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.

www.circlefduderanch.com

That’s all for now

See ya Jessie!

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…

Summer Camp and Crazy Fun!

Crazy fun is what you might say is what Circle F Dude Ranch Summer camp is about this week.
Everyone is rushing with a purpose in every direction. Checking and rechecking that everything is ready for all of you.
New music for the karaoke machine and the dancing ball is bright and shiny in the Round Up and the stage sound system has been double checked by Jarred himself. I even danced the night away last week with the group that was at the Ranch.
Well one more big weekend Memorial Day and we are just about full so I am super excited to get going and finish all the details so we are perfect when the leaders arrive first then all the councilors for preparation week. Paul has all sorts of things planned and ready for everyone to review and outline so each and every one of you has a “funtastic” time this summer!
Doc Bennett has been checking all the horses and even Boo. Every one of them is just fine.
I think I have been telling you about all the building that has been going on? The Photography and Art building is finished and certainly amazing. We even have cork on all the walls so you can hang your work and have your friends come by and see what you have created. Oh and the photo room has a cork wall as well so all the new photos you take can be displayed.  I know I am going to find a way to be involved so I can use the new stuff too.
With two head leaders for girls and two for boys this year we are sure to have lots of new adventures. New activities and projects I can’t wait and I sure you can’t either. There is only 18 days and about 20 hours before camp starts its going so fast hope you have all started packing? Kidding of course but make sure Mom and Dad have set up the right secession for you Kris has spoken to so many parents I can’t keep up. Remember the office phone number is 863-676-4113 it has been busy but tell your folks not to give up Kris, Jarred and Sheila are there to help.
So I have to cut this short this week since there is so much to do I wouldn’t want to be left out of the fun. Getting to see everything as it arrives is just so exciting.
Let me know if you need anything this week. Don’t forget to keep up on facebook it is where any new info is sure to be posted.
See ya Jessie!!

More Fun at Camp!

It’s been a fun week here at the ranch; first it was women’s weekend followed by Easter weekend. Check out the photos that were posted here on: facebook.  Both weekends were amazing!

The weather couldn’t have been better.

Women’sweekend at Circle F Dude Ranch camp was filled with fun foods like Taco salads and wraps. Friday night we had a wine and cheese party with lots of good music and talk.  The women loved the horses almost as much as the horses loved the women. Saturday was busy with rides, waterfront activities, dance class, massages and just plane old relaxing for those who seemed to need it. The new eco-friendly cooling systems in all the cabins were a surprise addition to this year’s event. Everyone loved how cool the cabins were at night.

Once the women left it was back to getting ready for summer camp.

The Blob is in place and ready for all you kids to climb the tower and jump while your friends are waiting below to be launched into the air. The Summit sits ready for all the excitement campers bring each session to the waterfront activity. Kris and Paul are busy checking on the councilors’ who will be in charge this summer. Each councilor has special skills and new experiences to share with all of you this summer.

Check out the fun that was had on the blob Easter weekend I posted a photo on facebook of a Dad jumping as his child was waiting below. The water was perfect so everyone went swimming and boating. The summit was filled with kids all weekend sliding and diving off the top. Lots of kids did paint ball and the weekend wouldn’t be complete without build-a-boat. The Rock-Wall with Chris Moon in charge is always a treat to first timers and the families that have come back for years can’t wait to climb the wall either. My favorite the horse rides were all full even Sunday morning! Of course all the families visited the baby horse Kiki and Spirit his older brother. How could everyone not have the very best time at Circle F Dude Ranch Camp? Perfect weather and great food but I don’t want to forget to tell you about the hayride Saturday night or the Karaoke guy who had all of us signing right along with him. It even seems the Easter bunny made a visit to Circle F Dude Ranch and hid a bunch of candy eggs and baskets for kids under twelve to find. The hunt for the treats was great fun. Well after helping Sherry un-tack and clean the horses I was happy that the weekend was such a success.

Guess what a new Karaoke machine arrived Friday just for all you campers to enjoy this summer.

That’s it for now guys and gals keep those questions coming. But especially don’t forget to check with Mom and Dad that you are registered for Summer Camp or have them call Kris in the office to set it up.

Kris’s office number 863-676-4113.

Till next week Jessie!

NEW - REFER A FRIEND TO SUMMER CAMP GET REWARDED!

This year, if you refer anyone to Summer Camp, they book and complete any of our four sessions, you'll get a reward of a $50 "Circle F Buck" to spend toward some great stuff: from exciting Excursions to Paintball, Camp Logo Wear and More - the choice is yours!


The more friends you refer - the more reward bucks you get - it's that simple !
Just make sure that your friends give us your name when they call to book.


Now it gets even better - can't spend all that money at camp? No worries - you can ask to get an Amazon gift card once camp is over, instead - it's your choice!
For further information call us at (863) 676-4113

American Camping Association Convention

Howdy Circle F Family,

Diana and I went to the American Camping Association National Convention again this year. The convention was held at Disney World so we did not have to go quite as far as last year. There were a ton of great classes on everything from new games, counseling skills, camper safety, creating communities, expanding the reach of camp, training staff, and making camp a year round philosophy. As you might imagine, we have a ton of great new ideas for the summer. Going to the convention always reminds us of the importance of camp in this new digital age.

