Summer Camp Update

It seems hard to believe but all the campers went home Tuesday…

We miss all of you already. Happily there are so many activities we are all responsible for that the excitement hasn’t ended yet. The banquet Monday I think was the best ever! They gave every counselor an award for all the years they had been at Circle F and I even got one for working with the horses and helping Taylor Brown and Natasha Dillnutt all summer.

The campers got backpacks and bandanas with the special 60^th logo. It was a really great evening. What made it extra special was Holly the photo teacher made a video of all 4^th session campers and we all piled into the Roundup and watched and remembered the fun of the last 10 days! Then it was the final dance and everyone talked about the events and how much we would all miss summer here at the ranch.

The exciting news about Logan’s new job here was greeted with enthusiasm. It was amazing to find out he has been coming here since 1996. So I though I would tell you a little about who he is. He first came here on a family weekend and fell in love instantly. He was a summer camper for 12 years! As a camper he started in “Co-Buck” and went all the way to “Pioneers.” Logan told me  “I enjoyed watching the evolution of the camp when I was child. Year by year I would see new additions like the Blob, Rockwall, Paintball, and Skatepark, but through all of the physical changes, we always kept the same traditions and that extraordinary sense of family. I have experienced so much at this place and I have become a better person from it.”

 Then he became a junior counselor, then on to riding counselor followed by Head of Riding. He told me he rode in at least 20 different Drill Teams and was the Captain for more then half.   This summer as you all know he was Head Counselor for Boys upper group. Logan is from Boca Raton and attended Saint Andrews School for Middle and High School. He volunteered in the High Five Basketball and TOP Soccer programs in Boca Raton as a Buddy and a Coach for special needs athletes. He graduated with a B.S. degree in Marketing from Florida State University. He also studied abroad through the Florida State University International Programs in Valencia, Spain in 2010 and got to watch as Spain won their first ever World Cup. He went on to tell me he loves to travel to learn and experience new people and places. We all know he is an avid musician and he has been playing guitar for over 10 years. His performance at banquets is never missed! Logan said, ” I am a nerd at heart and can solve anywhere from a 3x3 to a 7x7 Rubik’s cube. I have recently found a passion for photography and web design and they are two of my favorite hobbies”. So that is just a little of what we got to learn about his background when Paul (the owner of Circle F Dude Ranch) interviewed Logan for the “Director of Sales & Marketing”. Wow I’m sure this will turn out to be an exciting year. I hear Logan will be traveling to different schools and Camp Fairs so make sure to keep a look out for him.

Well that’s it for the moment campers Moms, Dads, Grandparents and all the rest of my faithful followers.  I plan to keep you updated on the different events and weekends here at the ranch and don’t forget to stay up with us on facebook. Miss you all see you Circle F Dude Ranch Summer Camp 2013.

See Ya Jessie!

Summer Camp Session Four Kicks Off!

Hi everyone I am so excited to tell you all about the closing of 3^rd session and the beginning of Summer Camp 4^th session!

What a great last campfire we had Thursday night with the campers and counselors telling stories about the years at Circle F and the throwing in their wood chip as a symbol of return. Then Friday night banquet and a wonderful turkey dinner and presentations of year awards for the campers. Everyone was photographing each other and signing and hugging it was great. Then we went to the Roundup for the closing dance. The night was cool and everyone stayed up late laughing and telling stories. I heard at some point Director Ben went around and told everyone it was time to go to sleep.

Saturday was the most amazing Flag team first then the Drill team followed it is so very wonderful to see how carefully planned the whole thing turns out. I get such pleasure watching Taylor Brown & Natasha Dillnutt work with each camper and the improvement that is visible after only 3 weeks! The Drill team is so very exciting to watch and this session the leaders decided to wear black or white shirts and match them with white or brown horses it was absolutely amazing. Each race or event was beautiful to watch from the poles to the shoes or English it all turned out great. Make sure to check out Bunk1.com for all the photos.

