Today’s entry is just a recap of the last several days. Now that camp has settled into a bit of a rhythm, it’s our plan to have a couple of our Junior Counselors be our “camp reporters” each day so that we can keep our adoring public better informed! Stay tuned for more as the summer progresses…
SUNDAY
Everyone arrived safely at camp, and got to know each other playing big fun meadow games. That evening, we had the very first campfire of 2007, and all the campers and staff got up onstage to introduce themselves. We also took sign-ups for high ropes, horseback riding lessons, and backpacking trips.
The following campers signed up for riding lessons, and will be taking a lesson each morning for the next week: Claire S, Agnes A, Silvie S, Calena R, Helen G, Jordan G, Danielle S, Hank F, Andre G, Taryn L, Griffin B, Casey N, David G, Molly M, Lia M, Kelsey G, Valary Z, Aiden R, Sarah P, Emma T, Julia V, Tess L, Colleen P, Mariah D, Simone S, Isabel B, Fiona H, Dawn Linn T, Nira K.
MONDAY
On Monday all the activities started and everyone made a trip to the pool for swim checks. Our first lake group of the season was Brendan S, Michael O, Tim Y, Monica A, Aaron R, Emerson K, and Rebekah M. Our first high ropes group was: Marina N, Dionna J, Joe G, Peter D, James O, Justin C, Will M, Patrick L, Bryan Q, Adam O, and Paul E. The arts and crafts, paintings were made with things the kids found while on a nature walk. In the afternoon, Devon K, David G, Casey N, Michael A, Jake H, Griffin B, Helen G, and Jordan G took their turn at the lake. In the evening, campers got to choose from a variety of activities, including a canoe trip to Round Valley Lake (selected by Laura S, Tess L, Danielle S, Michael A, Griffin B, Casey N, Alexis O, and Rebekah M), and a fishing trip (Fiona H, Aiden R, Valary Z, Agnes A, Sarah P, Michael O.) Other campers chose from a variety of in-camp activities: a nature walk, Frisbee fun, a mountain bike ride, charades, dance, the climbing wall, and hide & seek.
TUESDAY
Tuesday was Claire S’s birthday, and we celebrated with decorations and chocolate cake. Specialty groups started at horses, including mini driving, saddle club and vaulting. For the next week, our Saddle Clubbers are Julia V, Sarah F, Aide R, Laura S, Helen G; our vaulters are Alexis O, Dawn Linn T, Ryleigh H, Taryn L, Tess L, Griffin B, and David G; and our Mini Drivers are Calena R, Agnes A, Sarah P, Valary Z, Claire S, Silvie S, Mariah D, Fiona H, Danielle S, Casey N, and Tess O. Several campers also signed up to be Barn Rats, who will help out with barn chores in the morning, including Colleen P, Tess O, Kelsey G, Lia M, Jordan G, Griffin B, Valary Z, and Aiden R.
The morning lake group today was Hank F, Taryn L, Andre G, Agnes A, Claire S, Calena R, Silvie S, and Sarah P. On the high ropes course were Simone S, Kelsey G, Monica A, Brianne C, Tim Y, Emerson K, Aaron R, Devon K, Griffin B, Casey N. After lunch, Tess L, Danielle S, Molly M, Paul E, Pat L, Mathieu W, and Adam O took their turn at the lake, while the highlight of the in-camp activities was cookie-baking. At campfire that night, The Battleship, Phule’s Paradise, Treehouse, and FBI presented skits.
WEDNESDAY
The boys of Phules’ Paradise and The Swamp, along with Monica A, Simone S, Kelsey G, Mariah D, and Rebekah M, left on a three-day backpack trip to Lassen National Park. That evening, all of the remaining campers in camp hiked out to our campsites along the creek, to roast hotdogs for dinner, eat ‘smores for dessert, and sleep underneath the stars. The craft activity for the day was tie-dye.
