The Alum News Spring 2016
www.sanbornwesterncamps.com
editor’s letter
H
appy Spring! The snow is still falling at camp, but the mountain bluebirds have returned and the first Mountain Candytufts have been spotted so we know the season is changing. Staff training has already begun for our High Trails Outdoor Education Center program and, in less than a month and a half, we will begin welcoming staff for Summer 2016. As always, we are extremely excited about having students and campers filling the lodges and hiking the hills again.
One of the most common questions asked of camp directors is “What do you do in the winter?” In case you are wondering, we do not hibernate. Since midNovember, we have sent over 25,000 pieces of mail, answered over 20,000 e-mails, answered the phone over 5,000 times, conducted over 300 phone interviews, enrolled 700 campers, and hired over 100 seasonal staff. We have submitted our Forest Service and Eleven-Mile Reservoir permits, ordered new program equipment, cared for horses, planned staff trainings, worked on a new staff training manual and a new brochure. Our maintenance crew has renovated five buildings, plowed the roads multiple times, fixed up broken vehicles and repaired frozen pipes (yes, despite our best efforts, we still have the occasional frozen pipe.) We also invested in additional training. Most of us attended the American Camp Association Rocky Mountain Conference in November and the ACA National Conference in February. Some recertified their Wilderness First Aid and others took High Ropes Course Training. And, yes, most of our professional staff enjoyed some vacation time as well in order to recharge our engines.
Send us your news!
alumnews@sanbornwesterncamps.com
So, when Spring comes, we are ready to go! We’re ready to train our staff, ready to employ the most up-to-date youth development techniques in working with campers, ready to hike the mountains, and ready to ride the horses. It is a great life and we love it. So now, when you hear someone ask a camp director what he/she does in the winter, you will nod knowingly and say, “A lot more than the average bear.” Have a wonderful spring! Best Regards,
Jane Sanborn aka: The Editor
Dear Alums,
liked to hang out on the front porch of the office.
Most folks who love camp also love animals. It is, therefore, not a surprise that Big Spring and High Trails have a long list of iconic furry and feathered friends.
The goats were often the subject of mischief and pranks. One night Betty Erickson, the first nurse at High Trails, and a few not-to-be-named staff sneaked down to BS, kidnapped one of the goats, and stuffed it in the trunk of her car. Eventually the dastardly deed was overturned and the poor goat was returned to its rightful place. However, the trunk of Betty’s car reeked of goat for many months! Of course, the riding staff is much more enlightened these days and wouldn’t dream of roping goats.
One such favorite would be Truman, the burro. Truman was a lopsided, singleminded creature who did pretty much what he wanted. He was meant to hang out with the horses and so he always went out to pasture when camp was over at the end of the summer. Then, all of a sudden, he would be nosing around the barn looking for a bucket of grain; next he would be roaming around High Trails; then he made his way back out to Fish Creek.
At some point Laura became enamored with Newfoundlands. They were perfect for camp – big, loveable, slobbery, gentle. The first ones were a pair she and Sandy brought home from a trip showing the camp movie -- Oscar and Winnie. They were a big part of High Trails for many years. Unfortunately, large dogs age fast and they were replaced by another Newfie named Bear. It was extremely easy to mistake Bear for a bear but she, too, had a great disposition for camp life.
One of the earliest Big Spring boys, Toby Wells, still lives in Teller County. Toby’s mom, Emma, and his aunt, Ruthie, were among the first cooks in the mid-50s. They had been cooks at the Florissant School where Sandy and Laura were teachers. Toby would come to work with his mom in the morning and participate in camp activities. Apparently Toby’s dad tired of Truman’s independent ways at their place, thought he would be a good mascot at Big Spring, and gave him to Sandy and Laura. Lots of alums probably remember Truman for he lived to the ripe old age of 35-40. Even before Truman left us, we somehow acquired 3 other burro/donkeys for a shorter time. One was Jacqueline, another was Jimmy, and then came Rosaylnn. Are we seeing a pattern here? Good thing we didn’t have to name any elephants. Then there was a period when we had a
few goats for roping in the riding program. They were really hard to keep confined. We had small pens for them at the boys arena and the girls arena, but they were always escaping. The goats at Big Spring
Otto mostly hung around with Rick (who was a teenager) and never quite outgrew his puppyhood (Otto, not Rick). When the family moved to Colorado Springs for the winter, Otto was known to swipe lunches from the neighborhood kids and to steal quarts of milk from nearby doorsteps. (Note for the younger generation: between the days that kids milked the cows before going to school and nowadays buying milk in the store, it was delivered to your house.) However, Otto von Dog was unable to fit successfully into the camp community and was taken to a new home by a guy who answered an ad and lured Otto into his car with a Big Mac in each hand.
Anyone remember Sanford? Sanford was a calf whose mother died and the staff, led by Francie Marbury (staff 70-71), bottle fed her until she was weaned and rejoined the herd. But Sanford always found her way back to Francie and preferred to live with the humans. Probably the most memorable of camp animals are some of the dogs through the years. Laura always had a dog; Sandy tolerated them. In the early years she was partial to Cocker Spaniels. My first year in 1959 Laura’s constant companion was loyal Buddy who followed her everywhere. In the mid-60s as Buddy got older, Laura decided he needed a younger cohort and she added a new Cocker, MacDuff. He was difficult to housebreak and became known as “Poopdeck.” Then came the Weimaraners. Sweet Estes, head wrangler 1964-74, had an evil Weimaraner named Viker who was always doing something anti-social like not waiting to go outside to lift his leg. But Viker had an engaging personality (?doganality) and the Sanborns acquired their own Weimaraner named Otto von Dog – Otto for short.
Many of the guys at BS will remember Rick’s faithful companion, Yoshi, whom he referred to as the sub-human. I can still see Rick leaving the Lodge, getting into his Subaru Brat pickup and Yoshi jumping into the back ready for the next adventure. (Yoshi, of course, was named for the Japanese game labeled in honor of Yoshi Inoue an exchange counselor in 1963. BTW, Yoshi will be visiting again in August. Any of his friends who would like to see him, please contact me.) Other memorable pooches include Craig Colvig’s huge St. Bernard, Holly, and my Huskie mix, Larue, who camped out with many a unit overnight from Big Spring. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to have these loveable canines as a part of camp life these days due to allergies, insurance companies and the health department. I would be happy to hear about your memories of iconic camp animals.
