May 2012 - YMCA OF THE PINES

Helping Hands

By YMCA of the Pines|2012-05-31T11:04:45-04:00May 31st, 2012|

There is only 25 days until the first day of Day Camp and there are still many things to be done. We are still finalizing schedules, cleaning up and organizing our ordered supplies, and planning our special events for each week. I am very grateful to have such a great staff that is willing to go above and beyond what is expected. I couldn’t ask for a better group to be dedicated to Camp than these certain staff members. A big special thanks goes to four of Lake Stockwell’s leadership staff, Steph Ward, Sam Smith, Josh Matukonis and Tom Logue, [...]

The Farm

By YMCA of the Pines|2012-05-29T10:25:15-04:00May 29th, 2012|

This topic might me a little off the beaten path, but give it some time ... it might grow on you. One of my favorite things to do during those few moments when camp isn't buzzing with campers is to garden. My house is fortunate enough to have about 100 square feet of gardening space, enclosed by a 3 1/2 foot fence I put up last Spring. I affectionately call this small plot of land "The Farm." Last year I had some limited success with a number of vegetables on The Farm and have explanded this year's crop to include, [...]

Memorial Day…

By YMCA of the Pines|2012-05-27T07:56:20-04:00May 27th, 2012|

Hello all… On this Memorial Day weekend I just wanted to send out my heartfelt thanks to all the men and women of service past, present and future. These brave men and women sacrifice so much and in many cases sacrifice everything in defense of our own lives, liberties and freedoms. There are two such people very close to me that I personally consider role models and heroes. […]

Cherokee Beach…almost ready for swimming!

By YMCA of the Pines|2012-05-26T13:17:16-04:00May 26th, 2012|

This past week, Cherokee Beach received some huge upgrades to help facilitate an increase in both Lake Stockwell Day Camp and our Membership program. Huge thanks to Dave, Paul, and Rob for installing our newest water inflatable (check the picture on the May 21st blog posting) & Jamie and Chris for spending hours clearing brush to open up the whole entire beach area. Also the Haddonfield Y’s Men who helped build our new playground and over 22 tons of new sand which was spread around both the beach and the playground. Looking for a great place to spend your weekends this [...]

“The Olden Days”

By YMCA of the Pines|2012-05-25T20:49:19-04:00May 25th, 2012|

I've always been rather nostalgic for "the Olden Days." I like to watch old movies (especially John Wayne films!), I like being away from civilization when I get a chance, and I love talking to old men. They have the best stories about the way things used to be! It seems like things move a lot faster today then they used to and we sometimes forget what is most important about being a good person: doing the right thing even when it is not an easy thing to do. It is even difficult to teach this at Camp when we [...]

Words of Wisdom

By YMCA of the Pines|2012-05-24T07:15:21-04:00May 24th, 2012|

The opportunities here at Camp are endless. Keep this quote in mind when you are trying something new. "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sail. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain

A Personal Story…

By YMCA of the Pines|2012-05-23T17:13:09-04:00May 23rd, 2012|

Our guest blogger this week is Tess Liebersohn! Tess was a camper for many years at Matollionequay. She went on to become staff and after a 2 year break from camp, we are so excited to have Tess as a Village Chief this summer! Welcome back Tess! ___________________________________________________________________________ Several months before I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in April, I started fielding the question all college seniors face: “What are you doing after you graduate?” My answer included mumbled variations of “not really sure yet” until March, when I was thrilled to learn that I was accepted to a program where [...]

Exploring

By YMCA of the Pines|2012-05-22T09:46:51-04:00May 22nd, 2012|

I had occasion to open up our Challenge Course Policy and Operations Manual earlier today and re-read a quote that always rings true as we embark on a new summer season; "Always in the big woods when you leave familiar ground and step off alone into a new place there will be, along with the feelings of curiousity and excitement, a little nagging of dread. It is the ancient fear of the Unknown, and it is your first bond with the wilderness you are going into. What you are doing is exploring. You are undertaking the first experience, not of [...]

Anyone excited to try our our new obstacle course?!

By YMCA of the Pines|2012-05-21T11:55:15-04:00May 21st, 2012|

Check out our newest addition! The new inflatable obstacle course went up today at Cherokee Beach and a HUGE thank you to Dave, Rob and Paul for putting it up! (The lake water isn't exactly nice and toasty, yet.) With this new giant toy and the new playground that's just about finished, I am sure our Campers will have a blast this summer!

Words of wisdom from the Camp Kitchen…

By YMCA of the Pines|2012-05-20T07:03:36-04:00May 20th, 2012|

Hello all!! Along with my assistant Nick, who is a certified Nutritionist, we've found a few tips to share with you for healthier eating. Adjusting some simple things or eliminating a few bad habits can make a world of difference to your Mind, Body and Spirit. "It's not food if it's called by the same name in every language. (Think Big Mac, Cheetos or Pringles.) "Don't eat cereals that change the color of the milk." "Shop the peripheries of the supermarket and stay out of the middle." "Avoid foods you see advertized on television." "Avoid foods [...]

Monthly Archives: May 2012