THURSDAY
After a fulfilling breakfast of bagels and cereal, our outposters hiked back to camp for military showers (to conserve water). Parents, check your mail because today was letter writing day, and letters should be arriving home soon from your camper! In the afternoon, campers cooled off at water balloon volleyball and at the pool. Thursdays have only one Lake Group, and Valary Z, Fiona H, Dawn Linn T, Tess O, Colleen P, Marina N, Dionna J, and Laura S. took advantage of an extra-long opportunity to practice wakeboarding and kneeboarding. The evening concluded with campfire, featuring skits by Club Med, Billabong, and Times Square.
FRIDAY
At lunch today, Mike Fisher got to sign the kayak hanging on our deck, as recognition for mastering his roll at the pool this morning. We also expect Brianne C to be signing the kayak very soon! The backpackers returned, dirty and happy, in time for our Pajama Party dance this evening. Club Med and Battleship will get special ice cream sundaes tonight, as rewards for having the cleanest cabins. Our usual morning lake group (Hank F, Michael O, Andre G, and Taryn L.) hit the water this morning, and Alexis O, Sarah F, Julia V, Isabel B, Nera K, Emma T, Griffin B, and David G took over in the afternoon.
By Kristin Beardsley and Camry Haskins, edited by Amy.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Beautiful Day
After a very chilly night, we woke up to blue skies and an absolutely gorgeous Coppercreek day. Our Equestrian campers had their first day of 2 lessons and chose their specialty groups. They all chose either Vaulting or Mighty Minis. The Vaulting group worked their compulsories and then started to create Kurs (routines) they could do as teams. They practiced on both the barrel and a little bit on our draft mare, Annie. The Mighty Mini group hitched up both Jiggy and Beauty and each person was able to drive around the arena a bit. The lessons and ground lessons also went very well! We are so enjoying this session!
The lifeguards also finished their pool work today, just about the time the weather warmed up....! They will take their written tests tomorrow and we will have 8 new lifeguards for this summer's camp session. Mandatory staff training week begins Sunday, so we will have some new arrivals over the weekend. Only 10 more days until 1st session begins
The lifeguards also finished their pool work today, just about the time the weather warmed up....! They will take their written tests tomorrow and we will have 8 new lifeguards for this summer's camp session. Mandatory staff training week begins Sunday, so we will have some new arrivals over the weekend. Only 10 more days until 1st session begins
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Starting Camp with Snow on the Mountain!
Today is the first day or the first session of our 42nd year! We also had a cold storm move through last night and drop a dusting of snow on the mountains behind us.
Our riding staff arrived last Wednesday and started their Certified Horsemanship Association Clinic on Thursday afternoon. After 4 days of intense riding and instructing, all 6 women passed receiving at least their level 2 certification. CONGRATULATIONS to all of them!
The staff taking our lifeguarding class arrived on Monday and yesterday morning had their first session in the pool. Of course, they absolutely froze to death as we had our coldest day in months. Today they are back at the pool with more clothes and hopefully they took a sense of humor in their lunch. Oh, well....at least the sun is shining at the moment.
Our Equestrian Camp campers have begun arriving and we are so excited to hear young voices and laughter echoing through Coppercreek again!
We are all so thrilled to spend our summers living, working and playing in such an incredible place with new and old friends.
See you soon!
Our riding staff arrived last Wednesday and started their Certified Horsemanship Association Clinic on Thursday afternoon. After 4 days of intense riding and instructing, all 6 women passed receiving at least their level 2 certification. CONGRATULATIONS to all of them!
The staff taking our lifeguarding class arrived on Monday and yesterday morning had their first session in the pool. Of course, they absolutely froze to death as we had our coldest day in months. Today they are back at the pool with more clothes and hopefully they took a sense of humor in their lunch. Oh, well....at least the sun is shining at the moment.
Our Equestrian Camp campers have begun arriving and we are so excited to hear young voices and laughter echoing through Coppercreek again!
We are all so thrilled to spend our summers living, working and playing in such an incredible place with new and old friends.
See you soon!
Monday, April 2, 2007
Alumni Group
Amy got us set up on a Google groups list for our former campers and staff to share their Coppercreek memories. I pulled a few quotable quotes out for you to enjoy. It has been such a gift to read how important Coppercreek still is to so many.
Enjoy!
Becky
PS, if you want to join the group, please contact amy@coppercreek.com!
