Thank you campers and families

Dear campers and families,
Thank you so much for making Summer 2009 fantastic. The only problem is that it went by too quickly. We enjoyed each and everyday with all the campers, counselors and staff. Everyday was an adventure full of joy, laughter, friends and memories. Carry all those wonderful memories with you throughout the year and smile. I know we will be thanks to you all. We can't wait to see you again next summer. Have a wonderful year and stay in touch. We love to hear from you.
Your family,
Diana, Murray, Mike and all of the Circle F staff

Last full day of 4th session

Good morning families,
It is the last full day and we can't believe it. Once again, time has flown by for all of us. Yesterday was the trip to Busch Gardens for about half of the camp. They had a great time. We had a very good time here at camp. We all went swimming and on the banana boat. There was frisbee being played and football tossed around and lots of cannon balls and diving. I love watching everyone have so much fun. In the afternoon we divided the campers into 2 teams and had an all camp relay. They had to choose someone to climb the rockwall to tag a friend at the top. That person zipped down and tried to get as many tennis balls as possible into a big can for extra points. The next leg of the relay was egg race that went into a piggy back ride to the beach and a swim around a course. The next person got a "horse ride" up the beach and a run to the next event. The next leg was plank walk that requires a lot of teamwork. What fun to watch. The next set of campers had to do a "boot camp" obstacle course and then it all ended with a 3 legged race. They all had a blast. We had pizza for dinner and settled in to watch "Finding Nemo". What a fun day. Today will be more of the same. Pick your favorite activity for the morning, carnival this afternoon, 4th session fiesta for dinner and the final dance. Whew...what a fantastic way to end our summer. Thank you for sharing your most precious children with us. They are amazing!
See you all in the morning between 9 and 12. Your children will be waiting for you in their cabins and we will be outside the office to say goodbye!
Diana, Murray, Mike, Mia, Devin and all the staff

First day, 4th session

Good morning families!
Our opening day was fantastic! The afternoon was filled with camp games, team building and swimming. After dinner we had our photo scavenger hunt which helps the cabins bond and also helps the campers learn where everything is located. We followed that with counselor skits that are very funny and also introduce all the staff and activities to the campers, as well. We ended the evening with store and then off to bed to get rested for the very busy day that is in store for them today. We will begin with flag raising at 8, then morning thought, breakfast and cabin clean up. Everyone is responsible for making their beds, doing a cabin chore and organizing their belongings. The cabin stays that way for about 1 activity period! The mornings have 2 activities periods and then it is lunch time. We have siesta, then cantina and 2 activities in the afternoon. Dinner is at 5:45 and we have a Welcome Dance this evening. Now you know why your children sleep well at camp and so do we! Have a fantastic day and know your children are staying busy and being well cared for by a staff of wonderful counselors and a very caring administration. Thank you for sharing your children with us for 10 days. It will be the best 10 days of their summer.
Your Circle F family,
Diana, Murray, Mike, Mia, Devin and the entire Circle F gang

Over too soon..

Good morning families,
Thank so much for sharing your children with us for 3 weeks. It has been a fantastic session. So many children who were convinced that they couldn't make it 3 weeks have not only made it but have so many stories and memories to share with you. They had such a good time and feel so good about their success. I know it was hard for you as well but you did a good thing by helping them be independent. I promise they had a great time.
I wish all of you could have been a fly on the wall last night at the banquet and dance. I have never seen a happier group of children. We laughed, we sang, we danced and sometimes we shed a few tears knowing we would miss each other. I think camp proved that children no matter where they are from or what language they speak, they are all just children and so much the same. We cherish watching them overcome language and cultural barriers to become friends. Like we all say here at camp..."If only the world could be like camp." So true.
Have wonderful year and we look forward to seeing all of you again next year!
Diana, Murray, Mike, Devin, Mia and all of the Circle F counselors and staff

Camp from a campers point of view....

Circle F has helped me become the person I am today in so many ways. There is something special about this place that makes me want to come back summer after summer. I truly think it is the long lasting friendships that I've made over the years from kids I've met across the world. This place has taught me the meaning of responsibility, friendship, and respect. These three values have played a huge role in my life every day. My experience as a camper has been outstanding, with this experience I hope to become a counselor so I can make an impact on the lives of future campers. I wish every child could have this experience.


