I know Summer 2016 is approaching rapidly when I see fiddleheads and wildflowers emerging on our F&W lands. Our pigs, alpacas and sheep are enjoying the spring grass as they graze on pastures around campus. The goat kids were just too cute bunched together on a Timberlake’s field, while the elder goats relaxed under trees near the road.
Our Resource and Farm crews have been working hard to put the finishing touches on repairs, updates and plantings before campers arrive. We’ve been fortunate to have the weather cooperate– although a mid-May snow flurry was a surprise.
The camp directors and I have been evaluating our trips and aquatics programming, through a lens of safe practice and protocol and the camper experience over time at the different camps. We have also ramped up our waterfront and trips resources and staff training in an ongoing effort to improve our camper and staff preparation for aquatic and trip programs.
This summer, the camp directors will continue to lead social justice and anti-racism staff training. We also will be enjoying a second summer of skill building for select summer staff to support conversations and teachable moments that arise during camp around race and class, gender and other topics that arise. Helping young people to advocate for themselves and friends and recognizing words that may be hurtful is a good step toward developing awareness and empathy for a more inclusive and caring community.
Finally, we are excited about our Loop Road completion that you will see this summer. We are pleased that the Barn Day Campers will not have vehicles crossing near their play area. I think drivers will find the line of sight on the new road is greatly improved. In the fall, we’ll begin the second phase of joining the fields around the Barn Day Camp. Stay tuned for Facebook posts and images!
We’re excited about Summer 2016 and hope you are, too. I look forward to welcoming you in a few weeks, and hope the school year wraps up smoothly for your children. Be sure to find time to get outside to enjoy nature’s beauty.
In peace,
Rebecca