POST #1
Coppercreek remains my treasure chest of happiest experiences. I could never sleep that first night after I'd arrive, because I'd be so excited to finally be back on those creaky-spring bunkbeds with the plastic-covered mattresses, and those solemn trees outside the cabin windows (which were open back then). I remember store stops, the smell of red dirt, horses, and pine (and, well, insect repellant), and the sounds of coyotes and wind, the porch shaking under the weight of party night, and the Trek vans coming back into camp, playing "Rock Lobster" or "Louie Louie"
(even though we probably weren't supposed to). I remember friends my own age and the revered staff. Among all its lessons, Coppercreek taught me how to value time, since every day felt so precious and so mine to spend: such a luxury, with dirty feet and dirty T-shirt and biscuits and gravy and red punch. There's no way I could ever describe all of it, but I remember it in great detail.
It was incredible to drive up from San Francisco, where I live now, last May and feel how the spirit of the place is still completely alive in me even though
I'd been away for almost 15 years. The occasion of John's memorial was a very sad one, of course. It was an awesome monument to him, though, to see how many lives Coppercreek has enriched, and how indelible its mark is. Every summer that I hadn't gone back, I'd felt a strong sense of displacement. Going back and reconnecting with some dear souls last spring gave me some peace that the spirit of camp, and the essential place, are intact despite the time away and the changes to the cabins and property lines. Matt Evarts once told me, "I hope you come back to Coppercreek
till you die," and I'm sure I will, one way or another.
POST #2
"Wow. I am so thrilled that there is a list now of people who went to Coppercreek. I went there from 1979 to 1985(i think). It's kind of amazing, but the memories of those days are still with me and when times get tough thinking about Coppercreek seems to brighten my day. Anyone else out there remember "The Tubes" "Dead Horowitzes" or "Johnny Destructo?" I'd love to hear from some of you all.
One of the things that I remember best and occasionally brings a tear to my eye when I remember it is campfire nights. Some of those wonderful songs I learned are still my favorites. I remember fondly the end of campfires where everyone sang "day is done." (taps) I remember the couple of moments of quiet peace that always followed.
I guess other coppercreek campers and staff can attest to this. The memories and warmth linger many years after the camp experience. Sometime if I am ever driving through northern California I would love to drive by and see the camp again. I'm sure a lot has changed, but as much as things have changed I'm sure some have remained the same. "
POST #3
I Was at camp with my three brothers and mom, who was the camp nurse.I am looking at an orange juice can covered in felt with the face of a dog ,which has been with me since that summer of fun,Boy do the thoughts of long ago come back.
Enjoy!
Becky
PS, if you want to join the group, please contact amy@coppercreek.com!
POST #1
Coppercreek remains my treasure chest of happiest experiences. I could never sleep that first night after I'd arrive, because I'd be so excited to finally be back on those creaky-spring bunkbeds with the plastic-covered mattresses, and those solemn trees outside the cabin windows (which were open back then). I remember store stops, the smell of red dirt, horses, and pine (and, well, insect repellant), and the sounds of coyotes and wind, the porch shaking under the weight of party night, and the Trek vans coming back into camp, playing "Rock Lobster" or "Louie Louie"
(even though we probably weren't supposed to). I remember friends my own age and the revered staff. Among all its lessons, Coppercreek taught me how to value time, since every day felt so precious and so mine to spend: such a luxury, with dirty feet and dirty T-shirt and biscuits and gravy and red punch. There's no way I could ever describe all of it, but I remember it in great detail.
It was incredible to drive up from San Francisco, where I live now, last May and feel how the spirit of the place is still completely alive in me even though
I'd been away for almost 15 years. The occasion of John's memorial was a very sad one, of course. It was an awesome monument to him, though, to see how many lives Coppercreek has enriched, and how indelible its mark is. Every summer that I hadn't gone back, I'd felt a strong sense of displacement. Going back and reconnecting with some dear souls last spring gave me some peace that the spirit of camp, and the essential place, are intact despite the time away and the changes to the cabins and property lines. Matt Evarts once told me, "I hope you come back to Coppercreek
till you die," and I'm sure I will, one way or another.
