Thursday Morning July 9th, 2009
Dear Pony Farm Parents and Family Members,
I hope your day has started well and that the sun is shining where you are….It sure is here and we are just delighted. What a pleasure to wake up to the sun’s rays gleaming down on us. It just makes a body happy….or many bodies happy!
This will be my last missive to you before you come pick up your treasurers…. We surely hate to see them leave. They have been such Troopers in the weather that we have had…however, in many ways, they have also grown closer. Without the total emphasis each and every day being on riding, it has really promoted friendships and teamwork. It is a fun thing to watch, while I worry about the kids having a blast. The staff joins me working so hard to make every second count while they are here. It is not idle ‘chit chat’ to say that we strive to making this a kid’s best part of the summer, if not her whole year. We truly mean it. However, with the rain falling on their heads day after day, it is a little harder to accomplish! They have been a Camp Director’s dream however. Good spirits have abounded and we have tucked in riding each and every moment that is not pouring down rain or with thunder and lightening!
Yesterday dawned with blue skies and sun, so we quickly decided to reschedule the Hunter Pace that had to be postponed last week. They love this so. I think I described it in my last blog so I won’t go over it again, only to say that they all had a blast and all but the littlest two who were just not comfortable riding at the trot and canter with their teammates, rode off with gusto. The two who did not ride went as important Safety Patrol people with staff. They helped “Judge” the event. I think they felt great pride as they donned their clip boards.
Following a pleasant morning and the computation of the scores, lunch was definitely devoured as the scores were read. After a camping trip and then the Hunter Pace, the time at Rest Hour was well used. It was truly quiet throughout Pony Farm. The staff however had their own riding lesson, which they cherish as their reward for their hard work and good teaching. This was followed by the final event of the Boy Bands Competition which is the Barn Team Challenge….Each barn team, comprised of members of different teams, works to have their barn be the most spotless. The kids and staff always take this most seriously and wow, do the barns look great. It is surely a beautiful thing for a Camp Director to see!
This was followed by another night of Games….some quieter games in the lodge and some fun running games in the Indoor arena…Thank goodness for that arena. Meanwhile, off we set for the camping trip….
We did accomplish the feat of not one but two camping trips….despite the thunder and lightening on Tuesday night and the pouring rain last night. We usually take 6 horses and ponies, 4 tents and lots of food and camping gear up the mountain that over looks the farm. It is a real highlight of the session due to the ponies being there overnight with us, evening and early morning rides, and swimming in the mountain pool, complete with rock water slide. I love it and they love it….
Due to the dire weather forecast of thunder and lightening, we easily decided that was not in our future. So, we offered the trip to be on the lawn by the Homestead and to have the farm animals spend the night with us…and to go to the Waterfall to swim. This had worked like gang busters last session….We cooked up a storm on the fire pit, roasted the required S’Mores and had an equal blast…The kids said they liked it better…
So, my dilemma was ….How can I top that???? It was going to pour rain this week. I felt that I had promised them and HATE letting down kids. So, I put my thinking cap on decided to bring them to my old home…now called the Homestead. I jazzed them all up to cook over the big fire just like in olden times. We turned the lights down low and looked up Campfire Stew on the internet….a blend of modern and olden times…Off we all set with sleeping bags in tow, a few goats and sheep, and a bunny or two, plus my loyal dogs….and the two big Camp cook pots with lids to hang on the Crane of the fireplace. We built the fire as it rained…and cooked hot dogs! Then, we built the Stew in the cooking pot….complete with peas hand picked out of the garden. We also cooked the baked beans. Everyone was so proud of their cooking prowess. It really tasted terrific both times, although the second time, we didn’t burn it so it tasted much better.
Then, off we trooped to visit the workhorse Chip who is 18.3 hands high….that is one big horse, for your non-horsey folks…We were originally going just to visit him but the kids and the staff begged me to ride him. Because I had ridden him 4 or 5 times, as had a number of other folks, I decided to say yes. They were thrilled…that dear Beast ended up giving 18 rides that first night. He was perfectly behaved and the kids just loved it. Many pictures were taken.
The second night, last night, did not fare so well. We tacked him up with ease and led him out to the Indoor Arena. I had never taken him there before but it was getting dark and we had not ridden at all yet. Upon entrance to the indoor, he started shaking and being highly nervous. I right away got the kids up on the ramp and led him myself. I quickly realized that he must have done the draft horse pulls in competition as this was so completely out of character. He kept pulling me to the fall and did not want to leave. I realized that this is where they go to rest after the big exertion of pulling. He was truly afraid and had to have been very roughly treated. I explained it to the kids. We let him just walk around the ring without anyone bothering him. I patted him a lot and just let him relax. We then led him back to his field with him calm and fine once he left the indoor. Needless to say, I did not let the kids ride him last night….The kids were great about it and S’Mores won the day…We then told a ton of fun stories until they begged me to be able to go to sleep….So the day ended well.
They are all off doing fun things in the sun as I write. I for one am going home and going to bed! Two nights of sleeping ‘out’ is hard on these old bones but my heart is happy. I promise to you to offer your kids good, clean, honest, farm fun…that is what we are doing in spades….if not also in the mud!
See you on Saturday. Until then, stay well and rest assured that we are taking great care of your kiddos….
Most fondly, Boo
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Tuesday Morning July 7th, 2009
Dearest Moms and Dads…and All Kinds of Other Family Members of Pony Farmers,
I surely hope you are well and enjoying your summer, rainy though it is. We are fine here at Pony Farm and I can’t wait to catch you up on all of our happenings. We have been very busy and happily involved in the life at the farm so I have tons to report.
Let me begin by apologizing that you have not received a blog since last Wednesday. We did not realize that our webmaster who hosts our PF site was going to take a four day break over the 4th of July weekend. We sent a blog last Thursday and it bounced back….Since that blog was all about the rain, we decided to just start fresh this AM and let you know the more recent news of Pony Farm. This is the first time ever that the web company was closed and we apologize if you have been worried about not hearing from me!
However, getting back to reporting the news of Pony Farm, let me say that your kids have been troopers…as have the staff. Never in my 38 years of directing Pony Farm has it ever rained as much, as hard and for as long…or as many days in a row. I don’t know about your weather, but if you are in New England anywhere, I think you will know what I mean! I have heard the weather has been awful all over New England. The news reported that we have broken a 100 year record for the state of NH. Never in over 100 years has it rained so much or for so many days as in the month of June. It really does make a camp director want to roll over and go back to bed!!!!
That is not to say however that we have been idle or not had a great time. The sun did show its beautiful self on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and yesterday….We packed in a huge amount of fun during those four great days….but...it is raining again today, darn it!!!! These poor kids deserve not to have to wear flippers to get to the barn!
Going back to the end of the last blog, let me begin to paint the picture of how great your kids have been…and our staff. We have all been upbeat and creative in what we have chosen to do with the campers. They have dutifully trooped out to get their ponies in the rain. They have smiled as they slogged through the mud to do their stalls and feed…and groom and tack up and ride anyway. We have made the decision, with the kids in agreement, that short of thunder and lightening, we will ride anyway…and ride they have. Our dear Farm Manager has raked the five rings twice a day every day. He has also used the tractor to literally pile the mud into a corner of the turn out paddocks so the kids can safely get in the gates. It has really been amazing. Do look for the piles when you come on Saturday! It will give you a graphic sense of what we have been dealing with all week. It will truly make you shake your head.
The kids are excellent riders. We have grouped them according to levels of experience, from Level 1 being the least experienced, to Level 8 being the most. The riders in Level 1 are all cantering and jumping. They are also more than capable to go on a zippy trail ride. Although it has not been as much fun to ride in the rain, I think you will agree that they each have made progress. I will tell you however, that they have not been able to jump as much as usual due to the mud. The Riding Staff knows how important it is to keep the kids safe and the horses sound. Trying to leap over large jumps just plain has not been the wise thing. Also, they have missed the experience of being able to use our Outside Courses. In other years, we have had three courses of fences out in a lovely, large and level field below the barn. This has provided great opportunity for the kids to experience riding outside of a ring, which many facilities are not able to provide. This has been one of the riding highlights for many kids. Sadly, the field is under water. I think we might canoe easier there than jump!
To meet this challenge, we have modified the typical week day’s schedule. Instead of all lessons being in the mornings and the 8 to 10 afternoon activities offered in the afternoons, we have had to split the day. Half of the kids rode in their lessons in the morning, while the other half choose between the many other types of activities usually offered in the afternoon. They would then switch and do their lessons in the afternoon. This allowed all the kids to ride in a sand ring which drained nicely, thus ensuring their safety and riding progress. So, the kids have never missed their lessons, they just had them at different times.
Among the many other horsey riding and farm fun, were lots of time with the Small Farm Animals…grooming them, playing with them, jumping with them, taking them to the creek to wade. They have also done a lot of Vaulting, which is gymnastics on the moving horse. They have been able to ride bareback several times, this being a big camp favorite. They have also done Catch Riding, which is switching to ride each other’s horse. We have been able to take a lot of trail rides, mostly staying on the dirt roads which we are so fortunate to have so many of around Pony Farm.
