Thursday, August 13, 2009

It was a beautiful day in the mountains. The sun made it appearance in late morning. Hikes, swimming, horseback riding, arts, and fishing-it was a very busy day for everyone.


Around the World! This is the merging of the travel channel and the food network. Each cabin spent the afternoon setting up their country. RMV toured the world tasting a speciality from each area. We visited Amish Country, greeted by three of the locals and their lady. The kraut was served with bratwurst. We moved to Italy to try the pasta. The Midwest served salads and our host was a scarecrow. A brief stop in China for an egg roll and fortune. Hay bales, horses and barbecue-we must be in Texas! Lovely French lady greeted the campers with eclairs. Wow, a trip around the world and a taste in each country.


The campers are headed off to get ready for the big dance tonight. All day there have been whispers of dates for the dance.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

CAMP INDEPENDENCE PICTURES

http://s683.photobucket.com/albums/vv193/theduke1204/independence/
The morning trek to breakfast was lead by Sunshine Lodge. The raising of the flag and morning singing welcomed a new day at RMV! Frontier led us in the morning ceremony.

The stable was very busy today as many campers wanted to spend some time riding Trinket. Trinket was a true lady as she gave each camper a pleasant ride. Donna, head of the riding program, beamed as she shared her love of horses with each rider. Donna's passion is "to help anyone who wants to rid a horse have the chance to do so here at RMV". The morning rides ended with smiles, laughter and pats to Trinket.

The fishing was busy but there were few catches. The General ( huge fish) was spotted but once again he outsmarted all the fishermen and women!

The art and crafts area was also busy with many kinds of painting, sculpting and yarn work.

The "Henhouse" ladies had a game of bocce ball down at the barn. A little competition and a round of chocolate milk was shared by all.

There were special guests for lunch today. Representatives from Boise Cascade and Trex were presented with artwork made at RMV in appreciation for their dedication to RMV. The time, materials and talents they share help to make RMV a cool place for all the campers.

Pizza night was a great hit. The campers enjoy their pizza party in different locations here at camp. Dining locations were: the pond, various decks, the pool, stage and pavilion.

The night was finished by the campers watching a movie together. Mama Mia was the movie of choice tonight. Then it is off the the cabins to catch up on some rest for tomorrows camp theme Food Tour.

There are some pictures on the site tonight, many more to come tomorrow!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Rock N' Roll USA

Tuesday brought sun and smiles to RMV as campers and staff enjoyed a beautiful day themed "Rock N' Roll USA". Clear skies allowed for a full venue of activities such as swimming, zip-lining, hay rides and horseback riding, all of which remained open all day long. Some cabins visited other stations such as music and drama, art, sports and fishing as well. The sports program featured tennis and saw several campers whilst others sought the shade and serenity of the fishing pond in the late afternoon. Following dinner, an all-camp was organized around the days theme (Rock N' Roll USA) that featured camp staff as music icons. Campers toured RMV while gathering autographs and being entertained by staff look-a-likes featuring Michael Jackson, ELVIS, Jason Mraz, Bob Marley, Zac Effron, Cher, Billy Joel, Madonna and finally Johnny and June Cash. In order to obtain autographs, campers were asked to complete tasks that involved singing or imitating signature dance moves. "Michael Jackson" stole the stage as a host of campers sought to learn the "Moon Walk" at the closing station. Many campers opted to campout tonight and had their dinner and desert over a camp fire hosted by outdoor living skills. Some pictures from todays all camp are posted below, more pictures will be added Wednesday

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Thursday, Under the Sea

Head counselors Ben and Courtney wore the appropriate gear for today "Under the Sea" adventure. Ben had his snorkeling gear on and Courtney went with the security of a life vest. Aspen cabin jumped into the sea with and original song:

We are the Dancing Queens,
Young and sweet,
Only the Aspen Girls,
Thursday night and the lights are low,
On our way to prom we'll go,
Way to play the right music,
Everyone from camp,
We're in the mood for dance,
And when you get the chance,
We are the Dancing Queens,
Young and sweet,
Only Aspen Girls.


Vespers were held in the Tranquility Garden. The entire camp participated in songs and campers had the opportunity to share their favorite activities and acknowledge special people at camp.