POST #2
"Wow. I am so thrilled that there is a list now of people who went to Coppercreek. I went there from 1979 to 1985(i think). It's kind of amazing, but the memories of those days are still with me and when times get tough thinking about Coppercreek seems to brighten my day. Anyone else out there remember "The Tubes" "Dead Horowitzes" or "Johnny Destructo?" I'd love to hear from some of you all.
One of the things that I remember best and occasionally brings a tear to my eye when I remember it is campfire nights. Some of those wonderful songs I learned are still my favorites. I remember fondly the end of campfires where everyone sang "day is done." (taps) I remember the couple of moments of quiet peace that always followed.
I guess other coppercreek campers and staff can attest to this. The memories and warmth linger many years after the camp experience. Sometime if I am ever driving through northern California I would love to drive by and see the camp again. I'm sure a lot has changed, but as much as things have changed I'm sure some have remained the same. "
POST #3
I Was at camp with my three brothers and mom, who was the camp nurse.I am looking at an orange juice can covered in felt with the face of a dog ,which has been with me since that summer of fun,Boy do the thoughts of long ago come back.
Spring
What a fantastic day! Although we are all a little worried about our dry winter and it's impact on the summer fire season, we are sure enjoying the spectacular spring weather. Craig mowed the top part of the meadow today. He has some pipes to fix in his irrigation system, but hopefully, the playing field will be green and lush when the campers arrive in June. It looks a little bit like a golf course today.
The other exciting news of the day is that Miss Ryleigh took her training wheels off!!! It was so exciting. With a little push from Craig, she was off and running down the camp meadow. She got it on the first try!
Hope you are all enjoying the spring weather, and if you celebrate Passover, you are enjoying time with friends and family.
Becky
The other exciting news of the day is that Miss Ryleigh took her training wheels off!!! It was so exciting. With a little push from Craig, she was off and running down the camp meadow. She got it on the first try!
Hope you are all enjoying the spring weather, and if you celebrate Passover, you are enjoying time with friends and family.
Becky
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Camp and High School Chemistry
I received an e-mail from my Uncle Bruce the other day with a link to an article in the LA Times about my high school Chemistry teacher. Mr. Boomer, or the Boom, as everyone called him, has been at the same high school in the Santa Cruz Mountains for 50 years teaching Chemistry and Physics. I have attached a link to the article if you'd like to check it out. http://home.comcast.net/%7epqshop/latimes/latimes.html
To tell this story, I must first admit that as a teenager, I was not only a bit of a know it all, but also had moments where I was down right snotty. I know you are all surprised :). I can remember telling the Boom very early on in my Chemistry career that I did not "need" Chemistry, because I was going to law school, and obviously attorneys had no need for hard science. Now, having been raised by a smart alec, I should have known better than to give someone THAT much ammunition. For the rest of my years in high school, I was called "the lawyer" anytime I opened my mouth in Boom's class. So, after receiving and reading the article last week, I talked to my husband Craig about Mr. Boomer and my memories of Chemistry and Physics. I was astounded to find out that Craig's Chemistry teacher NEVER blew anything up. Not only that, but he never even got to light the bunsen burners, never got to experience BIG QUAL (qualitative analysis) where you actually cooked and added chemicals to discover what compound you had been given, and didn't remember much of anything. I STILL remember some of the elements on the periodic table, the formula for Sulphuric Acid and many other obscure facts from my BIG CHEM & MIGHTY PHYSICS career. I'm 36 years old and haven't taken a single Chemistry or Physics class since High School. Even with Boom's influence, I chose Intro to Oceanography as my college science requirement. One of the labs involved going to the beach and counting waves, totally my kind of science, but I digress.
You may wonder what in the world my high school science career has to do with camp! Quite a lot, actually. About the same time, I was taking this walk down memory lane, I was also putting together a banner for the Expo we attended this weekend. I was trying to figure out how to crystallize the camp experience for potential camp families. Why is camp important? What lessons are learned here?