One of the highlights of the farm was that four baby chicks hatched out last Thursday. The kids had been so carefully watching the mother hen sitting on her eggs. They were so hoping that they would hatch while they were still here. They were delighted to go to the barn on Thursday morning and see all four little ‘fuzz balls’ walking around under their Mom’s watchful eye. This adds to the other two that were born during the first session. What fun to have these little Banty chicks grace our presence and add a smile to our faces. The kids love all the small animals but many love the chicks the best. They also love gathering the eggs and eating them for breakfast. Our laying hens, 24 of them in all, give us at least 20 eggs a day. What fun to eat these totally fresh eggs…and salad greens out of the garden. The tomatoes are growing like gang busters, too….but sadly, they will not be ready by the time your troopers leave!
In addition to the riding, we started the camp favorite of “The Battle of the Boy Bands”….In Olympic years, we host the Pony Farm Olympics…but in the off years, it is this Battle that we enjoy. The kids are all divided into teams, six in all, which are named after various popular bands. You will get a kick out of it however because the Beach Boys are in there too! Makes me feel not quite so old!!!
They then compete in various different activities, some horsey and some not. As each team goes through the various contests, they gather points for their team much like Harry Potted did in the Tri Wizarding Contest. The various competitions included tack cleaning, Stable Management, ‘Fitting and Showmanship’, Fashion Show of the Decades, Lip Sync to songs from their bands they represent, Capture the Flag, Personal Scavenger Hunt (which is a game that truly makes me feel old as I know none of the answers about popular songs, TV shows, movies, kids books and general info on popular figures to the kids!!!) and a Gymkhana (games on horseback). All of the information from all of these events is tabulated to add up to points for each team. The kids live and die over it all, amid gales of laughter and tons of creativity. They are characters, that is for sure!
The one event that is a highlight of their time here that we have not yet done is the Hunter Pace. This is a team event where the two most experienced riders are the captains for the team. They, dressed all alike, lead their team mates on a 5 mile dirt road track. Together, they decide the spacing, speed and order of the ride as they go up and down hills and over dales. The staff is spaced out with cars, walk talkies and cell phones all along this trail as Safety Check Points. They record how the team was organizing itself and working together. They also are there in case of need! The track has an Optimum Time. The team that gets closest to this time…while keeping the team happy and the horses calm, cool and collected, wins a prize. They love this dearly. It was slated for last Thursday, which is went we have the most staff to spread out over the five miles. Sadly, this was the day of total torrential rains. Clearly, it was not to be on that day.
However, we are keeping it in reserve for this coming Friday. We hope so to swim with the horses, the other total highlight of each session. However, due to the amount of rain, there is Blue Green Algae in the pond where we swim the horses. My brother owns the pond and is waiting for the results of the state environmental tests to come back to tell him what kind of algae it is and how to treat it. He is more than ready to apply the herbicide that is required….However, until this is taken care of, it is not safe for the kids to swim….The state has closed several NH public ponds and lakes for the same reason. So, we have our fingers crossed that this can be taken care of by Friday….If not, we will put the Hunter Pace on that day as a close 2nd!
So, all of this takes us up to Friday. The heavens blessed us with a beautiful sunny day. It was decided with both the kids and staff that it was best to get in some solid lessons that day. Again, the kids have lots of input into decisions. So, everyone enjoyed getting to finally jump a little higher as the mud seemed to disappear quite well.
Saturday, the 4th of July, dawned beautiful again. The camp has gone to the Temple 4th of July field games and parade, followed by a big cook out done by our local fire department. They do everything from the egg toss, to lots of sprinting games, to the wheelbarrow and sack races. The best game is the Tug of War with the rope being a honking big one used by the fire fighters. The rope is divided by a wall of water coming from the biggest of the hoses. The winning side definitely gets soaked…Of course, they then fall away and the hose quickly soaks everyone. This was followed by dressing up in complete fire gear and getting rides around the town field in Annabelle, the old fire truck. Following the cookout, the kids came home for a short rest and then rode again in the afternoon. This was followed by barn chores and a movie night. Kris is the star at picking out the right movie to delight the littlest kids to the biggest…They all lay on the lodge floor in their PJs and sleeping bags and watched to their heart’s delight.
The next morning brings the day of rest….and no riding. They get to sleep in late and “Chill” as they say. Of course, the Early Birds get rewarded by the homemade coffee cake…with the Sleepy Heads getting the crumbs! This peaceful morning of chatting was followed by a good through room clean up and gathering of all wet, muddy clothes for laundry. Once this was done, a nice Sunday Brunch was served and off the kids went to do their relaxing Sunday afternoon.
They were able to swim with the Life Guard looking out…play with the Farm Animals to their hearts’ content, make bracelets and necklaces with their ponies’ names on them, create door hangers for their rooms at home, and generally enjoy being together. The staff does all the barn and horse care. The kids also started working on their Talent Show, slated for Sunday night. Many of the girls went out for ice cream with the few parents who came to visit. For those of you who did not come, please know that this was not an official visiting day at all. Some of the parents who came had had their daughter’s here for two weeks already. Others were about to go away and wanted to just touch base in person…So, if you were not here, worry not!!!
The other excellent news of Sunday was that a lot of the kids got to go for ice cream due to super clean rooms. Each day the rooms get inspected for order, beds made, lights out and trash cans emptied. We take this very seriously as it does not take long for it to be a mess with this many kids and so much mud. The winning room usually gets to go out for a treat/bribe of Ice Cream at the local dairy farm. This session, Kris could not break the tie between three rooms, all with a perfect score….So, Tree House, Room 6 and Homestead #1 were our big winners…all of them getting to go out for Ice Cream. FYI, it is rare that the older girls win, so parents, you should be proud…and it should bode well for you as they grow into their teen years to come!
Sunday night was the Talent Show. The list got longer and longer of skis, songs, gymnastic feats, Staff Impersonations, Horse Impersonations, music and dancing. It is really a great parade of fun, silliness and simple pleasures. It certainly showcases all the talents of your children…and honors all the hours of driving and cost of lessons in various different venues. It was a great evening of enjoyment under sunny and then starry skies…All trooped off to bed with a happy heart and a smiling face.
Monday again dawned beautiful. We did lots of group planning….deciding about the camping trips, the All Day Ride, the Driving, and the Hunter Pace. We also selected the ‘Specialties’ that we will be showing you on Saturday. The kids each signed up for either Carriage Driving, Gymkhana Games, the Puissance (High Jump), Vaulting or Jumping Courses. We will be practicing these over the week and honing their skills for your viewing pleasure!
Yesterday afternoon was Portrait Day…The girls got their hair combed, donned a clean shirt, groomed their pony to a tee and posed for a beautiful picture with Donnie our camp nurse and resident photographer. Wait until you see the pictures. I swear there will not be on bad one. These pictures will be available for purchase on the closing day of this session. I think you will like what you see.
Last night, the kids and staff played Capture the Flag, again in their Boy Band Teams…With only a couple of skinned knees, and lots of laughter and running, a good time was had by all. We then settled into our evening routine of Vespers, Good Night Circle and Singing before tucking the kids into bed. You all would have laughed as the poem that was read was all about a little girl begging her parents to buy her a pony! As you can imagine, after a full day, it was truly all quiet at 9:30 sharp.
Today is slated to be the first of a two day camping trip. Over 20 kids signed up to go with me up the mountain with 6 ponies to camp over night. I woke up this AM all excited to go….only to hear the sound of raindrops falling on my head….ARGHHH…
So, I am off right now to organize with the staff as to what we can do to give them fun without being caught in the thunder and lightening. My hunch is that we will sleep in the Homestead, my former home, and cook over the big fireplace….Rest assured that I will absolutely NOT put your kids in harm’s way with a thunderstorm!!!
The kids are all back from barn chores so I will leave you…Sorry this is so long but we had several days to catch up on for you. I do want to say that the pick up day is Saturday, in case you had forgotten….Please plan to arrive between 9:30 and 9:45. We will do a brief intro of the mornings activities and an overview of the camp session. You will then see your daughter ride in her riding lesson….with explanation from her riding counselor. She will then move to her specialty and you can see her doing some of the fun extra things at camp that we do on a horse. That will be followed by a picnic. Please bring your own food. We will provide drinks and desserts. In the past, we either cooked too much or too little because we never we able to get an accurate head count. This year we have decided to not be wasteful and ask you to bring the right amount of food for you and your guests. The more, the merrier. For your planning purposes, it is estimated that you will be free by 1:30ish…who knows how long it will take for your daughter to say goodbye to her friends and staff…and her pony of course!Until then, stay well. Please know how hard and how creatively we are working to make this a terrific experience for your daughter. If any of you have some pull with the Good Lord, please ask for better weather….
Most warmly, Boo
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
All is Quiet on the Pony Farm Front
Monday Evening June 29th, 2009
Dearest Pony Farm Camp Parents and Families,
Good evening to you! All is ‘Quiet on the Pony Farm Front’. We have had a good day, despite the rain!!!! The kids are happily snuggled in their beds, dreaming of another day of riding and farm fun…but let me begin at the beginning!
After you left yesterday afternoon, we did all sorts of orienting to the farm and the Pony Farm way of doing things. The Pony Farm “Golden Rule” here is to take good care of each other, the animals, and the land. This rule is really our only rule. The rest is just how we all live together. So far, the kids have really lived into this and make friends already. I have watched kids that have been here a long time invite a new camper to come sit with them. I admired how they all helped each other during room clean up or at barn chores. I love seeing them playing and working together. This is how life should be. I once had a friend who told me that he had to live in the world as it was and that I got to live in the world as it should be! I think he was right. I am glad that I get to do this life’s work. It always makes my heart glad.
