Dearest Pony Farm Families,
It is with a happy heart and a big smile that I write this New Year’s letter to you all. I surely wish you the best in 2010. I also hope that you will be with us in the coming year…whether it be for our upcoming Summer Camp Open House next weekend…or our special adult “Women Only Weekend” in January, or our new Winter Camp in February or winter an spring riding lessons or shows or family weekends or clinics or trail rides or family weekends ….or summer camp. Whew, the list just goes on and on!!!! We surely do a lot of fun things here. It makes me so excited for the New Year to start so we can do a lot of these things together. Mostly, we want YOU to be here at Pony Farm!!!!
We are especially excited to be getting ready for our Summer Camp Open House on Sunday January 3rd from 1 to 4PM. This open house is the perfect opportunity for new, potential camp families to see the farm, get a feel for the spirit of Pony Farm, meet some horses, staff and campers, get a tour of the whole farm and get lots of answers to questions about how camp works. We welcome all new families and hope to see you from 1 to 4. You do not need to pre-register for this open house. Just look at the directions on the website and come on out to Pony Farm!
Our Holiday season here at the farm was so special. We started it off with our two Mother Daughter Weekends in early December. What a lovely group of moms, daughters and even some grandmothers we had…Wow, we rode, drove, made cookies, sang, read stories, exchanged traditions, rode some more, ate some more and just truly had a lovely time of it all with good weather to boot. I happened to mention that I was doing a party for veterans who were just returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. I explained that these men were struggling with re-entry into civilian life due to the tough economy. The idea emerged that the kids would go through their closets and find old ‘gently loved’ toys, games and books so that the veterans’ kids would have a better holiday. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the generosity of these campers and their families….The boxes and bags started arriving. The idea then spread to two basket ball teams who were looking for a service project…and then to a girl scout troop. What an avalanche of presents.
With Santa giving out presents at the party, having been brought up to the lodge by a horse and cart, we were able to provide a huge Christmas for 15 families….plus another 10 who were not able to come…Then, we passed out the rest to other veterans’ families through two other veterans’ counseling centers….In total, our Pony Farm lesson, camp and ‘friends’ provided a fabulous holiday to over 65 families who would not have had anything under their tree…Now, that is the kind of spirit the farm has!!!
Our holiday then continued as we brought our farm animals to a local church for a truly living crèche…The donkey, Duncan, the two sheep, Morgan and Megan, the goat, Ears and Punch, the mini were a huge hit….Thank you, Pony Farmers, for training them to be so good! They were just perfect.
Christmas was made perfecto by the snow that fell and the beautiful weather. Seeing the horses and ponies all snug in their blankets and out frolicking in the snow banks is such fun. I love our four footed friends!
I also love having everyone get the farm ready for the Open House for camp. It will sure look different than when the campers actually get here with the grass all green. However, I do love meeting new perspective campers and their families. It will be such fun to dream of summer and the newly painted jumps out in the rings! So, as I close this first blog of 2010, let me say a heartfelt thanks for being such an important part of life here at the farm. May our paths cross soon and often. I look forward to seeing you and enjoying horses, being in the country and outdoors with YOU!!!
Happy New Year to YOU!!!
Warmly and with excitement,
Isabella (Boo) Martin, M.Ed.
Founder and Executive Director
Master CHA and NARHA Instructor
ACA Certified Camp Director
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
September 2009
Dearest Pony Farmers, Both Camp and Lesson Families,
As the fall leaves start turning colors and the air gets crisp, I feel a mixture of sadness that summer camp is over and an excitement for our fall programs. The farm is sure alive during all times of the year and I love it all!!!
I hope that those of you who were with us this summer had as much fun as I did. What a great season of summer camp we had. I still smile as I think of all the fun things that we did, from the horse shows and pony camping trips in the moonlight, to the rainy camping trips cooking over the fireplace in the Homestead, to the trail rides and jumping, to the carriage driving and Puissance, to Gambler’s Choice to the Trough….The swimming was glorious and the small animals a blast…What a staff we had…and truly no injuries or illnesses, thanks to healthy kids, good, home cooked food and fresh air. Thank you all for joining us! We truly miss your sweet and smilin’ faces.
For those of you who joined us this summer for riding lessons, we sure enjoyed having you here too. Several of the families bought horses, often their ‘first horse’ ever. Many more of you ‘loved on’ your four footed Treasure and enjoyed learning the many details of being with horses and riding well. We were so glad that you stuck with it even when it rained or was hot. Your progress was great. We are looking forward to welcoming you back this fall to enjoy the autumn weather atop your favorite horse.
We have such a full and happy schedule planned for this fall and well into winter. We are hoping you will join us for lots of exciting happenings….We have just finished our Fall Lesson Open House…We have a real sell out for Pony Farm and Horse Power Lessons for riders of all ages. We are also going to be starting a Pony Farm Horse Show Team….and a Pony Farm Pony Club….We can not wait to add these wonderful horse experiences to our repertoire of activities. It is our goal to offer ‘something for everyone’ who loves horses here at the farm. Between what Horse Power offers by way of national Instructor Certification, Workshops and week long Intensives, and all that Pony Farm does, we really are well on our way to truly having what you, our devoted customers, want!!!
The Pony Farm Horse Show Team will be for riders of all ages. It is our intent to get this going this fall with aspiring team members getting to ride a lot! Early on this winter we will be offering an inexpensive ‘On Farm’ Winter Lease Program. More details will follow about this but it will be open to both lesson students and campers, as many of our campers live close enough to join the show team and to ride on weekends.
During the winter, we will also host several information sessions about everything from appropriate horse show attire, to what a judge looks for when selecting the winners, to what is required in each type of class. We will even have information for parents!
Next spring, we will host several showing clinics with some judged schooling shows so that people will really be ready for the official show season. Our goal is to go to about 5 or 6 shows in the coming year. We will not be ‘wild and crazy’ with costs but will prepare families ahead of time so that kids and parents can be ready when the season hits. Together, we will make this a fun, exciting experience without breaking the bank.
We will also be starting up a Pony Farm Pony Club this fall. Pony Club is yet another great way for horse lovers under the age of 21 to learn more and get to ride outside of a single lesson program. Pony Club emphasizes good horse care, horsemanship, sportsmanship and low level competition, both mounted and unmounted. It is our hope to get a number of both lesson and camp kids who might want to join our new club and attend some New England competitions sprinkled throughout the year. Members of our new club are also welcome to lease horses on the farm over the winter to improve their riding and horse care skills. Pony Club is less expensive and competitive than showing. We want everyone to be able to share in our love of horses.
We hope you will be in touch if you have any interest. We will get you lots of information and look forward to beginning this journey with you and your family, whether you are a new camper, lesson family or neighbor! You won’t be a stranger for long here at Pony Farm.
We will be opening our popular “Early Bird Registration” for our summer residential riding camp program during the month of October. Back by popular demand, this early registration assures that you will get first priority next summer. We know that we will have waiting lists this coming summer for the middle sessions…so if you already know that you want to return, we suggest that you sign up during this Early Bird opportunity….The added bonus is that you can register at the 2009 rates…so look for information in the letter that is about to arrive on your doorstep…We want YOU with us in 2010 to help celebrate our 39th year of operation!!!!
One of the fall events that I most look forward to hosting is our Fall Family Harvest Weekend which will begin on Friday late afternoon after work on October 30th and end on Sunday November 1st. This fun ‘get away’ weekend will center around riding and driving. People who wish to ride, can ride both days, all the time. For those who might wish to do things other than horses, there are fabulous walking, biking, hiking trails, and tons of antiquing and shopping opportunities. We help you find just what you want in the local environs. We are delighted to announce that the weekend will culminate in opening the Homestead’s brand new “OLD” Keeping Room. We will have redone what used to be my living room in my former home into a typical family’s kitchen and gathering room, called the Keeping Room. We are working with a school and will be doing fieldtrips and research at both Sturbridge Village and Strawberry Bank. Both places feature life in the 1830’s. Although the farm itself was started in 1754, we have chosen the 1830’s because it was at the peak of farming and prosperity for New Hampshire. We will actually cook a completely locally grown dinner over the open hearth, eat by candlelight with tin reflectors, using no ‘modern day’ conveniences. We will enter through the Stage Coach Waiting Room door and truly experience life as is would have been back in these magical times. We are most excited to do this unique and rarely created experience with you!!! We hope you will join us. Camp or lesson families are welcome….or new folks who we do not even know yet…Don’t be a stranger here!
We are also eager to welcome you to one of our two Mother Daughter Weekends. These are some of the most popular things that we offer here at the farm. In fact, that is why we have two offerings of the same thing…We know from past experience that lots of Moms and Daughters make this a holiday treat…In fact, it has become a lasting tradition for many Mothers and Daughters. We do lots of riding, driving, vaulting, trail riding, jumping….plus lots of sitting by the fire, crafting, cookie making, drinking hot cocoa for kids and vino for the grown ups…plus we have massages and picture taking galore…so, join us for this specialty, one of a kind event this year to help usher in your holiday season. The 2009 dates are December 4th to the 6th and 11th to the 13th….We recommend not waiting too long to reserve your spot as these weekends fill quickly.
The actual summer camp brochures will go out right after Thanksgiving. We know that families start planning their summer early on to fit in all the summer fun! We have the dates ready for you so you can find just the right session for you.
One final note is that we wanted you to know early on that we will be hosting two February Vacation Residential Camps this year. We have selected the week of Monday February 15th until Friday February 19th and the second week of February 22nd to the 26th. It is our hope that kids who loved camp may join us while parents work…or just join us because they love being here. This is also a good short version of camp for new kids….So, the more, the merrier. With the big indoor arena, lots of heated classroom and the lodge itself, we will have a ball in all kinds of weather….So, look ahead and see if this might help you during these cold, dreary months when we are all dreaming of summer time fun. Kris will be in charge of all the camp things and the weekends. Her email has changed to Pfkris@hotmail.com….. due to a virus…So, do be in touch with her to find just the right spot for you and your loved ones….
So, with camp, lessons, showing, Pony Club, clinics, riding, driving, specialty weekends, and events galore, life here on the farm is fun, exciting and ever changing. We love all the things that happen here during all four seasons. We are never lonesome and we love it!!! Do be in touch with us and let us know how you are doing.
I did want to end on one note of thanksgiving….I do not know if you are aware that we have a hard working, dedicated and smart Pony Farm Advisory Council. They are a 16 member team of parents, staff, workers, and customers who help direct the farm and lead us forward. I want to thank these people on behalf of all of us…the students, the campers, the horses, the farm animals and the gardens. They help us to run a good, solid, creative and healthy business. We are most grateful for their input as they have lead us strongly forward during an unstable economy…no pun intended!!!
Thank you again for your friendship, your presence and your love of horses. Stay in touch.
Most fondly,
Boo
Dearest Pony Farmers, Both Camp and Lesson Families,
As the fall leaves start turning colors and the air gets crisp, I feel a mixture of sadness that summer camp is over and an excitement for our fall programs. The farm is sure alive during all times of the year and I love it all!!!
I hope that those of you who were with us this summer had as much fun as I did. What a great season of summer camp we had. I still smile as I think of all the fun things that we did, from the horse shows and pony camping trips in the moonlight, to the rainy camping trips cooking over the fireplace in the Homestead, to the trail rides and jumping, to the carriage driving and Puissance, to Gambler’s Choice to the Trough….The swimming was glorious and the small animals a blast…What a staff we had…and truly no injuries or illnesses, thanks to healthy kids, good, home cooked food and fresh air. Thank you all for joining us! We truly miss your sweet and smilin’ faces.
For those of you who joined us this summer for riding lessons, we sure enjoyed having you here too. Several of the families bought horses, often their ‘first horse’ ever. Many more of you ‘loved on’ your four footed Treasure and enjoyed learning the many details of being with horses and riding well. We were so glad that you stuck with it even when it rained or was hot. Your progress was great. We are looking forward to welcoming you back this fall to enjoy the autumn weather atop your favorite horse.