Andrew Green
5 year camper

Last Monday of 3rd session

Hello families,
How did we get here already? It really feels like all our campers just checked in. I can't believe we will be seeing you this Saturday for pick up. Thank goodness, many campers decided to stay for 4th session! It won't be so hard to say good-bye.
Many campers went to Busch Gardens yesterday and had a great time. They got off the buses with big smiles and many stories to tell. The campers that stayed at camp had a wonderful day, as well. We had a longer morning thought about how camp helps you to grow, become a better person and become more responsible. Campers and counselors then broke into smaller groups to discuss how camp has changed them and helped them to grow personally. Each group picked a representative to speak for their group. WOW!It was very inspiring to hear them talk about learning to be more tolerant of others, being more responsible, to be more of a team player, taking others feelings in to account not just theirs and so much more. Of course, it brought a tear to our eyes realizing what an amazing time for growth camp can be. We knew it but it was very moving to hear the campers talk about it. After Siesta we had a counselor hunt where the campers have to find counselors and get points for each one. I was so proud of myself...they didn't find me. Following the hunt it was to the beach for Beach Bonanza Relay. Two teams had to bury 3 campers in the sand, fill a cooler with water using a good bucket and a bucket with holes, paint a team member, swim holding hands and the final leg was a canoe race. They had so much fun nobody cared which team won. We had a general swim before the camp favorite for dinner...PIZZA! Everyone got a good nights sleep after such a busy day. You have a fantastic week. I know we will. See you Saturday between 9 and 12. The Horse Show starts at 10.
Diana and the gang at Circle F

Time is flying by...

Hello families,
It is so hard to believe that one week from tonight will be banquet and you will be arriving to pick your children up next Saturday. It really feels like your campers just arrived. I think they are surprised at how fast the time is going by, as well.
Tonight we are having our "Luau Dance" at the Cantina and on the beach. It is always a very popular event. The campers love playing on the beach with their friends and listening to the music play. One of the highlights will be watching a beautiful sunset over the lake. I know it is one of my favorite evenings. On Sunday, about half of the children will be going to Busch Gardens and the children here will be participating in Build a Boat. They will be put into groups and given 3 large pieces of cardboard and 2 rolls of duct tape and must work together to construct a boat that will hold 2 campers. They also name their boat and make up a cheer for it and the team. Following all of that will be a boat race. The winner of each race will then race the other winners. Hopefully, the boats still float!! I need to leave you now to join the campers at the dance. Directors like to have fun, too, especially with your children. They are amazing. Thank you.
Enjoy your last week of quiet,
Diana, Murray and all of the gang

What a beautiful day!

Hi everyone,
I can't believe the temperature at camp today. The sprinkles began during flag raising and got somewhat heavier during 1st and 2nd session. The kids played soccer in the rain, waterfront played games on the beach, rockwall did a low ropes course and all of us put on long sleeve shirts and sweatshirts! We were so cold. I know you are thinking...WHAT??? It is now 2:45pm and I am still wearing my long sleeve t-shirt. It is the first time in 16 summers that I can remember it being this beautiful at this time of day. It is amazing. Everyone is on their way to their 3rd activity and feeling fantastic. The sun is shining, the breeze is blowing and the temperature is about 78. I hope you are enjoying your day as much as we are. Nature is so wonderful.
Your Circle F Family

Can this all happen in one day????

