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!