Saturday, July 31, 2010

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

A Special Week at HR Camp aka Wyoming Wilderness Camp

On Sunday afternoon, 24 children arrived at HR Camp. And like most weeks the staff was excited to be hosting a new group. The cabins had been cleaned, food had been bought and the staff was briefed on this week’s campers. These campers are from Casper and Douglas and represent a different type of camper. These campers are attending HR Camp’s first ever Angels Camp.

Many of the campers come from homeless families while others are in the foster care system. Their family broken up due to a parent being sentenced to prison, others in foster care due to neglect and others are separated from their parents as their parents try to overcome various addictions. And thanks to a grant from the Natrona County School system and the continued support of The Foundation of the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming, all of them are experiencing the community of HR camp for the first time.

The counselors are focused on providing these campers with the experience many of us have had: sharing in the beauty of the grounds, the self esteem one earns by completing the ropes course and the friendships and bonds that form between strangers after a week. When you watch the staff and the camp’s director, Pat Walsh, interact with the kids you sense the passion they have for what they are doing. There’s a smile in their voice and a sense of grace. Even after one night, everyone knows that this will be a different week.

Many of the children lack structure and struggle with self esteem. For most, this is their first time in an environment that is nurturing 24/7. Many have spent their summer at home playing video games and watching television. And now they are dealing with the change of being outside. Away from tv, away from their games and away from their worries.

Each day is planned for the camper. The mornings are spent on the ropes course or stewardship while afternoons are dedicated to rock climbing, hiking or mountain bike riding. Free time is available after lunch and the campers are very excited about playing volleyball and swimming. Over lunch, they excitedly tell me how good the food is, about life around the campfire and the bull snake they saw earlier in the day.

As Pat and I visited, I asked him what kind of impact this week may have on the campers. He shared that he hoped it would teach them self-confidence, a respect for nature and the ability to work as a team. Equally important is the effect on the staff. While it may take time to see how this affects the camp’s staff, Pat is hopeful that it opens their eyes to the world and how the counselors and staff can make a difference in a person’s life.

While this week’s camp is secular by design, the lessons we are called to share: hope, acceptance and letting others know they belong is more visible than ever.

Tristan

Sunday, July 25, 2010

News and Quotes from Jr. High Adventure Camp 2010

“I struggle to find words for this particular camp and this group of campers. They were amazing. From day one they impressed me with their ambition, their kindness, and their abilities. Never have I seen a group of kids come together like this group did. They worked so hard and took responsibilities on themselves without being asked. One of the jobs here is to care for and look out for one another and they took that very seriously. Campers came in with various goals from challenging themselves and conquering fears to making new friends and having a lot of fun. Each of these goals was met, but none of it was done alone. We all worked together and with the help of God we were able to make some incredible things happen this week.” -Charli Youngberg (staff); Saratoga, WY

“This camp has been one of the greatest things that have happened to me this summer! I feel like I have gotten somewhat closer to God. I think that the people here are wonderful, and the people I have met have been a blast to hang out with!” -Hannah Channel; Thermopolis, WY; LDS

“This is my 4th year coming to this camp and I am never disappointed each year. I’ve learned new skills, conquered my fear of heights and made amazing friends. I feel closer to God and that I can do anything with God’s help. My favorite part of this year was going on the high ropes courses and going on the hike with Catherine and Juli. I had a great time this year.” –Nicole F. King, Laramie, WY

“This camp is a great place to make new friends. This is my second year and I have always loved it. I feel closer to God and closer to the people around me. My favorite activities were the high ropes, rock climbing, low ropes, and hiking with Nicole and Juli. I had a great year and can’t wait ‘til next year.” -Catherine Kerr; Casper, WY

“The best thing at camp was facing my fear of heights and making new friends. The best friend was Natalie. She is exciting, so it Hannah. She burps a lot.” -Selena Simmons; Thermopolis, WY

“I had some awesome times at camp this week! I accomplished my goal! My goals was to make great friend and meet new people. I met a girl named Selena and she is amazing! She faced her fears this week and she totally opened my eyes to a whole new goal! I also met a guy named Sage, he was awesome! We both had the same interests and we had some interesting conversations  Lol. The best thing about camp was the bike ride, (I thought) it was so gorgeous and I rode 5 miles! I didn’t think I could do it, but I just kept telling myself I could so I got through it! I had a lot of fun with the counselors. I liked Ben McKay the best because he was so fun and goofy and talkative . I had a lot of fun this week and kinda want to come back next year.” -Natalie Jessie; Laramie, WY

“This was the greatest week of the summer! The high ropes and the low ropes were amazing. The hike was a major highlight. Climbing was so fun and really pushed my heights.” -Grace Kirk; Laramie, WY; Saint Pauls