After the initial staff introductions, they went to the barn to feed their pony or horse, in the rain, of course! Then, while the staff did the evening chores, the kids who had just arrived met with Kris and myself to go over the daily schedule, safety procedures, mail, packages, and meal times. When the staff rejoined us, we had a yummy steak dinner. Lots of kids chowed down and the few vegetarians were happy with cheese and veggies. Dessert was minty cupcakes, even using some of our own home grown mint. Lots of good ‘getting to know you’ chatting took place as the rain fell on the roof.
We then sent the room counselors with their charges on an All Farm Scavenger Hunt. They had to answer 10 questions about different parts of the farm. It is a fun and silly way to get to know the facility and start to get together as roommates. We then had each camper introduce herself by either saying what her favorite trip was, her favorite gift, who she would most like to have dinner with, or what was a ‘fun fact’ that no one else knew about her. Each camper now also has a number so that we will be sure to know that everyone is present and accounted for during the upcoming Temple Games. Following this, we gathered everyone’s ideas as to what they most want to do this session. We tell them that we want to make this their best two weeks of the summer, if not their year. We gathered a mighty list. They would have to stay for 3 months to do it all but it surely won’t be boring, I can promise you that!
We then started Vespers with the Counselors-in-Training telling why they have come back all these many years. I am always moved by what they say. I think the campers also get inspired by their stories of friendship, fun, horses. Its seems like a great way to kick off a good session. We followed this with songs that are special to camp and Goodnight circle. Your daughters are most articulate and verbose! It was lovely with the Vesper Candles burning bright. I am happy to say we had not one sniffle of homesickness last night. Whew, the first night is always the one in which we are most attentive as we put the kids to bed. Each room counselor did a great job. I went around to hug the littlest ones. It was all smiles. We then planned the coming week’s schedule so it would be ready for them to see by morning’s light. It is a power packed week for sure.
Today, I must admit that we were all a little daunted to wake up to pouring rain. Adding MORE water to the already deep mud was of concern. We are such safety freaks that we don’t want anyone slipping in the mud in the rings. Our poor farm manager has literally had to take the tractor and push avenues for the horses to be turned out safely. He also raked the rings twice today to make the footing as good as we could.
However, true to Pony Farm style, we preserved and all ended well. After a number of changes, all the kids are on a happy horse. Before I came down to write this I asked if it was accurate to tell you that the feat had been accomplished and they said a resounding YES! My hat is off to the staff as this is no mean feat in the pouring rain with 48 campers. Jessy and her riding staff can rest easier now that the groups have been formed and the matches made. Match.com has nothing on us!!!!
This afternoon the kids who had a suitable, safe and happy pony or horse either went on a trail ride, played “New Games” or enjoyed the Farm Animals with me. We had all the bunnies, goats, sheep, donkeys and miniature horses out on the lawn. We groomed them, jumped them, hugged them and chased the ones that ‘got away’! I do love this silly and happy time. It seems just like the kind of thing that kids ought to do on a summer afternoon. The kids that did ride were able to ride in the rings that had been raked and in smaller groups. As of this afternoon, there are 8 riding groups with 6 kids in each. With the 8 staff and 11 Counselors-In-Training, everyone gets the benefit of a group lesson with lots of individualized time.
With a good solid intro to Barn Chores and a snack in their tummies, everyone trooped off to do barn chores. They did a super job and were up ready to take their showers in great time. We always know that it will be a good session when the first night of barn chores gets done in jig time.
I was so thrilled that we ate our first peas and salad greens out of the farm gardens tonight. We have been eating our chicken eggs all along, having fresh flowers on the table, and using the herbs in the cooking. However, tonight was the first real meal of farm raised produce. The kids loved the peas and ate all the salad. I was a proud farmer as we have created most of the gardens from seedlings that we grew with grow lights in the basement of the lodge. What fun! There is plenty more to come, too. Pray for sun!
Tonight they did their Bag skits…a silly game where each room collects 6 items and puts them in a plastic bag. The bags then get passed out to another room who creates a skit around the contents of the bag. The kids get most creative and silly in their skits. It is a real favorite of the kids. We then followed that with our Vespers from half the kids at Homestead. They read a poem together. It was cute and fun. Again, Good Night Circle and singing followed with a peaceful bedtime.
Tomorrow will bring lots of horse fun, riding, trail riding, probably some driving…maybe even swimming if the weather cooperates. Our life guard is standing by to give the swimming tests and the pool is ready. I bet it will be pretty cold though!
I will give you a run down of tomorrow once we have seen them all ride in their actual groups. We have promised them and you that we will ‘not bore anyone, scare anyone or work anyone to death….’ And we mean it. If the kids are in the wrong group, it is not for want of trying….We surely have told them often enough to let us know if its not the right placement.
Finally, before I end, let me tell you that if you want to come to visit this weekend, Kris and I think it is best to come on Sunday from 1 to 4. We will have finished Brunch, gathered laundry and organized rooms for the coming week. Sunday is a non riding day. They will be swimming, tye dying shirts, making bracelets, and playing with the farm animals. You are welcome to join in the farm fun. I think this is a better day to come than Saturday as we will be doing the Temple 4th of July Games and Fireman’s Barbeque. It is a tradition and is such fun. It is hard to know exactly when we will get back from that. We will be riding that afternoon but then you would miss the 4th of July fireworks back home…so, come on Sunday if you want….HOWEVER, please do not feel like you have to come. The kids have plenty to do….Most parents do not come as it is only a two week session….Your child will not be the only one without a parent present so if you live far away or have other fun stuff to do, rest assured she will be fine and well tended….We also have them practice for the Talent Show on Sunday night. Often times the kids whose parents come actually don’t get to go in the Talent Show because they were off getting ice cream….So, you are welcome to come but not expected to come!!!
So, I hope your day is ending nicely. I am still at camp and the kids are all asleep in their bunks. Rest well yourself and know that we are enjoying your children…and tending them well.
All my best, Boo
Dearest Pony Farm Camp Parents and Families,
Good evening to you! All is ‘Quiet on the Pony Farm Front’. We have had a good day, despite the rain!!!! The kids are happily snuggled in their beds, dreaming of another day of riding and farm fun…but let me begin at the beginning!
After you left yesterday afternoon, we did all sorts of orienting to the farm and the Pony Farm way of doing things. The Pony Farm “Golden Rule” here is to take good care of each other, the animals, and the land. This rule is really our only rule. The rest is just how we all live together. So far, the kids have really lived into this and make friends already. I have watched kids that have been here a long time invite a new camper to come sit with them. I admired how they all helped each other during room clean up or at barn chores. I love seeing them playing and working together. This is how life should be. I once had a friend who told me that he had to live in the world as it was and that I got to live in the world as it should be! I think he was right. I am glad that I get to do this life’s work. It always makes my heart glad.
After the initial staff introductions, they went to the barn to feed their pony or horse, in the rain, of course! Then, while the staff did the evening chores, the kids who had just arrived met with Kris and myself to go over the daily schedule, safety procedures, mail, packages, and meal times. When the staff rejoined us, we had a yummy steak dinner. Lots of kids chowed down and the few vegetarians were happy with cheese and veggies. Dessert was minty cupcakes, even using some of our own home grown mint. Lots of good ‘getting to know you’ chatting took place as the rain fell on the roof.
We then sent the room counselors with their charges on an All Farm Scavenger Hunt. They had to answer 10 questions about different parts of the farm. It is a fun and silly way to get to know the facility and start to get together as roommates. We then had each camper introduce herself by either saying what her favorite trip was, her favorite gift, who she would most like to have dinner with, or what was a ‘fun fact’ that no one else knew about her. Each camper now also has a number so that we will be sure to know that everyone is present and accounted for during the upcoming Temple Games. Following this, we gathered everyone’s ideas as to what they most want to do this session. We tell them that we want to make this their best two weeks of the summer, if not their year. We gathered a mighty list. They would have to stay for 3 months to do it all but it surely won’t be boring, I can promise you that!
We then started Vespers with the Counselors-in-Training telling why they have come back all these many years. I am always moved by what they say. I think the campers also get inspired by their stories of friendship, fun, horses. Its seems like a great way to kick off a good session. We followed this with songs that are special to camp and Goodnight circle. Your daughters are most articulate and verbose! It was lovely with the Vesper Candles burning bright. I am happy to say we had not one sniffle of homesickness last night. Whew, the first night is always the one in which we are most attentive as we put the kids to bed. Each room counselor did a great job. I went around to hug the littlest ones. It was all smiles. We then planned the coming week’s schedule so it would be ready for them to see by morning’s light. It is a power packed week for sure.
Today, I must admit that we were all a little daunted to wake up to pouring rain. Adding MORE water to the already deep mud was of concern. We are such safety freaks that we don’t want anyone slipping in the mud in the rings. Our poor farm manager has literally had to take the tractor and push avenues for the horses to be turned out safely. He also raked the rings twice today to make the footing as good as we could.
However, true to Pony Farm style, we preserved and all ended well. After a number of changes, all the kids are on a happy horse. Before I came down to write this I asked if it was accurate to tell you that the feat had been accomplished and they said a resounding YES! My hat is off to the staff as this is no mean feat in the pouring rain with 48 campers. Jessy and her riding staff can rest easier now that the groups have been formed and the matches made. Match.com has nothing on us!!!!