Interestingly, what I came up with was Experiential Learning, and learning through play. Which of course, led me right back to Boom's classroom. Mr. Boomer always took so much pleasure from teaching and we learned through play! WE BLEW STUFF UP AND LIT THINGS ON FIRE! And, those lessons are still with me. The lessons we teach at camp are obviously quite different from the ones taught in a science classroom (I am still way more into the social science part of life :), but they are as enduring. When we learn through experience and play, those lessons stay with us far longer and can change who we are and how we see the world. So, maybe "the lawyer" did need Chemistry after all! Much thanks to you Boom! And, to everyone else, GO PLAY!
To tell this story, I must first admit that as a teenager, I was not only a bit of a know it all, but also had moments where I was down right snotty. I know you are all surprised :). I can remember telling the Boom very early on in my Chemistry career that I did not "need" Chemistry, because I was going to law school, and obviously attorneys had no need for hard science. Now, having been raised by a smart alec, I should have known better than to give someone THAT much ammunition. For the rest of my years in high school, I was called "the lawyer" anytime I opened my mouth in Boom's class. So, after receiving and reading the article last week, I talked to my husband Craig about Mr. Boomer and my memories of Chemistry and Physics. I was astounded to find out that Craig's Chemistry teacher NEVER blew anything up. Not only that, but he never even got to light the bunsen burners, never got to experience BIG QUAL (qualitative analysis) where you actually cooked and added chemicals to discover what compound you had been given, and didn't remember much of anything. I STILL remember some of the elements on the periodic table, the formula for Sulphuric Acid and many other obscure facts from my BIG CHEM & MIGHTY PHYSICS career. I'm 36 years old and haven't taken a single Chemistry or Physics class since High School. Even with Boom's influence, I chose Intro to Oceanography as my college science requirement. One of the labs involved going to the beach and counting waves, totally my kind of science, but I digress.
You may wonder what in the world my high school science career has to do with camp! Quite a lot, actually. About the same time, I was taking this walk down memory lane, I was also putting together a banner for the Expo we attended this weekend. I was trying to figure out how to crystallize the camp experience for potential camp families. Why is camp important? What lessons are learned here?
Interestingly, what I came up with was Experiential Learning, and learning through play. Which of course, led me right back to Boom's classroom. Mr. Boomer always took so much pleasure from teaching and we learned through play! WE BLEW STUFF UP AND LIT THINGS ON FIRE! And, those lessons are still with me. The lessons we teach at camp are obviously quite different from the ones taught in a science classroom (I am still way more into the social science part of life :), but they are as enduring. When we learn through experience and play, those lessons stay with us far longer and can change who we are and how we see the world. So, maybe "the lawyer" did need Chemistry after all! Much thanks to you Boom! And, to everyone else, GO PLAY!
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Dog's Life- by Roscoe
Boy, it sure does seem like its getting busy around here all of the sudden. Lornie has actually been able to play with her horses, which is fine with be becuse that means there is fresh manure in places I can get to without getting yelled at. I don't know what the big deal is, the big dumb beasts don't care that I'm running around at their feet. I don't even think they can see me. Of course there was that one grey one that seemed to be chasing me the other day... Craig (I would call him daddy, but he would probably get angry and then want to know why I was playing on his computer)Has be spending a lot of time working at the maintenance shop. He keeps crawling under tractors and other stuff and making them leak. He usually has a big dish under where they are leaking. I don't know why he would want to put that gunk in a dish, it tastes horrible. He geeps getting up and going to his other shed where he keeps the yummy oily stuff that tastes like french fries. I like that stuff. I don't understand what he does in there. the stuff is perfectly delicious and then he mixes it with the other smelly stuff; he puts water in and takes it out over and over again (I don't like the taste of it) and then he pours it in his pickup! What a waste of good, yummy oily stuff. Anyways, I try to help him as best as I can. I clean up after he spills the yummy oil, I bring him pine cones to throw for me, because that is what he REALLY wants to do, and I keep close watch when he makes the tractors leak the yucky stuff (see my ear, I got too close I guess.)
The snow is going away fast. I guess its ok though, it gets stuck all over me and slows me down. Plus now there are lots of birds to chase. I don't like the birds, they don't play fair. When I am just about to catch them, the go up in trees and yell mean things at me. Dumb birds. I hope the kids come back soon, I like all the stuff they leave on the dining deck for me plus that's when the nice ladies that work in the big kitchen will be back and they think I'm sooo cute.
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