Hello families and friends,
When we say at camp that a day at camp is like a week in the "real" world, we are not kidding. Even after 16 summers, I am astonished at how much we can pack in a day. We always think that a Sunday without a field trip will be nice and relaxing. Hey, a director can dream can't they! Anyway, we started with each cabin having a picnic breakfast at their cabin. The weather was beautiful and everything seemed so peaceful. Of course, I was lulled into a false sense of...this is going to be a nice quiet day. Our first visit was nurse Joy filling us in on the latest at the infirmary. Nothing out of the ordinary for camp...whew! And away she went to deliver morning meds to each cabin. The administration tries to talk about the happenings and plans for the day while answering phones, questions from campers and counselors. On Sundays, the cabins do a big clean up. They clean out their trunks, change sheets, and do a good cleaning of the cabin. At 10:30 Mike gave a longer morning thought about positive thinking and how it can affect your life and make it so much better. Also, stressing the importance of reacting to situations with a positive attitude instead of getting angry. You feel soooo much better when all is said and done and you may change the way others feel as well. Great message for all of us! All of that and an all camp clean up by 11:00. WATER BATTLE was on!! There was water hoses, water guns, water balloons, buckets of water and a whole lot of mud! The team who has one dry person at the end, wins. Off to general swim to get all the mud off before lunch. After lunch it was siesta. While the campers rested Devin was busy getting events ready for Carnival for the afternoon. We had a huge water slide, a bounce house and a giant double slip and slide. Set up on the basketball court was softball throw, putting contest, basketball throw, bean bag toss, archery and drawing with sidewalk chalk. There was so much to do. The campers had a blast.
It was pizza night for dinner and that caused all kinds of excitement. Add in wind, thunder, lightning, pouring rain and you end up with some amazing singing after dinner. The oldest boys lead everyone in the best version of "John Jacob Jinglehimer Smit" you ever heard. It was so much fun. We were stuck in the Lasso Lodge and having the most spontaneous good time. I even had ice water dumped on my head. All in good fun of course.(I will get even) We finally had to use the laundry van to transport kids to the Round up for our Sunday night movie. You can't believe how excited they were about riding in the van. Camp, you just can't explain it!!! We are having such a fantastic time. I hope you are too. Thanks for sharing your children with us.
Your happy camp mom,
Diana

I'm Doing Great

As a previous camper in 1993, and having not returned to camp until this Summer, I had a difficult transition to make. Being placed in a leadership position as demanding as Boy’s Head Counselor increased the difficulty ten-fold. Now I find myself in my 6^th week here and I couldn’t feel more comfortable. Part of the reason is the great training, another is the immense help of the staff, but the main reason is the spirit of the campers. The returning campers take the new campers under their wings and guide them around camp. The older kids guide the younger kids, the English speakers help the English as a second language campers and so on and so forth. I don’t have to pull kids out of their cabins because they are already having a blast at their activity. The camp songs come natural, the programs are well-planned and taking in the scenery here is an activity all in itself. Everyone feels at home here. This session in particular, there are several campers joining us from other countries. While they may love playing soccer at home, I see many of them eager to try new things and make new friends. Just last night I dealt with a camper that has never been away from home before. He was feeling stressed, scared, and home-sick, all perfectly natural. He came to me asking to go home. The camper talked for two hours with their counselor and I and then participated in the nightly gathering with the cabin. This morning I watched him help me teach other campers the basics of fishing, hit the target in archery, and organize a rope swinging competition outside his cabin. When I asked him how he felt now, he replied, “I’m doing great.”

The first day of 3rd session! Can it really be here already??

Hello Circle F family,
What a fantastic first day. Check in went smoothly and everyone is here. The afternoon was filled with a swim test, outdoor games and getting know our new friends. At 5:45 the dinner bell rang and finally we got to eat the fried chicken that we had been smelling cook this afternoon, yummy! The campers all made a pledge after dinner to be good, kind, follow camp rules and have a fantastic time while at camp. At 6:45 we began our cabin photo scavenger hunt. Each cabin had to take a photo of the entire cabin doing the following: hugging Swannie's tree (the huge oak on the playground), in front of the "vampire slayer's" stall (Buffy), flexing muscles with the Pioneer boys, making funny faces with the nurse (Joy), waiting at campcraft, giggling at the gazebo, playing dead at the rockwall, swimming with the head of waterfront(Blake), being hunchbacks at the bell, doing a "Charlie's Angel" pose at paintball, pointing and laughing with the girls head counselor (Mia), being short around the boys head counselor (Devin who is 6'5') and pretend to be angry with the me! So much fun and when they are all done, they know their way around camp and know who administration is. Following the hunt will be counselor skits where they get familiar with the activities and the counselors who teach them. Of course, store will follow where everyone will enjoy a treat. After everyone is done, we will call our youngest campers (Buckaroos) to bed to be followed later by the Wranglers then last but not least the Pioneers. I think everyone will sleep well tonight after such an exciting and active day. I know I will.
We have a very international session this time. It is so much fun to get to know children from other countries as well as our own. We have campers from Italy, France, Martinique, Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, Guadeloupe, El Salvadore and Spain. Wow, what an adventure for everyone!
It makes no difference where they are from, they are children having fun and laughing together.
Thank you for sharing your children with us. We are enjoying them already. So are the puppies!
Diana, Murray and the gang