This afternoon the kids who had a suitable, safe and happy pony or horse either went on a trail ride, played “New Games” or enjoyed the Farm Animals with me. We had all the bunnies, goats, sheep, donkeys and miniature horses out on the lawn. We groomed them, jumped them, hugged them and chased the ones that ‘got away’! I do love this silly and happy time. It seems just like the kind of thing that kids ought to do on a summer afternoon. The kids that did ride were able to ride in the rings that had been raked and in smaller groups. As of this afternoon, there are 8 riding groups with 6 kids in each. With the 8 staff and 11 Counselors-In-Training, everyone gets the benefit of a group lesson with lots of individualized time.
With a good solid intro to Barn Chores and a snack in their tummies, everyone trooped off to do barn chores. They did a super job and were up ready to take their showers in great time. We always know that it will be a good session when the first night of barn chores gets done in jig time.
I was so thrilled that we ate our first peas and salad greens out of the farm gardens tonight. We have been eating our chicken eggs all along, having fresh flowers on the table, and using the herbs in the cooking. However, tonight was the first real meal of farm raised produce. The kids loved the peas and ate all the salad. I was a proud farmer as we have created most of the gardens from seedlings that we grew with grow lights in the basement of the lodge. What fun! There is plenty more to come, too. Pray for sun!
Tonight they did their Bag skits…a silly game where each room collects 6 items and puts them in a plastic bag. The bags then get passed out to another room who creates a skit around the contents of the bag. The kids get most creative and silly in their skits. It is a real favorite of the kids. We then followed that with our Vespers from half the kids at Homestead. They read a poem together. It was cute and fun. Again, Good Night Circle and singing followed with a peaceful bedtime.
Tomorrow will bring lots of horse fun, riding, trail riding, probably some driving…maybe even swimming if the weather cooperates. Our life guard is standing by to give the swimming tests and the pool is ready. I bet it will be pretty cold though!
I will give you a run down of tomorrow once we have seen them all ride in their actual groups. We have promised them and you that we will ‘not bore anyone, scare anyone or work anyone to death….’ And we mean it. If the kids are in the wrong group, it is not for want of trying….We surely have told them often enough to let us know if its not the right placement.
Finally, before I end, let me tell you that if you want to come to visit this weekend, Kris and I think it is best to come on Sunday from 1 to 4. We will have finished Brunch, gathered laundry and organized rooms for the coming week. Sunday is a non riding day. They will be swimming, tye dying shirts, making bracelets, and playing with the farm animals. You are welcome to join in the farm fun. I think this is a better day to come than Saturday as we will be doing the Temple 4th of July Games and Fireman’s Barbeque. It is a tradition and is such fun. It is hard to know exactly when we will get back from that. We will be riding that afternoon but then you would miss the 4th of July fireworks back home…so, come on Sunday if you want….HOWEVER, please do not feel like you have to come. The kids have plenty to do….Most parents do not come as it is only a two week session….Your child will not be the only one without a parent present so if you live far away or have other fun stuff to do, rest assured she will be fine and well tended….We also have them practice for the Talent Show on Sunday night. Often times the kids whose parents come actually don’t get to go in the Talent Show because they were off getting ice cream….So, you are welcome to come but not expected to come!!!
So, I hope your day is ending nicely. I am still at camp and the kids are all asleep in their bunks. Rest well yourself and know that we are enjoying your children…and tending them well.
All my best, Boo
Saturday, June 27, 2009
What a Fantastic Week!
Friday June 26th, 2009
Dearest Pony Farm Families…Parents, Grandparents, Sisters, Brothers, Friends….
I smile as I think of you all. I sure hope you read these as I think it helps you be a ‘fly on the wall’ with your kids/sister or granddaughters. We sure are having a great time and love for you to know the happenings at the farm. We also hope you are well and have had a good week yourselves. We all think of you often and miss you…but just a little! It has been non stop action here and let me tell you all about it!
First and foremost, WHAT FANTASTIC KIDS YOU HAVE GIVEN US FOR A WEEK!!!! I swear you have done a fabulous job of raising great kids….not one single tear of homesickness, not one fuss, not one whine, not one complaint…it is a total treat to be with them, to the last one of them. Thank you for making the world a better place because of these children…They will grow up to do great things I know for certain. What an A+ you should get on your parenting report card. We are really going to be sad to say goodbye to the kids that are leaving tomorrow.
Secondly, despite the rainy weather and the mud, we have surprisingly been able to ride every single day and do lots of great outdoorsy, farm things both in the afternoon and the evening. The weather, while not great, has not been a damper on the spirits or the activities. We are grateful for the indoor and a dry bed. I truly don’t know how the tent and canoe camps do it with this kind of weather.
The riding has gone very well. We are excited to have you see the demonstration tomorrow. The kids have all worked really hard learning new skills. I have been so thrilled with the quality of the teaching that has gone on this week. Prior to Staff Orientation week, we hosted a national Certified Horsemanship Certification Clinic here. Five of our riding/teaching staff attended the whole week and became certified. The increase in their lesson planning, task analysis, skill building and teaching is really significant. I am very proud of the teaching that your children have gotten. I hope that you share my feeling when you come tomorrow. I also hope that you enjoy the quality of camp/lesson horses and ponies that we have. We are really proud of our string of mounts for a camp program. We like to think its “top drawer”!
Speaking of the Riding Exhibition and Demo Lesson tomorrow, we would love it if you could try to arrive by 9:30 to 9:45AM. We will have our Community Meeting and review with the kids what they will each be doing. Kris and I will then make some general remarks to you all while the kids are tacking up. We try not to have parents and visiting siblings in the barn while the kids are tacking up as it makes it too crowded. We can show you the week’s schedule and tell you a little about the week. We are also happy to answer any questions you might have. Following this, we invite you to go to see your daughter(s) ride. The Counselors-In-Training will conduct the actual lesson while you gather around the Senior Instructor. She will tell you all about what they have worked on during the week. She can also point out things to look for to parents who might not be ‘horsey’ in their own lives. We think the more you know, the more impressed you will be by the progress your child has made during only one week.
Following the group lessons, the kids will then regroup and do carriage driving, vaulting or jumping in specialty groups. They have had such fun doing the different things of camp that we love to give you a taste of what they have learned other than on the horse! We expect the whole Exhibition to end about noonish. We ask that you bring a picnic lunch to share with your child(ren). We will all have a picnic together on the front lawn, hopefully with sun shining on us! We will provide food for any and all kids staying over for next session so do not worry if you are not coming as we will take good care of your kiddo. (We even plan to have a Pizza Night tomorrow with everyone getting her favorite kind of pizza.) I think it is a safe bet to plan to leave by 1ish….Although, we sure won’t be glad to see you and your daughter leave. It has been such fun!!!
Speaking of fun, the Treasure Hunt/Hunter Pace was very well received by all. I actually was in NYC for a night to help my daughter move from the Upper East Side to Gramercy Park. The troops here set up a fun Treasure Hunt with clues to go to the next station. The kids were divided into 6 teams. They got all the clues with a little ‘help from their friends’…resulting in everyone getting a treasure trove of ice cream from the lovely dairy farm right down the road. After a fun trail ride, they all came back for lunch and to get geared up for the camping trip.
I had a crew of kids that were dying to go on this trip. Due to the threat of thunderstorms and lightening, Kris and I both thought it best to camp nearby instead of up on the mountain. We also checked out our usual site and the gentle little mountain stream over which we cross with all of our stuff, was a raging river. We would have washed whole children down the mountain side if we had gone there!
So, we ended up happily camping on the front lawn of the Homestead. We put up the tents in jig time and moved all our sleeping gear in. The food was ready for us and that too got set up ready for the campfire. We left the farm for our adventure and started by getting afternoon treats at the local little store. We then went to the Wilton Falls, a great big waterfall with fun swimming hole. This is a favorite of all of us ‘locals’ and a spectacular sight when it has rained a lot. Munching our snacks, we then ventured out onto the spray of the rocks in front of the water fall and helped each other cross the rushing water. The kids then jumped off a little rock outcropping and had a fun quick swim across the little pool. It was mighty cold so they didn’t stay in long! Following this little hike and swim, we came back to our camp site and started playing with all the farm animals. The kids brushed, hugged, grazed, and generally loved on the baby donkey, the lambs, the goats and the minis. We didn’t even get to the rabbits they had such fun!
After a long and leisurely time doing this, we started our camp fire and roasting our hotdogs and dinner. Much munching later, everyone was filled to the gills and ready to do the obstacle courses with the animals. They jumped, ran, went over a bridge and generally had a blast with the miniature horses. As darkness descended, we put all the animals away except for the one favorite goat. It was then S’More time…Curiously, the goat that was with us loves graham crackers. I don’t know who ate more of them, the goat or the kids!
Once everyone had eaten her fill, we all sat around the fire and the kids told massive stories, minus any ones filled with Ghosts…I don’t allow ghost stories in the dark!!! You surely have characters for children! They were great stories and well told, complete with accents. Several songs rounded up the night which was finished up with a lovely Good Night Circle with all of us holding hands around the fire and remembering all that we were thankful for in our lives.
Amid shooting stars, the fire flies and quiet whispering, the kids quickly fell asleep. I sat and watched the fire burning and reflected on how lucky I was…I too fell immediately asleep upon hitting my sleeping bag, flanked by staff and dogs!
As it turned out, it was good we were not up on the mountainside. The lightening and thunder struck about 2AM…Luckily, I got all the kids right into the Homestead, my old house, and we all went right back to sleep on the floor and the couches…so, I felt lucky not to be 2 miles away from camp with a bunch of ponies tied to a tree in the dark!