We have such a full and happy schedule planned for this fall and well into winter. We are hoping you will join us for lots of exciting happenings….We have just finished our Fall Lesson Open House…We have a real sell out for Pony Farm and Horse Power Lessons for riders of all ages. We are also going to be starting a Pony Farm Horse Show Team….and a Pony Farm Pony Club….We can not wait to add these wonderful horse experiences to our repertoire of activities. It is our goal to offer ‘something for everyone’ who loves horses here at the farm. Between what Horse Power offers by way of national Instructor Certification, Workshops and week long Intensives, and all that Pony Farm does, we really are well on our way to truly having what you, our devoted customers, want!!!
The Pony Farm Horse Show Team will be for riders of all ages. It is our intent to get this going this fall with aspiring team members getting to ride a lot! Early on this winter we will be offering an inexpensive ‘On Farm’ Winter Lease Program. More details will follow about this but it will be open to both lesson students and campers, as many of our campers live close enough to join the show team and to ride on weekends.
During the winter, we will also host several information sessions about everything from appropriate horse show attire, to what a judge looks for when selecting the winners, to what is required in each type of class. We will even have information for parents!
Next spring, we will host several showing clinics with some judged schooling shows so that people will really be ready for the official show season. Our goal is to go to about 5 or 6 shows in the coming year. We will not be ‘wild and crazy’ with costs but will prepare families ahead of time so that kids and parents can be ready when the season hits. Together, we will make this a fun, exciting experience without breaking the bank.
We will also be starting up a Pony Farm Pony Club this fall. Pony Club is yet another great way for horse lovers under the age of 21 to learn more and get to ride outside of a single lesson program. Pony Club emphasizes good horse care, horsemanship, sportsmanship and low level competition, both mounted and unmounted. It is our hope to get a number of both lesson and camp kids who might want to join our new club and attend some New England competitions sprinkled throughout the year. Members of our new club are also welcome to lease horses on the farm over the winter to improve their riding and horse care skills. Pony Club is less expensive and competitive than showing. We want everyone to be able to share in our love of horses.
We hope you will be in touch if you have any interest. We will get you lots of information and look forward to beginning this journey with you and your family, whether you are a new camper, lesson family or neighbor! You won’t be a stranger for long here at Pony Farm.
We will be opening our popular “Early Bird Registration” for our summer residential riding camp program during the month of October. Back by popular demand, this early registration assures that you will get first priority next summer. We know that we will have waiting lists this coming summer for the middle sessions…so if you already know that you want to return, we suggest that you sign up during this Early Bird opportunity….The added bonus is that you can register at the 2009 rates…so look for information in the letter that is about to arrive on your doorstep…We want YOU with us in 2010 to help celebrate our 39th year of operation!!!!
One of the fall events that I most look forward to hosting is our Fall Family Harvest Weekend which will begin on Friday late afternoon after work on October 30th and end on Sunday November 1st. This fun ‘get away’ weekend will center around riding and driving. People who wish to ride, can ride both days, all the time. For those who might wish to do things other than horses, there are fabulous walking, biking, hiking trails, and tons of antiquing and shopping opportunities. We help you find just what you want in the local environs. We are delighted to announce that the weekend will culminate in opening the Homestead’s brand new “OLD” Keeping Room. We will have redone what used to be my living room in my former home into a typical family’s kitchen and gathering room, called the Keeping Room. We are working with a school and will be doing fieldtrips and research at both Sturbridge Village and Strawberry Bank. Both places feature life in the 1830’s. Although the farm itself was started in 1754, we have chosen the 1830’s because it was at the peak of farming and prosperity for New Hampshire. We will actually cook a completely locally grown dinner over the open hearth, eat by candlelight with tin reflectors, using no ‘modern day’ conveniences. We will enter through the Stage Coach Waiting Room door and truly experience life as is would have been back in these magical times. We are most excited to do this unique and rarely created experience with you!!! We hope you will join us. Camp or lesson families are welcome….or new folks who we do not even know yet…Don’t be a stranger here!
We are also eager to welcome you to one of our two Mother Daughter Weekends. These are some of the most popular things that we offer here at the farm. In fact, that is why we have two offerings of the same thing…We know from past experience that lots of Moms and Daughters make this a holiday treat…In fact, it has become a lasting tradition for many Mothers and Daughters. We do lots of riding, driving, vaulting, trail riding, jumping….plus lots of sitting by the fire, crafting, cookie making, drinking hot cocoa for kids and vino for the grown ups…plus we have massages and picture taking galore…so, join us for this specialty, one of a kind event this year to help usher in your holiday season. The 2009 dates are December 4th to the 6th and 11th to the 13th….We recommend not waiting too long to reserve your spot as these weekends fill quickly.
The actual summer camp brochures will go out right after Thanksgiving. We know that families start planning their summer early on to fit in all the summer fun! We have the dates ready for you so you can find just the right session for you.
One final note is that we wanted you to know early on that we will be hosting two February Vacation Residential Camps this year. We have selected the week of Monday February 15th until Friday February 19th and the second week of February 22nd to the 26th. It is our hope that kids who loved camp may join us while parents work…or just join us because they love being here. This is also a good short version of camp for new kids….So, the more, the merrier. With the big indoor arena, lots of heated classroom and the lodge itself, we will have a ball in all kinds of weather….So, look ahead and see if this might help you during these cold, dreary months when we are all dreaming of summer time fun. Kris will be in charge of all the camp things and the weekends. Her email has changed to Pfkris@hotmail.com….. due to a virus…So, do be in touch with her to find just the right spot for you and your loved ones….
So, with camp, lessons, showing, Pony Club, clinics, riding, driving, specialty weekends, and events galore, life here on the farm is fun, exciting and ever changing. We love all the things that happen here during all four seasons. We are never lonesome and we love it!!! Do be in touch with us and let us know how you are doing.
I did want to end on one note of thanksgiving….I do not know if you are aware that we have a hard working, dedicated and smart Pony Farm Advisory Council. They are a 16 member team of parents, staff, workers, and customers who help direct the farm and lead us forward. I want to thank these people on behalf of all of us…the students, the campers, the horses, the farm animals and the gardens. They help us to run a good, solid, creative and healthy business. We are most grateful for their input as they have lead us strongly forward during an unstable economy…no pun intended!!!
Thank you again for your friendship, your presence and your love of horses. Stay in touch.
Most fondly,
Boo
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Dearest Pony Farm Family Members,
I am in mourning that this is my last blog for camp for the summer of 2009. I can not believe how the summer has flown by. I guess the old saying that “Time flies when you are having fun” is truly true. This marks the 11th week of camp related days…The first week was a national instructor certification week for our camp counselors, as well as for other camps, too. We then moved into a week of Staff Orientation for camp…and then, this is the ninth week of camp itself. So, I guess it is a tribute to the campers and staff themselves that I am still feeling fresh and ready for more. I am truly going to be sad when the last car pulls out of the driveway bearing wonderful kids. I have adored this summer and all of you who have shared your daughters and granddaughters with us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!
Wow, these girls continue to be so fantastically fun. What a great bunch with whom to end the 38th summer of Pony Farm. I swear these kids have not skipped a beat. On that first night of the camping trip, I took the Evening Ride. As I am leading a little girl who was riding bareback on her pony out in the woods as dark descended, she told me that she was a little nervous. I urged her to have courage…and then I realized what a tall order that was…She had arrived not 24 hours ago, and already I had her out on the mountainside, camping in the dark, and on a ride through the woods….Bless her heart, she loved it and did indeed have courage and grit….Not only did she love the whole thing but wanted more!!! So, that is a theme that runs through this whole week.
You all should be so proud of the job you are doing as parents. These girls are spunky, fun, funny, interesting, gutsy and just plain GREAT. The days have been mighty hot so we have done a lot of swimming in both the pool, the mountain pool and the Wilton Falls. It has been just such fun to ride and then swim, to then ride again and then take a dip….Thankfully no one has gotten a ‘tummy bug’ from the heat and we are glad to have fans cooling the air at night…but all is well.
We think you will be pleased with what the girls have learned despite a bit less riding due to the heat. We really hate to ride when the temps get into the mid to high 90’s. With those black riding helmets on and the sun beating down, it is just plain a good way to have a kiddo faint off her pony. As you all know, we are such sticklers for safety that we choose to ride as early as we can manage and then break at the worst of the heat…However, we feel like the girls have really made progress. We hope that you enjoy what you see on Saturday….
Speaking of Saturday, let me just remind you of the plans and timing…FOR THE SATURDAY PARENTS’ RIDING EXHIBITION AND PICNIC, PLEASE ARRIVE BETWEEN 9:30 AND 9:45am. Kris and I will greet you. We will let you know where your daughter is riding. All of her stuff will be packed and on her bed for ease of departure. The actual riding exhibition will start at 10AM. Each senior riding instructor will gather you at ring side to do a verbal explanation of what she has been working on in lessons this week. The Counselors-In-Training will conduct the flat portion of the lesson so you can both see and hear what has been learned. This portion of the exhibition will conclude about 10:45 and we will move to specialties. This is the ‘fun’ and different part of the horsey stuff the kids do at camp…We will have Vaulting, Carriage Driving and courses, as well as Games on Horseback. The kids have signed up for their specialties and will be eager to show off their new skills. They love the different things that we can offer with the facilities we have. This will end about noonish, with the driving taking a little longer as it takes a while to harness and unharness.
If you could bring a picnic for your kiddo and however many people you are bringing, we will provide the refreshments and desserts. We have evolved to doing it this way as we either would have too much food or not enough in the past as we never knew how many people were coming with each family. We hate not being prepared so we settled into doing it this way.
We will also have any expenses that have been incurred, although with the ones that just got here, they did not even have time to do laundry…so it should be minimal. We do encourage you to really chat with the riding staff, Kris and myself to get the ‘scoop’ on your daughter(s) stay. We love bragging on the girls….
Many parents ask me about tipping….Just so that you don’t have to wonder, we neither encourage or discourage tipping for staff….Should you want to contribute to the End of Summer Staff Party and gifts, we would love it and it will make for a better party. If not, please rest assured that no one will ever know or care. The staff is just so happy with it all that either way is fine with us and them….
Now that the logistics are all done, let me say that the two camping trips were just fantastic. I don’t know when I have ever had a more peaceful, relaxed and happy time. The weather was just glorious with the stars twinkling at night, the sun shining through the leaf canopy and the mountain stream refreshingly cool despite the heat. Usually at this time of year, we do not have enough water to slide into the pool off the smooth rocks. Due to the immense amount of rain earlier in the summer, the stream was still nice and full for both swimming and a lovely sound of rushing water. The kids and staff and I all swam lots and lots…enjoying just playing in the water. We explored the creek up and down while the rides were going on. It was just a glorious way to spend extra hot days up in the woods. We did not even have one bug…
The kids all worked so hard at doing the cooking, gathering the wood, setting up and taking down tents. I swear there was not one cross word or one kid that did not jump right in to help with everything from watering the ponies during the night and helping stuff sleeping bags back into their sacks. All the set up and take down was done with smooth efficiency and every hand on deck. It was a real pleasure to do this trip with them.
Meanwhile, ‘back at the ranch’ kids rode and swam, and then rode and swam some more. The only change up was to ride and then do Slip and Slide on the lawn. This is a favorite among the campers on a hot day. The pool was well used too. Capture the Flag, Counselor Quest and tack cleaning also took place. Today, they are doing several field trips and another Trip to the Falls as this is the last full afternoon of camp….Tomorrow, we are wrapping up the summer with a great all Day Picnic Lunch Ride and Drive. The whole camp will either ride or go in a carriage where they will drive to a lovely open field with a picnic. I love these days and it seems like the best way to end a spectacular summer. It is not going to be so hot, so it will be a great way to spend the day together.
Following the picnic ride, we will probably go swimming and then get ready to pack and write our Candlelight Ceremony for our upcoming special dinner and closing ceremony around either the pool with torch light or a bonfire with torch light. I am sure this particular Candlelight will be a real tear jerker as it is so sad to have it all be done for the year. Now, Kris and I will start the planning and preparation all over again for next summer. Camp is truly our favorite time of year, bar none other….
After our fancy dinner, with all the girls dressed in their dresses and their hair all done up pretty, this Candlelight Ceremony will happen. This will be followed by lots of hugging and smiles…and then you arrive.