“This was one of my best weeks so far this summer! I loved everything especially climbing and high ropes!” -Ella DeWolf; Laramie, WY; St. Matt’s

“This was the BEST week of my summer, so far. The quaking aspen trees shaking in the wind seemed like God quietly waving-none of those in TN! Everything was fun and new, and the only thing that could make it better would be MORE FOOD.” –Erin Burmen, Knoxville, TN; Some church you’ve never heard of

“Fishing! That’s it for now!” –Kegan Johnson; Encampment, WY; Encampment Episcopal Church

“What I loved about HR Camp is rock climbing and high ropes. I liked them because I liked going so high up in the air. I also liked mountain biking. I liked that because I ride bikes all the time. It was the best part of my summer. I will come back as many times as possible. I will hopefully be a counselor one year.” –Grady Waeffelin; Wheatland, WY; All Saints Episcopal Church

“I loved high ropes, low ropes, cabin time, rock climbing, food, biking, hiking, and the people. I love the counselors. I really miss Analise and Catlyn. They were the best. Thanks a ton. I had lots of fun.” –Elizabeth Spooner; Laramie, WY; Newman Center

“I really enjoy this age group. They are a lot of fun and are very well behaved. God bless my campers .” -Bethany Boyd (staff); Wright, WY



“These campers are amazing. This week was one of the best in my mind.” -Nicolle Davenport (staff); Thermopolis, WY

“I saw positive changes in every camper this week, even campers who didn’t expected to changed. The pushed themselves further then they could have imagined.” -Alli Strube (staff); Laramie, WY

“I liked making new friends and seeing old ones. I also liked rock climbing and ropes course (tire swinging and giant’s ladder).” -Sage Smith (12 yrs); Cody, WY; Christ Episcopal

“I liked making new friends and doing new activities. I will definitely want to come back next year for the second time because this first time was great.” -Sam Symes (13 yrs); Evanston, WY; Presbyterian Church

“The one thing I’ll remember about HR Camp. The thing I’ll remember is the hike, because of the natural beauty. Also because of all the energy we exerted into what seems like 7 miles. Well this is kinda short, but just to sum it up. The hike was #1 on my list.” -Jeff Bell (13 yrs); Big Piney, WY; St. John’s Episcopal Church

“I will remember Hank. He was fun to have around.” -Donald Jack (13 yrs); Laramie, WY; St. Andrews

“It was a fun week and I hope I can come back.” –AJ Smith (12 yrs); Torrington, WY; All Saints

“One of the best memories of this week is riding in the van to our hiking destination and basically bouncing in the seats.” –Juli Cartwright aka Kyle (staff, 16 yrs); Douglas, WY, Christ Episcopal

“Great kids=Great week” –Ben Fisher (staff; 20 yrs); Movile, AL; St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

“Jr. High Adventure Camp- I would be difficult for me to overstate how impressed and proud I am of the group of kids we have had this week. They all came with clearly defined goals of what they wanted to accomplish, and to a person I believe they have achieved those goals. I have seen a maturity, willingness to help others, and a general respect and regard for each other that is so difficult to find in this age group. They truly could teach many adults what it means to “come to Christ as a child.” My one and only hope is that I have had even a fraction of the effect on their lives as they have had on mine, and I’m am immensely thankful our diocese has a place that can encourage children to develop new friendships, realize new potential within themselves, and grow closer to God.” -Ben McKay (staff; 22 yrs); Laramie/Thermopolis, WY; St. Matt’s/Holy Trinity

“I come back every year because of the same thing, amazing times, great food, and the pleasurable company of being around people without judgment.” –Tyler Caldwell (staff; 16 yrs); Rock Springs, WY; Holy Communion

Friday, July 16, 2010

News and Quotes from Art and Music Camp

I feel truly blessed that I was asked to teach photography at camp for a second year. It is a wonderful experience to share the week with such creative and inspired kids. - Channis Tagart

We had 73 attend the concert!



Here are some quotes from the campers and some of the staff:

"The only thing that would make this camp cooler is if I smashed my guitar" -Stephan Hansen; Dubois

"What happened was grand!" - Reno Pesent; Dubois

"The best week of summer!" -Chris Holdworth; Green River

"I really hope I see everyone again next year" -anonymous

"This has been one of the best weeks of summer that I will always remember" -Kyle Muffin aka Juli Cartwright (staff); Douglas

"Can we just keep these campers for the rest of the summer?" -Stitch aka Nicolle Davenport (staff); Thermopolis

"The swimming hole was just the right temperature." -Carl aka Clay Caldwell; Rock Springs

"Camp was great, you learn so many things and meet so many people." -Tesia Wilhelm; Glendo

"It was a blast! Had lots of fun! Can't wait until next year!" -Kailee Adams; Baggs

"Camp was so amazing. I love meeting new people and seeing old friends. After 7 years it never gets old." -Michaela Baker; Grand Isle, NE