Meanwhile, ‘back at the ranch’ the kids had lessons and horse activities all afternoon and then did barn chores in good order. They had a nice dinner and then played all sorts of games for Cascino Night. This was preceeded by the Chocolate Game which is a fun game with dice, hat and mittens…Each person gets to eat as much chocolate as she can with a fork and knife….until someone else gets doubles on the dice. It is a real camp fav, for obvious reasons.
Today, the kids have done their morning lessons to prepare for their Exhibition for you tomorrow. They have also written their Candlelight message to read around the Bonfire tonight. We will do this with torches burning and as a great way to begin to end our time together. I always look forward to Candlelight as it is sooo sweet how much they come to love each other, their ponies and being here. It makes all the work, planning, care, energy…even sleeping on the hard ground well worth it!
This afternoon, we will be practicing the Specialties for the Exhibition. This will include carriage driving, vaulting, and jumping, lots of jumping….Showers will follow barn chores and our delicious last dinner together will start with all of us dressed up.
We will then greet you with open arms tomorrow, despite wishing our week was just beginning instead of just ending. We will be sad to see our first troopers leave… We really have enjoyed them…However, I would like to mention that we have had a zero minute cancellation from an incoming camper who has gotten “cold feet”. We would like to replace her if one of your kiddos would like to stay on. Let us know by emailing Kris at krisatpf@hotmail.com. Hopes this works out for somebody!
I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. Hurry up and get here with your picnic. We have lots of fun things to show you. I hope you will be impressed. Until then, stay well.
Most warmly,
Boo
Dearest Pony Farm Families…Parents, Grandparents, Sisters, Brothers, Friends….
I smile as I think of you all. I sure hope you read these as I think it helps you be a ‘fly on the wall’ with your kids/sister or granddaughters. We sure are having a great time and love for you to know the happenings at the farm. We also hope you are well and have had a good week yourselves. We all think of you often and miss you…but just a little! It has been non stop action here and let me tell you all about it!
First and foremost, WHAT FANTASTIC KIDS YOU HAVE GIVEN US FOR A WEEK!!!! I swear you have done a fabulous job of raising great kids….not one single tear of homesickness, not one fuss, not one whine, not one complaint…it is a total treat to be with them, to the last one of them. Thank you for making the world a better place because of these children…They will grow up to do great things I know for certain. What an A+ you should get on your parenting report card. We are really going to be sad to say goodbye to the kids that are leaving tomorrow.
Secondly, despite the rainy weather and the mud, we have surprisingly been able to ride every single day and do lots of great outdoorsy, farm things both in the afternoon and the evening. The weather, while not great, has not been a damper on the spirits or the activities. We are grateful for the indoor and a dry bed. I truly don’t know how the tent and canoe camps do it with this kind of weather.
The riding has gone very well. We are excited to have you see the demonstration tomorrow. The kids have all worked really hard learning new skills. I have been so thrilled with the quality of the teaching that has gone on this week. Prior to Staff Orientation week, we hosted a national Certified Horsemanship Certification Clinic here. Five of our riding/teaching staff attended the whole week and became certified. The increase in their lesson planning, task analysis, skill building and teaching is really significant. I am very proud of the teaching that your children have gotten. I hope that you share my feeling when you come tomorrow. I also hope that you enjoy the quality of camp/lesson horses and ponies that we have. We are really proud of our string of mounts for a camp program. We like to think its “top drawer”!
Speaking of the Riding Exhibition and Demo Lesson tomorrow, we would love it if you could try to arrive by 9:30 to 9:45AM. We will have our Community Meeting and review with the kids what they will each be doing. Kris and I will then make some general remarks to you all while the kids are tacking up. We try not to have parents and visiting siblings in the barn while the kids are tacking up as it makes it too crowded. We can show you the week’s schedule and tell you a little about the week. We are also happy to answer any questions you might have. Following this, we invite you to go to see your daughter(s) ride. The Counselors-In-Training will conduct the actual lesson while you gather around the Senior Instructor. She will tell you all about what they have worked on during the week. She can also point out things to look for to parents who might not be ‘horsey’ in their own lives. We think the more you know, the more impressed you will be by the progress your child has made during only one week.
Following the group lessons, the kids will then regroup and do carriage driving, vaulting or jumping in specialty groups. They have had such fun doing the different things of camp that we love to give you a taste of what they have learned other than on the horse! We expect the whole Exhibition to end about noonish. We ask that you bring a picnic lunch to share with your child(ren). We will all have a picnic together on the front lawn, hopefully with sun shining on us! We will provide food for any and all kids staying over for next session so do not worry if you are not coming as we will take good care of your kiddo. (We even plan to have a Pizza Night tomorrow with everyone getting her favorite kind of pizza.) I think it is a safe bet to plan to leave by 1ish….Although, we sure won’t be glad to see you and your daughter leave. It has been such fun!!!
Speaking of fun, the Treasure Hunt/Hunter Pace was very well received by all. I actually was in NYC for a night to help my daughter move from the Upper East Side to Gramercy Park. The troops here set up a fun Treasure Hunt with clues to go to the next station. The kids were divided into 6 teams. They got all the clues with a little ‘help from their friends’…resulting in everyone getting a treasure trove of ice cream from the lovely dairy farm right down the road. After a fun trail ride, they all came back for lunch and to get geared up for the camping trip.
I had a crew of kids that were dying to go on this trip. Due to the threat of thunderstorms and lightening, Kris and I both thought it best to camp nearby instead of up on the mountain. We also checked out our usual site and the gentle little mountain stream over which we cross with all of our stuff, was a raging river. We would have washed whole children down the mountain side if we had gone there!
So, we ended up happily camping on the front lawn of the Homestead. We put up the tents in jig time and moved all our sleeping gear in. The food was ready for us and that too got set up ready for the campfire. We left the farm for our adventure and started by getting afternoon treats at the local little store. We then went to the Wilton Falls, a great big waterfall with fun swimming hole. This is a favorite of all of us ‘locals’ and a spectacular sight when it has rained a lot. Munching our snacks, we then ventured out onto the spray of the rocks in front of the water fall and helped each other cross the rushing water. The kids then jumped off a little rock outcropping and had a fun quick swim across the little pool. It was mighty cold so they didn’t stay in long! Following this little hike and swim, we came back to our camp site and started playing with all the farm animals. The kids brushed, hugged, grazed, and generally loved on the baby donkey, the lambs, the goats and the minis. We didn’t even get to the rabbits they had such fun!
After a long and leisurely time doing this, we started our camp fire and roasting our hotdogs and dinner. Much munching later, everyone was filled to the gills and ready to do the obstacle courses with the animals. They jumped, ran, went over a bridge and generally had a blast with the miniature horses. As darkness descended, we put all the animals away except for the one favorite goat. It was then S’More time…Curiously, the goat that was with us loves graham crackers. I don’t know who ate more of them, the goat or the kids!
Once everyone had eaten her fill, we all sat around the fire and the kids told massive stories, minus any ones filled with Ghosts…I don’t allow ghost stories in the dark!!! You surely have characters for children! They were great stories and well told, complete with accents. Several songs rounded up the night which was finished up with a lovely Good Night Circle with all of us holding hands around the fire and remembering all that we were thankful for in our lives.
Amid shooting stars, the fire flies and quiet whispering, the kids quickly fell asleep. I sat and watched the fire burning and reflected on how lucky I was…I too fell immediately asleep upon hitting my sleeping bag, flanked by staff and dogs!
As it turned out, it was good we were not up on the mountainside. The lightening and thunder struck about 2AM…Luckily, I got all the kids right into the Homestead, my old house, and we all went right back to sleep on the floor and the couches…so, I felt lucky not to be 2 miles away from camp with a bunch of ponies tied to a tree in the dark!
Meanwhile, ‘back at the ranch’ the kids had lessons and horse activities all afternoon and then did barn chores in good order. They had a nice dinner and then played all sorts of games for Cascino Night. This was preceeded by the Chocolate Game which is a fun game with dice, hat and mittens…Each person gets to eat as much chocolate as she can with a fork and knife….until someone else gets doubles on the dice. It is a real camp fav, for obvious reasons.
Today, the kids have done their morning lessons to prepare for their Exhibition for you tomorrow. They have also written their Candlelight message to read around the Bonfire tonight. We will do this with torches burning and as a great way to begin to end our time together. I always look forward to Candlelight as it is sooo sweet how much they come to love each other, their ponies and being here. It makes all the work, planning, care, energy…even sleeping on the hard ground well worth it!
This afternoon, we will be practicing the Specialties for the Exhibition. This will include carriage driving, vaulting, and jumping, lots of jumping….Showers will follow barn chores and our delicious last dinner together will start with all of us dressed up.
We will then greet you with open arms tomorrow, despite wishing our week was just beginning instead of just ending. We will be sad to see our first troopers leave… We really have enjoyed them…However, I would like to mention that we have had a zero minute cancellation from an incoming camper who has gotten “cold feet”. We would like to replace her if one of your kiddos would like to stay on. Let us know by emailing Kris at krisatpf@hotmail.com. Hopes this works out for somebody!
I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. Hurry up and get here with your picnic. We have lots of fun things to show you. I hope you will be impressed. Until then, stay well.
Most warmly,
Boo
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Update From Summer Camp at Pony Farm
Dearest Moms and Dads and PF Families,
Whew………the rain has stopped and all the kids are on the right horse and in the right group. That is a real feat with the puddles and mud! Your kids have been terrific and good spirit abounds at camp. They were such troopers yesterday riding despite the rain that it is a nice reward today to ride under cloudy skies. Tomorrow promises to actually be sunny and bright.