Then it was goodbye to all our campers from 3^rd session and get ready to greet everyone Sunday morning. We are always excited to welcome back old timers and meet new campers for their first experience at Circle F Dude Ranch Summer camp. By the afternoon cabin photos had been taken and some of the kids had swim tests. We all knew what the evening had in store- first dinner then the opening campfire which turned out to have lots of surprises. The admin. Team had planned a joke on Ben and they covered him in shaving cream then poured water on him it was so funny, check out Face Book for the photos.

The beauty of the setting sun and the smiling faces are all most of us need to keep coming back to Circle F each summer. I know I plan never to grow up and always be here at the start of each summer camp season.

Monday was another great day morning announcements in the Lasso Lodge are always fun Ben tells where everything is and Logan points to it on the map. Of course they don’t just stand there everything they do is made into a funny moment. Then it was songs for everyone to join in learn you couldn’t ask for a better breakfast. The day seemed to fly by and when night arrived we had a cowboy & cowgirl dance which I think might be my favorite.

So everyone make sure to check out Face book & Bunk1 and check in with me next week for my closing thoughts about camp and other surprises in planned for fall 2012.

See Ya!

Jessie…

Summer Camp Update

I have so much to tell all of you about the past week and all the happenings I almost couldn’t decide where to start.

So first I thought I would tell you something about little Chip and his Mom Oreo.

Sherry the head of the Barn and in charge of all the horses & Linda take Chip & Oreo to the other side of the Lake each day to teach Chip how to graze. It also helps get him used to walking on a lead and being handled by people.

Chip always wants to play and his Mom Oreo is always trying to get him to stand still and rest sometimes it is funny to watch.

We sure have had lots of events. The Rock Star dance is always a big hit and The Super Hero Dance as well makes for a great evening. Megan & Afton made sure all the kids were involved and we even had Karaoke the crowd loved it!

Last Friday night as a special surprise we got to see the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Olympics. Everyone loved it and it was exciting for all the campers to have this experience at Circle F for the first time.

Saturday the kids had a blast running the water obstacle course. Jimmy made Lily Pads they are small platforms for the kids to run across. The counselors cheered the campers on and a few of them even tried to do it as well.

Sunday was the excursion to Islands of Adventure I didn’t get to go but was told it was really great fun. Harry Potter World was the favorite of the day for many including Afton  & Ben our director. He told me he had the opportunity to have some fun with the campers.  He visited Harry Potter and got to experience the ride with a whole group of our buckaroo campers it was a nice break from the daily responsibilities of being the camp director.  Afton told me she still loves going on the Dr. Seuss ride with the campers as it makes her feel like she is still a kid. When everyone got back that night we ate pizza and watched the Muppet movie which everyone loves.

Fear Factor at night was the funniest! Aya one of the girl counselors beat Blake Lennon from waterfront and Wipe Out was equally entertaining. The talent show is loved by everyone and many of the campers can’t wait to perform and show their friends what they can do.

Typhoon Lagoon & Lego Land is always a big hit as well. Holly seems to be everywhere so make sure to check out the photos on Bunk1.

Jimmy and Megan stayed at Camp this past Sunday while most of the campers were on the trip. This allowed the rest of us to spend the day relaxing we did a long morning thought and then we broke up into small groups and talked about how important it is to have a good attitude each day when we wake up and we identified things we all look forward to doing. Then we had a long swim and some of us built sand castles and played capture the flag.

Thursday night is the closing campfire then Friday is the Banquet and closing dance. It is unbelievable 3^rd session is almost over. So all that’s left of Circle F Dude Ranch Summer Summer Camp 2012 is 4^th session. If you haven’t been here yet you better hurry before it is to late. So have Mom or Dad call and sign you up for our shortest session. Call today 863-676-4113.

SeeYa Jessie!