In case I do not get to see each of you on Saturday, please, please know how blessed I feel that you have chosen Pony Farm for your daughter. With so many wonderful opportunities out in the big world, I am most grateful that you feel Pony Farm is an important part of your daughter(s) life. I hope you feel that you made the right choice…and that it was a great experience for her. I dearly love camp and summertime at Pony Farm. After 38 years of doing Pony Farm, I really realize that it is my life’s work. I can not imagine doing anything else. I am as passionate about the quality of the girls’ experience as I was 38 years ago. I sincerely hope you have felt that passion…and commitment to kids. So, thank you again for joining us this summer. I look forward to a strong connection with your daughter and your family for many years to come.
Most happily and sincerely,
Boo
I am in mourning that this is my last blog for camp for the summer of 2009. I can not believe how the summer has flown by. I guess the old saying that “Time flies when you are having fun” is truly true. This marks the 11th week of camp related days…The first week was a national instructor certification week for our camp counselors, as well as for other camps, too. We then moved into a week of Staff Orientation for camp…and then, this is the ninth week of camp itself. So, I guess it is a tribute to the campers and staff themselves that I am still feeling fresh and ready for more. I am truly going to be sad when the last car pulls out of the driveway bearing wonderful kids. I have adored this summer and all of you who have shared your daughters and granddaughters with us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!
Wow, these girls continue to be so fantastically fun. What a great bunch with whom to end the 38th summer of Pony Farm. I swear these kids have not skipped a beat. On that first night of the camping trip, I took the Evening Ride. As I am leading a little girl who was riding bareback on her pony out in the woods as dark descended, she told me that she was a little nervous. I urged her to have courage…and then I realized what a tall order that was…She had arrived not 24 hours ago, and already I had her out on the mountainside, camping in the dark, and on a ride through the woods….Bless her heart, she loved it and did indeed have courage and grit….Not only did she love the whole thing but wanted more!!! So, that is a theme that runs through this whole week.
You all should be so proud of the job you are doing as parents. These girls are spunky, fun, funny, interesting, gutsy and just plain GREAT. The days have been mighty hot so we have done a lot of swimming in both the pool, the mountain pool and the Wilton Falls. It has been just such fun to ride and then swim, to then ride again and then take a dip….Thankfully no one has gotten a ‘tummy bug’ from the heat and we are glad to have fans cooling the air at night…but all is well.
We think you will be pleased with what the girls have learned despite a bit less riding due to the heat. We really hate to ride when the temps get into the mid to high 90’s. With those black riding helmets on and the sun beating down, it is just plain a good way to have a kiddo faint off her pony. As you all know, we are such sticklers for safety that we choose to ride as early as we can manage and then break at the worst of the heat…However, we feel like the girls have really made progress. We hope that you enjoy what you see on Saturday….
Speaking of Saturday, let me just remind you of the plans and timing…FOR THE SATURDAY PARENTS’ RIDING EXHIBITION AND PICNIC, PLEASE ARRIVE BETWEEN 9:30 AND 9:45am. Kris and I will greet you. We will let you know where your daughter is riding. All of her stuff will be packed and on her bed for ease of departure. The actual riding exhibition will start at 10AM. Each senior riding instructor will gather you at ring side to do a verbal explanation of what she has been working on in lessons this week. The Counselors-In-Training will conduct the flat portion of the lesson so you can both see and hear what has been learned. This portion of the exhibition will conclude about 10:45 and we will move to specialties. This is the ‘fun’ and different part of the horsey stuff the kids do at camp…We will have Vaulting, Carriage Driving and courses, as well as Games on Horseback. The kids have signed up for their specialties and will be eager to show off their new skills. They love the different things that we can offer with the facilities we have. This will end about noonish, with the driving taking a little longer as it takes a while to harness and unharness.
If you could bring a picnic for your kiddo and however many people you are bringing, we will provide the refreshments and desserts. We have evolved to doing it this way as we either would have too much food or not enough in the past as we never knew how many people were coming with each family. We hate not being prepared so we settled into doing it this way.
We will also have any expenses that have been incurred, although with the ones that just got here, they did not even have time to do laundry…so it should be minimal. We do encourage you to really chat with the riding staff, Kris and myself to get the ‘scoop’ on your daughter(s) stay. We love bragging on the girls….
Many parents ask me about tipping….Just so that you don’t have to wonder, we neither encourage or discourage tipping for staff….Should you want to contribute to the End of Summer Staff Party and gifts, we would love it and it will make for a better party. If not, please rest assured that no one will ever know or care. The staff is just so happy with it all that either way is fine with us and them….
Now that the logistics are all done, let me say that the two camping trips were just fantastic. I don’t know when I have ever had a more peaceful, relaxed and happy time. The weather was just glorious with the stars twinkling at night, the sun shining through the leaf canopy and the mountain stream refreshingly cool despite the heat. Usually at this time of year, we do not have enough water to slide into the pool off the smooth rocks. Due to the immense amount of rain earlier in the summer, the stream was still nice and full for both swimming and a lovely sound of rushing water. The kids and staff and I all swam lots and lots…enjoying just playing in the water. We explored the creek up and down while the rides were going on. It was just a glorious way to spend extra hot days up in the woods. We did not even have one bug…
The kids all worked so hard at doing the cooking, gathering the wood, setting up and taking down tents. I swear there was not one cross word or one kid that did not jump right in to help with everything from watering the ponies during the night and helping stuff sleeping bags back into their sacks. All the set up and take down was done with smooth efficiency and every hand on deck. It was a real pleasure to do this trip with them.
Meanwhile, ‘back at the ranch’ kids rode and swam, and then rode and swam some more. The only change up was to ride and then do Slip and Slide on the lawn. This is a favorite among the campers on a hot day. The pool was well used too. Capture the Flag, Counselor Quest and tack cleaning also took place. Today, they are doing several field trips and another Trip to the Falls as this is the last full afternoon of camp….Tomorrow, we are wrapping up the summer with a great all Day Picnic Lunch Ride and Drive. The whole camp will either ride or go in a carriage where they will drive to a lovely open field with a picnic. I love these days and it seems like the best way to end a spectacular summer. It is not going to be so hot, so it will be a great way to spend the day together.
Following the picnic ride, we will probably go swimming and then get ready to pack and write our Candlelight Ceremony for our upcoming special dinner and closing ceremony around either the pool with torch light or a bonfire with torch light. I am sure this particular Candlelight will be a real tear jerker as it is so sad to have it all be done for the year. Now, Kris and I will start the planning and preparation all over again for next summer. Camp is truly our favorite time of year, bar none other….
After our fancy dinner, with all the girls dressed in their dresses and their hair all done up pretty, this Candlelight Ceremony will happen. This will be followed by lots of hugging and smiles…and then you arrive.
In case I do not get to see each of you on Saturday, please, please know how blessed I feel that you have chosen Pony Farm for your daughter. With so many wonderful opportunities out in the big world, I am most grateful that you feel Pony Farm is an important part of your daughter(s) life. I hope you feel that you made the right choice…and that it was a great experience for her. I dearly love camp and summertime at Pony Farm. After 38 years of doing Pony Farm, I really realize that it is my life’s work. I can not imagine doing anything else. I am as passionate about the quality of the girls’ experience as I was 38 years ago. I sincerely hope you have felt that passion…and commitment to kids. So, thank you again for joining us this summer. I look forward to a strong connection with your daughter and your family for many years to come.
Most happily and sincerely,
Boo
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Dearest Moms and Dads, and all other PF Followers,
Happy Day to you all. I am writing with a big smile on my face and a happy heart. We just returned from our beautiful camping trip and are awaiting lunch and a shower! We have had a blast with these girls….what troopers they are especially in the heat. Everyone has truly jumped in with both feet and all the new girls are adjusting beautifully. We have not had one shred of homesickness or anything other than getting along beautifully while forming great friendships. It has been a pleasure to be with the girls. Thank you for ‘loaning’ them to us for a week or two. Its been terrific.
On Sunday afternoon after you all left, we did as much quick orientation for the new kiddos as we could squeeze in while the other kids and staff did the barn chores, shortened version. With everyone having passed the swim test with our life guard, we then had them troop off to dinner. Lots of skits had been worked on during the afternoon and we decided to host the Talent Show even though the new kiddos had not had much chance to practice. They got included in the skits that took place and several of them did something fun themselves or with a friend with whom they had arrived. A good time was had by all at the Talent Show which was held under the stars right outside the lodge. It sure is easier to run a summer camp in the sunshine!!!!
Monday dawned bright and beautiful but with predictions of hot temps…So, we all got up and quickly went to try out the horse matches…and organize the girls into riding groups. With only a few ‘newbies’, this was done in jig time and by lunch time everyone was thrilled with her mount and placed in riding groups.
Twenty eight kids signed up for the camping trip on the mountain with the ponies. We divided the group into two sections, one for Monday night and one for Tuesday night. During rest hour, armed with the packing list, the ones for last night packed in good order. With food packed for an army, the ponies selected, and the run down on how to set up tents, off we went. The other half of the kids swam, went on a trail ride, and had more lessons here. I just got home and so don’t have much to report yet as they are all feeding their ponies as I snuck off the write this!
With five ponies leading the way, we loaded into two vehicles with all the gear. Setting up the tents went smoothly with three different teams working on three different tents. Firewood was collected for the evening meal and story time, and then off we set to swim at the mountain pool. The smooth rocks make for a beautiful slide into the cold mountain stream that is crystal clear. It was so fabulously refreshing to have a dip. We all took turns and even slid into the pool by twos and threes…The kids and I worked to make the dam of rocks higher so that the water would rise…It is truly my idea of the right way to spend a leisurely, lovely summer afternoon.
The horses then arrived and we tied them to trees and fed them. They seem to enjoy this change in scenery too. They were good as gold and all got stars in their crowns for not escaping in the middle of the night! One camping trip several years ago woke up in the morning to find no ponies there at all!
Dinner of snacks, chips, baked beans, hot dogs, PB&J sandwiches and many many S’Mores were scarfed down in good stead. Everyone worked together to keep the fire burning bright and hot…Also, everyone was most respectful of the fire so that no one would get burned. What a team of great kids…not one cross word…tear or worry!
Many stories later, and not one of them about ghosts, everyone bedded down in their cozy tents and almost instantly fell asleep. By about 10 o’clock all but two were dead asleep…by 10:01, the last two were quiet. It is pretty easy to get a good night sleep with the stars shining bright, the campfire burning low and the stream rushing past…I might even say it is idyllic.
This morning everyone here at the farm had regular riding lessons…and we woke up on the mountain about 7:30….Eggs, sausage, toast and juice graced our tables in both places…The kids especially love the eggs from chickens they know. I can’t believe how much little girls can eat on a farm. Makes my heart glad…
Lunch is being served, all the bags are unpacked, and the kids are returning from their morning lessons. Someone is being sung a birthday greeting as I conclude…so life is great on the farm and your kids are all being terrific. We will set off again this afternoon for trip #2…and I will write again tomorrow afternoon to hopefully tell you that all are safe and sound. In the meantime, thank you again for lending us your Treasure. We are taking good care of her and having lots of good old TLC all around camp. The weather is great. Everyone feels find and lots of solid friendships are being made with two and four footed critters alike. So life is GRAND.
Thank you again and happy day to you.
Most fondly, Boo
Happy Day to you all. I am writing with a big smile on my face and a happy heart. We just returned from our beautiful camping trip and are awaiting lunch and a shower! We have had a blast with these girls….what troopers they are especially in the heat. Everyone has truly jumped in with both feet and all the new girls are adjusting beautifully. We have not had one shred of homesickness or anything other than getting along beautifully while forming great friendships. It has been a pleasure to be with the girls. Thank you for ‘loaning’ them to us for a week or two. Its been terrific.
On Sunday afternoon after you all left, we did as much quick orientation for the new kiddos as we could squeeze in while the other kids and staff did the barn chores, shortened version. With everyone having passed the swim test with our life guard, we then had them troop off to dinner. Lots of skits had been worked on during the afternoon and we decided to host the Talent Show even though the new kiddos had not had much chance to practice. They got included in the skits that took place and several of them did something fun themselves or with a friend with whom they had arrived. A good time was had by all at the Talent Show which was held under the stars right outside the lodge. It sure is easier to run a summer camp in the sunshine!!!!