Also, I am happy to report that we have had not one drop of homesickness. Everyone is so spunky and fun. I just went around to each room to check on how everyone was getting along. In every single room (this being rest hour), I saw happy kiddos that were forging good solid friendships. I thought you all would like to know, especially first time parents. Card games, finger knitting, letter writing, listening to music, chatting and gentle reading were the activities at hand during this quiet time in the middle of the day.
This afternoon they have each selected from among 8 activities. The most experienced two groups are having a jumping lesson now that the rings have dried out and been raked. They went on a trail ride this morning to give the lesser experienced kids the drier rings. The other kiddos are going to do the agility course with the farm animals, or vault which is gymnastics on the moving horse, or Natural Horsemanship, or “Time with your Horse”, AKA braiding, trimming, brushing, painting their hooves with glitter, or grazing them with picture taking galore, or a walking trail ride for the littler ones, and finally bareback riding in the ring. Each kiddo has selected her favorite one of these activities and they are soon to be off doing this.
Tonight, the girls are going to do a Fashion Show by Decades. They work very hard to dress up like many of us did in the 60’s. They love this and all are so creative, judging from the Bag Skits of last night.
Wednesday will see more lessons and a whole raft of other activities. They are gearing up to do either a Treasure Hunt or a Hunter Pace (depending on riding levels of experience) on Thursday morning so lots of trail rides will be offered. We also will have the Pony camping trip on Thursday night. We have the menu planned, the tents at the ready, and the kids signed up….and the food bought…S’mores being a definite staple of the food! So, we are gearing up for that and also for the many other things that will be offered here at the farm so that the kids who don’t want to camp are busy and happy!
So, I end as I began, by saying that you have great kids…To the last one of them, they are getting along well…riding well…loving their ponies….hugging their staff and generally having a great week. The time is flying by…Thank you for sending them to us. We are having a blast and even getting over the mud!
Warmly and with a smile, Boo
Whew………the rain has stopped and all the kids are on the right horse and in the right group. That is a real feat with the puddles and mud! Your kids have been terrific and good spirit abounds at camp. They were such troopers yesterday riding despite the rain that it is a nice reward today to ride under cloudy skies. Tomorrow promises to actually be sunny and bright.
Also, I am happy to report that we have had not one drop of homesickness. Everyone is so spunky and fun. I just went around to each room to check on how everyone was getting along. In every single room (this being rest hour), I saw happy kiddos that were forging good solid friendships. I thought you all would like to know, especially first time parents. Card games, finger knitting, letter writing, listening to music, chatting and gentle reading were the activities at hand during this quiet time in the middle of the day.
This afternoon they have each selected from among 8 activities. The most experienced two groups are having a jumping lesson now that the rings have dried out and been raked. They went on a trail ride this morning to give the lesser experienced kids the drier rings. The other kiddos are going to do the agility course with the farm animals, or vault which is gymnastics on the moving horse, or Natural Horsemanship, or “Time with your Horse”, AKA braiding, trimming, brushing, painting their hooves with glitter, or grazing them with picture taking galore, or a walking trail ride for the littler ones, and finally bareback riding in the ring. Each kiddo has selected her favorite one of these activities and they are soon to be off doing this.
Tonight, the girls are going to do a Fashion Show by Decades. They work very hard to dress up like many of us did in the 60’s. They love this and all are so creative, judging from the Bag Skits of last night.
Wednesday will see more lessons and a whole raft of other activities. They are gearing up to do either a Treasure Hunt or a Hunter Pace (depending on riding levels of experience) on Thursday morning so lots of trail rides will be offered. We also will have the Pony camping trip on Thursday night. We have the menu planned, the tents at the ready, and the kids signed up….and the food bought…S’mores being a definite staple of the food! So, we are gearing up for that and also for the many other things that will be offered here at the farm so that the kids who don’t want to camp are busy and happy!
So, I end as I began, by saying that you have great kids…To the last one of them, they are getting along well…riding well…loving their ponies….hugging their staff and generally having a great week. The time is flying by…Thank you for sending them to us. We are having a blast and even getting over the mud!
Warmly and with a smile, Boo
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
First Official First Full Day of Camp!
Dearest Moms and Dads, Family Friends and Extended Family Members,
Big Salutations from all of us on this first day of our 38th year of Pony Farm’s summer camp!!! It gives me great pleasure to write this first Blog of many. I love recounting all the fun things that we do here at the farm. The kids are so great and we surely have a staff to be proud of this summer. It is a Camp Director’s Dream.
First of all, thank you for bequeathing your children to us. They are such a bunch of ‘cutie pies’. It makes our job so easy when they all listen as we tell them about their riding groups or horse care…go to bed when we ask…get up when we ask... and generally just enjoy camp. So far everyone is getting along famously. It is always my job to ask each kiddo how things are going. The last one so far the answer is “Its great here.” Or “Everyone is so nice.” Or “I love my roomies already.” Or “My pony is the greatest.” These are all music to my ears, of course. We tell them that it is our goal to have this be the best week of their summer, if not their year. We are working hard to make it so! Thanks for parenting such good kids.
Last night on Opening Night we started with introductions from all the staff. Hearing how long everyone had been here made me so proud. It is easy to lose track of time but to hear that young people of today have been coming to Pony Farm for 8 year, or 11 years, or even as much as Jamie for 20 years and Kris for 31, sure makes me feel lucky! The kids listened intently as they tried to memorize all the names. We then moved on to how to feed the ponies and horses. Everyone trooped down to the barn with their buckets, boots and sponges. With all the ponies’ dinner in place, the kids then came back to the lodge to meet with Kris and I for a more formal introduction to the day in the life of camp. We talked about everything from dinner time to bed time to how we sorted out the horses. They were good as gold.
Once the staff came up from turn out and quick barn chores, we had dinner together. Staff mixed in with the kids so that everyone had a ‘buddy’ for sure on the first night of camp. We want everyone to feel welcome. After a yummie dinner with the ‘raindrops still falling on our heads’, they played a fun Scavenger Hunt all over the farm. Each room of girls joined with their staff to go on this expedition all over the property. They had to go as quickly as they could while still getting the right answers to all 10 questions and working together. We have found that this is a fun and energetic way to start getting to know each other. Most everyone found the right answers and got to know the farm a lot better. Luckily there was a break in the rain so they didn’t get too wet.
We then gathered and the kids introduced themselves to each other. We stress the importance of getting along and knowing each other, especially all names from the first day forward. We then wrote up a whole list of fun things they were eager to do during this week. They are a gung ho bunch…The list is too long for me to report in detail but you can see the schedule we made for the week when you come on Saturday.
This list making was followed by bedtime routines and ‘what ifs’ for night time. They all seemed genuinely up beat as we started singing songs by candlelight. The counselors in training did Vespers, our quiet reflection time of the day. It is moving to hear why they come back year after year. I think it sets a nice tone for the whole week. Following the singing and Vespers, they tiptoed off to bed. Each set of room counselors ‘tucked’ them in bed…I got to visit each room and ‘sit for a spell’ with them. I love this one on one time with each room. So often I am talking with parents or organizing something that I cherish my time with the girls. It is why I started this, after all!
We are happy to report that not one kiddo was homesick or worried on the first night. Bedtime went smoothly and without incident. I was here until about 10:15 and then tottled down to my little Cottage where I, too, slept soundly!!! The kids all slumbered through the night, and were up and ready to start their exciting first day when I got to camp at 8AM. The drizzle does not daunt these darlings!!!
The riders were each grouped in four biggish groups for their Evaluation Ride. We take a good deal of time and effort to match the right kiddo on the right horse and in the right group. Several staff went around to see each larger group and decide how to split them into smaller units of 4 to 6 children. We mostly made good matches but did do some switching. After lunch and rest hour, the girls will be told what groups they are in and what horse/pony they will ride. This afternoon we will then try the final matches and groups to make sure we did it right. Even after today, the kids can still change if the kiddo or the staff feels it is appropriate. We are committed to making sure that the kids are correctly and safely mounted, as well as placed in the appropriate group so they each learn a lot without being over faced or bored.
They will then learn how to do barn chores, take nice warm showers and have dinner together. We will then enjoy an all camp favorite… Bag Skits…a silly skit game where each room gets 6 items together and puts them in a bag. These bags are then spread around to other rooms, each of which needs to create a skit using all 6 items. For some reason unbeknown to me, they adore this game…It does get the rooms collaborating and creative, so its all good with me. I love seeing the results. Tonight, Rooms 1 and 2 will do their vespers and then we will end with more new songs. “Good Night Circle” will follow where the kids remember all the good things that happened during the day. It is a sweet and peaceful way to end the day.
The kids voted to go on a camping trip with the ponies on Thursday night…and to have the Hunter Pace too as the big main events. We have tons of other activities but they most wanted to do this so, Please push the right weather buttons so this can happen. I especially love the pony camping trips…
Mostly, I thank you for trusting us with your treasurers….We are all working hard to make this a most memorable time. Will write more tomorrow but knew you would want to know how the first day was going…Until then, stay well and enjoy some fun yourself!!!
Warmly, Boo
Big Salutations from all of us on this first day of our 38th year of Pony Farm’s summer camp!!! It gives me great pleasure to write this first Blog of many. I love recounting all the fun things that we do here at the farm. The kids are so great and we surely have a staff to be proud of this summer. It is a Camp Director’s Dream.
