring which are filled or near filling. Several terms of Sanborn Junior are also building waiting lists.
The sun is shining brightly today, reminding us that summer is only four months away!