Introducing Camp Mom & Office Manager Sally!

What an opportunity! Have you ever had one of those days when you wish you could run away from home, but take your children with you? Here I am! You found me at The Ranch! I'm Sally, Mom of Trent and Dillon, six year old twin boys. I work with children in my everyday business, McGruff Safe Kids Total Identification System in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. At camp, I also get to enjoy the children, yours and mine! Camp life is another world where we start the day with a positive thought and gathering as a group to salute our nation. We're not surrounded by the negatives of the real world, like the news or the economic challenges of our days. We enjoy a life which is more simple and active. I watch my boys run from activity to activity and I thrive on an idea of "taking a village to raise a child". Parenthood can wear us down and at camp, we have a team of happy, college bound or educated, responsible groups teaching our kids to enjoy being a kid! It's a moment to take a breath and re-charge, letting them go and trusting them. It's hard and I've had some long nights trying to remember that camp is an opportunity for our children to learn a lot about who they are (without the props) and allowing them to test their limitations (mine, too!). Wow! Heavy stuff - but good stuff! Ok! I promise to be reporting to you about the AWESOME fun our kids are having and about their worthwhile challenges. Also, since I'm here each day with your children as well as mine, I see a lot and feel good about being soft place to fall if they need it.

Mid-summer campfire

Hello families,
Tonight was a very special evening for us. We had our mid-summer campfire. What makes this campfire unique is multi-year campers and counselors speak on what camp means to them and how it has helped to shape their life. You would be in awe. They all speak of the clay road, the activities, the horses but in the end they all agree it is the friends and sense of family that brings them back year after year. It is inspiring to all whether you are a first year camper or a 16 year veteran like me. What was really awesome was after we sang the Alma Mater, I encouraged any camper to speak up if they had something to say about camp. You would be amazed at how many of our first year campers stepped out from the circle and spoke about Circle F. Wow, I am so happy that they are feeling so welcome and so much a part of what we call our family. As I walked back to teh office, cabin groups were gathering by the fire and on the beach to have their evening cabin gathering to finish their day. I know that everyone had alot on their mind after tonights campfire. Your children are wonderful and having a very special experience this session. I can't believe we only have one more week together. Where did the time go?? Thank you for sharing your most precious children with us. Sleep well...I know we will.
Diana, Murray and the gang

Happy Monday to you all!

Good morning families and friends,
It is another beautiful morning here at camp. We have a cool breeze blowing and it is so pleasant. We have had some warm days but overall this session has been very pleasant..thank goodness that front that was here on check in day has checked out of Florida!!!
Sunday morning the campers had a picnic breakfast with their cabins and then it was our weekly big cabin clean up. Changing sheets, cleaning trunks and major cleaning of the cabins. Yes, your child did this, so don't let them fool you when they get home. They do know how! During the afternoon the campers were treated to the counselor rodeo. Counselors competed in some of the same events that will be in our last day horseshow. They also saw counselors cracking bullwhips and got to eat popcicles. It was a fantastic afternoon. We had pizza for dinner and then they got to relax and watch the movie"Bedtime Stories." Then it was store and off to bed.
Today will be filled once again with activities and stories. When the night comes we will wonder how the day went by so quickly but more than that we will all celebrate the fact that it was wonderful and well spent. Enjoy your day as much as we do. After all, it is "Marvelous Monday" all day long!!!!
Diana, Murray and the gang

Is it Saturday??