Summer Camp Update

Hi everyone from Circle F SummerCamp 2012. Wow we are all having the very best of times! I hope all the Moms & Dads and Grandmas & Grandpas and all the relatives have been logging into Bunk1 to see the fun times we have been having. Holly the teacher of photography seems to be everywhere taking photos of all the campers in the different activities. She even goes on the trips with the youngsters and get pictures of them having  fun at Typhoon Lagoon or Lego Land or any of the other trips planned. The office asked that I remind everyone if they are having any problems getting on to Bunk1 the person to email is Sheila.d@circlefduderanch.com and you will get help.

The fun here never seems to end. Last Saturday was Color Wars and I know you all realize what fun we have in the different contests planned my the counselors.

But this week I thought I would tell you about a special program the younger campers get to experience.

B.O.O.M or Buckaroo Outdoor Overnight Mission. The Buckaroos & their counselors meet with the Wilderness staff Tiffany & Max on the deck at about 5:30 for a group discussion on Leave No Trace Principles  and all the rules while they are on their trip. Then they leave on a hike of about a quarter mile to the site where they setup camp for the night. Campers have the option of setting up a group tent or learning how to build a shelter with tarp and rope. The counselors tend to the fire while the kids play games. Of course there were sack burgers and baked beans and S’mores. Then there were stories around the camp fire  and on to bed. In the morning there was a face painting ceremony  the campers get a native American symbol on one cheek. Each symbol stands for some thing different all about strength and wisdom.

Then they hike back to the Lasso Lodge and are greeted by cheers from the older campers! Certainly sounded like a very special experience for everyone.

So before I forget don’t forget there are still a few spots left in 4^th session that starts real soon. So have your folks call to register 863-676-4113

Well I guess I will save the rest of the stories for next week.

That’s all for now.

See Ya Jessie

Summer Camp 3rd Session

It is shocking that the Summer Camp 3^rd session has already started.  But what a great session it has started out being. Sunday registration went perfectly we were ready to meet and greet families at 8:30 so every one was taken care of quickly.

But before I start telling you what has been happening this week I can’t wait to tell you how wonderful the Banquet & Rodeo was ending a perfect 2^nd session Circle F dude Ranch Summer Camp 2012. I just loved seeing everyone dressed up for the Banquet Friday night, and  I haven’t told you about the wonderful gifts Paul (the Circle F Dude Ranch owner) made sure were created for this years campers every year camper received a special gift as a remembrance of their experience. Sixth year campers received a special plaque other years were awarded equally with exciting items like a blanket with the Circle F Logo in the middle to keep them warm this winter. Each year was given something special. Of course the traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings is something we all look forward too. Then it was on to the final dance when the older campers are allowed to stay up late and say goodbye again and again to new and old friends.

Saturday’s Rodeo was unbelievable! Taylor Brown & Kaitlyn Lesnikoski handled everything so smoothly that the crowd cheered non-stop! The drill team is beyond my ability to tell you everything about it! Oh and the dance team was equally wonderfully. Cassie the camper led the drill team  out with perfect command. The horses were carefully put through each different stage of the event. At one point they crossed in front of each other and it was beautiful to watch. For those of you who are registered on Bunk1 there are 277 pictures just from the Rodeo to make sure to take a look.

So here we are in 3^rd session. Every day the weather has been perfect. Warm days cool nights. The first night we had the opening camp fire which allowed the counselors to put on their skits so campers could get to know everyone. We sang songs and told jokes and Ben did some interesting magic tricks.

Then it was off to bed and get ready for a Wonderful Monday. Blake at the waterfront and Taylor at the barn everyone being tested for their skill level is so much fun to watch. Then Super Hero dance at night so many things to do everyone is always excited to get started playing here at Circle F Dude Ranch Summer Camp 2012. This year we even have a team building area where we have all learned to work as a group and the kids really love it. Oh yes and before I forget Sherry believes we might even have another baby horse before the summer is over wouldn’t that be great! Well bye for now…

See Ya Jessie!

What a wonderful week we have had here at Circle F Dude Ranch Summer Camp 2012.

