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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Florida Summer Camp has gotten off to an amazing start!

Hi to all of you campers, Moms, Dads, Grandparents and friends. Summer camp at Circle F Dude Ranch has gotten off to an amazing start. First session is already over and many campers stayed for the next three weeks as they were having so much fun they didn’t want to leave. Everyday has been filled with activities that has challenged and excited each and every one of them and us. This year at the water front “The Wibit” is filled with campers climbing, jumping then swimming to the “Summit” of course the blob has an endless number of kids being tossed in the air and the fun never seems to end as Blake and Teresa watch over everyone. The new horses have fit in just fine and every camper enjoys riding on a regular schedule. Logan, Sarah and Natasha are experts, which makes learning to ride all the more special. But wait till you see baby horse Kiki he is loosing his baby hair and turning out much darker then any of us had expected.


Arts and Crafts is also a big hit this year Deven, Jessica and Ali have dreamed up so many new projects that some campers try and stay all day. But the waterfront always gets a visit at some point. Photography has turned out to be a big hit with Apple computers and Photoshop kids are being taken all around the camp to create amazing photos then learning to edit. This year everyone taking photo with Holly and Travis get to take home their own images on a CD so they have them forever as a memory of what they learned.


Holy is taking daily photos so checkout our Florida Summer Camp website for the link to the photo site and catch up on daily fun. She is even posting photography student work which is really great to see. Oh, and I can’t forget to tell you about the Circle F Dude Ranch summer camp videos this year Patrick Munoz and Chris Moon are doing an amazing job. We first met Patrick during spring break camp and he was the greatest with the little ones and he knows how to use a camcorder really well since that’s what he studies. So we are really happy he wanted to come back this summer. Chris Moon has a degree in communications so he is also great at mixing editing and adding music. I’m sure you all thought he was born to the rock wall! Saying all that the night of the banquet every camper watched the video and hooted and laughed and they watched themselves have a “fantastic” time during first session. Then the dancing began and the “disco ball “ light up the Roundup and the night was magic.

On Saturday the Rodeo was just great if I do say so myself! Of course since I help with the horses it is special to see how much each camper learned over the last two weeks. The bending pole competition or watching western riders jump is a perfect ending for a camper going home. But moms and dads come to visit the kids that are staying and watch them compete so everyone has an amazing time.



Last week I told all of you I would try and catch up with Paul and see what he had to say. Well as I followed him through part of his day he seems to be everywhere at once! First meeting and chatting up campers asking how they are enjoying the new and improved areas at the camp this year. Taking time to talk to as many of you as possible he told me has added to the pleasure he feels owning Circle F Dude Ranch. So if you see him make sure to say hi. Of course when checking in or out make sure mom and dad meets him as well as he especially told me how great it was meeting and helping parents this year. Then making the rounds to each activity speaking with counselors, checking equipment and overseeing to make sure things run smoothly. Even the night of the banquet and dance he told me what a great time he was having. Thank Paul for letting me follow you a bit!


Well guys and gals moms and dads and everyone else stay with me as we try to keep up with this “Funtactic” summer at Circle F Dude Ranch. Remember if you need more information check out the website www.circlefduderanchcamp.com or call the office


863) 676-4113 third session is almost filled so if you were making plans don’t wait to call.


Take care


Yee ya Jessie!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Florida Summer Camp - First Week & What a Great Week it Was!

The first week of our Florida Summer Camp here at Circle F Dude Ranch was filled with excitement and fun every moment.

I have so much to tell all of you so let’s get started.

 The “Webit” has be the most fun new water toy that we all could have asked for, what a surprise for the campers when they arrived!

The campers learned how to climb to the top and jump immediately and you can hear the sounds  of excitement all the way to the barn.

Of course at the barn we are having our own type of fun.

The new horses are getting along fine with all the ones that have been here for years and the new signs for all their names that Deven the art teacher and Sam helped paint- add so much to the look of each stall. It is almost as though the horses know how much we love them.

This week I thought I would check out what some of my coworkers and your counselors have to say about what has been happening.

So first I went to Mia who is head of the Girl counselors she was so funny telling me all the stories from the first week. I thought I would share a few things she told me.

