Jumping in!

08/12/2013

Well folks, the fourth and final session of Frost Valley Summer 2013 is underway, and we’re still going strong! We’ve jumped right into the fun, ready to go all-out as August ticks away. This morning the Adventure Trips left camp in the early morning, venturing out beyond the valley to wild mountains and forests northward and eastward. I was particularly surprised to find, when I visited the Trips Lean-To’s at dawn, that a group of campers had risen with the sun (5:30am) and were waking up their trip leaders for an earlier-than-planned departure! An excited and dedicated group, indeed.

As for Advill, they’ve dove right in, getting into adventures on day 1. In the morning, the campers spent time with their tent groups completing teambuilding activities and bonding through challenging group games. After spending the early morning making friends and having fun, the campers all convened to plan out the most adventuresome aspect of their time in Adventure Village. The various Mini-Trips were described in detail, and the campers then chose their preference between 2 canoeing trips, two backpacking trips, and a rock climbing trip. Already excited for these 4-day excursions, the campers gleefully daydreamed of adventures aloud to their peers.

After a hearty lunch, the entire Village set out to engage in an activity that has been around as long as anyone can remember — Creekin’. DOur campers got their first taste of the true Adventure Village spirit when they bravely departed from the village and ventured upstream into the unknown, following the creek upward into the beautiful and wild Catskills to explore, play, and learn in the interminable forest.

Returning to the village after hours of discovery and fun, our campers then put on their bathing suits for a trip down to the waterfront. After completing their swim tests with flying colors, they spent time playing in the lake.

Tonight the village will journey to the sparse woods near Forstmann Castle to play a game of stealth, dubbed French Revolution. Our campers will sneak towards a goal through the woods, guarded by a flashlight-wielding staff member. The goal is to make it into the territory of this guard without being spotted. A camp classic, the Village will no doubt shroud themselves in facepaint and dark clothing.

After such a long day, our tired campers will retire to their bunks to pass the night, serenaded to sleep by the gently bubbling creek and the sounds of the northern forest at night. Until tomorrow — another full day of Adventure. and thus we’ve jumped right in!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Zach eigenbrodt

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Zach couldn't keep himself out of the woods when growing up. He started working at a Northern Wisconsin YMCA Camp as a wilderness trip leader while in college and fell in love with getting kids into nature. The smiles on kids faces after returning from a once in a life time wilderness experience is why he is here today. Zach brought his talents to Frost Valley YMCA, in 2014, when he started as the Trips Coordinator and soon was promoted to Adventure Director. Zach loves all forms of Wilderness exploration, though some would say his heart lies most with canoeing.