Jerry McLain jerry@sanbornwesterncamps.com
news & updates
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prehistoric : pre-1975 definition according to an 8 year old: a time when your parents were young; coincides with the age of dinosaurs TOM KOCH (BS 63-64; Staff 66-70) and wife, Sharon, again spent 8 weeks in their “Winter Quarters” in Palm Springs, CA, January-March. Last year they also enjoyed a cruise in Alaska and a wonderful week in Orlando with their children, Jill and JON KOCH (BS 85-87, 91; Staff 93-94), and Thane and BECKY KOCH (HT 86-95; Staff 96,98) Arheart, and their six grandchildren. It was great to see Tom and Sharon last summer when they dropped off five (this may be a record) of their grandchildren at camp and stayed for a short visit. Tom and Sharon do occasionally return home to Kansas City. GAY MERS (HT Staff 69-72) Hughes and husband, Mike, are remodeling their house in Riverton, WY, and stay busy in retirement with plenty of projects, fishing, and travel. Gay does part time work for Everlast Climbing walls, representing them at conventions, teaches CPR classes and helps with the Key Club as well as supervising a few exchange students. Son, DREW (BS Staff 09), also lives in Riverton with his wife and son.
ROB (BS 62; Staff 65-68) and CONNIE MacWILLIAMS (HT Staff 66-68) FRIESEN had a fun trip to Scotland last year where Rob received a lifetime achievement award for his career in pediatric anesthesia, followed by a wonderful week in Paris. Rob continues to work at Children’s Hospital and is now happy to be working with son, RICK (BS 96-99; Staff 02-05). Connie continues to garden and take beautiful photographs. Rob and Connie always enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren, too! KATE FRIESEN (HT 62, 64-66; Staff 67-68) and husband, Peter Westcott, spent 6 weeks in Costa Rica and Nicaragua in February and March, 2015, and became quite the birdwatchers in the process. In September they hiked in France, Switzerland, and Italy. Back home in Carbondale, CO, they are both involved in two singing groups, the Cowboy Corral and the Caroling Chorale. Kate continues to work with wool—carding, spinning, weaving, and washing. At the “Sheep to Shawl” contest last year in Estes Park, she and her friends won the Grand Championship
Prize as well as the People’s Choice and the Judge’s Choice awards. Daughter, CLAIRE WESTCOTT (HT 03-05) graduated from college and is working as a line cook in an award winning New American Cuisine Restaurant, Acorn, in Denver. Son, Tae, continues to work in the ski industry and enjoyed a trip to Bali last Fall. RICH BUCHOLZ (BS 62, 64-66; Staff 71) and wife, Kathy, continue to live in St. Louis and also love spending time at their home in Park City, UT. Rich continues to develop surgical technology while Kathy is still involved with psychiatric epidemiological research. They love spending time with their children --ELLY (HT 97-02; Staff 05) and ETHAN (BS 99-05)--and their grandchildren—Ginny, 2, Clayton, 7, and Austin, 4—the children of daughter, Libby, and her husband, David. Rich and Kathy also had “a fabulous time sightseeing” in India last February. CANDI MORRIS (HT Staff 68) Kelly and husband, Mike, moved into their “wonderful new house in the woods” in Blacksburg, VA in July. During the year they visited son, KIT (BS 91; Staff 96), in Honolulu and had a great time seeing the sights and visiting the beaches. They spent Thanksgiving with son, KIP (BS 85,87), and his wife Kelly’s home in New Haven, CT.
• his wife north of San Diego and from daughter, Katy, who lives in Tulsa with her husband. Son, Kyle, and his family live in Bozeman so Chris and Judy get to see their grandchildren often.
Bob and Marybeth Bucholz with grandson, Owen, and daughters Claire, Emily and Hana
DEDE McFAYDEN (HT 65-68) Donahue continues to work part-time at Stem’s Florist in Omaha, NE, and also enjoys walking dogs, yoga/jazzercise, and mentoring through Girls, Inc. Husband, Pat, is an attorney at Cassem Tierney and enjoys his hobbies of painting, music and history. The Donahues traveled to Maui last spring and spent time with their children at Lake Okoboji last summer. Daughter, Ellen, teaches 2nd grade in Chicago, and son, PAUL (BS 98,00), is an attorney in Lincoln. Dede and Pat are especially enjoying new grandson, William! CHRIS BLACKMORE (BS Staff 63-65) stays active in his church in Bozeman, MT, although he has retired as the full-time pastor. “I continue to teach my Sunday school class, lead a weekly Bible study at Bozeman Senior Center, preach when the church is desperate, and do occasional weddings and funerals. I am a happy camper.” Chris also continues to play basketball twice a week. He and wife, Judy, hear often from son, Kit, who lives with
KEN WASHBURN (BS Staff 58) and wife, Sally, moved to Colorado 19932008 “after raising our five children and retiring from corporate life. Summit County and Grand Junction—skiing, hiking, rafting—many lifelong friends.” They have now moved back to Washington, MO, to be close to their family and 14 grandchildren. Ken attributes his continued tutoring with grade schoolers and volunteering with Exceptional Equestrians—horse therapy for the handicapped—to the experience he had at camp. CINDY FAIR (HT 68-69) Crandell recently sent us her “Teddy Bear” coat from the 1970s for our costume collection. “One of my fondest memories of my first summer at HT was watching my counselors, Judy Jarrell and Lyn Cabalka do Herman the Bear around one of the evening campfires. Remembering Lyn dressed in a short miniskirt, knee socks, make up like Twiggy’s, and little tiny pig tails and then Judy in that backwards full length raccoon coat, also with little pigtails, still brings a smile to my face today.” JUDY SMITH (HT 65-69; Staff 70, 74-75) Schoedel and husband, Warren, have been migrating South for the past few winters—from Buena Vista to Following Jerry’s Fall 2015 letter about camp spring tanks, Rob Taylor sent this fantastic photo of Big Spring boys cooling off...looks like it was a new tank, too!
Lake Havasu City, AZ. Warren likes to bring tired old fishing boats back to life and the Schoeds have quite a collection of them in the backyard now. Judy also helped to produce the movie Bereave, a feature film starring Jane Seymour and Malcolm McDowell and attended the premier in Sedona, AZ, last spring. Son, TAD (BS 96-01), will graduate from his residency program in ophthalmology at St. Louis University next summer. Daughter HEIDI (HT 96-03; Staff 09, HTOEC Staff 10) continues to divide her time between Eagle, CO, and Playa del Carmen, Mexico. She spent the majority of the past year studying, practicing and teaching yoga. She is also still writing under the pen name Matilda Juliette. GAIL GALVANI (HT Staff 65) West is enjoying her retirement in Frisco, TX. She is “always busy” and enjoys volunteering at Celina Junior High School, traveling, and spending time with her children.
Rob Taylor “warming up” at Quicks Homestead
Enjoying the memories? Plan to make more in 2018!