It is the end of another busy day at camp. Camp is so funny sometimes, you really do forget what day of the week it is. Our saying at camp is a day at camp is like a week in the "real world". Ask your children when they come home. By this time of the day you can't even remember what happened this morning. It seems so long ago but it goes by quickly. We really are in our own little world here. What a wonderful world it is. We had sunshine, we had rain, we had a beautiful sunset and a very fun evening program. 5 counselors participated in our version of Fear Factor. They have all kinds of challenges and the campers all cheer them on. Brittany won! She is the first girl to win in 2 years! She was not going to give up! A good lesson for all. The youngest campers are having their hayride tonight and were so excited. Their enthusiasm for everything we do is so refreshing. They will be sleepy when they get back. You enjoy the rest of your evening and we will too. Thanks for sharing your children.
Diana, Murray and the gang

Good morning families!

Good morning everyone,
It is only 10am and so much has already happened. At 7am Murray, Beau and I went out to the woods to build the ceremonial fire for the girls on Pioneer Path. They arrived to the campfire area shortly after looking tired but very proud for what they had accomplished as a team. Murray spoke with them about the importance of what they had done together. I expressed to them the respect that I have for them for having faced the challenge of hiking out, undertaking team building and taking care of themselves and each other. They hiked in for breakfast and were welcome with loud applause from everyone. It was only 8:20am. After breakfast the campers returned to their cabins for clean-up and off to first activity. Of course, the campers and counselors from P.A.T.H. are treated to a shower and long nap. As I look out the window, I see campers from Buckaroos to Pioneers helping Kris (head of general sports) fill water balloons for an afternoon game of "dodge water balloons." It is always a very popular event. Of course, the campers helping fill balloons are enjoying getting wet themselves. It is a beautiful day and the lake is full of kayaks and canoes and of course, children swimming. If this morning is a sign of the kind of day we are going to have....I will be the happiest of all the campers. What a life we are leading here. Everyone should be so lucky. I hope your day is as fantastic as ours!
Diana, Murray and the gang

New Session, New Kids, New Puppy!

Circle F is one, big, happy family, and we are so pleased to welcome =our second session campers! We began the week with The Welcome Dance, where we all boogied until the sun set over our beautiful lake.

Today began with our second round of activities. Riding geared up the horses and lead the anxious cowboys and cowgirls into their rings, some as experts, and some for the first time! The waterfront was no-holds-bard with their sailing lessons, canoe instruction, and kayak racing extravaganza!

Interested in creating something beautiful? Then head over to arts and crafts, where the crew is known for their fabulous painting, extraordinary bracelet making, and some amazing Popsicle stick cabins.

Need more movement in your life? Dance, Tumble, Cheer can surely provide you with some rhythm and groove.

Two left feet? Use them to kick around a ball with General Sports. We had soccer and archery today, where kids were instructed in the sport, then encouraged to play on their own. Our great archery range just received new targets, so let the arrows fly young Robyn Hoods! Targets, or running campers more of your range? Let the paint fly in Paintball, with our desert and forest courses! The campers love this interactive, intense game of wits, physique, and strategy.

Ready to soar to new heights? Climb that 33 foot wall then sail onto the zip line that gives a beautiful view of our lake.

Hike around the lake, learn to build a fire, and discover the world of the great outdoors in Camp craft and Nature Lore! Don't forget, recycle! Our Campcraft and Nature Lore class is in charge of our recycle program on property.

Capture the beauty of this place from your own perspective. Campers this year can participate in a new activity, Photography. Look for campers original work later on our website!

Wow, aren't we exhausted after a beautiful day of so many activities? No way! It's time for our evening program- DEAL or NO DEAL! Howie Mandel (our counselor Joe) jumped on stage and offered campers various deals, key chains, pizza parties, or free store depending on their luck. The audience loves this activity, as their response influences the decision that the contestant makes!

The sun sets over our lake as the new camp puppy Nomad relaxes on the beach. A new session, new kids, and a new puppy. Still the same ole' Circle F Family.

Thank you for being a part of our family.