Monday dawned bright and beautiful but with predictions of hot temps…So, we all got up and quickly went to try out the horse matches…and organize the girls into riding groups. With only a few ‘newbies’, this was done in jig time and by lunch time everyone was thrilled with her mount and placed in riding groups.
Twenty eight kids signed up for the camping trip on the mountain with the ponies. We divided the group into two sections, one for Monday night and one for Tuesday night. During rest hour, armed with the packing list, the ones for last night packed in good order. With food packed for an army, the ponies selected, and the run down on how to set up tents, off we went. The other half of the kids swam, went on a trail ride, and had more lessons here. I just got home and so don’t have much to report yet as they are all feeding their ponies as I snuck off the write this!
With five ponies leading the way, we loaded into two vehicles with all the gear. Setting up the tents went smoothly with three different teams working on three different tents. Firewood was collected for the evening meal and story time, and then off we set to swim at the mountain pool. The smooth rocks make for a beautiful slide into the cold mountain stream that is crystal clear. It was so fabulously refreshing to have a dip. We all took turns and even slid into the pool by twos and threes…The kids and I worked to make the dam of rocks higher so that the water would rise…It is truly my idea of the right way to spend a leisurely, lovely summer afternoon.
The horses then arrived and we tied them to trees and fed them. They seem to enjoy this change in scenery too. They were good as gold and all got stars in their crowns for not escaping in the middle of the night! One camping trip several years ago woke up in the morning to find no ponies there at all!
Dinner of snacks, chips, baked beans, hot dogs, PB&J sandwiches and many many S’Mores were scarfed down in good stead. Everyone worked together to keep the fire burning bright and hot…Also, everyone was most respectful of the fire so that no one would get burned. What a team of great kids…not one cross word…tear or worry!
Many stories later, and not one of them about ghosts, everyone bedded down in their cozy tents and almost instantly fell asleep. By about 10 o’clock all but two were dead asleep…by 10:01, the last two were quiet. It is pretty easy to get a good night sleep with the stars shining bright, the campfire burning low and the stream rushing past…I might even say it is idyllic.
This morning everyone here at the farm had regular riding lessons…and we woke up on the mountain about 7:30….Eggs, sausage, toast and juice graced our tables in both places…The kids especially love the eggs from chickens they know. I can’t believe how much little girls can eat on a farm. Makes my heart glad…
Lunch is being served, all the bags are unpacked, and the kids are returning from their morning lessons. Someone is being sung a birthday greeting as I conclude…so life is great on the farm and your kids are all being terrific. We will set off again this afternoon for trip #2…and I will write again tomorrow afternoon to hopefully tell you that all are safe and sound. In the meantime, thank you again for lending us your Treasure. We are taking good care of her and having lots of good old TLC all around camp. The weather is great. Everyone feels find and lots of solid friendships are being made with two and four footed critters alike. So life is GRAND.
Thank you again and happy day to you.
Most fondly, Boo
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tuesday afternoon August 11th
Dearest Moms, Dads, Grandparents…and any other Pony Farm Fans!!!!
I am writing you with great glee but also with sweat running down my cheeks. We wished for good hot weather with sunny days, and, boy did we get them. It is so hot but great swimming weather. Everyone loved jumping in this afternoon…but, I am ahead of myself…Let me start from the beginning and catch you up!
First of all, what a sweet, dear and cooperative group of darling girls you have bequeathed us. They are soooo eager to please and ‘do it right’. Kris and I sit at a Community Meeting and all eyes are focused on us so that they can hear each and every direction we give and do what we want. It is just so sweet to have them be so sincere and forthright. You have done a masterful job, all of you good parents, in making them so dear. I love this group!!!
On that first night after you all left on Sunday, we did lots of staff introductions. As the parents’ letter said, the kids all went down to give their ponies and horses their evening feed. Everyone marched right down to their barns, armed with their shiny new buckets and ‘closed toed shoes’! We work so hard to have everyone be safe and not get stepped on….We have a fabulous record so far this summer but those big, tall rain boots have proved to be a good addition to the ‘what to bring list’ for campers. All barn teams, as they are called, worked together to get everyone their evening grain.
The campers who had already been here for a session stayed down with the staff to do the turn out and stall rotation for the evening. Aisles were raked and all horses bedded down for the night. While this was happening at the barn, Kris and I did an orientation for the arriving campers. This includes everything from where to put your wet bathing suit, to how we do meals and the caper chores by room, to Vespers at night, to mail and medications. Kris and I have done this for so many years that it is pretty well sprinkled now with funny stories and silly things which have happened that caused us to make the different procedures that we have adopted all these 38 years of camp. By now, it is a pretty well honed machine….The only PF rule is really “Take care of each other, your pony, the land and the farm.” All else is really just under that umbrella of respect and care. We try hard to run PF just like a big happy family with everyone doing a little of the work, putting their shoes in the right place, and making their bed! I was once told that I was the luckiest person in the world as “I got to live as the world should be while most other people had to live in the world as it is.” I think that just about sums up why I always feel such gratitude for my life and these kids, staff and the farm itself…
We then all chowed down on a yummy chicken dinner with some delectable dessert that I just couldn’t resist. It sure is hard to every try to lose weight here at this camp! We then all gathered again to play the “M&M” Game. I had given them a slip of paper with a question that correlated to a question like what is your favorite animal, who would you most like to have dinner with, what was your favorite present ever…things like that. Each girl got to eat the M&Ms of the color of the question she answered.
I love this game as we do it by rooms. It is a simple and easy way for kids to start getting to know each other. We then all rejoined after about a half an hour and each girl introduced one of her ‘roomies’ to the whole group. We also assigned numbers to each girl so we would always know if we had the whole group…and who was missing. Again, we like to put things in place to keep everyone safe and well accounted for right from the start. We then moved to Vespers and Goodnight Circle….
I love this more peaceful time at camp. The Counselors-In-Training all spoke about what kept them coming back year after year at camp. Several of them had been here for 6, 7 or 8 years….I am always moved by their words and reasoning, not the least of which is their life long friends that they have made. One such combination spoke of only missing talking on the phone three times total for the entire last year…meaning that they spoke all 362 days of the year between the end and the beginning of camp. That is pretty remarkable…they live many states away from each other and that to me is such a great tribute to the friendships that are formed here. Such fun!
We then all joined hands, which we do every night, and spoke of the things that happened during the day for which the girls were thankful. This is not religious in nature but rather just a good habit of gratitude to have….You would be pleased to know that several of the girls were thankful that they had great parents who cared enough to send them to a camp where they could ride and be with horses and other horsey people. I always like to pass this on as its nice to know when us parents are appreciated!
The girls each went to bed after singing a couple of songs. I am happy to say that the girls got tucked in nicely and we did not have one incident of homesickness or tears. I love that. I stayed until “all was quiet on the PF front” and then tumbled down the hill to fall into bed too. I sure do sleep well at night!
The next day dawned bright and clear…but with hot weather predicted. The staff was ready with water for lessons….and all sorts of water bottles came with the girls themselves. This was the first morning of lessons…The girls each got tacked up, some needing a lot of help as they were really new at this part of it all. We added several other staff members to help this process and get everyone ready to try out their proposed horse match. True to form, we did quite a bit of switching. The girls were good about giving the riding staff feedback as to how they felt about their matches. By the end of the morning, with the sun hot on everyone’s head, most of the girls had the right match for this week at least. About 8 girls needed to ride again in the afternoon, but that is a pretty good average for 48 girls.
The staff spent all of their lunch hour and Rest Hour going over the groups and matches, proposing alternate horses. We are lucky to have so many horses because we know how critical the right horse match is to the successful experience for each girl. Armed with the list of re-rides, the staff set off for the afternoon for these girls. The rest of the kids and staff did their swimming tests with our Life Guard…and played non stop with the farm animals. Those goats, sheep, miniature horses and donkey, not to mention the rabbits and chickens sure get a ton of attention here. The obstacle course and jumps provide hours of ‘good clean fun’ for two and four footed folks alike. The pool has been much warmer this summer (and cleaner) because we lost all the beautiful old trees that blocked the sun and let the leaves fall! The pool has sparkled and been such a pleasant relief for all of us.
Following the swim tests, small animals and rerides, the kids had snack time and then began to learn the evening barn chore routine. This is the more complicated time of barn chores as it is when the stalls and rings get cleaned. Water and hay is set up for morning and tack rooms get re-organized for the next day. The kids all work hard in teams with their staff members to get this done as quickly and well as possible, with the ‘carrot on the stick’ of a cool shower and clean clothes!
Dinner then got served, a little frantically, I might add. It was to be hamburgers and veggie burgers…but to our dismay, our Dinner Cook, a good friend of the farm, got in a car accident on her way to cook…She was not hurt, but her car totaled….So, true to form, everyone pitched in to cook…and dinner came off on time…However, with the lag, the dessert did not get made…So, we had our Ice Cream Trough…with is a clean gutter (only used for that purpose, I swear!!!)…We create a 12 foot long ice cream sundae for the girls to enjoy with gusto…and enjoy they do. This always ends in a fun water fight to get clean…Spirits were high and homesickness was no where to be found!
We then went in to do Bag Skits, which is where each room gathers 5 objects from their room and puts them all in a paper bag. These bags are then passed around and another room needs to build a skit around the items in the bag. The kids take great care to put fun and random things in the bags…and the skits are really fun and creative. I love watching them as it is such a good ‘look see’ into the rooms and the make up of the kids in each room. You do have characters!@#$$%% All the kids really got into their skits and it was great fun. We moved from this silliness to the Vespers from Homestead and Goodnight Circle with everyone. We sang some more songs and again, off everyone went to dream of their ponies….No one peep was heard when we called All Quiet at 9:30!
Today, was beautiful again…and a little less hot…Each camper was carefully placed in a riding group by the whole staff at our breakfast meeting. The lesson group assignments are done in great detail. This morning was dedicated to getting the right girl on the right horse in the right lesson. Again, this is no mean feat.
I am happy to report, and I know this is true, as I just asked the girls during their snack time….EVERYONE loves her horse or pony. They feel that they are correctly matched, as does the staff. We will continue to sort out the groups for the final look see tomorrow AM…but, I can safely report that we have happy campers thus far.
This afternoon, we did a combination of trimming for the horse show…portraits of the girls with their horses…swimming, the final swim tests, more running and jumping with the farm animals and generally enjoying a nice, hot, happy summer afternoon. They are all at the barn right now doing their barn chores after they had their snacks.
Everyone is most excited about Chicken Pot Pie, homemade that is…and a certain kind of brownie called Blondes….Where these names come from, I know not…but they are most eager for showers and dinner. Tonight will feature the Fashion Show….where the staff give them a Decade…and they have to create characters and dress and music to go with that decade. It is a riot and the kids love doing this kind of singing, dancing, and acting.
Tomorrow, the teachers will again assess riding groups and begin placing kids in the right show classes. We will also have some of the fun camp activities like carriage driving, vaulting, bareback, Catch riding and some trail rides tomorrow afternoon. We are going to go camping tomorrow night and hope to catch the Meteor shower at midnight. I won’t wake them up if it is not brilliant as I am mindful of how young they are and the coming show, plus the heat….
So, that is my update to you for now. I hope you enjoy all my meanderings of what we do each day. I think probably your kiddos don’t tell you as much as they are too busy having fun. Everyone sure seems to be getting along well and the love of their ponies and horses is evident everywhere…
Thank you again for choosing PF…We are working hard to accomplish our mission of making this the best week or two of your daughters’ summers…if not their year. That is a tall order, but that is what we shoot for….Thanks for giving us the opportunity.
Happy Evening and all my best,
Boo
Dearest Moms, Dads, Grandparents…and any other Pony Farm Fans!!!!
I am writing you with great glee but also with sweat running down my cheeks. We wished for good hot weather with sunny days, and, boy did we get them. It is so hot but great swimming weather. Everyone loved jumping in this afternoon…but, I am ahead of myself…Let me start from the beginning and catch you up!
First of all, what a sweet, dear and cooperative group of darling girls you have bequeathed us. They are soooo eager to please and ‘do it right’. Kris and I sit at a Community Meeting and all eyes are focused on us so that they can hear each and every direction we give and do what we want. It is just so sweet to have them be so sincere and forthright. You have done a masterful job, all of you good parents, in making them so dear. I love this group!!!