SAVE THE DATE!! AMAZING GIGANTIC ALUM REUNION to celebrate our 70th anniversary August 16-19, 2018 Registration will begin in the Spring of 2017
news & updates
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dark ages : 1975-1990 definition according to an 8 year old: a time before you were born, but your parents seem to recall quite clearlythe Florissant Fossil Beds were formed about this time. JULIE HESS (HT Staff 81-82) Farnham is enjoying working one day a week as an instructor at Pike’s Peak Therapeutic Riding Center. Husband, Stu, has been traveling a lot to Japan, Korea, Hawaii, etc. for the Department of the Army, but Stu and Julie have been able to take some fun trips together too. They visited son, BEN (BS 99), in San Diego and Corpus Christi, TX, and daughter, Elizabeth, in Sanibel, FL. They also traveled to Savannah, New Hampshire, New York City and Hawaii. This year they hope to visit Elizabeth in New Zealand where she is working on her masters in marine conservation. JANN HARRIS (HT Staff 80-82) Kinney and husband, Kraige, celebrated their 30th anniversary with a trip to Hawaii, although Jann was somewhat hampered by a knee injury suffered while skiing at Vail. They continued their travels with a trip to Europe in the fall, and loved seeing Iceland, France and Spain. Daughter, Belle, is a senior at the University of Colorado, while daughter, Meredith, landed a media relations internship with the Colorado Eagles, a minor league hockey team based in Loveland, CO, and moved to Ft. Collins. RON FISHER (BS Staff 83) is the Director of Physical Therapy at Pikes Peak Regional Hospital in Woodland Park, CO. Wife, Denise, also a physical therapist, works with Ron at Pikes Peak. Daughter, Anne, is a sophomore at the U.S. Navel Academy in Annapolis, MD; son, Jack, is a junior at Woodland Park High School where he is a crosscountry runner, track star, and on the student council. FRANK WILLIAMS (BS 81-86; Staff
87-92, 95, 97) spends a fair amount of time flying around the world in his role as Senior Managing Director of Acquisitions for Medical Properties Trust. He and wife, Vicky, live in Greenwich, CT, with their children: TRIP, 11, (BS 13); PEYTON, 9, (HT 15-16); Aiden, 7, and Knox, 4. Frank still finds time to serve as Chair of the COEC Board of Directors.
First tracks for the Williams family at Beaver Creek .
MIKE (BS Staff 86-88) and JENNI MORTON (HT Staff 86, 88) AZBELL continue to live in Colleyville, TX, where Mike works for Kimberly-Clark. He also joined the board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas and “has raised thousands for them this year and dedicated a significant amount of his ‘free’ time to nurturing this new crop of future leaders.” Son, DANIEL (BS 15-16), is “a thriving 14 year old who loves his new early college high school” while son, CHRIS (BS 12-13, 15), is a senior in high school and will be headed to college in the fall. Jenni has had to cut back on her massage business to accommodate the boys’ school schedules but she still loves massage and is maintaining her license. She and Mike traveled to Australia last June and they bought their “dream retire-
ment home” in a small community about an hour north of Sydney. SHERI BONE (HT Staff 80-82; TNP Staff 07) Fedorchak and husband, Rich, continue to work for the Park Service at Rocky Mountain National Park, near their home in Estes Park, CO. Sheri still enjoys hiking on any trail she can find! Daughter, SARAH (HT 07), is majoring in early childhood education and psychology at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. MEGAN PERTZ (HT 86,88; Staff 94) Schellinger and family have adjusted well to life in Piedmont, SC. Megan practices medicine, specializing in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, while husband, Mike, is a pilot for Delta. MARGO (HT 15-16) is in 5th grade and is riding, swimming, and singing in the choir. Sheamus is is 1st grade and plays soccer and baseball. “We spent our year working and playing hard!”
Sarah & Grace Stimson, Annie & Catherine Glenning
• ELAINE PAUL (HT 81-83) Seidel has been living in LA most of her adult life working in entertainment—first in corporate strategy and M&A at Disney, and for the last two years as CFO at online streaming service Hulu. She married Darren, a Southern Californian— they have been married over 16 years and have 3
children: Will, 12, Lauren, 11, and Addie, 8. They love the outdoors and enjoy hiking and ocean sports as a family. Elaine has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, and it was an “incredible experience”. HELEN STEVENS (HT 7578; staff 82) spent most of last year preparing to move
from Geneva to Boston. Husband, Semih Bulbul, is working for the UN in Baghdad and has one year left before receiving a new posting—hopefully in a more family friendly area of the world. Since both of their children are now studying in the U.S., Helen decided to head home for a while to reconnect with
family and friends. Son, KAYA BULBUL (BS 10-11), is a junior at Syracuse majoring in film production. Daughter, SERA BULBUL (HT 10-13,) is a freshman at Yale and is working hard at academics and women’s crew. She is excited for her first summer on the High Trails staff.
Olden Days: 1991-present definition according to an 8 year old: The time preceding right now-pioneers still churned butter and made candles during this period. JEN SCHOFIELD (HT 85-90; Staff 9395) Law and husband, Peter, claim that the big news for their family in 2015 was “that we joined the rest of Colorado residents and got a dog, Teller”. Daughter, EMILY, 10 (HT 14-16) continues with hockey and dance and will be at High Trails for her third summer this year. Daughter, Jacqueline, 14, persevered through a hip injury last spring and summer and is now dancing and skiing again. The Laws live in Edwards, CO. PAUL DONAHUE (BS 98,00) graduated from law school last May, and he and wife, Jena, had their first child, William McFayden Donahue, on May 27. Paul passed the bar last summer and began working as an associate with Knudsen Law Firm in Lincoln, NE. Jena is the District Director for Congressman Adrian Smith. SUZ GEPSON (HT 8690; Staff 92,94) Hagen and family continue to live in Northbrook, IL. Husband, Chris, works for Kraft Heinz; son, Timmy, 6, started kindergarten and loves dance class and swimming; son, Will, started
preschool and loves swimming with his big brother. Suz teaches yoga and enjoys spending time with the boys. LANEY BILLY (HT Staff 03)-Kraft and her husband, Joe, had a happy year in Bark River, MI, “chasing” their one-year old son, Colin. Joe works as General Manager—Americas. Laney, after taking most of the year off to be a mom, has taken a role with CH2m managing environmental compliance software configuration and integration. “In her free time…(wait, what free time!) she runs the household.” ETHAN BUCHOLZ (BS 99-05) graduated last December from the North Carolina State University College of Natural Resources, earning his MS in Forestry. He and wife, Catherine, live
Impromptu Sanborn Reunion: Laura Jenney Roe, Ariella Randle Rogge, Susan White Burgamy, and Susan Gepson Hagen connected at Colorado College as members of their respective graduating class’ reunion committees in January.
in Raleigh. Catherine works at Move Loot and is active in Junior League, tutoring and community service activities.
Elly Bucholz, Nicole Nord Cherner, Devon Harris Berke celebrating Nicole’s wedding on New Years Eve
ELLY BUCHOLZ (HT 97-02; Staff 05) is now in her 4th year of a 6 year residency in plastic surgery at Saint Louis University. Although she is still interested in burn reconstruction surgery, she has also developed a strong interest in breast cancer reconstruction surgery, and is looking at fellowships in that area. Elly also continues to train for and run in marathons. RICK FRIESEN (BS 96-99; Staff 0205) is in his second year of a Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship in Denver. He takes every opportunity, however, to head to Seattle to visit his girlfriend, Nicole.