Last week was 4^th of July on Wednesday between the morning filled with Color War events then the Carnival and at night the annual dance everyone had an amazing time!  The Red team won Color War and of course I wouldn’t want to forget to tell you about the wonderful fireworks on the lake at night.

Thursday was the camp trip. One group went to Wet & Wild about 160 campers went on that trip. I heard from the counselors the favorite ride was the “Storm” but the Lazy River and the Wave Pool were also a big hit with the kids!

The younger campers went to Lego Land and Jimmy one of the head boy counselors said the kids really had a good time on the Dragon Coaster ride. Also the Imagination Center where everyone gets to build with Lego’s was a really exciting area as well.

On Sunday the Camp went to Busch Gardens happily the weather was just great! Of course the Roller Coaster is a ride most of the kids try.  The thrill and screams are what creates great memories for all.

About 40 campers stayed back at the camp and broke into 3 groups that got to experience the Team Building Low Ropes Course, Megan said “fun fact” the Buckaroo Girls finished the teams’ course before the Pioneer boys!  Then it was on to the Water Front where everyone loves to spend part of any day at Circle F Dude Ranch Summer Camp 2012. When everyone returned from the trip we ate Pizza and watched the movie Hugo it was a wonderful ending to a great day.

Evening programs are something every one of us looks forward to – from MTV night or Fear Factor it is hard to decide which one we all like best. Great talent is always available on MTV night as campers bring so much to the experience each year.

Last week I told you how Tiffany took a group out 1^st session for “PATH” happily 2^nd session had two separate groups go this past week. Boys then girls and of course “Sack Burgers” and being in charge of setting up their own fire and sleeping in the tents is always an experience the campers never forget.

Well I still can’t believe 2^nd Summer Camp sesssion is about to come to an end. We have been practicing for the Rodeo Saturday which everyone loves and Moms and Dads are always excited to see the improvement their youngsters have accomplished riding.

But if you aren’t registered for 3^rd session hurry and call the office I think there are a very few openings left!  Calls 863-676-4113 ask for Kris or Ben or even Sheila and make sure to say hi to Tina.

Take care everyone

See Ya Jessie!

Amazing 2nd week of 2nd session!

How wonderful the summer is here at Circle F Dude Ranch Summer Camp 2012.

Last week Tiffany Allan took out the first Path group (Pioneer adventure team-building hike) they pitched tents but many times the will take rope and tarps and build their own shelters. They spent the night at Marshmallow Inn so all of us could see them from across the lake in the morning. What a wonderful site on the way to the Lasso Lodge for breakfast to see the tents and the group around the campfire. Tiffany told us how they made “sack burgers” and put them in the fire to cook for dinner the night before.  The group splits up into three teams. One to build the shelters one to start the fire and one to do the cooking the cooperation is part of the team building experience.  Tiffany is a really great leader and Max Jameson her assistant is so into the outdoors that the two of them are an amazing team. The campers learned how to tie knots  and when they took their nature hike they learned different information about the eco-systems here at Circle F Dude Ranch Camp.   Tiffany went to Hollings University and studied outdoor education so she is very up all on the latest information the we all need to spend more time thinking about. Most of us don’t get outdoors enough during the school year and Tiffany’s Path program is a great reminder of how wonderful the different areas of the Circle F Dude Ranch Summer Camp can be. 

The waterfront this year is better then ever! Blake and Nick are running so many new programs from Life Guard training to swim lessons to help everyone improve. The  kayak races  and the new water boards and of course the “Buddy Board” are all working perfectly!

So whenever we need to find a camper for a “Child lonely  MOM” the reverse of “Homesick Camper” we know just where they are!

I am having the very best time at the Barn; Sherry makes it so much fun to work with the horses. Watching Chip the new baby jump around and the Photo class take pictures of him and his Mom Oreo just help make my day!

This week here at Circle F dude Ranch Summer Camp we are having Color Wars on 4^th of July and of course a 4^th of July Dance.

Then Thursday is the all-camp trip the younger campers will go to Lego Land and the older one to Wet & Wild. I’m sure everyone is looking forward to a great fun-filled day.