First of all, thank you for bequeathing your children to us. They are such a bunch of ‘cutie pies’. It makes our job so easy when they all listen as we tell them about their riding groups or horse care…go to bed when we ask…get up when we ask... and generally just enjoy camp. So far everyone is getting along famously. It is always my job to ask each kiddo how things are going. The last one so far the answer is “Its great here.” Or “Everyone is so nice.” Or “I love my roomies already.” Or “My pony is the greatest.” These are all music to my ears, of course. We tell them that it is our goal to have this be the best week of their summer, if not their year. We are working hard to make it so! Thanks for parenting such good kids.
Last night on Opening Night we started with introductions from all the staff. Hearing how long everyone had been here made me so proud. It is easy to lose track of time but to hear that young people of today have been coming to Pony Farm for 8 year, or 11 years, or even as much as Jamie for 20 years and Kris for 31, sure makes me feel lucky! The kids listened intently as they tried to memorize all the names. We then moved on to how to feed the ponies and horses. Everyone trooped down to the barn with their buckets, boots and sponges. With all the ponies’ dinner in place, the kids then came back to the lodge to meet with Kris and I for a more formal introduction to the day in the life of camp. We talked about everything from dinner time to bed time to how we sorted out the horses. They were good as gold.
Once the staff came up from turn out and quick barn chores, we had dinner together. Staff mixed in with the kids so that everyone had a ‘buddy’ for sure on the first night of camp. We want everyone to feel welcome. After a yummie dinner with the ‘raindrops still falling on our heads’, they played a fun Scavenger Hunt all over the farm. Each room of girls joined with their staff to go on this expedition all over the property. They had to go as quickly as they could while still getting the right answers to all 10 questions and working together. We have found that this is a fun and energetic way to start getting to know each other. Most everyone found the right answers and got to know the farm a lot better. Luckily there was a break in the rain so they didn’t get too wet.
We then gathered and the kids introduced themselves to each other. We stress the importance of getting along and knowing each other, especially all names from the first day forward. We then wrote up a whole list of fun things they were eager to do during this week. They are a gung ho bunch…The list is too long for me to report in detail but you can see the schedule we made for the week when you come on Saturday.
This list making was followed by bedtime routines and ‘what ifs’ for night time. They all seemed genuinely up beat as we started singing songs by candlelight. The counselors in training did Vespers, our quiet reflection time of the day. It is moving to hear why they come back year after year. I think it sets a nice tone for the whole week. Following the singing and Vespers, they tiptoed off to bed. Each set of room counselors ‘tucked’ them in bed…I got to visit each room and ‘sit for a spell’ with them. I love this one on one time with each room. So often I am talking with parents or organizing something that I cherish my time with the girls. It is why I started this, after all!
We are happy to report that not one kiddo was homesick or worried on the first night. Bedtime went smoothly and without incident. I was here until about 10:15 and then tottled down to my little Cottage where I, too, slept soundly!!! The kids all slumbered through the night, and were up and ready to start their exciting first day when I got to camp at 8AM. The drizzle does not daunt these darlings!!!
The riders were each grouped in four biggish groups for their Evaluation Ride. We take a good deal of time and effort to match the right kiddo on the right horse and in the right group. Several staff went around to see each larger group and decide how to split them into smaller units of 4 to 6 children. We mostly made good matches but did do some switching. After lunch and rest hour, the girls will be told what groups they are in and what horse/pony they will ride. This afternoon we will then try the final matches and groups to make sure we did it right. Even after today, the kids can still change if the kiddo or the staff feels it is appropriate. We are committed to making sure that the kids are correctly and safely mounted, as well as placed in the appropriate group so they each learn a lot without being over faced or bored.
They will then learn how to do barn chores, take nice warm showers and have dinner together. We will then enjoy an all camp favorite… Bag Skits…a silly skit game where each room gets 6 items together and puts them in a bag. These bags are then spread around to other rooms, each of which needs to create a skit using all 6 items. For some reason unbeknown to me, they adore this game…It does get the rooms collaborating and creative, so its all good with me. I love seeing the results. Tonight, Rooms 1 and 2 will do their vespers and then we will end with more new songs. “Good Night Circle” will follow where the kids remember all the good things that happened during the day. It is a sweet and peaceful way to end the day.
The kids voted to go on a camping trip with the ponies on Thursday night…and to have the Hunter Pace too as the big main events. We have tons of other activities but they most wanted to do this so, Please push the right weather buttons so this can happen. I especially love the pony camping trips…
Mostly, I thank you for trusting us with your treasurers….We are all working hard to make this a most memorable time. Will write more tomorrow but knew you would want to know how the first day was going…Until then, stay well and enjoy some fun yourself!!!
Warmly, Boo
Thursday, April 9, 2009
HAPPY EASTER!!!!
Dear Friend of Pony Farm,
It is with great joy and happiness that I send this PF Blog to YOU!!! I adore letting you know about all the many exciting and creative things happening at Pony Farm, Horse Power and the Lodge. Mostly, I love to welcome YOU to come and visit…sit a spell or join us for one or more of the fun things that are happening here at the farm. It is alive with activity!!!
Our Pony Farm and Horse Power Spring Lesson series are well underway. The rings have nicely dried out and have been carefully raked for excellent spring riding classes. With over 100 students riding each week, it is a busy and happy place. The staff has worked long and hard to get just the right horses and ponies to mount the littlest to the oldest rider, regardless of ability. Everyone is welcome here at the farm to share our love of horses. It is my greatest delight to see each ring busy with good learning, whether teachers are working with riders on an obstacle course, a complicated dressage move, a jumping grid or simply learning how to trot. I am most proud of our instructors and the caliber of our lesson mounts. With certification for our instructors and accreditations for our various programs, we feel we offer one of the finest lesson programs in the country. If you are not already part of the “Farm Family, come visit anytime and see us in action. You are especially welcome to join us for our Spring Lesson Horse Show on Saturday May 9th. This horse show will offer three rings, lots of ribbons and good judges to showcase all of our riders. Come help us pass out some ribbons to our winners….We think you will like what you see!!!
Happily, our Horse Power Instructor Training School is also in full swing. We have three Instructor Candidates working on their national certification as therapeutic riding instructors. Each of these bright, hard working and talented people will return to their home state and will make the world a better place for people with challenges in their lives. We are immensely proud of the work these folks are doing and thank them for their deep commitment to bring the joy and health of horsemanship to people in need.
The summer camp staff for both the residential Pony Farm residential camp and the Barn Yard Buddies day camp are hard at work getting ready to receive their campers. We hope that Pony Farm and Horse Power will always be a great opportunity for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy being outside in the fresh air, learning new things and reveling in the love of all kinds of animals. The vegetable and flower gardens should add to their enjoyment, as will the swimming pool. During the summer months, it is hard to come to the farm and not catch the spirit of joy and fun that abounds in every corner of the barn, the woods trails or country lanes. Join us and catch this spirit!!!
We are also enjoying a terrific year at the Lodge at Pony Farm. We have had many different types of successful gatherings at the lodge. From Family weekends to Mother or Father Daughter Camp Weekends, to alumnae or family reunions, special Anniversary events, to Gardening Classes, to workshops on Soil Enrichment or Spiritual Awakening or Yoga, we have have enjoyed rich variety of meaningful events that have enlivened and awakened our thinking. We are even about to celebrate a Blessing of the Farm on Saturday evening May 9th. A real Shamen who is a true Native American and will be dressed in ceremonial attire will be leading this unique event. This is most exciting because it is strongly believed that the lodge used to be the site of a Temple hundreds of years ago. Honoring the true spirit and strength of the land will be a pleasure indeed.
Prior to the Lesson Horse Show, the Blessing of the Farm and the start of our summer camps, we invite one and all to come to our Farm Clean Up Day and Cookout on Saturday April 25th. This is a great day of celebration of the beauty of the farm, with many hands making light work. We will paint fences and jumps, wash windows, build a new ring, work on the new Farm Store and finish cleaning up the yards and plant some of the gardens. We will offer a great big yummie cook out and lots of time to chat and join together as a Farm Family. With your help, we can continue to make the farm beautiful and safe for all people and horses. Join us!
This farm clean up day is also geared to our upcoming celebration of Horse Power’s 20th Anniversary to be held on Saturday June 6th. Again, this day will be dedicated to the hard working board, staff, volunteers and horses of Horse Power, our therapeutic riding program. It is hard to believe that Horse Power is 20 years old…but it is indeed true. We are also wanting to honor the wonderful donors who have made Horse Power possible. The plans are coming together nicely for this most joyous of events.
In addition to the ongoing programs and special events, we have lots of other exciting news to share with you. This has truly been a time of expansion and new resolve. We have added several new programs that we are proud to share with you. It is our hope that you might become inspired to help out with one or more of these programs.
• “Gardening for Good”….joining with two wonderful local schools (RSEC Academy and Summit High School) we are creating or enhancing eight existing gardens to grow fresh vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruit. We will not only be feeding the folks who come to stay with us for camp or lodge events, but we will be selling our produce to the local community. These kids will learn everything from farming skills, to marketing and communication, to keeping a check book. A third of the profit will go to the kids, a third to the program for next year and a third to the world famous Heifer Project International. Instilling a work ethic mixed with entrepreneurship and philanthropy is all a good thing in this day and age.