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Ben and KATIE FRIESEN (HT 88-93; Staff 95, 97-98) Reneker have transformed a patch of elderberries in their backyard in Carmel Valley into a small business called the Carmel Berry Company (carmelberry.com). Their syrups and cordials are sold locally and are well-received. Ben continues as associate director of research firm SNL Kagan. Roy, third grade, and Henry, kindergarten, “love rockets, robots, rock climbing, legos, music and bikes.” Malcolm and BETSY FRIESEN (HT 85-90; Staff 92-93, 96-97) McMichaels continue to love living in Carbondale, CO, where Betsy is a 4th grade teacher. Malcolm helps clients with grant writing and business plans for non-profit organizations. Dean, 10, dances with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklorico, joined the youth orchestra, plays soccer, and reads a lot. Andy, 8, plays soccer and basketball and takes drum
lessons. The whole family loves to ski and camp and goes to music festivals throughout the state. LAURA FRIESEN (HT 83-88; Staff 90-94) still enjoys living in NYC “where I walk, ride the train, take classes, and teach.” Last fall, she began a new job as a Spanish teacher in the Financial District. She continues to practice yoga and takes painting classes and photo workshops. JEFF (BS Staff 08; HTOEC 10-11) and STACY ROBINSON (HT Staff 11; HTOEC 10-11) JOYCE continue to enjoy living in Hillboro, OR, and exploring the Pacific North West. Jeff is now into the student teaching portion of his MAT program, and “LOVES it”. Stacy has several more months of clinical rotations in her PA program. She is most interested in working in surgery. Dog, Pike, continues with his training, and is doing “terribly”--but he is hilarious, so it’s OK.
and “we are loving it. It is a very active and outdoorsy place.” Sarah works as a school nurse “which is a fabulous fit for me.” She and husband, Dave, have two daughters ages 3 and 6. “They are creative and goofy little girls, never a dull moment around here.” Recently, Sarah traveled back to Denver to meet her new nephew, Elliott Harry, son of Joe and JESSICA MORRIS (HT Staff 98-99) Angleson. SARAH HUTCHINSON (HT Nurse 00-02) wrote from India in March. She was staying in the Himalayas at a Great Outdoors India Eco Lodge “basically an Indian version of Sanborn”. Sarah in a nurse and Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist in Mesa, CO.
SARAH MORRIS (HT Staff 98-99) Cowan and her family moved from Denver to Minneapolis about a year ago Sarah and some of the incredible women she met in India
SARAH DEWITT (HT 88-94; Staff 96, 00-01) was recently profiled on Women@NASA. “Sarah has worked in science communication at NASA since 2002. She started her career at Goddard as a video producer, and is now supporting the agency’s chief scientist with communication to a global audience. She loves being outdoors and relishes her daily bike commute through DC. Her other passion is working with scientists and helping to draw out their stories of inspiration and discovery. In 2013 she developed NASA’s first agency-wide science communication leadership program. Sarah is deeply committed to personal and professional development, and is constantly seeking ways to stretch herself. She has practiced a variety of communication methods including storytelling, public speaking, improvisation, acting, design thinking, graphic facilitation and scribing—all in the service of improving her own communication practice and to serve the development of other communicators. Sarah is interested in applying these unique skills to support increased diversity in STEM career fields.”
vital statistics
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marriages, births & adoptions, life celebrations births:
BRIAN “PICK” (BS Staff 08,11) and MAUREEN NASH (HTOEC Staff 11) PICKNALLY, a daughter, Nora Rose, Dec 27, 2015, in Oreland, PA TRAVIS (TNP Staff 08-09) and ASHLEY (HT Staff 08) MARCUS, a daughter, Frankie, January 28, in Bend, OR Joe and JESSICA MORRIS (HT Staff 98-99) Angleson, a son, Elliott Harry, Jan 29, 2016, in Denver, CO Shawn and KIM FOSTER (HT 03; Staff 08-10) Bates, a son, John Parker, Feb 22, 2016, in Austin, TX Robert and MEGAN HOLLAND (HT 92-96) Donofrio, a son, Hayes Robert, March 7, 2016, in Fairfield, CT Christina Rechy and CHRIS BROWER (BS Staff 03-04; HTOEC 05), a son, Alexander Rechy Brower, March 8, 2016, in Rockville, MD Chad and KIM CARKHUFF (HT 87, 89-90) Willems, twins, Caroline Francis and Chad Michael, Jr., March 15, 2016, in Scottsdale, AZ
weddings:
TRACY MICHAEL (HT Staff 06-07, 11) to Nick Petrakis Oct 24, 2015, in Rocky River, OH NICOLE NORD (HT 95-98, 00-01; Staff 05,10) to Josh Cherner Dec 31, 2015, in St. Louis, MO HILARY BOALE (HT 00-01,03; Staff 07-08) to Kareen Ali on Feb 4, 2016 in Hawaii
in memory:
Left: Josh and Nicole Cherner; Right: Ella, Ryan, Ashley and Maia McGowan celebrate with Aunt Nicole and Uncle Josh
LISLOTT ANDERSON Jacobson (SWC 61), May 22, 2015; Daughter: HOPE ANDERSON Kapsner (HT 73-74), 1864 Sweetwater Road, Gypsum, CO 81637. Husband: TRAVIS ANDERSON (dec.) (BS staff 55-56,61). Grandsons: BRYCE KAPSNER (BS 08-14), QUINN KAPSNER (BS 10-16) SUSAN DAVIS Eliser (HT 63, 65, staff 66), November 17, 2015; Sister: AMY DAVIS Lunne, (HT 72-77, staff 79-80) 3925 Fox Haven Drive, Canfield, OH 44406. Brother: FRED DAVIS (BS 67-68); Sister: LAURALEIGH DAVIS Burke (HT 6668, staff 76) KATHY WELLS Wilson (HT 67-70), January 23, 2016; Son: BEN WILSON, 516 Dryden Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. Daughter: MEGAN WILSON (HT staff 03); Brother: JOHN WELLS (BS 58-61, staff 62-66) CHRIS COWLES (BS 78), January 24, 2016; Wife: Kim Sather, 11524 36th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98125. Daughter: KATELYN COWLES (HT 04, 06, 09, 12) COURTNEY KYTE Plandowski (HT 91-95, staff 01), June 11, 2015; Parents: Julie and William Kyte, 5300 Sunset Drive, #5, Kansas City, MO 64112. Brother: PETER KYTE (BS 91-92)
giving thanks
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TOP OF THE WORLD $20,000 or more Ken Wallace
A BLUFF $10,000 – 19,999
Anonymous The Benson Family Foundation
LITTLE BLUE $2,000 – 4,999
Randy Brown, Susan Brown, & Marianne Brown Rooney Jane Porter Burton Dorothy Rinier The Rosso Family Foundation John Rosso, Sara Rosso McCaughey, and Families Chris Shears Frank and Vicky Williams
