New Session, New Faces, New Memories to Circle F!

The first day of third session is well underway, with a large group of bright smiling faces some new, some familiar, all apart of the Circle F family. The day started out bright and early getting ready for the new campers to come and move in for 3 weeks. Campers from as far away as France and as close as Orlando came to start their 3 weeks of fun, excitement, and the experience of a life time. After everyone was checked in and moved in we started lunch followed by a siesta and team building exercises. We learned each others name and a little about each other. Next came all camp games in which we moved from sport to sport playing fun outdoor games like soccer and kickball. Then after that came the swim test, (which everyone passed!) and a general swim. We had fun swimming around in the lake, splashing each other, and playing games. Following the swim test we had dinner which went a little better than lunch since we now knew every one's names and where we were going to sit. Soon after was the photo scavenger hunt where we ran all around camp take photos of ourselves in different areas of the camp. Finally at the end of the night came counselor skits. During the skits we got to see our counselors perform funny and exciting acts where they dressed weird, sang songs, and got poured water on. All around it looks like 3rd session 2010 will be an awesome one, and one to rememeber!!!!!!

Fourth of July!

So todays fourth of July and I'm sitting here soaking wet after the carnival but it started out like a normal Sunday. When we first woke up we had a picnic breakfast with our whole cabin and had bagels and milk then we had to clean but I think my cabin did really good on inspection! But carnival was soooo cool, there was a bounce house, a slip and slide, and two really cool tall slide things that you climbed up and slide down. I also won this awesome woopie cushion and slinkie in the basketball contest. There was cotton candy this year that was new and snow cones and this morning we built floats for the float contest which is tonight after dinner and then fireworks which are gonna be so cool! Well I'm gonna run to dinner so I don't miss pizza. Peace out Happy 4th of July.

Terrific Tuesday

How long? All day long! We hope so............... It's a beautiful morning here at Circle F Summer Camp. Hope everyone is doing well back home. Please check out our photos on the web and be sure to call us if you want your camper to stay for second session. We have limited spaces available.

First Session - 2nd Week

Sea World was simply amazing yesterday. We endured some rain, but the Circle F spirit lived on. Back at the ranch, campers enjoyed Water Mania and Color War. With only a week left in this session we are back to activities today. This week is full of Fantastic activities. Next session is almost sold out, so be sure to call us ASAP if you would like to reserve a spot for your camper.

1st Week of Fun

All is good here at the ranch. New friendships and tons of fun are present every moment. Please be sure to visit our website to view all the fun from First Session.

First Full Fun Day!!!!

Families,
The first day of activites was so very exciting! Everyone is finally learning their way around the campgrounds. Kids were shredding the half-pipe and building some camp fires. Friendships are forming so quickly! From climbing onto a horse to learning to use a harness at the rockwall, new adventures are sparking left and right. A light thunderstorm interrupted dinner but could not stop the spirit of our campers as they sang their way through it. Everyone knows the camp songs now, and maybe a few "knock-knock" jokes as well! Now, the welcome dance is in full swing. Campers will be closing the night with a unique drum circle and sleeping like logs after this eventful day. Look forward to seeing some pictures tomorrow of today's fun! Thanks to everyone for another Marvelous Monday at Circle F!!!!!

What's Today? Itsssss FANTASTIC FRIDAY!!!!

How Long? ALL DAY LONG!!!! We hope so.....Waiters remain, everyone else see ya!!!

I can not wait to stand up on that stage and hear these words... If you have not registered for this upcoming summer, please don't delay any longer. Call us and let us help you reserve your spot for Summer 2010.

Who's Ready for some Summer Camp?

Nomad is ready for some Summer Camp! The Camp Dog, "Nomad" is ready to rock and roll and so are all the other staff involved with this upcoming Summer. It's been an extremely productive non-summer season preparing for Summer 2010. It is our hope and desire to have created the most outstanding line-up of programming ever. The addition of our Skatepark has created excitement ever since it's announcement. The Grand Opening, which occurred during the 1st Annual Spring Break Camp allowed campers to see first hand the equipment and ramps. Pro Skater, Freddie Tan, ripped up the park in style and even gave some lessons. Please visit our website and learn more about this upcoming summer. Take care and have a FANTASTIC DAY.....

65 Days and Counting.

I recently read a book called the "Last Child in the Woods". Its contents alone define the reasons for Summer Camps and Outdoor Education Programs. Millions of kids this summer will sit around the house and play video games through their summer breaks. Here at Circle F Dude Ranch, we offer an alternative to parents. A secure, safe, enriching environment for them to send their children with over 25 activities. Kids need to be outside and enjoying the wonders of nature. In 59 years of operation, we have dedicated our hearts to helping adults and children alike discover the wonders of the outdoors.
Harnessing nature as the "World's Greatest Classroon", we promote morals, values, and principles in a FUN environment. Campers discover who they are and what makes them happy. We allow campers to choose their own activities and develop a specialized schedule that fits their needs and wants. Our college-aged and federal background checked staff help in the enrichment process, by providing educational framework that has specific goals each day. The main goal of course, "HAVING FUN"!
This upcoming summer will be here soon. 65 days and counting we will start the 59th summer here on our beautiful 500 acres. Horseback Riding, Waterfront Activities, and our NEW SKATEGROUND are amoung the 25 activities that campers can choose from. Please explore our website http://circlefduderanchcamp.com/ and call me at 863-676-4113 if you have any questions that I can help you with. The blog has begun for this summer and there will be plenty to talk about. Follow us on here and please take time to review our wonderful summer camp and we would love to have you in our family! Take care and have a FANTASTIC DAY!!

Murray, Steph, Sunshine, Mike, Tiff, Devin, and Kiki (Cant forget him)
Oh yeah, NOMAD says hi as well. Cant wait to see you all real soon!!!

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