• “Animal Ambassadors”…joining with Temple Elementary School second graders, an Antioch/New England Intern and a wonderful group of parents, we are in the process of a three month program with the kids and the farm animals. In March, each student selected his or her favorite animal from the sheep, miniature horses, goats, and rabbits. They then researched their animal, making journals, displays, written projects and verbal presentations. Following this, they have come to the farm to get practice in handling their animal and taking it through a training/agility course. They are also learning how to meet and be with elderly folks, some of whom may have hearing or sight challenges. In May, we will bring all the Animal Ambassadors, two and four footed to area Assisted Living and Nursing Homes for visits. We cannot wait to share our love of animals with older people, all the while being Ambassadors of goodness and happiness.
• “Horses for Heroes”…joining with the National Guard, the Veterans Victory Farm and Monadnock Family Services, we will be sharing our love of the farm, horses, gardens and farm animals with men and women who have served our country. It is our sincere hope to thank them for their service and make them feel welcome back from the war and to their lives. We will be offering riding, driving, employment opportunities and family activities. Again, we welcome you to help!
• Farm Store Opens….We will be expanding our usual summer camp store to a new ‘venue’…the Loft overlooking the parking lot. With this new space, we will be offering the usual fun summer time clothing, farm hats and water bottles. In addition we will be selling fresh produce, flowers and local products. This will be a fun addition to our farm while giving kids an opportunity to learn to run a business.
Perhaps most exciting of all is the renovation and refurbishing of the yellow farm house, formerly my house where I grew up and raised my own children. This lovely home was built in 1754 and deserves to be carefully and loving restored. We are very excited to be working with a well respected local historian to restore it. With lots of painting, polishing, waxing and upgrading of the bathrooms, this will be a wonderful new feature of the farm. During the summer months, it will house the oldest campers and half of the camp staff. During the rest of the year, it will serve as the lodging for the Instructor Training School and Interns. We will also be bringing school groups to the farm and having the house be an educational reenactment of an old Colonial Farm. With so much history behind it, and such a bright future ahead of it, the house is going to be an upcoming feature of the whole farm. So, as you can tell, we are busy and happy and working hard. We welcome you to join us for any of the activities or programs that might be of interest to you and your family. You will get a warm welcome and a friendly tour. We love having visitors and will enjoy showing you what is happening on that day. Until then, stay well and enjoy the coming of spring.
Warmly and with enthusiasm,
Isabella (Boo) Martin, M.Ed.
Founder and Executive Director
NARHA & CHA Master Instructor
ACA Certified Camp Director
It is with great joy and happiness that I send this PF Blog to YOU!!! I adore letting you know about all the many exciting and creative things happening at Pony Farm, Horse Power and the Lodge. Mostly, I love to welcome YOU to come and visit…sit a spell or join us for one or more of the fun things that are happening here at the farm. It is alive with activity!!!
Our Pony Farm and Horse Power Spring Lesson series are well underway. The rings have nicely dried out and have been carefully raked for excellent spring riding classes. With over 100 students riding each week, it is a busy and happy place. The staff has worked long and hard to get just the right horses and ponies to mount the littlest to the oldest rider, regardless of ability. Everyone is welcome here at the farm to share our love of horses. It is my greatest delight to see each ring busy with good learning, whether teachers are working with riders on an obstacle course, a complicated dressage move, a jumping grid or simply learning how to trot. I am most proud of our instructors and the caliber of our lesson mounts. With certification for our instructors and accreditations for our various programs, we feel we offer one of the finest lesson programs in the country. If you are not already part of the “Farm Family, come visit anytime and see us in action. You are especially welcome to join us for our Spring Lesson Horse Show on Saturday May 9th. This horse show will offer three rings, lots of ribbons and good judges to showcase all of our riders. Come help us pass out some ribbons to our winners….We think you will like what you see!!!
Happily, our Horse Power Instructor Training School is also in full swing. We have three Instructor Candidates working on their national certification as therapeutic riding instructors. Each of these bright, hard working and talented people will return to their home state and will make the world a better place for people with challenges in their lives. We are immensely proud of the work these folks are doing and thank them for their deep commitment to bring the joy and health of horsemanship to people in need.
The summer camp staff for both the residential Pony Farm residential camp and the Barn Yard Buddies day camp are hard at work getting ready to receive their campers. We hope that Pony Farm and Horse Power will always be a great opportunity for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy being outside in the fresh air, learning new things and reveling in the love of all kinds of animals. The vegetable and flower gardens should add to their enjoyment, as will the swimming pool. During the summer months, it is hard to come to the farm and not catch the spirit of joy and fun that abounds in every corner of the barn, the woods trails or country lanes. Join us and catch this spirit!!!
We are also enjoying a terrific year at the Lodge at Pony Farm. We have had many different types of successful gatherings at the lodge. From Family weekends to Mother or Father Daughter Camp Weekends, to alumnae or family reunions, special Anniversary events, to Gardening Classes, to workshops on Soil Enrichment or Spiritual Awakening or Yoga, we have have enjoyed rich variety of meaningful events that have enlivened and awakened our thinking. We are even about to celebrate a Blessing of the Farm on Saturday evening May 9th. A real Shamen who is a true Native American and will be dressed in ceremonial attire will be leading this unique event. This is most exciting because it is strongly believed that the lodge used to be the site of a Temple hundreds of years ago. Honoring the true spirit and strength of the land will be a pleasure indeed.
Prior to the Lesson Horse Show, the Blessing of the Farm and the start of our summer camps, we invite one and all to come to our Farm Clean Up Day and Cookout on Saturday April 25th. This is a great day of celebration of the beauty of the farm, with many hands making light work. We will paint fences and jumps, wash windows, build a new ring, work on the new Farm Store and finish cleaning up the yards and plant some of the gardens. We will offer a great big yummie cook out and lots of time to chat and join together as a Farm Family. With your help, we can continue to make the farm beautiful and safe for all people and horses. Join us!
This farm clean up day is also geared to our upcoming celebration of Horse Power’s 20th Anniversary to be held on Saturday June 6th. Again, this day will be dedicated to the hard working board, staff, volunteers and horses of Horse Power, our therapeutic riding program. It is hard to believe that Horse Power is 20 years old…but it is indeed true. We are also wanting to honor the wonderful donors who have made Horse Power possible. The plans are coming together nicely for this most joyous of events.
In addition to the ongoing programs and special events, we have lots of other exciting news to share with you. This has truly been a time of expansion and new resolve. We have added several new programs that we are proud to share with you. It is our hope that you might become inspired to help out with one or more of these programs.
• “Gardening for Good”….joining with two wonderful local schools (RSEC Academy and Summit High School) we are creating or enhancing eight existing gardens to grow fresh vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruit. We will not only be feeding the folks who come to stay with us for camp or lodge events, but we will be selling our produce to the local community. These kids will learn everything from farming skills, to marketing and communication, to keeping a check book. A third of the profit will go to the kids, a third to the program for next year and a third to the world famous Heifer Project International. Instilling a work ethic mixed with entrepreneurship and philanthropy is all a good thing in this day and age.
• “Animal Ambassadors”…joining with Temple Elementary School second graders, an Antioch/New England Intern and a wonderful group of parents, we are in the process of a three month program with the kids and the farm animals. In March, each student selected his or her favorite animal from the sheep, miniature horses, goats, and rabbits. They then researched their animal, making journals, displays, written projects and verbal presentations. Following this, they have come to the farm to get practice in handling their animal and taking it through a training/agility course. They are also learning how to meet and be with elderly folks, some of whom may have hearing or sight challenges. In May, we will bring all the Animal Ambassadors, two and four footed to area Assisted Living and Nursing Homes for visits. We cannot wait to share our love of animals with older people, all the while being Ambassadors of goodness and happiness.
• “Horses for Heroes”…joining with the National Guard, the Veterans Victory Farm and Monadnock Family Services, we will be sharing our love of the farm, horses, gardens and farm animals with men and women who have served our country. It is our sincere hope to thank them for their service and make them feel welcome back from the war and to their lives. We will be offering riding, driving, employment opportunities and family activities. Again, we welcome you to help!
• Farm Store Opens….We will be expanding our usual summer camp store to a new ‘venue’…the Loft overlooking the parking lot. With this new space, we will be offering the usual fun summer time clothing, farm hats and water bottles. In addition we will be selling fresh produce, flowers and local products. This will be a fun addition to our farm while giving kids an opportunity to learn to run a business.
Perhaps most exciting of all is the renovation and refurbishing of the yellow farm house, formerly my house where I grew up and raised my own children. This lovely home was built in 1754 and deserves to be carefully and loving restored. We are very excited to be working with a well respected local historian to restore it. With lots of painting, polishing, waxing and upgrading of the bathrooms, this will be a wonderful new feature of the farm. During the summer months, it will house the oldest campers and half of the camp staff. During the rest of the year, it will serve as the lodging for the Instructor Training School and Interns. We will also be bringing school groups to the farm and having the house be an educational reenactment of an old Colonial Farm. With so much history behind it, and such a bright future ahead of it, the house is going to be an upcoming feature of the whole farm. So, as you can tell, we are busy and happy and working hard. We welcome you to join us for any of the activities or programs that might be of interest to you and your family. You will get a warm welcome and a friendly tour. We love having visitors and will enjoy showing you what is happening on that day. Until then, stay well and enjoy the coming of spring.
Warmly and with enthusiasm,
Isabella (Boo) Martin, M.Ed.
Founder and Executive Director
NARHA & CHA Master Instructor
ACA Certified Camp Director
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