SUNDAY ROCKS $1,000 – 1,999
Anonymous Rod & Marlee Anderson Toby Biolchini Mr. & Mrs. J.J. Landers Carnal Mishka Chen & Shaolei Liu Ned & Debbie Douglas David and Claudia Eiseman Edwin S. “Trip” Friendly The Lewis Foundation Hal Lewis & Blair Lewis Williams and Families Betsy Longenecker Gary Mostow John and Linda Ward O’Hara Katherine Rickenbaugh Rich Jeff Roberts Barbara Rowley Lisa Schneck Connie Morton Seay Nancy Shiffler Katheleen Struble In honor of Will Struble Charlie and Sally Sweet Tom Weed In memory of Robert Weed
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Annual Giving
HIGH TOR $500 – 999
Andy Allen Steve and Jana Bohnen Georgia Chandler Jared Coburn Barry Engel Pete & Mary Glasser Chriscinda Henry In honor of Ariella Rogge Rob and Katya Jolly Jean Armour Lewis Neil & Marianne Kruesi Marck James and Lindsey McCormick Jerry and Betty Ballman McLain Doug & Kay Seessel Rawlings Glenn and Barbara Reed Jim “Herc” Roth In memory of Eric Weidmann Dave Watson Rein and Jan Sanborn Van West In memory of Sandy and Laura Andy Weed Marge Whitcher In memory of Sherry Whitcher Wobus
B BLUFF $250 – 499
Anonymous Byron Crossen, Cassandra & Taylor Mark and Liz Dubinsky Daoust John and Janice DeMocker In honor of Jane and Jerry Jordan, Josh, John & Ann Feldman Brian & Shannah Frambes Pete Heller Phil and Jane Relihan Hesse Ellen & Joe Horan The Bob & Emily Sawyer Jones Family Amy Davis Lunne In memory of Susan Kay Davis Eliser Mike & Maren McDowell MacDonald Katharine Mann Lindsey McGee Gary Missner Charlie and Muffy Rice Jane McAtee Sanborn Bill Schaphorst Nancy Wirth
David & “Sam” Kindred Yewer In honor of Eric Friedman
WITCHER ROCKS
Anonymous (2) Bob Allen Chris Anderson In memory of Mike Fosdick Mary K. Arnold Tom Beckmann Christina Belsito Rick Bisio In memory of Sandy John and Pamela Blythe Chris Bohanon Prescott H. Bullard Cathy Gepson Burnham Ann Bushyhead Rachel and Allen Byrne In honor of Samantha Fraime Landers Carnal Joe Coates Margy Crosby Tony Delf Mary DeMocker & Art Peck Deborah de Peyster Diana LeMaire Devens In memory of Sandy & Laura Margot Salmela Dorion Greg Elder, Suzanne Jones and Jack Elder Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Ewing Susan Fiore Stuart & Monica McDougall Flegg Annie Garretson In memory of Mike Fosdick Mary “Spicer” Grannell Curtis Hagedorn Chris and Suzanne Gepson Hagen Dick & Marlene Griffith Leslie Waldorf Hammond Melanie Hancock Richard Hankin Susie Frazier Healey In honor of Jane Sanborn Dr. & Mrs. Robert J. Henderson Kim Bean Higgins Dean (Ted) Hill Lisa Prentice Hughes Alli, Kat, John & Susie Macy Jarvinen
Heather & Ethan Johnson Jeff & Stacy Robinson Joyce Jan Kaplan In memory of Ann Zwinger Kathy Kennedy Barry Schultz King In honor of Jane and Jerry Jack and Tracy Kramer Richard Krause Kathy Miller Krogh Jack Kussmaul Whitney Lamb Florence Lambart Diana Zeigler LaViolette Martha Lays In honor of Robert F. Lays Sarah Legett In memory of Margaret Legett Larry Lehman The Jen Leopold Family In honor of Thomas & Janet Leopold Alex Levering Terry MacQuiddy Jim & Marilyn Maddox Francie Marbury Georgina Bliss Marshall In honor of Izzy and James Marshall Mark & Dana Rogge-McCain Kate Williams Montgomery Kelly Muedeking Jay and Susan Uptegrove Myrick In honor of Jerry & Betty McLain and Stacey McLain Dyer Ben Northcutt Charles & Christopher Nunziato Gwen Roberts Oelerich
Rachel and Bob Perlmutter Roger & Judy Proffitt Bea Raemdonck Steve and Jan Chandler Randle In honor of Ariella Randle Rogge Laura and Bob Reardon Karl & Marty Friedrichs Remsen Julie Franz Richardson Robyn Rissman Ella Roe Anneliese Roesler In honor of Tyler Chamberlain’s Christmas John Rollins Nancy Rothermel Rick Schultz Charlie Schweighauser In memory of Sherry Whitcher Wobus Peggy Seessel Jocelyn & Mark Shelton In memory of Mary Shelton Fitzpatrick Chris Skan Andy Smith Lauren Welsh Sparrow John & Carol Stansfield Lila & Peter Steinle Dina Kafenshtok Stupec Samantha Taylor Stephen & Judy Trowbridge Elizabeth Tucker In memory of Mike Fosdick and Eric Weidmann Wayne & Polly Cooper Turner In honor of Sophie Nearmyer Kathy Medlock Tuteur
Fitz Vernon Ruth Wells Jim Wendt David S. Williams Evan Williams William R. Wilson Nicholas and Hanna Wirth Elaine and Howard Woerner Fred & Kristie Carlson Wolferman Steve Wunsch Pamela Taylor Yates In memory of Sandy and Laura ADDITIONAL GIFTS In MEMORY of KRISTIN McLAIN Toby Biolchini Ned & Debbie Douglas Bob Ehrlich Annie Garretson Adele Hause Pete Heller Suds Kyger Robert A. Lebby Phil Marthens Andrea McCrady Jerry & Betty Ballman McLain David & Nancy Perry Katie Pigott Barbara Rowley Charlie & Sally Sweet Elizabeth Tucker Andy Weed
giving thanks
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making a difference
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n the next few pages, we profile a number of highly creative and innovative Sanborn alums who are using their art to inspire others, honor the craftsman tradition and to create connections with the natural world. Name: Delanie Holton-Fessler Creator of: The Craftsman and Apprentice maker space Location: Denver, CO “I was working as an art teacher and artist for ten years and my husband, Jonathan, is a master stone mason. As our two sons were getting bigger we talked often about the experiences that shaped us a children and adults and they almost always involved making things and our interactions with the older people in our lives that we trusted. The Craftsman & Apprentice developed out of these conversations. We believe in the importance of making things, taking risks, beautiful spaces and great relationships. I remember going to the Art Barn at High Trails and making all sorts of things but, above all, I learned at camp to trust myself and to be brave.
As a teacher, I noticed that many of my students had never experienced nature, never been allowed to play in their front yard alone, this left many of them with feelings of mistrust. We work with kids to find nature in the city, to trust themselves to be self sufficient, and to be creative problem solvers. These are all things I learned at Sanborn.
We believe in the importance of making things, taking risks, beautiful spaces and great relationships.