“Busy Busy. I'm currently preparing the ribbons for the banquet ceremony. The older kids played music and did all the inflatables in the water for Pioneer Cantina instead of reptile man. Kiki and I went to Islands of Adventure with the counselors and 160 kids. We were all EXHAUSTED by the end of the day. It rained a few times and we had hail! Last night the kids that stayed at camp had pizza for dinner. When the buses got back from Islands of Adventure everyone watched "Hook" in the roundup.

Of course all the girls love her and you can tell she is really enjoying her role at Circle F Dude Ranch Summer camp.

Next I thought I would catch up with Deven in the art room. Everyday more and more kids are signing up for arts and crafts and photography with all the new projects and stuff Paul had built at camp this year for the kids who really like the outdoors but love making art.

“ We have made paintings, memory books, and kites in arts and crafts. We are starting clay rattles tomorrow and finishing with the flowerpots. A few days ago we went outside to draw “Spirit” the new baby horse. The campers really seemed to enjoy this and some of the drawings turned out really well! The carnival was fun. I was in charge of cotton candy and the line never ended. The kids loved it and everyone seemed to have a really great time! “ Deven has been hanging the art work on the new cork wall in the art room. Check out this link to see all the Summer Camp Photos!

Well if I spoke to Mia I had to talk to Tom who is head of boys so here is what he had to say.

“ I stayed back from Islands of Adventure day. Instead of Indian Day, we had Beach day! It was great, there was sand castle building, swimming, water basketball, water Frisbee, and campers got to enjoy playing on the summit and new “Webit”. Riding staff is gearing up for the rodeo, wilderness is catching a lot of fish in the lake, dance/ tumble/ cheer is practicing stunts, dancing is rocking out to some lady gaga while doing some sweet moves, and soccer has been the big activity in the morning for general sports! Eli the soccer coach has been has had a good size turnout 

Thanks Tom we really appreciate you filling us in on so much that has been happening.

Of course this weeks blog wouldn’t be complete without a word from Kiki so I caught up with him and here is what he told me.

“ We had the opening Campfire and let me tell you it was a touching ceremony and great way to start camp.

Reptile Man was a big hit for the little campers as the older kids had Pioneer Waterfront Time. Thanks Kiki I know how busy you are helping Paul watch over everything.

I promise next week I will get Paul to tell us how much fun he is having meeting all of you and getting out of the office this year instead of just being behind the scenes

I hope you don’t think I have rambled on but there is so much “funtastic”

  stuff to tell you all.

Remember to go to the website www.circlefduderanchcamp.com for up to the minute info and photos or to see if there is still room left in the secession you want to attend.

See ya Jessie!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Our Florida Summer Camp Kicks Off!

We are going strong! Summer Camp registration went off without a hitch.  Parents and campers started arriving as early as 8 am even though it doesn’t start till 9:45. The line moved quickly as campers couldn’t wait to check in and get with the “funtastic “ time they knew was planned for everyone of them.

Sunday afternoon in the Lasso Lodge was filled with song, good food and a new drink machine which was only a few of the surprises. Energy was running high as campers and their counselors got acquainted and old friends told each other about their adventures since they were last together. Even Boo Who came out once he realized the kids were back. I saw some of the photographs taken by the kids in the new photography class and Boo Who tried being in most of them.

The weather really cooperated the sun was shinning all day but at night as all the campers were in the Round Up the thunder storm was loud and the rain which has been much needed came down in buckets! But it stopped just in time for everyone to head back to their cabins and ready for their first night at camp.

Monday morning was amazing first flag raising then Afton lead us in some very thought provoking words about how we were all going to enjoy ourselves at Circle F Dude Ranch.  Then it was on to activities. The new “Wibit” was filled with kids sliding climbing and jumping then swimming to the Summit and the Blob – the Banana boat was filled with kids laughing as they were pulled around the lake.

Tonight dinner was wonderful mashed potatoes chicken tenders and we are all loving the salad bar.

As you can see I have lots I will be telling you all about as the week goes by. I haven’t even told you about the horses or the new art counselors Deven is head of art and Jessica is one of her assistants Ali is back and everyone was so excited to see her. Lots of new projects and Deven even hung up the drawings that the campers did. Check out the photo of her and Jessica and Ali and Travis on Shutterfly at http://circlefduderanch.shutterfly.com

 it’s the easiest way to keep up on what’s happening. Jarred, Chris Moon and Travis will be talking photos every day and posting every night. I just know everyone will love seeing all the happenings each session.