It might seem that camp is just a fun place and that is the main ingredient. In truth, we design our programs to be both fun and to have a deeper impact on a persons life. At camp campers learn independence, creativity, self-confidence, decisions making, community living, and many other extremely valuable life lessons. Campers can explore themselves and try new things in an physically and emotionally safe environment. The best part is that we learn all of this while having an absolute blast. Diana and I truly believe in the power of camp to change lives and we see it happen every summer.

Our pregnant horse, Lightening, is showing signs that she is extremely close to giving birth. I am always checking in on her hoping to see her new baby. We will let you know as soon as she does and we will be sure to put up new pictures.

Also, as some of you may know, I have been raising chickens. My wife, Emily, and I have three hens (female chickens), two of which are laying eggs. The chickens are named Mary, Shirley and Flow (the three stooges). You will get a chance to meet the chickens this summer. I think the chickens love living at Circle F just as much as I do.

Fantastic Wishes,
Roger Hanafin
Assistant Director
Circle F Dude Ranch

Happy Un-Birthday!!!

Howdy Circle F Family,

Happy Un-Birthday!!! Today is the Un-birthday dance (imagine a big birthday party). We had piñatas, party favors, pin the tail and the donkey, clowns and great music. Campers love the dances because it gives them a time to be silly and to have a lot of fun. Be sure to check out the pictures tomorrow to see the festivities.

One of the funnier moments of the day happened when the Buck 2 Girls (B2G) Cabin staged a protest to save a turtle. The girls had come up with signs, songs and chants to demand that a turtle that was caught in Nature Lore be set free. Of course the turtle was never really captured, but that did not matter to the B2G's who wanted to make sure that their little animal friend was treated kindly. It felt like we were at a 60’s protest. Things like this can only happen at camp. The protest did force Diana to make a proclamation declaring that all turtles will be treated with respect and love (lol).

Yesterday we had a visit from Howie Mandel and the models from Deal or No Deal (see picture). Campers were competing to win prizes ranging from Ice Cream for the Whole Camp, Choose a Counselor to Throw in the Lake to Pie in the Face and Get Squirted by the Hose.

There was a request for the evening program schedule so here it is:

Sunday: Carnival/Movie Night
Monday: Men’s Beauty Review
Tuesday: 80’s Masquerade Ball (Dance)
Wednesday: Counselor Showdown (Kind of like Newlywed Game)
Thursday: Swim Meet
Friday: 4th of July Celebration (Olympics/Water Battle/Red White & Blue Dance)
Saturday: Mid-Summer Campfire
Sunday: Build-A-Boat/Islands of Adventure/What’s the Movie
Monday: Nerd Dance
Tuesday: Earth Day
Wednesday: Circle F Feud
Thursday: MTV Night
Friday: Banquet and Final Dance
Saturday: Rodeo/Good Bye 

Wow, I can’t believe we still have that much fun to have.

Fantastic Wishes,
Roger and the Gang

PATH (Pioneer Adventure Team-Building Hike)

Howdy Circle F Family,

As promised, here is a blog written by a couple campers. Five Year Camper, Serena Collins and, two year camper, Nicole Raabe, recentley took part in our PATH program. Here is a blog they wrote about their experience:

It began w/ a circle of frightened yet excited pioneer girls. As we all told each other who we are and where we lived the bond finally began. As we sat off on our 2 mile hike, we had a total of 3 stops, each that had team building activities. We each learned how to connect to the elements of nature, but soon learned as it started to pour, that water over-powered them all. However, the rain didnt stop us.

Our head-counselor Bri taught us many ways to survive in the outdoors. For example, we used garbage bags as raincoats, our backpacks as pillows, and a tarp as a shelter. As we reached our 3rd stop, we realized we had to prepare our own food, and transported the grill, wood, and coolers to our final destination, out shelter. As the rain let up, we all sat around the fire and ate our food. The night ended with a lot of laughter and an awesome story told by Bri.

As the rooster calls woke us up, we cleaned up our final ceremony. We each got a bracelet and a tribal sybol on our face to remind us of the bond we built with each of the cabins.

We set off on our hike back to camp where we made it just in for breakfast. All in all, PATH was a great experience that build a lot of character.

Memorial Day Weekend & 2 Weeks to Camp

Hello Circle F Family,

We just finished our last family weekend of the Spring and it was a Fantastic time had by all. Thank you to all of our families for coming and sharing your time with us. It is extremely rewarding to see families grow closer over the course of a weekend. We hope to see you back again very soon.

The end of the family camp season means the beginning of the Summer Camp season. Two weeks from today there will be 200 campers and over 50 staff members at Circle F. We can not wait to see all of our old friends again and to welcome our new campers to the Circle F Family.

Tomorrow we will be posting the dance themes for each session. Be sure to check back.

Fantastic Wishes,
Diana and Roger