Art making and aesthetics are one of the binding factors in a community. When people come together to make in the same space, the social experience is a big factor. We also work with our community to help folks learn how to make useful objects, repair their belongings and more. There are a few easy ways to help your children be more creative: 1. Provide plenty of art supplies including recycled materials like bottle caps and cardboard that are accessible, make
sure that your children have ownership and help to organize and maintain their art materials. 2. Unstructured time! Boredom is a good thing. Give suggestions for play but allow your kids to come up with their own games, toys, activities, etc. 3. If your child feels frustrated and says, “I can’t!” say something like, “You just haven’t yet….or what are two other ways you could look at the problem?” 4. Don’t solve all your child’s problems for them. It’s ok to struggle a little, it’s how we learn best. I am super inspired by the work of Gever Tulley. He is a leader in the Tinker movement. He wrote a book a few years ago, “50 Dangerous Things: You Should let your Children Do.” He believes that children are much more capable than we give them credit for.” Visit www.craftsmanandapprentice.com to learn more.
• Name: Mike Potts Creator of: Potts Gallery; featuring formal portraits and live performance painting Location: Various “My experience at camp and the beginning of my art career LITERALLY occurred simultaneously... and I never thought that was on accident. I had never quite had the sense of purpose, family and belongingness quite like I experienced my first summer as a Sanborn counselor.
workers at camp expressed their enthusiasm about my work...and I was on my way. I believe the creative process to be one of the most relevant experiences for a community and individuals to learn about themselves in a very unique way. During the next few summers at camp, I began to develop the art room environment around the idea that, other than safety, art has no specific definition or perimeters. I expressed to all the campers that art is, in fact, a verb: the level of commitment one takes in exploring their own creativity. This made for some very interesting art projects over the years, but it also gave the campers a place where they were free from negative criticism, and could safely explore their creative sides.
Art is, in fact, a verb.
Following college and army service, I had a number of short stints of working a variety of different professions. I found myself in a bit of rut regarding direction and purpose in life. Throughout my journey, I had always found art very therapeutic, and knew whatever the direction I would take--art had to be a part of it. I committed myself to this decision and set sail....and less than a month later I found myself back at Sanborn Western Camp teaching art...13 years after my first experience as a camp counselor. During that summer at camp, I practiced and worked with a new medium and style of art. I had seen a speed painter paint a painting of Martin Luther King live in front of a huge audience in only 7-8 minutes. I was fascinated by this artist, and thought it was something I could do. My very first “speed painting” was of Willy Nelson, and it was painted in the art room at Big Spring, in the one hour of “creative tent time” after lunch. My co-
I believe the best way to help children embrace art and their own creativity is to offer them an abundance of resources to work with (mediums) and exemplify a “working outside of the box” mentality. As they create projects using this problem solving model, it also helps develop creativity and innovation throughout all facets of their lives. Overall, the goal is to create a warm, positive, enthusiastic environment rich with creative resources and infinite possibilities. Vincent Van Gogh inspires me because his views on art during his lifetime were often rejected, yet he exemplifies the ideal that art literally has no boundaries. If every kid was a Vincent Van Gough, I’d like to reach them and let them know their creativity is beautiful long before they cut their ear off.” Visit www.pottsgallery.com to learn more
Name: Brinkley Messick Creator of: Brinkley Messick Art; mixed media art using salvaged and recycled materials Location: Salida, CO My mother worked as a graphic designer most of my life and is also a textile artist on the side, my father taught design at Cornell and N.C. State, and tinkered around with many different mediums and different means of artistic expression eventually focusing on stained glass. Despite their talents and passions they never intentionally steered me to the arts or pressured me to be an artist, but when you are surrounded by beautiful art and hands on creative processes, especially as a child it is very hard to resist.
all the time gets old and makes you bitter so now I mostly focus on subject matter that pays tribute to the things and activities that make me happy. For me, the environment and community that is created at Sanborn was a churning crucible of new ideas, thoughts, philosophies that expanded my points of view. It also diversified my list of influences, eventually affecting my creative process. Recently we’ve seen an incredible revolution in communication, every day our phones are faster and information more accessible. However the primal exchange of knowledge that occurs when sitting around a campfire is irreplaceable.
Creativity can be a stumbly, fumbly, messy experience
For the last 7 or 8 years I have been painting exclusively on found objects and salvaged materials. I started using these materials because they are usually free and I was an artist fresh out of college, 1600 miles from home. As an artist, especially a young one there is pressure to create things that make a statement, to think and act subversively, which I did, however being angry
At its root, creative expression is just another way to communicate. As artists, with every painting, with every sculpture, with every song, with every t-shirt design we are creating platforms for discussion and platforms for common ground. We can help children be more creative through encouragement and exposure. Creativity can be a stumbly, fumbly, messy experience riddled with frustration and dead ends. Our jobs as creative mentors is not to commend and exalt every doodle but to provide multiple opportunities to create and reinforce the positive experiences...your refrigerator door is a gallery space, so use it.
Also, don’t interrupt experiments. At the age of three I decided to decorate our living room wall with crayon and marker, upon discovery of my “art” my mother naturally got angry. Yet before she could verbalize her frustrations, I described my undecipherable scribbles by yelling “Look mommy a peesh” which is three-year old for “fish.” My expression and excitement instantly cooled her reaction and replaced a potential scolding with encouragement. Who knows, if I was punished for this artistic experiment with a new medium my artistic career may have ended before it began. Hopefully the cost of scrubbing the wall was worth it in the long run.”
Name: Falcon Craft-Rubio Co-Creator of: Bexar Goods Location: Austin, TX
“While I was in Colorado, my cousin and brother and I were working on the initial business concept of Bexar (pronounced “bear”) Goods.
We wanted to create a brand that represents who we are and what we stand for. Bexar Goods is a lifestyle adventure wear company. Our vision for Bexar Goods is to create products that can journey the world with you, and develop character from the environment and adventures they experience with you. Bexar Goods believes in ruggedness, simplicity, durability, and timelessness.
Name: Darcie Peet Creator of: Plein Air, Impressionistic Landscapes and Still Life Location: Tucson, AZ Darcie has had a multifaceted career in fine art and design including teaching, graphic design and advertising. She has received over twenty creative awards in her career, including an Award of Excellence from the U.S. Industrial Film Festival for co-production of a documentary film. She also served as a Project Design Team Member at the Children’s Museum of Denver. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a person sparked by adventures and wild places. Nature and landscape have always been a part of me. When I opened my first box of 72 Crayola crayons at the age of 3, I dumped them out on the back porch...and was convinced I was going to create a masterpiece. I feel so fortunate
As a staff member at Sanborn, there were several experiences that helped build my confidence to try and create something. I always enjoyed working with my hands to accomplish a creative goal. I worked as the Art Director and Ridge Leader and both positions gave me the chance to problem solve which is the key to running a small business. The creative process is important to cultivate in a community because it helps encourage other people or businesses to grow and work with each other. Bexar Goods allows me the opportunity to build a community in San Antonio area and online. One way we’ve been able to build a community has been through our Instagram account, @ BexarGoods (94K followers). This form of community allows us to show our creativity with photography and encourages us to travel.” Visit www.bexargoods.com to learn more.
to still be doing today so many of the things I loved and did during childhood. To be living in, exploring and painting two of the most vivid and powerful areas of our country-the Rocky Mountains and the Southwest--brings such a sense of reverence and freedom. I feel I have remained true to myself and to my dreams.” Darcie’s work is shown in galleries and museums throughout the West and has been featured in many art publications. In 2015, one of her paintings was awarded the American Art Collector Magazine Award of Excellence and she participated in a panel discussion at the American Women Artists’ National Exhibit. Darcie and husband, Barrney, split their time between Copper Mountain, Colorado, and Tucson, Arizona. Visit www.darciepeet.com to learn more.
sanborn seasons
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live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit,
and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.