On that first night after you all left on Sunday, we did lots of staff introductions. As the parents’ letter said, the kids all went down to give their ponies and horses their evening feed. Everyone marched right down to their barns, armed with their shiny new buckets and ‘closed toed shoes’! We work so hard to have everyone be safe and not get stepped on….We have a fabulous record so far this summer but those big, tall rain boots have proved to be a good addition to the ‘what to bring list’ for campers. All barn teams, as they are called, worked together to get everyone their evening grain.
The campers who had already been here for a session stayed down with the staff to do the turn out and stall rotation for the evening. Aisles were raked and all horses bedded down for the night. While this was happening at the barn, Kris and I did an orientation for the arriving campers. This includes everything from where to put your wet bathing suit, to how we do meals and the caper chores by room, to Vespers at night, to mail and medications. Kris and I have done this for so many years that it is pretty well sprinkled now with funny stories and silly things which have happened that caused us to make the different procedures that we have adopted all these 38 years of camp. By now, it is a pretty well honed machine….The only PF rule is really “Take care of each other, your pony, the land and the farm.” All else is really just under that umbrella of respect and care. We try hard to run PF just like a big happy family with everyone doing a little of the work, putting their shoes in the right place, and making their bed! I was once told that I was the luckiest person in the world as “I got to live as the world should be while most other people had to live in the world as it is.” I think that just about sums up why I always feel such gratitude for my life and these kids, staff and the farm itself…
We then all chowed down on a yummy chicken dinner with some delectable dessert that I just couldn’t resist. It sure is hard to every try to lose weight here at this camp! We then all gathered again to play the “M&M” Game. I had given them a slip of paper with a question that correlated to a question like what is your favorite animal, who would you most like to have dinner with, what was your favorite present ever…things like that. Each girl got to eat the M&Ms of the color of the question she answered.
I love this game as we do it by rooms. It is a simple and easy way for kids to start getting to know each other. We then all rejoined after about a half an hour and each girl introduced one of her ‘roomies’ to the whole group. We also assigned numbers to each girl so we would always know if we had the whole group…and who was missing. Again, we like to put things in place to keep everyone safe and well accounted for right from the start. We then moved to Vespers and Goodnight Circle….
I love this more peaceful time at camp. The Counselors-In-Training all spoke about what kept them coming back year after year at camp. Several of them had been here for 6, 7 or 8 years….I am always moved by their words and reasoning, not the least of which is their life long friends that they have made. One such combination spoke of only missing talking on the phone three times total for the entire last year…meaning that they spoke all 362 days of the year between the end and the beginning of camp. That is pretty remarkable…they live many states away from each other and that to me is such a great tribute to the friendships that are formed here. Such fun!
We then all joined hands, which we do every night, and spoke of the things that happened during the day for which the girls were thankful. This is not religious in nature but rather just a good habit of gratitude to have….You would be pleased to know that several of the girls were thankful that they had great parents who cared enough to send them to a camp where they could ride and be with horses and other horsey people. I always like to pass this on as its nice to know when us parents are appreciated!
The girls each went to bed after singing a couple of songs. I am happy to say that the girls got tucked in nicely and we did not have one incident of homesickness or tears. I love that. I stayed until “all was quiet on the PF front” and then tumbled down the hill to fall into bed too. I sure do sleep well at night!
The next day dawned bright and clear…but with hot weather predicted. The staff was ready with water for lessons….and all sorts of water bottles came with the girls themselves. This was the first morning of lessons…The girls each got tacked up, some needing a lot of help as they were really new at this part of it all. We added several other staff members to help this process and get everyone ready to try out their proposed horse match. True to form, we did quite a bit of switching. The girls were good about giving the riding staff feedback as to how they felt about their matches. By the end of the morning, with the sun hot on everyone’s head, most of the girls had the right match for this week at least. About 8 girls needed to ride again in the afternoon, but that is a pretty good average for 48 girls.
The staff spent all of their lunch hour and Rest Hour going over the groups and matches, proposing alternate horses. We are lucky to have so many horses because we know how critical the right horse match is to the successful experience for each girl. Armed with the list of re-rides, the staff set off for the afternoon for these girls. The rest of the kids and staff did their swimming tests with our Life Guard…and played non stop with the farm animals. Those goats, sheep, miniature horses and donkey, not to mention the rabbits and chickens sure get a ton of attention here. The obstacle course and jumps provide hours of ‘good clean fun’ for two and four footed folks alike. The pool has been much warmer this summer (and cleaner) because we lost all the beautiful old trees that blocked the sun and let the leaves fall! The pool has sparkled and been such a pleasant relief for all of us.
Following the swim tests, small animals and rerides, the kids had snack time and then began to learn the evening barn chore routine. This is the more complicated time of barn chores as it is when the stalls and rings get cleaned. Water and hay is set up for morning and tack rooms get re-organized for the next day. The kids all work hard in teams with their staff members to get this done as quickly and well as possible, with the ‘carrot on the stick’ of a cool shower and clean clothes!
Dinner then got served, a little frantically, I might add. It was to be hamburgers and veggie burgers…but to our dismay, our Dinner Cook, a good friend of the farm, got in a car accident on her way to cook…She was not hurt, but her car totaled….So, true to form, everyone pitched in to cook…and dinner came off on time…However, with the lag, the dessert did not get made…So, we had our Ice Cream Trough…with is a clean gutter (only used for that purpose, I swear!!!)…We create a 12 foot long ice cream sundae for the girls to enjoy with gusto…and enjoy they do. This always ends in a fun water fight to get clean…Spirits were high and homesickness was no where to be found!
We then went in to do Bag Skits, which is where each room gathers 5 objects from their room and puts them all in a paper bag. These bags are then passed around and another room needs to build a skit around the items in the bag. The kids take great care to put fun and random things in the bags…and the skits are really fun and creative. I love watching them as it is such a good ‘look see’ into the rooms and the make up of the kids in each room. You do have characters!@#$$%% All the kids really got into their skits and it was great fun. We moved from this silliness to the Vespers from Homestead and Goodnight Circle with everyone. We sang some more songs and again, off everyone went to dream of their ponies….No one peep was heard when we called All Quiet at 9:30!
Today, was beautiful again…and a little less hot…Each camper was carefully placed in a riding group by the whole staff at our breakfast meeting. The lesson group assignments are done in great detail. This morning was dedicated to getting the right girl on the right horse in the right lesson. Again, this is no mean feat.
I am happy to report, and I know this is true, as I just asked the girls during their snack time….EVERYONE loves her horse or pony. They feel that they are correctly matched, as does the staff. We will continue to sort out the groups for the final look see tomorrow AM…but, I can safely report that we have happy campers thus far.
This afternoon, we did a combination of trimming for the horse show…portraits of the girls with their horses…swimming, the final swim tests, more running and jumping with the farm animals and generally enjoying a nice, hot, happy summer afternoon. They are all at the barn right now doing their barn chores after they had their snacks.
Everyone is most excited about Chicken Pot Pie, homemade that is…and a certain kind of brownie called Blondes….Where these names come from, I know not…but they are most eager for showers and dinner. Tonight will feature the Fashion Show….where the staff give them a Decade…and they have to create characters and dress and music to go with that decade. It is a riot and the kids love doing this kind of singing, dancing, and acting.
Tomorrow, the teachers will again assess riding groups and begin placing kids in the right show classes. We will also have some of the fun camp activities like carriage driving, vaulting, bareback, Catch riding and some trail rides tomorrow afternoon. We are going to go camping tomorrow night and hope to catch the Meteor shower at midnight. I won’t wake them up if it is not brilliant as I am mindful of how young they are and the coming show, plus the heat….
So, that is my update to you for now. I hope you enjoy all my meanderings of what we do each day. I think probably your kiddos don’t tell you as much as they are too busy having fun. Everyone sure seems to be getting along well and the love of their ponies and horses is evident everywhere…
Thank you again for choosing PF…We are working hard to accomplish our mission of making this the best week or two of your daughters’ summers…if not their year. That is a tall order, but that is what we shoot for….Thanks for giving us the opportunity.
Happy Evening and all my best,
Boo
Monday, August 3, 2009
Monday Morning, Bright and Clear!
Dearest, Lovely Parents and Other Family Members,
The sun is shining, the kids are great, the horses being fed and the world is good. It is a great morning to be alive…I send all best wishes that your day is going to be as great as mine. I feel like the luckiest person in the world…..I love what I do and who I do it with, day in and day out! Thanks for ‘loaning’ me/us your Treasurers so we can have such fun! I can not wait to up date you on the Pony Farm happenings….Here we go. Grab a cup of coffee and read on, imagining the fun and simple abundance that we all have in our lives.
Let me begin by ‘backing up the bus’ and going to last Friday, the day before the horse show…..The kids were all pumped up for the show. The wonderful, hard working riding staff had done their very best with such a ‘short week’ to get the kids on the right horses and ponies, and in the right classes with the right clothes….With the arrival to camp on Sunday, the first ride on Monday morning, the ACA mandated Swim Tests on Monday afternoon, the Cheshire Fair on Wednesday afternoon (a total camp highlight!), and two afternoons of torrential down pours, they did a masterful job….With only Tuesday for two solid lessons….Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning for the other lessons, it was no mean feat to get the kids ready….but they DID and I am so proud of all the kids, horses and staff.
Several of you all asked why your kiddo was competing at a lower level than usual. I wanted to help you to understand what we were up against….With the rainfall that we have had…a record this summer for the last 100 years…the rings, despite our Farm Manager’s valiant efforts, have a number of sink holes….We also have not had the benefit of being able to use our entire lower field which usually has three full courses of jumps. These rings offer plenty of room to spread out so that all the riders can have a lesson at once. This field has had literally standing water in it all summer. Because it is so lovely and level, it just doesn’t drain. Also, the ground water is simply at the top of the ground with the rain that we have had….So, between the rings bordering on dangerous, and the rain itself making the rings even wetter….we have done the best we can. Even using the indoor full tilt, we simply can’t fit everyone into that space, dry though it is, all at the same time…so, please do not worry if your child jumped 3” less than usual, or was in an easier, less competitive ring…it was simply the safest and most successful option that we had open to us. I know you share my first priority of keeping kids safe….and that is what the staff did in spades….Thank you for your support of their motto “Better safe than sorry”!!!
So, with the rain drops falling on our heads, the kids were good sports…The tack was cleaned to a sheen and the boots were polished as best as possible with mud above their ankles….The baths for the ponies seemed totally and ridiculously redundant!!! Instead of our mental picture of the baths, the sun and the fun of all getting ready to show together….with the kids who opted not to show out on a glorious trail ride with ice cream as their treat, there we all were jammed into the barns dodging a water fall of rain off the barn roofs…Even the basement of the lodge flooded, which I have simply never seen in its 33 years of life…What a scene to have my summer office with 2” of rain on the carpet. It was almost funny and laughing seemed like a better option than crying…so that is what we did…Kids, staff, horses, and Kris and I all made the best of a ludicrous situation…..
The show day did dawn beautiful and Chris, our Farm Manager, was out at 5AM raking the rings to drain the water to make them each safe and ready as could be by 9AM. The kids were in high spirits despite the preceding rainy days…With horses and kids fed, hair braided and ribboned, and the show clothes donned, off they went to ride.
I will not go into the horse show too much because many of the parents were in attendance so I won’t bore you with the details…..The sun shone the whole day and the temps were pleasant..even a little hot, which is a first this summer. The pool was ready and inviting to all once the show day came to a close. Many parents took their kids out for lunch or ice cream because, sadly, our show concession truck never appeared for the show. This was a wrinkle as we did the best we could to provide drinks and snacks, but it was just impossible with no notice to have the camp kitchen feed the whole of the show grounds….But, I am sure the local businesses were delighted with the arrival of the camp parents…and I know the families enjoy catching up between the two week sessions…
Following barn chores, swimming and snacks, the kids had a great dinner and…if you can even believe this, they did a ‘horseless horse show’ in front of the lodge. We had woken them up at 6:15…they had ridden hard all day, swum and played together, only to then do a horseless horse show!!! I guess you have indeed sent them to the right camp…
This was followed by Saturday Night at the Movies….As I am sure you can imagine, not many kids made it to the end of the movie….They were asleep sitting up some of them…most of them were on the floor of the lodge snuggled up together in their sleeping bags or comforters, dreaming of the show day, their ponies and each other, fast asleep! Kris trundled them off to bed as I was already asleep in my own bed!