"I loved this camp because I learned flute" -Cassi Cole; Douglas

"The sky is not blue" -Kyla Christensen; Kaycee

"This camp was fun! I had the best time in the whole world" -Josie Austin; Kaycee

"Camp was definitely the highlight of my summer" -Ella DeWolf; Laramie

"Music and art cam Rocksssss!" -Krisynda Austin; Kaycee

"My fav was art it was fun I loved it here Love!" -Anna Ketner; Douglas

"In today's schools, with the widespread disappearance of emphasis on the arts, kids need a place to remember just how special their talents really are. I can't think of a better on than HR camp." -Paige Hellbaum (staff); Wheatland

"Art, Music, and Photography camp is a great retreat for kids because they have so much creativity and here they share all of it." -Tyler Caldwell (staff); Rock Springs

"We had just an amazing time just being here." -Cici Grove; Cheyenne

"The best way to learn why art, music, and photography is a great place for kids is to see them change from Sunday through Thursday. They find creativity and confidence they were unaware they had." -Alli Strube (staff); Laramie

"Good times." -Ben Fisher (staff); Alabama

"Everybody always has to have firsts." -Camille Neuharth; Douglas

"It was amazing! I hope I can come next year too!" -Hanna Wilhelm!!; Glendo

"It's the funnest camp you'll ever be at!!" -Gracie Hancock; Douglas

"Camp was way better than I expected. I loved it definitely coming back next year!" -Jordan Baker; Grand Isle, NE

"The kids were amazing at this camp-not just because of their talent in taking pictures, drawing and painting, and playing music and singing, but also because of their hearts." -Bridget Schabron (staff); Laramie

"The camper were incredible! Their talent amazes me still after spending a whole week with them. They have decorated our walls with art, our minds with their breathtaking music, and our souls with hope for the future." -Charli Youngberg (staff); Saratoga

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

A note from The Rev. Ann Fontaine -a former staff member and most recently a camper at Family Camp!

Wow- home from Family camp - laundry running and already telling stories about all our fun. This was one of the biggest family camp ever with blood family and family of choice and church family all gathered at beautiful Wyoming Wilderness Camp aka HR Camp. Cabins and tents filled with contented well fed people from age 2 to 82. The counselors are outstanding - helping each of us through activities so everyone felt success at challenging themselves but with no pressure to "win."

As many of you know I used to "do camp" there - from cooking to directing and all other jobs. It has always been a place where kids and adults encounter Christ -- from the first breathtaking view coming down the camp road into the little valley beneath Laramie Peak to the spiritual direction and eucharist on Sunday morning. Pat Walsh has taken our Camp from a thrown together week by week wing and a prayer operation to a professionally run place with well trained counselors, great interactions with the Esterbrook community and local ranchers. It is a place of encounter with God's creation and deepening faith. So many commented that camp was and is a place that is their cornerstone to a strong faith.

This week Art and Music Camp has 40 more youth attending.

The following week is Angel Camp which thanks to a grant Pat was able to obtain will offer our camp for children who do not have a permanent home - still a few slots open for that camp if you know of any kids for it - if they are not from Natrona County - try to find a source to pay the fee

all info is

http://www.hrcampfoundation.org/

The gift and dream of Hank Raymond (H-R was his brand) was to give the church a place where Children and Youth could come to know God as he had come to know God in this holy place. All those who have had a hand in making this dream come true and especially Pat and staff deserve our praise and thanksgiving.


Ann

The Rev. Ann Fontaine
Lander, Wyoming

Where do our campers come from?

We wondered where our campers come from, and we thought you might be interested too. Of course, it is NOT too late to register campers from any community - we still have junior high camp, Big Horn Blast, and Mission Camp coming up.

We have campers from the following communities in Wyoming and other places:

Casper
Glenrock
Douglas
Gillette
Torrington
Cheyenne
Encampment
Rawlins
Dixon
Rock Springs
Cody
Laramie
Lander
Glendo
Green River
Dubois
Thermopolis
Evanston
Wheatland
Parker, CO
Franktown, CO
Seattle, WA
Grand Island, NC

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Family Camp 2010

This was the best Family Camp I have attended. We had 40 campers from age 2 to 70 something. They came from all over the state of Wyoming plus Washington State. Some were new campers and some had camped many times. Everyone had a great time.

Friday was get acquainted time. Saturday was activities: ropes course, climbing, swimming, mountain bikes, star gazing, arts & crafts, storytelling, naps, and much more. Sunday we celebrated Eucharist at the altar in front of the dining hall. Campers acted out the Parable of the Good Samaritan, and we shared bread and wine and olives and cheese.

We'll post reports from other campers in the future.

Kay Flores
Camp Chaplain and St. Stephen's, Casper