-HD Thoreau
All photographs by Carlotta Avery
COEC connections
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very summer, the depth, breadth and intentionality of our staff training increases and improves. One of our earliest trainings is our Senior Staff Leadership Training. Our senior leadership team is made up of the year round staff, wranglers, ridge leaders, and other peer supervisors in specific program areas. Our senior leadership team members are typically former staff members who have been recruited by the directors to take on more coaching, trip leading, and supervisory responsibilities in the community. The training these staff members participate in provides a “bigger picture” to their role in the SCOPE of camp. By recognizing the impact they each have on Staff Campers Organization Parents…Everything—their perspective on the job begins to shift and they see themselves as an integral part of the Sanborn, and COEC, community. One of the most memorable parts of the training is the welcome from Director of Alumni Relations and Chief Historian, Jerry McLain. He is wry, he is witty, but—most importantly— Apollo helps everyone understand why we are here…and why generations of individuals continue to be drawn to the experience many of us just call “camp.”
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Keeping The “What” of Camp Alive with a dream: to make the world safe from further destruction by bringing people together in the outdoors. As I look back I realize that each brought experiences from their personal backgrounds that helped shaped the place. Sandy told stories about growing up in New Hampshire, specifically about his summers with his extended family who owned a cluster of old cabins along the Winnapasaki River. It was there that he developed a deep love for nature and the out-of-doors; a place where his vivid imagination could run wild and where he could experience the fun of a group of people sitting around a campfire. Sandy also took bike trips through Europe with American Youth Hostels, he taught at a residential farm school in New Hampshire, and organized activities for innercity youth at a caddy camp in Maine. Each of these added to his education
Laura was attending CU at Boulder when they met on a blind date and, after only 6 dates, they got married. Sandy was soon shipped out to Italy where he experienced the worst of brutal warfare and devastation. Laura participated in the civilian war effort on the homefront and felt the deep losses of families whose sons had been killed in the war. Sandy was one of the fortunate ones to return from the war in Italy and as they looked ahead to the future, they considered what they would do with their lives. Laura would later write, “We had lost many college friends in the war and we felt strongly that we had better make our lives count. Just as now, the world was in need of human warmth and friendly understanding, of personal actions to insure peace and care of the Earth.” They also felt that people have an innate desire to improve their lives, and if they had that opportunity, they would be less likely to go to war.
Here is the excerpted 2015 Welcome: Most of you know that the place got started in the late 40s when Sandy and Laura Sanborn found some land they could afford and eventually turned it into a 6,000 acre center for outdoor education and laboratory for human relationships. Sandy had been stationed in Colorado with the 10th Mountain Division during World War II and Laura was a student at Colorado University. After the war they set out
ern Colorado. Like Sandy, Laura felt a closeness to nature. As a girl, she loved having the freedom to explore her small town, the open fields and river valley. Laura also greatly valued the sense of community and diversity of Sterling. She developed an appreciation for a variety of people and cultures.
and outdoor experience. Later on, training with the 10th Mountain Division at Camp Hale in Leadville, CO increased his love for camping out, skiing, and the stunning beauty of the Colorado mountains. In the meantime, Laura was growing up in Sterling, a small town in northeast-
At one time they envisioned something that looked like the Peace Corps and Sandy finished his college degree majoring in animal husbandry at Colorado State University while Laura taught school in Ft. Collins. They searched for some land and finally found 480 acres (for $12.50 an acre!) south of Florissant. Laura’s father loaned them the money and they began to build a base to start their dream.
• They tore down a ramshackle old farmhouse and built what is now the Big Spring office which served as their home, the kitchen/dining room, and gathering place in front of the fireplace. The closet where the mail machine is now was the infirmary. To have some income, ($1400 a year), Sandy taught all the subjects at Florissant High School and Laura taught grades 5-8. The summer of 1948 they built 2 tents: one, as Laura said, for friends with hammers, and one for the first 4 campers (2 were relatives) and Big Spring was underway. Their experiences with boys living and learning in the outdoors caused them to realize that the kids gained a great deal and began to visualize that having a camp could help them fulfill their dream.
portunities to connect with nature and to learn to live together. If one of your goals is to make a difference, you are in the right job. 2. What we have been doing for 68 years has lasting value. This place has made an incredible impact on the lives of thousands of kids and staff. One of my roles these days is to work with the 30,000-or-so alums -- campers, staff and their families. Everyday I get phone calls, e-mails, letters reminding me of that huge impact. Another of my roles is to coordinate the scholarship program. This summer 32 campers will attend camp with assistance from the Sandy and Laura Scholarship Fund, made possible by generous donations of alums, foundations, summer staff contributions, and Hike the Pike. Some of the thoughts expressed by scholarship kids and their parents make powerful statements regarding the importance of camp in their lives: “I felt a sense of selfconfidence that I can be proud of, and that Sanborn played an influential role in. This will be carried with me all of my life for sure.”
In my years working here, I have come to two realizations: 1. The reasons Sandy and Laura started this adventure are more important now than they were in 1948. Society has changed in ways that make it even more important for young people to have op-
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“Sanborn is his home. Not his everyday home but the home that enables him to expand his mind, body and spirit away from his everyday life. It nourishes his soul for 4 weeks a year and gives him the confidence to soar the other 11 months of the year.”
“I grew out of my little kid skin and into something bigger that fit better with more room to move around in. If I hadn’t gone to camp, I wouldn’t have grown out of that skin. It was a good feeling, one of feeling like I could do anything, summit any mountain or ride any horse.” “My Sanborn friends are people who I can trust no matter what. . . and go to when I’m not strong. At Sanborn I also felt what a community , a real, caring community, at its best can be.” Sanborn is truly the ‘medicine to my life.’ The idea of climbing a mountain, riding a horse, sharing a story of my adventures, and becoming a family all in one month solidify the connection of the Brotherhood I have formed.” I could go on and on -- and you could, too. Each of you have your stories of the significance of camp -- and you will have even more at the end of the summer. In the days ahead you will focus on the values, the skills, the vision to deliver those magic moments to a whole new community of children and staff. So . . . .Sandy and Laura’s vision and legacy are alive and well. Continuing that tradition is a huge responsibility. We know you are up to the challenge. It’s a pretty inspirational talk, and it demonstrates how camp provides us all with a sense of self, a sense of community, a sense of the earth and a sense of wonder through fun and adventure. Good work, Apollo, good work!