Much love-
All 0f Us... =(F)=

Only one day left...can't believe it!

Dear families,
It is hard to believe that tomorrow is the last full day for our first session campers. I don't know about you but it has gone by so quickly for us. Tomorrow is full of last day activity. Rodeo practice, camp games, general swim, packing, banquet and final dance. In case you are wondering here is the schedule for Saturday.
9am- parents start arriving to pack up their camper or campers
Come to the Lasso Lodge to see portraits of your camper
10am- Horseshow at the Circle F arena
When you leave camp, you will be stopped at the gate and asked what camper you are checking out. Also, we will have a few questions to ask you, as well. Such as: How did you find Circle F? Postcard, newspaper(which one), magazine(which one), Google or what search engine. Why did you choose Circle F? We really appreciate your input as it helps us to grow, change and improve. Once again, thank you so very much for allowing us to spend 2 weeks with your fantastic children. Have a safe drive here. See you Saturday!
Diana, Murray and the gang

PATH

June 18th, 2009

PATH

When trying to explain personal integrity or teamwork, we can always utilize teambuilding games, personal examples, and heroes of our past. However, there is no teacher like nature that so poetically and pricelessly demonstrates the power of individual development and communal cooperation.

We developed P.A.T.H. (Pioneer Adventure Teambuilding Hike) knowing that nature is the supreme classroom to develop team and individual morals, values, and principles. The Pioneers are the oldest group of kids at Circle F Dude Ranch Camp, located off the 60 freeway in Lake Wales FL.

The girls and boys have separate P.A.T.H. excursions and spend the night on part of the 500 acres that sits behind the main part of Circle F Dude Ranch.

They begin the hike at the office, where the rule of “one positive comment for every negative comment” is explained. If we can keep the kids looking at the positive from the beginning, they are much more likely to see the other lessons that nature will teach them along the way.

We then head to the north side of the lake, walking in an area where most of the campers have never been. The sun shines from the west side as we curve around the 40-acre body of water. The live oaks common to this area hang overhead and shade our path.

We play a few teambuilding games and talk about reflecting on ourselves, and what it means to have integrity. Each tree has its own purpose in life- to grow, to provide nutrients for the earth, to create a forest. This gives us the opportunity to pose the question; what is your purpose?

We move into the back acreage hiking through a sugar sand trail and a live-oak canopy. The mile long trek through the foliage always brings time to talk about the snake trails through the sand, the raccoon paws, and the beautiful variations of spider webs strewn across the tress, or wrapped around wayward branches. The kids are always fascinated that they are going to be living with these creatures, and that we all use the same land to survive.

Arriving in a clearing we begin some more games, integrating the need for teamwork and communication in everything that we do.

We hike through the forest once again, and head towards an open pine area. We build our own shelters from tarps, our own fire out of dead, down, and detached wood, and cook our own food. The need for community and cooperation is emphasized here as we settle down for the night, filled with food and tired from the hiking. Everyone has much to ponder; personal integrity, teamwork, and community, exemplified to us through the beauty and wonder of nature here on Circle F property.

Can you believe it is the last week of the session??

Hi families,
It is the end of another day at camp. So much happens in a day here. You can't remember if what happened was this morning or yesterday or a few days ago. It is so interesting. I hear kids all the time saying they have no idea what day it is and that it doesn't matter because it is just another day of fun. They are so right. Today started just like all the others with flag raising, morning thought and a fantastic breakfast of bisquits and gravy, sausage, cereal, fruit, orange juice and milk. We end with announcements about the day and the traditional, "Who's the camper of the day?", "Who's the counselor of the day?" and of course...."What's today??". In case you are wondering it was "Marvelous Monday" all day long! We ended our long day with MTV night. The cabins did a great job entertaining each other with everything from the Beach Boys to Hannah Montana. You can see them on the first session video that will be playing in the Lasso Lodge on closing day. We got the children off to bed a little early tonight. They have been busy since they got here. I figured a little extra sleep was in order for all. With that said I could use some sleep myself. Good night everyone. Enjoy your week and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday. Sleep tight!
Diana and the gang