Ok everyone; have you asked Mom or Dad or Grandma or Grandpa to send you back to Circle F Dude Ranch for one more session? We are filling up fast so hurry and call Kris, Ben or Sheila in the office 863-676-4113 to book your chance to spend the end of the summer with us. Remember the only thing more fleeting then summer is childhood.

See Ya Jessie!

Summer Camp Session 2

Wow it is hard to believe we are already half way through the first week of 2^nd session!

First Summer Camp session ended on a really great note. The banquet was amazing lots of good food and the desert was topped with whipped cream that lots of campers went back for cake and seconds. Then the awards were given out and everyone was thrilled with who won different activities. Kris gave out the camper year awards and second year loved getting horseshoes which is a Circle F Dude Ranch Summer Camp tradition. This year 6^th year campers were presented with a plaque stating they had attended 6 years as a camper always a wonderful experience. Another big hit was a blanket with the Circle F Logo in the middle for campers who go away to school to take and feel our love on those cold winter nights up north. The banquet was followed by the traditional Circle F Dude Ranch dance good music and fun was had by all.

Saturday we were lucky as the rain stayed away and the Rodeo went off perfectly. Taylor Brown head of riding really knows his stuff. He made sure every event went off without a “hitch” from barrel race to pass the torch he was right there cheering each camper on. Natasha Dillnutt year after year is the perfect English riding coach helping campers do their very best jumps and her encouraging words “spur” young first time Rodeo contestants’ to achieve the best they can. Logan And Megan gave out the ribbons and congratulated all the winners.

 Logan the head of boy’s side along with Jimmy are really keeping everyone engaged and happy this year with our campers. Megan and Afton our girls head counselors have been here for many years and are also doing a great job.

Arts and Crafts also worked to a new outstanding level! The tie-dye shirts were unbelievable. Deven our Arts and Crafts head counselor happily for the 2^nd year and her helpers Kaitlyn and Stephanie knew just how to soak the t-shirts over night so the colors were bright and will last forever!

Blake and his waterfront staff are wearing regulation “lifeguard swim suits” this year they sure look spiffy!

Sunday when 2^nd session campers and their families arrived the rain seemed to never stop- but we were ready we opened at 8:30 and all families were brought inside. Things went very smooth.

The rain lasted but we al had the best time..

See Ya Jessie!

Summer Camp Session 1 Update

The last week was certainly exciting for the first week of Circle F Dude Ranch Summer Camp 2012! So many new events that were planned turned out to be just what we all hoped.

The Cowboy dance started off the week and so many of the campers and counselors were ready with their cowboy boots and hats. The line dances were lead by counselors who encouraged all campers to get involved.

This year each session will have their own opening and closing “Camp Fire” so that each group can have the experience of being initiated into the Circle F Family. Eleven counselors stood up and explained the different pillar ideas of the Circle F Dude Ranch history. Campers walk quietly and reflect on the beauty of the amazing evening.

This year we had “Color Wars” and the Yellow team won all camp capture the flag. But the excitement didn’t end there. We now have our own “Dunk Tank” which Ben (our Director) was happy to sit in. Paul tried very hard to dunk him, as did everyone else. Adding to all this we now have our own Snow Cone Machine, Cotton Candy Machine and even a Pop Corn machine. This helped everyone enjoy themselves as the played miniature golf, water balloon toss just to name a few of the games that went on all day!

The other new feature this year that I know you are all hearing about is Bunk1

Our photography and email company that this year handles all that for us. I was told that about 360 emails have been coming in just first week! Amazing how many Moms and Dad are loving this new opportunity.

This past Sunday the majority of the camp went to Sea World - Kris was the greatest winning lots of stuffed animals for all the kids. When the campers returned there was over 100 Pizza’s waiting for all those hungry youngsters.

Build a boat was a hit as always for those that stayed behind with Logan and Afton and the new screen with projector for the kids to watch a movie was a real hit as well.