Sunday morning again dawned beautiful, although not as beautiful as Saturday or today….The kids slept in, this being their day off. The Counselors-in-Training did all the barn chores so the kids could have a relaxing and restful day of non-horsey fun! They did a good room clean up, gathering all their wet laundry. They had a cereal bar, make it yourself breakfast, with their favorite specialty coffeecake. They relaxed, made bracelets, chatted and generally enjoyed just being together.
We hosted several ‘room meetings’…most especially one room which was not getting along well. With lots of good guidance from the staff, input from the parents and a couple of sterner ‘this is not what happens at Pony Farm’ ….some room switches were arranged. This moving of belongings took a little time but is already proving to be a good thing. In the main room that was having ‘issues’, I had to really ride herd on them last night at bedtime because they were having such fun and enjoying the new arrangement of friends that I had to contain their fun! That is a good sign for sure and I was happy to do it. So, I think this week will bode better on the “friend front” but rest assured that we appreciate and value…and act on…parental input. From the get go, we have said it takes a whole team to make a camp of adolescent girls work!!! Thank you for being an essential part of that team, Moms and Dads…Together, we got things in order and with smooth sailing ahead. Yipeee.
After lunch yesterday, we launched into my favorite day of camp….Sunday afternoon. It was a little rainy and definitely cloudy for swimming, so we featured the small farm animals…and yet another horseless horseshow in the indoor arena with real ribbons….The horse show went well, but the farm animal fun went even better.
We started by making a 10 part obstacle course around the entire lawn of the Homestead (my former house). Once this was set up, the kids and I got all the farm animals out…from chickens and bunnies, to the goats, the sheep, the donkeys and the four minis…All of these animals lead and run and jump with glee with kids. We had a huge variety of classes…from gentlest animal handler, the best trainer, to fastest mini, to best collaborating pair with an animal, to wheelbarrow races with kids a foot, to running races, ‘muck boot’ races and piggy back races….I used the rest of the raffle prizes as the reward for the various events….We even ate ‘sheep and goat’ poop….aka Tootsie Roll bits and Technicolor “bunny poop”…jelly beans of course! The kids thought this was a riot and every one ended up with at least one prize….It was just plain, simple, fun, silly and good old farm fun in the fresh air. No one, even me, noticed that it was raining the whole time!
We then trooped down the dirt road that runs in front of the lodge to the creek. The kids were dying to take the animals wading in the near by stream. Little did I think that it was going to be up to my waist!!!!....Much water got in boots, we all got wet, and to the last one of us, we had a blast as the minis, goats and even the donkey and sheep ‘swam’…some more willingly than others, of course!
We then returned to the lodge and were ready to do the Ice Cream Trough…This is Kris’s least favorite and my most favorite of snack time…We have a real rain gutter that we use only for this camp favorite event…We fill it with all kinds of ice cream, chocolate bits, whipped cream and sprinkles galore….I stand and throw the spoons in the air, the kids rush forward and grab a spoon…and off they go to the trough….With ice cream smeared all over their faces and their tummies full, it is a real mess…a good clean mess! We always have some kids who don’t want to do this…and anyone with a cold is not allowed to do this so we do not have a germ fest….They get their own individual servings so they don’t miss out on their ice cream feed….
I then stand by with a hose to help wash off sticky hands…This always descends into an hilarious water fight with the kids and myself….My favorite comment was one of the kids said “I can’t believe I am in a water fight with my camp director!” They think it is a riot to soak me to the bone….I don’t know who loves it more, me or the kids!
Since we were already wet, a bunch of the kids came with me to the Penrose Garden, the one right to the left as you drive in the lodge driveway. We had two beds prepped to plant fall greens to replace the peas that we had grown which fed the campers for 7 whole meals. We also planted some more salad greens to keep up our record of serving fresh salad greens out of our gardens for every single lunch and dinner of camp. We are proud to have produced this much food by our own hands! I also swear that the kids themselves are eating more salad than in other years! Yipee, my plan of kids, gardens, greens and composting is working.
After showers and lots of practice for the upcoming Talent Show, we had a good hamburger dinner with yummie chocolate mind cupcakes…and then, it was Talent Show time.
We all marched out to the Indoor arena where we could sit on the bleachers and ramp and watch….What a show it was too…The kids sang, played piano, ran, jumped, danced, flipped and then jumped some more. They even created an obstacle course for the staff, which I did as well….Literally, everyone got into the show….younger and older kids alike…It was a real blast. It almost reminds me of the Tasha Tudor books where the kids put on a summer show in the barn. This whole event is exactly what I think kids should be doing on a summer evening….No one even thinks of watching TV, their cell phones, the internet, Face book, DVDs or Game Boys….It is my real mission to break the terrible statistic that most middle school children in the US today are on a ‘screen’ (meaning cell phone texting, computers, internet, TV or movies) for an average of 8 hours and 15 minutes a day!!! A day, ladies and gentlemen….This is NOT going to happen at Pony Farm!!!!
Following our Talent Show, we came back to the lodge for our Vespers and Goodnight Circle of Thanks….With beautiful vespers from room 6, great thanksgiving for friends, families and foor footed friends….the kids went peacefully to bed. I must say they were ‘out’ within 15 minutes….except Tree House which was finally having fun! So, with a smile on my face, I caught up on emails and hit the sack as well!
This week starts the ‘fun’ part of the riding….Today, is a Gymkhana, or games on horse back, for the morning…The favorite camping trip is scheduled for tonight…and the weather is cooperating so that we can do the pony camping trip on the mountain by the stream…This is the first time we can actually go up the mountain…and go we shall. We have so many kids who want to go that I am staying for two nights. I can’t wait. We will take about 6 horses and ponies…all the tents and cooking stuff for eating dinner and breakfast on the camp site. We will have evening and morning rides galore and generally have a blast…This is what camp is all about for me….
We also have the Hunter Pace, the driving with carriages, vaulting, Western riding, Catch Riding, trail rides, bareback and the high jump as well as Gambler’s choice. So they will definitely be riding, riding and riding some more. The weather promises to be terrific all week so we are just delighted to be here with them at this time and in this place….
I hope you can ‘catch the spirit’ of camp….I also hope you know how much we enjoy your kiddos. This is truly my life’s work. Having great kids, great staff, great horses and now great weather makes it truly terrific.
I hope I have not bored you with all our tales…I will let you know how the camping trips went but I will not be emailing for the next two and a half days as I will be out in the woods, my favorite place…I am even taking my favorite goat and my two loyal dogs…This is my best time of camp. I like horse shows and they have their place in kids’ riding…but to me this week is what Pony Farm does best.
Stay well and know that we look forward to greeting you on Saturday…As a reminder, you should arrive between 9:30 and 10AM for the riding demo…This will end about noon. Please do bring a picnic for you and your camper. We will provide drinks and desserts for your dining pleasure. We can’t wait to show you what your kids have learned….
Until then, thank you for sharing your kids with us.
Most warmly, Boo
Dearest, Lovely Parents and Other Family Members,
The sun is shining, the kids are great, the horses being fed and the world is good. It is a great morning to be alive…I send all best wishes that your day is going to be as great as mine. I feel like the luckiest person in the world…..I love what I do and who I do it with, day in and day out! Thanks for ‘loaning’ me/us your Treasurers so we can have such fun! I can not wait to up date you on the Pony Farm happenings….Here we go. Grab a cup of coffee and read on, imagining the fun and simple abundance that we all have in our lives.
Let me begin by ‘backing up the bus’ and going to last Friday, the day before the horse show…..The kids were all pumped up for the show. The wonderful, hard working riding staff had done their very best with such a ‘short week’ to get the kids on the right horses and ponies, and in the right classes with the right clothes….With the arrival to camp on Sunday, the first ride on Monday morning, the ACA mandated Swim Tests on Monday afternoon, the Cheshire Fair on Wednesday afternoon (a total camp highlight!), and two afternoons of torrential down pours, they did a masterful job….With only Tuesday for two solid lessons….Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning for the other lessons, it was no mean feat to get the kids ready….but they DID and I am so proud of all the kids, horses and staff.
Several of you all asked why your kiddo was competing at a lower level than usual. I wanted to help you to understand what we were up against….With the rainfall that we have had…a record this summer for the last 100 years…the rings, despite our Farm Manager’s valiant efforts, have a number of sink holes….We also have not had the benefit of being able to use our entire lower field which usually has three full courses of jumps. These rings offer plenty of room to spread out so that all the riders can have a lesson at once. This field has had literally standing water in it all summer. Because it is so lovely and level, it just doesn’t drain. Also, the ground water is simply at the top of the ground with the rain that we have had….So, between the rings bordering on dangerous, and the rain itself making the rings even wetter….we have done the best we can. Even using the indoor full tilt, we simply can’t fit everyone into that space, dry though it is, all at the same time…so, please do not worry if your child jumped 3” less than usual, or was in an easier, less competitive ring…it was simply the safest and most successful option that we had open to us. I know you share my first priority of keeping kids safe….and that is what the staff did in spades….Thank you for your support of their motto “Better safe than sorry”!!!
So, with the rain drops falling on our heads, the kids were good sports…The tack was cleaned to a sheen and the boots were polished as best as possible with mud above their ankles….The baths for the ponies seemed totally and ridiculously redundant!!! Instead of our mental picture of the baths, the sun and the fun of all getting ready to show together….with the kids who opted not to show out on a glorious trail ride with ice cream as their treat, there we all were jammed into the barns dodging a water fall of rain off the barn roofs…Even the basement of the lodge flooded, which I have simply never seen in its 33 years of life…What a scene to have my summer office with 2” of rain on the carpet. It was almost funny and laughing seemed like a better option than crying…so that is what we did…Kids, staff, horses, and Kris and I all made the best of a ludicrous situation…..
The show day did dawn beautiful and Chris, our Farm Manager, was out at 5AM raking the rings to drain the water to make them each safe and ready as could be by 9AM. The kids were in high spirits despite the preceding rainy days…With horses and kids fed, hair braided and ribboned, and the show clothes donned, off they went to ride.
I will not go into the horse show too much because many of the parents were in attendance so I won’t bore you with the details…..The sun shone the whole day and the temps were pleasant..even a little hot, which is a first this summer. The pool was ready and inviting to all once the show day came to a close. Many parents took their kids out for lunch or ice cream because, sadly, our show concession truck never appeared for the show. This was a wrinkle as we did the best we could to provide drinks and snacks, but it was just impossible with no notice to have the camp kitchen feed the whole of the show grounds….But, I am sure the local businesses were delighted with the arrival of the camp parents…and I know the families enjoy catching up between the two week sessions…
Following barn chores, swimming and snacks, the kids had a great dinner and…if you can even believe this, they did a ‘horseless horse show’ in front of the lodge. We had woken them up at 6:15…they had ridden hard all day, swum and played together, only to then do a horseless horse show!!! I guess you have indeed sent them to the right camp…
This was followed by Saturday Night at the Movies….As I am sure you can imagine, not many kids made it to the end of the movie….They were asleep sitting up some of them…most of them were on the floor of the lodge snuggled up together in their sleeping bags or comforters, dreaming of the show day, their ponies and each other, fast asleep! Kris trundled them off to bed as I was already asleep in my own bed!
Sunday morning again dawned beautiful, although not as beautiful as Saturday or today….The kids slept in, this being their day off. The Counselors-in-Training did all the barn chores so the kids could have a relaxing and restful day of non-horsey fun! They did a good room clean up, gathering all their wet laundry. They had a cereal bar, make it yourself breakfast, with their favorite specialty coffeecake. They relaxed, made bracelets, chatted and generally enjoyed just being together.
We hosted several ‘room meetings’…most especially one room which was not getting along well. With lots of good guidance from the staff, input from the parents and a couple of sterner ‘this is not what happens at Pony Farm’ ….some room switches were arranged. This moving of belongings took a little time but is already proving to be a good thing. In the main room that was having ‘issues’, I had to really ride herd on them last night at bedtime because they were having such fun and enjoying the new arrangement of friends that I had to contain their fun! That is a good sign for sure and I was happy to do it. So, I think this week will bode better on the “friend front” but rest assured that we appreciate and value…and act on…parental input. From the get go, we have said it takes a whole team to make a camp of adolescent girls work!!! Thank you for being an essential part of that team, Moms and Dads…Together, we got things in order and with smooth sailing ahead. Yipeee.
