Saturday: Part 2
Saturday evening started out with an exciting, camp-wide crazy hat dinner. All campers, C.I.T.’s, J.C.’s, and staff wore their craziest hat, or hat compilation, to dinner. The winners were the boy C.I.T.’s and the girls of Billabong. After a delicious dinner of lemon chicken and scalloped potatoes, camp prepared for capture the flag. At campfire, Amy and Becky divided the camp into two teams – the purple team and the orange team. As the two teams, led by captains Mike D. and Melissa, headed to the field, the adrenaline mounted. The intense game of capture the flag ended with the glorious victory of the orange team. Many faces came back happy and many hearts were broken. Ah, the glory of victory, the agony of defeat!
Sunday
Camp, tired from the previous night’s games, woke up to a scrumptious breakfast of blueberry muffins, along with eggs, sausage, yogurt, and cereal on the side. The splendid young riders spent their morning honing their skills on horseback. While the horseback riders were doing their thing, Kelly L. and Rebekah M. got a special treat – the lake to themselves. Woo hoo! This morning, the C.I.T.’s got to spend a few hours bonding on the high ropes course. The same morning, Joe G., Emerson K., James O., Peter D., Casey N., Tim Y., and Justin C. left for an overnight mountain biking adventure. As the day progressed, Mariah D., Fiona H., Danielle S., and Tess O. – those lucky ladies – got to go miniature pony driving. After dinner, we ended the night with Vespers. At Vespers, the campers chose songs, poetry, and/or quotes to present to the group. Vespers is a quiet time to celebrate life and nature in camp. We changed our Vespers spot this year, and Papa John would have been proud. Among the many beautiful poems and quotes, Patrick L. and Mike F. played us lovely songs on their guitars. All in all, it was a peaceful relaxing night.
Monday
What an exciting schedule for Monday – no Nameball! This exciting morning, there was a turbo, super exciting climbing trip to the loading zone with Agnes A., Sarah P., Valary Z., Will M., and Rebekah M. That is awesome! Another exciting activity that happened this morning was the Lizard Hunt. Michael O., David G., Andre G., Danielle S., and Helen G. found a lizard and made a pleasant home for it at Nature. The afternoon was exciting as well. There was an afternoon lake group with Laura S., Helen G., Danielle S., Tess L., and Alex O. The mini ponies were also out and about playing with the campers. Tonight there is more fun to come with campfire and skits!!
-Brady and Rudy
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Saturday's news...
Today’s entry by Kelsey Pierce and Ben Chodar, edited by Amy.
FRIDAY, continued…
On Friday afternoon, riding instructors Deb and Jenny took the Saddle Club on a trail ride. These three girls: Laura S, Helen G, and Aiden R, had a blast.
The Pajama Party dance that evening was a huge success. All the campers showed up in their finest bedtime apparel to dance the night away (until 9:30, that is!). Just as promised, Club Med and Battleship received ice cream sundaes for having the cleanest cabins, while the rest of camp got popsicles for dessert. As the party calmed down and came to a close, the campers headed off to bed while the CITs and JCs stayed to clean up the decorations and get the deck ready for breakfast the next morning.
SATURDAY
Saturday morning began with a breakfast of French toast sticks, sausage, eggs, and the usual granola and yogurt and cold cereal. Later this morning, the morning lake group, consisting of Emerson K, Tim Y, Joe G, and James O headed out for a morning of lake fun. The riders at horses took their lessons as usual – everyone is working hard and improving immensely. Rebekah M, Tess O, Mariah D, Sarah C, Tess L, Monica A, and Helen G made their way over to the high ropes course, many of them for the second time this session. Although we are very proud of all our campers, we’d like to give special recognition to Tess L, who faced her fear of heights and completed two portions of the course with exceptional composure. Rebekah M and Mariah D nearly completed a particularly difficult section of the course, called the Vertical Playground, and would have finished had lunch not been called. We had a lunch of sandwiches before the afternoon lake group (Rebekah M, Kate E, Mariah D, Jordan G, Kate K, Laura O, Taylor A, and Maddy S) left for an afternoon of wakeboarding, waterskiing, and kneeboarding. Back at camp, activities continued as usual. Tonight, everyone is excited for our huge game of Capture the Flag. Stay tuned for the results of the game, and more news of day-to-day fun at Coppercreek!
FRIDAY, continued…
On Friday afternoon, riding instructors Deb and Jenny took the Saddle Club on a trail ride. These three girls: Laura S, Helen G, and Aiden R, had a blast.
The Pajama Party dance that evening was a huge success. All the campers showed up in their finest bedtime apparel to dance the night away (until 9:30, that is!). Just as promised, Club Med and Battleship received ice cream sundaes for having the cleanest cabins, while the rest of camp got popsicles for dessert. As the party calmed down and came to a close, the campers headed off to bed while the CITs and JCs stayed to clean up the decorations and get the deck ready for breakfast the next morning.
SATURDAY
Saturday morning began with a breakfast of French toast sticks, sausage, eggs, and the usual granola and yogurt and cold cereal. Later this morning, the morning lake group, consisting of Emerson K, Tim Y, Joe G, and James O headed out for a morning of lake fun. The riders at horses took their lessons as usual – everyone is working hard and improving immensely. Rebekah M, Tess O, Mariah D, Sarah C, Tess L, Monica A, and Helen G made their way over to the high ropes course, many of them for the second time this session. Although we are very proud of all our campers, we’d like to give special recognition to Tess L, who faced her fear of heights and completed two portions of the course with exceptional composure. Rebekah M and Mariah D nearly completed a particularly difficult section of the course, called the Vertical Playground, and would have finished had lunch not been called. We had a lunch of sandwiches before the afternoon lake group (Rebekah M, Kate E, Mariah D, Jordan G, Kate K, Laura O, Taylor A, and Maddy S) left for an afternoon of wakeboarding, waterskiing, and kneeboarding. Back at camp, activities continued as usual. Tonight, everyone is excited for our huge game of Capture the Flag. Stay tuned for the results of the game, and more news of day-to-day fun at Coppercreek!
Friday, June 22, 2007
Camp 2007: The First Six Days.
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.
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.
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
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