May 2011 - YMCA OF THE PINES

Unbelievable Mashed Potatoes

By YMCA of the Pines|2011-05-31T18:30:44-04:00May 31st, 2011|

Hey folks... I just couldn't wait to share my new found favorite Mashed Potato recipe!! I got this from a dear old friend last week and made them the same night I got the recipe and... WOW... amazing. So creamy and delicious, you don't even want to smother them in gravy and there's no seed so slather them with extra butter. I could eat a plate full of these as a meal itself!! Cream Cheese and Chives Mashed Potatoes 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup butter, softened 1/4 [...]

Thought of the Day

By YMCA of the Pines|2011-05-30T19:40:19-04:00May 30th, 2011|

On this Memorial Day, we remember all of our Nation's Soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and we pray for the safe return of all of the American Soldiers who are currently deployed. Many members of our Camp family have served and some are currently serving our Country overseas. These men and women deserve our gratitude and respect for risking their lives to defend our Nation. Please keep Air Force Captain Jared Ostroski, Army Major Matt Chambers, and their families in your thoughts and prayers. Jared is the brother of our own Chef Jason and Matt is a former camper, [...]

The meaning behind Thought of the Day…

By YMCA of the Pines|2011-05-26T05:54:07-04:00May 26th, 2011|

Every morning at camp, after we eat breakfast, all of the girls and staff members go to a place called “The Chapel”. It’s this beautiful little area behind the main part of the camp where we meet regularly, usually full of noise and excitement, which we call “The Bowl”. As we all walk back from breakfast, finally coming out of the morning coma many of us fall into, most are very giddy, full of excitement for the activities and the day ahead. But as soon as we cross through the bowl and see those greeting us silently with their pointer [...]

It’s Almost Time!

By YMCA of the Pines|2011-05-24T10:05:35-04:00May 24th, 2011|

" Being a team player is not about doing the job of others; it is about doing your job for the benefit of others!" As Gab, Brent and I are getting ready for Summer Camp, we spend A LOT of time getting Staff Training together. I love this time of year because the enthusiasm that comes from our staff or our “Professional Role Models” is completely contagious! I can’t believe that Camp is right around the corner!

Great Granola

By YMCA of the Pines|2011-05-22T10:14:12-04:00May 22nd, 2011|

Hello faithful readers... As we leave the Wintery weather behind us, it's time to get outside and enjoy nature. You may find yourself wanting to take a hike through the woods... maybe around the trails here at YMCA Camp Ockaninckon!! Well, I have a simple and easy snack you can make at home and bring on the trail with you... home made granola. I will preface this recipe as I always do... be creative, use your own likes and dislikes to create YOUR own special granola blend!! Ingredients 3 cups rolled oats 1 cup slivered almonds 1 cup cashews 3/4 cup shredded [...]

Professional Role Models

By YMCA of the Pines|2011-05-20T13:44:15-04:00May 20th, 2011|

It is awesome to see how excited the staff are for summer to arrive! New staff are arriving almost every day and they can't wait to get started. Lots of staff of working hard to implement new ideas for the summer and to hone their counseling abilities. I am 100% positive that our campers are in for a terrific summer! We can't wait for you to arrive! 37 days to go!!! Brent Birchler Boys Camp Director

A “thought of the day’ …

By YMCA of the Pines|2011-05-18T17:53:29-04:00May 18th, 2011|

Somewhere over the rainbow… Somewhere over the rainbow Way up high And the dreams That you’ve dreamed of Once in a lullaby Somewhere over the rainbow Bluebirds fly And the dreams That you’ve dreamed of Dreams really do come true […]

Just another day at the office….

By YMCA of the Pines|2011-05-16T08:22:13-04:00May 16th, 2011|

I came across these guys this morning while on my way to Matolly! I am pretty sure these are the same guys that torture Henry, our dog.....they run back and forth on the other side of the fence and make him crazy :)

A sticky sweet dessert…

By YMCA of the Pines|2011-05-15T15:21:57-04:00May 15th, 2011|

Hey there faithful readers… This time around I dove again into the archives for a recipe that still gets comments and compliments from those of you who have tried it out and rave reviews for those of you whom I’ve personally made it for. It’s something that my mother makes for Christmas breakfast every year. Since it has not yet been published here on our lovely (newer) Blog it might be a good time to re-introduce it for our newer readers. Mom’s Sticky Cinnamon Buns Frozen bread dough balls 1pkg. Brown sugar 1 [...]

You know Camp is Around the Corner when the Internationals Start Arriving!

By YMCA of the Pines|2011-05-13T13:07:44-04:00May 13th, 2011|

Brett Patterson was our first International Staff Member to arrive for the season! He got to Camp this past weekend and will be running the Challenge Course this summer. Over the next few weeks, counselors from around the world will be arriving at Camp to begin an experience that will most likely have a huge impact on the rest of their lives. In return, they will have a huge impact on our campers who think it is the coolest thing in the world to have a counselor from another country. International staff have been a really big part of our summer programs [...]

Monthly Archives: May 2011