After lunch yesterday, we launched into my favorite day of camp….Sunday afternoon. It was a little rainy and definitely cloudy for swimming, so we featured the small farm animals…and yet another horseless horseshow in the indoor arena with real ribbons….The horse show went well, but the farm animal fun went even better.
We started by making a 10 part obstacle course around the entire lawn of the Homestead (my former house). Once this was set up, the kids and I got all the farm animals out…from chickens and bunnies, to the goats, the sheep, the donkeys and the four minis…All of these animals lead and run and jump with glee with kids. We had a huge variety of classes…from gentlest animal handler, the best trainer, to fastest mini, to best collaborating pair with an animal, to wheelbarrow races with kids a foot, to running races, ‘muck boot’ races and piggy back races….I used the rest of the raffle prizes as the reward for the various events….We even ate ‘sheep and goat’ poop….aka Tootsie Roll bits and Technicolor “bunny poop”…jelly beans of course! The kids thought this was a riot and every one ended up with at least one prize….It was just plain, simple, fun, silly and good old farm fun in the fresh air. No one, even me, noticed that it was raining the whole time!
We then trooped down the dirt road that runs in front of the lodge to the creek. The kids were dying to take the animals wading in the near by stream. Little did I think that it was going to be up to my waist!!!!....Much water got in boots, we all got wet, and to the last one of us, we had a blast as the minis, goats and even the donkey and sheep ‘swam’…some more willingly than others, of course!
We then returned to the lodge and were ready to do the Ice Cream Trough…This is Kris’s least favorite and my most favorite of snack time…We have a real rain gutter that we use only for this camp favorite event…We fill it with all kinds of ice cream, chocolate bits, whipped cream and sprinkles galore….I stand and throw the spoons in the air, the kids rush forward and grab a spoon…and off they go to the trough….With ice cream smeared all over their faces and their tummies full, it is a real mess…a good clean mess! We always have some kids who don’t want to do this…and anyone with a cold is not allowed to do this so we do not have a germ fest….They get their own individual servings so they don’t miss out on their ice cream feed….
I then stand by with a hose to help wash off sticky hands…This always descends into an hilarious water fight with the kids and myself….My favorite comment was one of the kids said “I can’t believe I am in a water fight with my camp director!” They think it is a riot to soak me to the bone….I don’t know who loves it more, me or the kids!
Since we were already wet, a bunch of the kids came with me to the Penrose Garden, the one right to the left as you drive in the lodge driveway. We had two beds prepped to plant fall greens to replace the peas that we had grown which fed the campers for 7 whole meals. We also planted some more salad greens to keep up our record of serving fresh salad greens out of our gardens for every single lunch and dinner of camp. We are proud to have produced this much food by our own hands! I also swear that the kids themselves are eating more salad than in other years! Yipee, my plan of kids, gardens, greens and composting is working.
After showers and lots of practice for the upcoming Talent Show, we had a good hamburger dinner with yummie chocolate mind cupcakes…and then, it was Talent Show time.
We all marched out to the Indoor arena where we could sit on the bleachers and ramp and watch….What a show it was too…The kids sang, played piano, ran, jumped, danced, flipped and then jumped some more. They even created an obstacle course for the staff, which I did as well….Literally, everyone got into the show….younger and older kids alike…It was a real blast. It almost reminds me of the Tasha Tudor books where the kids put on a summer show in the barn. This whole event is exactly what I think kids should be doing on a summer evening….No one even thinks of watching TV, their cell phones, the internet, Face book, DVDs or Game Boys….It is my real mission to break the terrible statistic that most middle school children in the US today are on a ‘screen’ (meaning cell phone texting, computers, internet, TV or movies) for an average of 8 hours and 15 minutes a day!!! A day, ladies and gentlemen….This is NOT going to happen at Pony Farm!!!!
Following our Talent Show, we came back to the lodge for our Vespers and Goodnight Circle of Thanks….With beautiful vespers from room 6, great thanksgiving for friends, families and foor footed friends….the kids went peacefully to bed. I must say they were ‘out’ within 15 minutes….except Tree House which was finally having fun! So, with a smile on my face, I caught up on emails and hit the sack as well!
This week starts the ‘fun’ part of the riding….Today, is a Gymkhana, or games on horse back, for the morning…The favorite camping trip is scheduled for tonight…and the weather is cooperating so that we can do the pony camping trip on the mountain by the stream…This is the first time we can actually go up the mountain…and go we shall. We have so many kids who want to go that I am staying for two nights. I can’t wait. We will take about 6 horses and ponies…all the tents and cooking stuff for eating dinner and breakfast on the camp site. We will have evening and morning rides galore and generally have a blast…This is what camp is all about for me….
We also have the Hunter Pace, the driving with carriages, vaulting, Western riding, Catch Riding, trail rides, bareback and the high jump as well as Gambler’s choice. So they will definitely be riding, riding and riding some more. The weather promises to be terrific all week so we are just delighted to be here with them at this time and in this place….
I hope you can ‘catch the spirit’ of camp….I also hope you know how much we enjoy your kiddos. This is truly my life’s work. Having great kids, great staff, great horses and now great weather makes it truly terrific.
I hope I have not bored you with all our tales…I will let you know how the camping trips went but I will not be emailing for the next two and a half days as I will be out in the woods, my favorite place…I am even taking my favorite goat and my two loyal dogs…This is my best time of camp. I like horse shows and they have their place in kids’ riding…but to me this week is what Pony Farm does best.
Stay well and know that we look forward to greeting you on Saturday…As a reminder, you should arrive between 9:30 and 10AM for the riding demo…This will end about noon. Please do bring a picnic for you and your camper. We will provide drinks and desserts for your dining pleasure. We can’t wait to show you what your kids have learned….
Until then, thank you for sharing your kids with us.
Most warmly, Boo
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Dearest Darling Ones, Pony Farm Families, One and All,
I send great salutations from Pony Farm to YOU all. I am so very sorry to not have written you sooner. I especially feel badly for the few new parents as I think it is always nice to hear sooner rather than later about how things are going….But, the honest truth is that we have just been having sooo much fun that I hate to tear myself away from them…Plus, getting them all on the right horses in time for the show, plus having the Cheshire Fair today slightly interrupting the riding before the show, all has colluded to making me not as much sitting at my desk….So, I will apologize once and then go on to tell you how fabulous, fantastic, fun, funny and just plain GREAT your kids are….
Last Sunday went as we outlined in your Letter from the Directors’ which we gave you upon departure on Sunday afternoon. The girls have been such a superior group to get oriented and acclimated. They are just plain easy going, already love each other, and have worked well with us in determining the right horse match and lesson level. The riding on Monday to determine this took place first thing after breakfast and room clean up. The girls were divided into five big groups, each with a Senior Riding Counselor and two Counselors-In-Training. The most experienced of the Senior Staff went around to watch each group and to make the necessary horses switches. With so many returning campers who come from riding programs that we know and know us, this process is much easier than in other sessions with more new campers.
By lunchtime, the vast majority of the kids were thrilled with their mounts (“Their” own pony or horse for their stay!). We thoroughly involve the kids in the decision as to which horse fits well. We try to balance safely, success and excellent learning in the balance. To have the right “level” horse but not be in love with it, just doesn’t work as well. Conversely, having a horse that you adore that can’t jump or is too inexperienced, also doesn’t work effectively. Our goal, which we share with the kids, is that we want them to adore their horse, learn a ton and have a great time doing it, while staying safe and sound. That goal of course is no easy feat in any event, but having good weather has surely been a huge perk this session…..Doing this intricate process in the pouring rain surely leads something to be desired in other sessions.
We all gathered for lunch and the kids who needed to ride again to try a new match were announced. The rest of the girls were asked to come back after lunch and rest hour, dressed to swim and to play with the small farm animals, both all camp favorites for sure. Swim Tests were conducted to make sure everyone was Water Proofed! Again, this was fun because it was hot enough to really want to go swim. Thank you to the Heavens Above for great weather…
With lots of running, jumping, splashing and laughing, everyone at the pool and small animal barn had a great afternoon, while getting to know each other again! The rest of the girls and staff worked hard and well to get the horse matches finalized. They did so with good cheer and gusto. By afternoon snack time, everyone had a great horse and a smile on her face. Barn Chore Teams were introduced and explained, with each girl knowing which barn she was going to join. Again, everyone met the daunting task of taking care of and feeding and turning in and turning out and cleaning the stalls for 71 horses, which is how many we have on site at present….It is a finely tuned machine, this Barn Chore Time at Pony Farm….The US Government and Military have nothing on the PF teams of Barn Chore Kids and their staff….!!!! It is such a pleasure to watch the kids all digging in and helping each other. What a real life experience of collaboration!
Dinner followed cool showers and lots of chatting…This was then wrapped up and Bag Skits, the all time first full night of camp’s favorite….Each room of girls collects 6 items randomly to put into a bag. This bag is then delivered to another room where that set of girls creates a whole skit around the contents of the bag….I usually catch up on my copious emails while they are planning their skits….then speed upstairs to the lodge to watch them ‘do their thing’…and what a thing it was….They were so clever, imaginative, funny, creative and just plain adorable with their funny clothes, accents, speeches and skits. It is a perfect way to spend a summer evening in my book….We all roared with laughter and every room got to know each other better.
This was followed by the more quiet, cool down and relaxed activity called Vespers and Goodnight Circle. The Senior Staff who were ‘on’ that night shared with the girls what make them keep coming back to Pony Farm year after year. This simple ceremony always gives me goose bumps and makes me so glad that they love this farm so much. Sure makes a body want to get out of bed in the morning to make kids this happy! This is followed by Goodnight Circle which is when we all hold hands in a big circle. Kids and staff randomly share something for which they were grateful that happened during the day. It is a great way to make the gratitude and blessings bubble up! This is then followed by our routine of singing two songs and then off to bed. I went around with the staff to say goodnight to each room. We also checked that each fan that was plugged in was safe and secure for the night. It was darn hot in the rooms and we wanted them to be comfortable!
Tuesday dawned again bright and beautiful…A bit hot but just glorious. I may only be thinking that the day was so spectacular because it was three days in a row when it did not rain! But, yesterday was our best weather day of the summer….Cool, breezy, bright sun and no dust…Sooo fantastic for riding.
During the two riding sessions of the day, each camper got a formal lesson in the ring where she will be likely to show on Saturday. She then also got to choose during the other activity period, either morning or afternoon, between a trail ride, “Pony Spa Day”, more small animals and swimming, Vaulting and Lungeing. The whole riding and horse time activities went smoothly with kids truly loving their horses. One or two final horse matches were made and I can surely tell you that everyone, to the last child, reports that she “LOVES MY HORSE”….Whew, that is good news to us!
The other big news of the day was that we officially converted to 100% recycling here at the farm yesterday at 2:30PM. This is a personal project of mine that has been in the works since February last winter. It is quite a project to have this many kids living on site, with this many kinds of animals, gardens, manure and composting. The men at the Recycling Center commended us on our first formal trip to the center. They said it was very well done and even chipped in to help us deliver our bags, boxes and milk jugs, to name but a few of the many categories….
We are proud of the 100% recycling effort that has been instituted. All manure is being composted, as is all pre-preparation refuse for cooking, and post meal composting. All in different places and not one thing going to waste. This not only is a savings of about $6,000 for us, but returning over 450 tons of manure back to create better soil. I bet you can see why this has been a huge project and one behind which I am standing firmly….
With part of this savings, and by encouraging kids to not take more than they can eat, we are also on our mark with our partnership with Heifer International. We will be using the money saved by the reduced food waste to buy a heifer cow which is bred. This purebred Heifer will be sent to a third world country in the name of the campers at Pony Farm. I think the kids are really proud of themselves and they work hard to not waste food! A win win for everyone.