I hope all of you know we have picked the name “Chip” for the cute new baby boy horse and he has even started coming when we call his name. I love how he will chase me when I run by in a golf cart during the day.

Well boys and girls Moms and Dads I promise to keep you posted each week with new events and the updates from Circle F. Happy trails and remember if you still haven’t registered call the office3 at 863-676-4113 talk to Kris, Ben or Sheila tell them Jessie said to call.

Yee ya Jessie!

Summer Camp 2012 Kicks Off!

I have so much to tell all of you about Summer camp this year I can’t wait to get started.

Sunday the first session campers arrived bright and early. Moms and Dads, dogs and even an eleven week old baby brought his big brother back to Circle F Dude Ranch Summer camp.

But before I start telling you “Camp News” I want to be sure all of you have seen the new way we are posting photographs this year.

Bunk1.com is the official site where you will see daily photos of activities and events. This year once again Holly is teaching photography, her two new helpers Regina and Niki are counselors who are roaming around taking candid photos along with her and each day they will be posted to the site. All you have to do is go to the Circle F Dude Ranch Camp website and there is a “flashing” red box that says “click here to register”. Circle F Dude Ranch makes no money from this site but it keeps all of the campers photographs secure. So you will have to be confirmed (at no cost) first to start viewing. Bunk1 has a bunch of different ways you can buy or just view the photos. They have another wonderful service where you can email your child and even get a response if want. This is all explained in the paperwork and on the site as well. So check it out as it sure seems like a great new idea.

Well back now to what fun has been going on. This year the riding staff has several new counselors and Taylor  who is an amazing rider is in charge. Catlin, one of our new counselors along with Ali have been doing excellent work encouraging everyone to learn to ride even better then many already are. Amanda and Sherry are here as well making sure all the horses get taken care of  daily.

I love to ride as well and whenever Amanda lets I tag along with her group.

The Archery area has really been “fancied” up new targets and a special backdrop screen makes the area look really amazing!

The waterfront got Paddle Boards and the Paint Ball new towers.

Every area deserves a story about what’s new this year so check out the weekly blog to see what’s up.

Until next time…

Yee Ya

Jessie!

Summer Camp Starts Soon!

HURRY!!! ONLY A FEW DAYS AND A FEW SPACES LEFT FOR SUMMER CAMP! Summer is almost here and it's time to get ready for Summer Camp Fun! So if you've not registered for Summer Camp yet, then hurry - space is filling up fast - Just look at some of the great things you'll miss if you don't join us for Summer Camp this year:         BOOK NOW!   For further information call us at (863) 676-4113 or visit us on-line at circlefduderanchcamp.com and check out our blog and Facebook updates

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Hurry - Don't Miss Out Last Year's Sessions Sold Out!

	Horseback Riding Skate Park Paintball Archery Softball Tennis Soccer Rockwall Climbing w/ Dual Zip Lines Blob Tumbling, Dance & Cheerleading Basketball Arts & Craft Banana Boat Creative Improv Guitar Lessons Photography Sailing Summit Slide Martial Arts Kayaking Swimming Evening Programs Light Tutoring Flag Football And many More   Eco friendly cooling systems Our Eco-Friendly cooling system was an amazing addition to Summer Camp 2011. So expect the same “cooler” cabins once again. But to make things even better we tiled the floors! So that has added to the newly updated experience all you campers old and new can look forward to.
Circle F Dude Ranch Camp is Florida's Premier Camp. This sleep-away camp is close to home, centrally located and only a short drive from almost anywhere in Florida 1st Session (2 weeks) Sunday June 10 -Saturday, June 23 $2,450 2nd Session (3 weeks) Sunday June 24 - Saturday, July 14 $2,995 3rd Session (3 weeks) Sunday July 15 -Saturday, August 4 $2,995 4th Session (10 Days) Sunday August 5 - Tuesday, August 14 $1,695
BOOK NOW CALL US NOW TO REGISTER 863.676.4113

www.circlefduderanchcamp.com Lake Wales, Florida

 

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