Read Our Blog

Our Pet Rock!

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-02-11T13:51:21-05:00February 11th, 2013|

I was able to spend the afternoon at our Indian Mills School's Out Site today. The kids were so excited to introduce me to their new Pet Rock. This is the coolest rock I have ever seen! The kids explained that this rock is a "Popcorn Rock." Popcorn rock is a light weight, aragonite limestone crystal found at the outcrops in the Great Basin of the western United States. The popcorn-like crystals are formed from limestone formations. This limestone contains calcite and other trace minerals. When the limestone is completely submerged in vinegar, the calcite crystals are released and then [...]

Yeah…it snowed at Camp!

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-02-09T11:29:40-05:00February 9th, 2013|

Well, Camp is really a beautiful place to live. Summer is filled with kids, Fall is filled with amazing colors on the trees and Spring is all about getting excited for the summer. Since moving from Colorado just 2 weeks shy of 4 years ago, I often miss the snowy peaks that I would see outside of my apartment windows. The view of looking out on the continental divide with a fresh coat of snow was one of the most anticipated events in town. It marked the start of the snowy season which meant it was almost time to start [...]

First Time

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-02-08T13:44:53-05:00February 8th, 2013|

I'm in the process of hiring our new international staff for the summer. It looks like there will only be 2 new guys at Ocky this summer, since many of last year's int's are coming back. When I talk to them through skype, I try to paint a picture with words for them about what Camp life is like. I think that is only fair, since they will be leaving everything and everyone they are most familiar with for 3 months or so to be at Camp and I wouldn't want them to travel this far and not have it [...]

Friendship

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-02-07T13:38:55-05:00February 7th, 2013|

This year will be my fourth summer here at Camp and I cannot even begin to express my excitement for another year of fun, new games, new challenges, and most importantly, friendships. Throughout my life I have had all different types of friends but nothing compares to a good camp friend. The quote below, in which I found online, describes all of my camp friendships I have grown to cherish so much. I hope that throughout your summer here at camp beyond you are able to have these friendships that I do today. "Over time we've developed something extraordinary, That [...]

A thought of the day…

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-02-06T13:48:09-05:00February 6th, 2013|

TO REMEMBER TRUE PERSONAL POWER REMEMBER THIS: A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS SPREADS LIKE WILDFIRE BECAUSE ALL OF US RESPOND TO LOVE. LOVE YOUR LIFE. ~ Blake Foster

A dirty four letter word …

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-02-05T09:45:55-05:00February 5th, 2013|

A lot of times at camp as in life we're faced with challenges; new, exciting, or different. Our own self perception can dictate how we handle those challenges and whether or not we overcome them. "Whether you think you can or your can't, you're right." - Henry Ford Having a consistent, vocal support group encouraging us to face challenges and overcome adversity is important to dealing with life's challenges. However, in the end, all of our challenges come down to the way we perceive them. I had the opportunity the hear a very intelligent, promising young instructor speak about the importance of failure and it's [...]

Aussie Meat Pies

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-02-03T21:01:19-05:00February 3rd, 2013|

Hello everyone… Chef Jason here… just back from a trip to Australia with my wife Gab and our daughter Charlee. One of the things I look forward to when visiting Australia is the food. Although much of their fare is VERY similar to ours there are little differences that make it very exciting… especially for a Chef. Notably, because of Australia’s location on the planet there are some very different fishes and crustaceans available. Shrimp (which they call Prawns) as big as your fist!! Kiwi fruit is very abundant and MUCH less expensive than it is here in the States. [...]

Hero

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-02-02T13:15:17-05:00February 2nd, 2013|

How many times in your life have you seen something happen that you knew was wrong, but didn't say anything about it? I can remember quite a few times in my life that I wish I could redo. The link below will take you to a story about a waiter in Texas who doesn't have to regret his decision to keep quiet. I'd love to hire this guy for Summer Camp... http://www.today.com/moms/waiter-hailed-hero-after-standing-boy-down-syndrome-1B8038223 Brent Birchler Boys Camp Director

Camp Ockanickon DH

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-02-02T12:43:33-05:00February 2nd, 2013|

Camp is in a Renaissance right now…why? Because over the past couple of weeks, we have been witness to more major facility projects at the same time then in the past 20 years. Actually, I do not know, but since I have been here for 4 years, let’s just say the past 4 years. Anyway, one of the many projects (which Chef Jason posted on our Facebook page on Thursday) going on is one that I’m extremely excited about. This past Monday we begun two major improvements in the Ocky DH, one which is very obvious and one which is [...]

Summer Memories

By YMCA of the Pines|2013-01-31T11:15:55-05:00January 31st, 2013|

What’s the one thing I always think about??? Camp! Whether it’s talking about new activities, programs, staff, or just reliving the memories, camp is always on my mind. Now that we have been actively planning camp as the dates move closer, I like to reminisce and think about all of the fun times at Camp that I have had. One of my favorite camp memories this past summer was helping create our Lake Stockwell mural. I had the opportunity to work with many different campers in each village as we glued this beautiful picture of the lake together. Below is [...]

From Our Blog