So, with lesson groups now organized, horse matches, and the teachers all thinking about what classes the kids should be entered in, it was evening time again. Because some of the kids had not gotten to swim yet, we had dessert at the pool for an evening swim. Another favorite all camper activity for the non riding times is to have my Mom, age 87, come to tell her famous “Bubba Stories”. She has a real collection of farm stories, driving the ambulance during World War II, and riding out West on ranches. She has some hair curlers…The kids hang on every single word. She always says she worries that they remember the stories now better than she does…but she never misses a beat. What a fun evening for me to see kids enthralled by her stories, just like I was when I was their age. Verbal histories surely beat reading something out of a book on a hot summer evening with your feet in the pool, a drooling popsicle in hand and “Bubba” on a roll!!!
Again, all kids went right to bed after Vespers, Goodnight Circle and Singing. Today, we sprang out of bed for a longer riding lesson because today is the Cheshire Fair. Kids plan all year long to attend this. We even meet some of the kids from other sessions at the fair…I am not quite sure why they love the rides, the junk food, the carny games and the mobs of people, but love it they do. I take the quieter ones and we do all the animal exhibits and 4H barns, plus the horse events. There is really ‘something for everyone’ at the Cheshire Fair, and we are not going to miss any of those ‘somethings’!
So, I hope you can catch a glimpse of why I have not been at the computer. Just too much fun. Tomorrow and Friday will be spent on practicing for the horse show, bathing, tack, boots, entering and organizing. For the couple of kids that are not wishing to show, please know that we plan extra special things for them to do so they get the full enjoyment. No one is pushed to show….They ride the same and do other special fieldtrips or activities…or get to swim more…
The staff will be letting me know which classes that the kids will be entering into for the show on Saturday by tomorrow night. We will email this to you all as well as posting it with first names and last name initials on the blog. (Don’t know if you notice, but I never put any one child’s name or identity on this blog…thus, why we do not include pictures too! Internet safety and identity safety is a huge priority and commitment on our part to you and your beautiful daughters!!!)
All parents are welcome to attend the show. We will alert you, to the best of our ability, as to when your child is likely to be competing. Please arrive and park at the Lodge or the Homestead. A concession truck will be on the grounds.
For those of you who wish to take your child out for a meal or ice cream, we have a poster on the lodge wall detailing types of restaurants in our area, complete with map. Please feel free to go out, but do sign out with Kris so she knows where everyone is and when they are expected to return! We like keeping close tabs on our cherubs!
Saturday is definitely the day to come to visit if you have the desire, time and interest…and live close enough, of course….We are not welcoming parents to come visit on Sunday as this is a great quiet day for the kids where we swim, do all sorts of non horsey activities, arts and crafts, gardening and the Ice Cream Trough…plus Talent Show…It gives the kids time to clean up their rooms, rest, relax and enjoy a simple day in the sunshine before the next busy week. Having parents coming and going interrupts this simple peace…not that we don’t love you, OF COURSE! Plus, you can keep your own Sabbath at peace and enjoy the quiet day yourself!!!
So, more to follow but I do apologize that I haven’t written soon. We do so much in a day or two that it is hard for me to keep up….Do look for your email with more detail.
We look forward to seeing you this Saturday or next….Until then, thank you most sincerely for loaning your Treasure to us. We are having a ball together.
Best, Boo
I send great salutations from Pony Farm to YOU all. I am so very sorry to not have written you sooner. I especially feel badly for the few new parents as I think it is always nice to hear sooner rather than later about how things are going….But, the honest truth is that we have just been having sooo much fun that I hate to tear myself away from them…Plus, getting them all on the right horses in time for the show, plus having the Cheshire Fair today slightly interrupting the riding before the show, all has colluded to making me not as much sitting at my desk….So, I will apologize once and then go on to tell you how fabulous, fantastic, fun, funny and just plain GREAT your kids are….
Last Sunday went as we outlined in your Letter from the Directors’ which we gave you upon departure on Sunday afternoon. The girls have been such a superior group to get oriented and acclimated. They are just plain easy going, already love each other, and have worked well with us in determining the right horse match and lesson level. The riding on Monday to determine this took place first thing after breakfast and room clean up. The girls were divided into five big groups, each with a Senior Riding Counselor and two Counselors-In-Training. The most experienced of the Senior Staff went around to watch each group and to make the necessary horses switches. With so many returning campers who come from riding programs that we know and know us, this process is much easier than in other sessions with more new campers.
By lunchtime, the vast majority of the kids were thrilled with their mounts (“Their” own pony or horse for their stay!). We thoroughly involve the kids in the decision as to which horse fits well. We try to balance safely, success and excellent learning in the balance. To have the right “level” horse but not be in love with it, just doesn’t work as well. Conversely, having a horse that you adore that can’t jump or is too inexperienced, also doesn’t work effectively. Our goal, which we share with the kids, is that we want them to adore their horse, learn a ton and have a great time doing it, while staying safe and sound. That goal of course is no easy feat in any event, but having good weather has surely been a huge perk this session…..Doing this intricate process in the pouring rain surely leads something to be desired in other sessions.
We all gathered for lunch and the kids who needed to ride again to try a new match were announced. The rest of the girls were asked to come back after lunch and rest hour, dressed to swim and to play with the small farm animals, both all camp favorites for sure. Swim Tests were conducted to make sure everyone was Water Proofed! Again, this was fun because it was hot enough to really want to go swim. Thank you to the Heavens Above for great weather…
With lots of running, jumping, splashing and laughing, everyone at the pool and small animal barn had a great afternoon, while getting to know each other again! The rest of the girls and staff worked hard and well to get the horse matches finalized. They did so with good cheer and gusto. By afternoon snack time, everyone had a great horse and a smile on her face. Barn Chore Teams were introduced and explained, with each girl knowing which barn she was going to join. Again, everyone met the daunting task of taking care of and feeding and turning in and turning out and cleaning the stalls for 71 horses, which is how many we have on site at present….It is a finely tuned machine, this Barn Chore Time at Pony Farm….The US Government and Military have nothing on the PF teams of Barn Chore Kids and their staff….!!!! It is such a pleasure to watch the kids all digging in and helping each other. What a real life experience of collaboration!
Dinner followed cool showers and lots of chatting…This was then wrapped up and Bag Skits, the all time first full night of camp’s favorite….Each room of girls collects 6 items randomly to put into a bag. This bag is then delivered to another room where that set of girls creates a whole skit around the contents of the bag….I usually catch up on my copious emails while they are planning their skits….then speed upstairs to the lodge to watch them ‘do their thing’…and what a thing it was….They were so clever, imaginative, funny, creative and just plain adorable with their funny clothes, accents, speeches and skits. It is a perfect way to spend a summer evening in my book….We all roared with laughter and every room got to know each other better.
This was followed by the more quiet, cool down and relaxed activity called Vespers and Goodnight Circle. The Senior Staff who were ‘on’ that night shared with the girls what make them keep coming back to Pony Farm year after year. This simple ceremony always gives me goose bumps and makes me so glad that they love this farm so much. Sure makes a body want to get out of bed in the morning to make kids this happy! This is followed by Goodnight Circle which is when we all hold hands in a big circle. Kids and staff randomly share something for which they were grateful that happened during the day. It is a great way to make the gratitude and blessings bubble up! This is then followed by our routine of singing two songs and then off to bed. I went around with the staff to say goodnight to each room. We also checked that each fan that was plugged in was safe and secure for the night. It was darn hot in the rooms and we wanted them to be comfortable!
Tuesday dawned again bright and beautiful…A bit hot but just glorious. I may only be thinking that the day was so spectacular because it was three days in a row when it did not rain! But, yesterday was our best weather day of the summer….Cool, breezy, bright sun and no dust…Sooo fantastic for riding.
During the two riding sessions of the day, each camper got a formal lesson in the ring where she will be likely to show on Saturday. She then also got to choose during the other activity period, either morning or afternoon, between a trail ride, “Pony Spa Day”, more small animals and swimming, Vaulting and Lungeing. The whole riding and horse time activities went smoothly with kids truly loving their horses. One or two final horse matches were made and I can surely tell you that everyone, to the last child, reports that she “LOVES MY HORSE”….Whew, that is good news to us!
The other big news of the day was that we officially converted to 100% recycling here at the farm yesterday at 2:30PM. This is a personal project of mine that has been in the works since February last winter. It is quite a project to have this many kids living on site, with this many kinds of animals, gardens, manure and composting. The men at the Recycling Center commended us on our first formal trip to the center. They said it was very well done and even chipped in to help us deliver our bags, boxes and milk jugs, to name but a few of the many categories….
We are proud of the 100% recycling effort that has been instituted. All manure is being composted, as is all pre-preparation refuse for cooking, and post meal composting. All in different places and not one thing going to waste. This not only is a savings of about $6,000 for us, but returning over 450 tons of manure back to create better soil. I bet you can see why this has been a huge project and one behind which I am standing firmly….
With part of this savings, and by encouraging kids to not take more than they can eat, we are also on our mark with our partnership with Heifer International. We will be using the money saved by the reduced food waste to buy a heifer cow which is bred. This purebred Heifer will be sent to a third world country in the name of the campers at Pony Farm. I think the kids are really proud of themselves and they work hard to not waste food! A win win for everyone.
So, with lesson groups now organized, horse matches, and the teachers all thinking about what classes the kids should be entered in, it was evening time again. Because some of the kids had not gotten to swim yet, we had dessert at the pool for an evening swim. Another favorite all camper activity for the non riding times is to have my Mom, age 87, come to tell her famous “Bubba Stories”. She has a real collection of farm stories, driving the ambulance during World War II, and riding out West on ranches. She has some hair curlers…The kids hang on every single word. She always says she worries that they remember the stories now better than she does…but she never misses a beat. What a fun evening for me to see kids enthralled by her stories, just like I was when I was their age. Verbal histories surely beat reading something out of a book on a hot summer evening with your feet in the pool, a drooling popsicle in hand and “Bubba” on a roll!!!
Again, all kids went right to bed after Vespers, Goodnight Circle and Singing. Today, we sprang out of bed for a longer riding lesson because today is the Cheshire Fair. Kids plan all year long to attend this. We even meet some of the kids from other sessions at the fair…I am not quite sure why they love the rides, the junk food, the carny games and the mobs of people, but love it they do. I take the quieter ones and we do all the animal exhibits and 4H barns, plus the horse events. There is really ‘something for everyone’ at the Cheshire Fair, and we are not going to miss any of those ‘somethings’!
So, I hope you can catch a glimpse of why I have not been at the computer. Just too much fun. Tomorrow and Friday will be spent on practicing for the horse show, bathing, tack, boots, entering and organizing. For the couple of kids that are not wishing to show, please know that we plan extra special things for them to do so they get the full enjoyment. No one is pushed to show….They ride the same and do other special fieldtrips or activities…or get to swim more…
The staff will be letting me know which classes that the kids will be entering into for the show on Saturday by tomorrow night. We will email this to you all as well as posting it with first names and last name initials on the blog. (Don’t know if you notice, but I never put any one child’s name or identity on this blog…thus, why we do not include pictures too! Internet safety and identity safety is a huge priority and commitment on our part to you and your beautiful daughters!!!)
All parents are welcome to attend the show. We will alert you, to the best of our ability, as to when your child is likely to be competing. Please arrive and park at the Lodge or the Homestead. A concession truck will be on the grounds.
For those of you who wish to take your child out for a meal or ice cream, we have a poster on the lodge wall detailing types of restaurants in our area, complete with map. Please feel free to go out, but do sign out with Kris so she knows where everyone is and when they are expected to return! We like keeping close tabs on our cherubs!
Saturday is definitely the day to come to visit if you have the desire, time and interest…and live close enough, of course….We are not welcoming parents to come visit on Sunday as this is a great quiet day for the kids where we swim, do all sorts of non horsey activities, arts and crafts, gardening and the Ice Cream Trough…plus Talent Show…It gives the kids time to clean up their rooms, rest, relax and enjoy a simple day in the sunshine before the next busy week. Having parents coming and going interrupts this simple peace…not that we don’t love you, OF COURSE! Plus, you can keep your own Sabbath at peace and enjoy the quiet day yourself!!!
So, more to follow but I do apologize that I haven’t written soon. We do so much in a day or two that it is hard for me to keep up….Do look for your email with more detail.
We look forward to seeing you this Saturday or next….Until then, thank you most sincerely for loaning your Treasure to us. We are having a ball together.
Best, Boo
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