So that’s  it for now girls and guys and please tell mom and dad to check out the blog and of course any questions just ask and I will do my best to help get answers.

Look forward to seeing all my old friends and can’t wait for all the new campers that are coming.

See ya Jessie.

Summer Camp Photos

Check out our Summer Camp photos at http://circlefduderanch.shutterfly.com/

Friday, June 10, 2011

Summer Camp Starts This Sunday!!!!!

The week has gone even faster then the last one here at Circle F Dude Ranch Summer Camp. All the counselors have arrived and are training in their specialty area. What is great about that is they will be so ready for all of you this Sunday when first secession begins.
Boo Who had his haircut and looks very handsome he has been greeting all the new people and letting everyone  hug him hello. Heather from spring break camp has brought her horse “Emmet” and he is really beautiful. He is called a “Paint” and his mane has a big black streak that really stands out. She put him in with young Spirit and they seem to like each other that makes me happy, as Spirit was really wanting a friend.


Well I’m sure most of you saw the posting on Facebook about the “Wibit” I did!

It looks amazing! Blake and Teresa who are heading up waterfront this year told me even they have never seen one before. It is going to be so much fun for all of you to play on this water toy I am excited at the thought of seeing everyone enjoy themselves. As it is being checked out today I’m sure someone will post photos on Facebook about the progress.

The photo studio has been a shocker to everyone who has seen it, computers and great light and photo is sharing the space with guitar which I just know will be a fun mixture. Right next to the art room that  have speakers attached in a snap to the iPod so it can be heard across the ball field.

I waited an extra day to post so I could tell you about the fun we all had last night. Paul took everyone out to dinner and after Jarred and Afton Weiner led us in song we all had such a great time.

The excitement is thrilling to be around. It feels like the whole camp is jumping with energy as the days rush by till Sunday when the first of you arrive.

The camp shirts this year are the best, and the surprises for each years campers the night of the banquet can’t be beat.

It is really important for any of you and your parents to closely watch the website if you haven’t signed up as we are filling up quickly. First secession is full and the wait list has started and second is just about full as well! So hurry to we won’t have to wait list you.

Remember Mom and Dad should call the office today to register so YOU don’t miss out! Call 863-676-4113 That’s the office or go to the website to register.


That’s all for now

See ya Jessie!

Saturday, June 04, 2011

SUMMER CAMP JUST GOT EVEN BETTER!

Wow - check this out! Arriving just in time for Summer Camp is the New Water Action Tower - The Wibit. It's the only one in Florida and comes with tons of fun guaranteed!

Check out these photos of what's in store!




Wednesday, June 01, 2011

Summer Camp Starts Soon!

Ok here we are ready willing and excited! The leaders are arriving and the councilors are too.. Next week we have classes planned -training for all the new councilors and reminding the ones who have been here before what to expect and what Paul expects. We are putting the finishing touches on the Camp.

The Art building has cork walls so you all can display your work for everyone to see it’s amazing. The Photography digital lab also has a cork wall, which can only add to all the fun, that is about to start happening here at Circle F Dude Ranch Summer camp. Lots of art supplies have been ordered colored paper pencils even out door easels so we can all try painting by the waterfront or out in the woods. I just know it’s going to be the most amazing summer ever.

Doc Bennett has been out checking all the horses everyone of them is just fine and ready to ride. Kiki the baby is growing so fast you all will be amazed when you see him.

I was speaking with Paul and a few more new horses just arrived.
Everything and everyone is going at top speed to make sure nothing is forgotten. I’ve been trying to keep up with all that’s been happening but the Camp is humming with energy.This past weekend went so well if you check out Facebook you can read about the funtastic time everyone had. As people were on their way home they started posting about what a great time was had by all.Well this week I guess you could call this short and sweet. Sweet because I am to excited to keep writing and I want to get back and help with the last minute preparations. Short because you all know me well enough by now to know I always have lots to say. But I will be on Facebook this weekend telling all of you who is here and what is happening so for now take care


See ya Jessie…