Today focused on preparation for the prom. If you haven't already guessed the theme of the prom is "Under the Sea". There was an opportunity to make corsages and boutonnieres. The guys picked up their tuxedos. RMV Staff, Counselors and Volunteers were busy with meal preparation, table decorations and Genessee Hall decorations. The girls fancied up their hair and put finishing touches on their make up.













Prom festivities started at 5:45 with entrees and drinks, followed by dinner which included a choice of three main courses. The selections were, New York Strip Steak, St. Jacques Scallops, or Stuffed Shells with Ricotta Cheese and Spinach. Dessert was a scrumptious fruit tart. Entrees and drinks were accompanied by Program Directors Kara and Jess on the cello and violin. The prom King and Queen were crowned at the prom.















Genessee Hall provided the dance floor which was decorated like the bottom of the sea including, a sunken ship, coral, fish, kelp, and bubbles. Prom pictures were taken during the evening. Music was provided by DJ, Matt Davis. The Campers looked great and fantastic time that they will always remember.


This will be the last blog for Camp Leadership. We truly hope that our Associate Campers have enjoyed our daily activity updates and pictures. Associate Campers, please share the Blog and pictures with your camper when they return home. It has been a true pleasure having your campers at camp this year. Thank you for allowing us the pleasure of their company and we look forward to seeing them next year. Enjoy the rest of the summer.

For additional pictures click here.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Wednesday, Jamaica Vacation Day

It was a beautiful sunny morning in Jamaica as Frontier Cabin raised the American Flag over RMV Jamaica. Thank you to the Associate Campers who have sent comments. Your feedback is most welcome to help improve the Blog.

In the spirit of the Jamaican Vacation, campers made tie dye shirts in Arts and Crafts and got into the Jamaican rhythm in Drama and Music playing percussion instruments.










The girls finished selecting their prom dresses. Counselors and Campers worked together on their manicures.
No s'mores in Jamaica. At Outdoor Living Skills Campers learned to make banana boats that were cooked over the open fire. Here's the recipe: one banana, cut open on one side, add to your liking, chocolate, caramel, or marshmallow. Place on the coals of an open fire until the skin turns black. Let cool, it's hot, and enjoy your Jamaican delight.










At Sports and Recreation an obstacle course was built to challenge the Campers ability to manoeuvre their chairs around obstacles. It was not a good day for the fish at the fishing pond. Many fish were caught, some meeting the size limit to keep. Some campers took the opportunity to lounge in the pool and hot tub.












Tonight was pizza and movie night. Cabins chose the sight for their pizza party and the movie "Cool Runnings" featured the Olympic Jamaican bobsled team. The "Magical Theme Selector" chose "Under the Sea" for Thursday's theme.
For additional pictures click here.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Tuesday, Bermuda Triangle



Head Counselors Courtney and Ben started the day by modeling a Bermuda Triangle costume. The skies are clear and storms are not expected at the RMV Bermuda Triangle. Frontier Cabin sang their original Bermuda Triangle song that goes like this:

Come on Frontier Momma's,
We got on the plane to go to the Bahamas,
But now we are stranded,
Wish our plane had landed,
Down in Cocomo, but we're,
Stuck here now and we cannot go,
That's just the way it goes,
In the Bermuda Triangle.

The Campers started their adventure day with exercise and sport; water aerobics, tennis, horseback riding, and zip line. Unlike the disasters of the Bermuda Triangle everyone had a great time and returned safely.












The girls picked up their prom dresses today.

The "Magical Theme Selector" chose tomorrow's theme as "Jamaica Day"

The evening all camp activity was the Bermuda Triangle Mystery! The famous pilot Cornelius Drake was on a historic flight. Over the Bermuda Triangle contact was lost with Captain Drake's plane. Campers were sent out to stations throughout camp to investigate this disappearance. They met a strange variety of people at the station who gave them clues about Captain Drake's disappearance. They met a methane fields scientist, a blind lost sailor, a triangle survivor, an air traffic controller, a plane mechanic, a marooned pilot, an old storyteller, and a narcoleptic fisherman. When the camper regrouped and deciphered their clues they found that Captain Drake wasn't really lost but had only stopped off for fish and chips.






For additional pictures click any of the pictures above or here.