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mini reunions & more
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Kim Carkhuff Willems posted this adorable photo and said, “The Willems kids are ready for camp!! Well... almost... Thank you for the adorable tshirts!” Her brother, Sam Carkhuff, commented, “There’s an infant/toddler program, right? It’s a 3-day at Tipi Village or the Solar Hut, plenty of mac’n’cheese, milk truck, lots of diapers...”
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Kay Seessel Rawlings wrote, “Wilson and I were in Salt Lake City for the last 3 days visiting University of Utah and, of course, skiing! We met Walker Crowley for lunch and a few runs at the Canyons and then had dinner with him on Saturday night. It was SO fun!” Later in the month Walker also joined Kevin Robinson and Ariella Rogge (in town for an EMT refresher) for dinner at Avenues Proper, a delicious eatery owned an operated by former Sanborn campers and staff members, Rory and Liam Connelly. Walker will be receiving our honorary “Sanborn Reunion Master” award shortly.
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Jill Haimes Waddell posted, “(I) loved running into Jane Sanborn at the national American Camp Association conference. Attending Sanborn Western Camps as a camper was the seed and start of the camp career that I have now!”
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Maggie Freehling Phillips posted this photo on Facebook. She claims to still be wearing the sock which is labeled with her name from camp days. She figures it is at least 40 years old. We think that they may not make socks like they used to.
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Share YOUR news and photos on our Facebook page or email us at
alumnews@sanbornwesterncamps.com
SANBORN CAMPS “WHAT’S IN A NAME” TRIVIA QUIZ Camp terminology is historically fraught with semantic challenges. Is a “JC” the same as a counselor for the “Junior Camp”? Is “A-Bluff,” a bluff? Why is outcamp called “Outcamp’? But the one thing to ALWAYS remember is that it is “Big Spring” never “Big Springs.” See how you do on this Sanborn Names Quiz!
2. Quick Homestead is named because: a) the house and barn were built really rapidly. b) A family named Quick owned the property when Sandy and Laura bought it in the late sixties. c) There is a patch of quicksand in the bog between the house and the barn. d) Campers who go there have to be able to run really fast. 3. The “New Office” at High Trails is: a) the addition to the HT Lodge built in 2000. b) a cabin hidden in an aspen grove near the archery range where Ariella and Elizabeth go to get some work done c) the nurses’ office in the HT Health Center built in 2013 d) The building west of the HT Pool which was built in 1970 4. The “Gaga Pit” is a) a dark place where campers are sent to calm down when their behavior is bad b) a short octagonal wall which surrounds an area in the field where a type of dodgeball is played c) where the Mad Doctor of Florissant was sent when he was finally captured d) the High Trails Lake when it doesn’t have any water in it 5. “Strawberry Shortcut” is a) the steep hill on the road into camp between Teller County 46 and the camp gate.
b) a camp dessert served on the baker’s day off which consists of strawberries and whipped cream c) a trail through Hidden Valley which is covered with wild strawberries during the summer d) A campfire story about a girl named Strawberry who gets lost in the woods because she always thinks she knows an easier path and refuses to follow the trail. 6. The “ARK” is: a) The largest boat ever to float on the High Trails Lake; created from trash cans, inner tubes and duct tape during a Saturday Special activity. b) The Big Spring Crafts Shop: Art and Radical Kreativity c) A large program building at Big Spring: Activities and Recreation Kiva d) Our largest hay truck, which spends a fair amount of time stuck in the waters of Fish Creek 7. Three Bears is: a) a rock formation in Upper High Tor b) a story/song performed in the High Trails Lodge by Annie Garretson c) a nickname for a really grouchy family which lives south of the ranch and is always complaining about the noise we make at camp d) a rapid on the South Platte River 8. PPRS stands for: a) Porcupine Palace Rest Station, a home for older, retired porcupines b) Pikes Peak Railway Station, a stop on the historic Midland Railway, not far from Big Spring c) Platte Protective River Society, an organization dedicated to cleaning up the South Platte d) Pikes Peak Research Station, a center located on the SE portion of camp which began as a facility for University of Florida field camps
9. Our maintenance shop is named “Leo’s” because a) When the shop was built, our mechanic was named Leo. b) Sandy built it as a gift for Laura, whose zodiac sign was Leo c) When the shop was built, a BS AC was wearing a shirt he had picked up at Goodwill which said “Leo’s Garage” on the front. d) Our current mechanic is named Leo. 10. “Jaws” is a) an honorary title at Big Spring bestowed on the staff member who eats the most chippy dippy bars. b) a rapid on the South Platte River c) a large fish which has been living in the Witcher Pond for at least 10 years. d) a nickname for our backhoe. 11. Bottlegate is a) A campsite near Fishcreek which has an old bottle hanging in a nearby fence. b) A gate near the Big Spring office where moonshiners used to meet to trade their goods. c) A scandal which occurred at camp in 1963 when the Big Spring boys broke into the High Trails store and stole all the Pepsi. d) A gate used at the Witcher Ranch during branding. It is designed to ensure that only one cow at a time goes into the branding chute. 12. Clean Karma is a) A state that all Big Spring boys and High Trails girls aspire to b) The name of one of the camps’ garbage trucks c) The trophy presented to the living unit that wins inspection each week d) The name of the camp laundry
Answers: 1. (c); 2. (b); 3. (d); 4. (b); 5. (a); 6. (c); 7. OK, this is a trick. There are two correct answers (a) and (b); 8. (d); 9. (c); 10. (b); 11. (a); 12. (d)
1. Tie Cabin is named because: a) A family named Tie lived there for a short time in the mid 19th century. b) Cowboys at the Witcher Ranch used to tie their horses in the aspen grove that surrounds the cabin. c) The cabin is built of railroad ties placed vertically. d) Men must wear a coat and tie to go there.
from the blog
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rees blurring past, the thunder of hooves. I held tight to the reins, remembering to keep my heels down. Fourteen hundred pounds of power galloping through the forest. Horseback riding is a mystical, powerful adventure. When riding a horse, I feel connected. It’s a mixture of love, fear, and respect. Humans and horses have a long history together, a productive relationship that has lasted centuries. Before machines, horses were the machine, they were a power that helped pull our civilization together. Before cars, horses carried us across the land. When we ride horses in this modern world, it’s a timeless event. And Sanborn Western Camps is one of the best places to ride. At Sanborn, one of our many goals is to foster a sense of wonder in every camper. We work to inspire a connection with nature. And one of the many ways to achieve that connection is to swing up into a saddle and ride a horse. There is something therapeutic about horseback riding. Studies have shown that we truly connect with the animal. Brain waves slow. We even change our breathing to match up with the horse. The slightest movement, a turn, the twitch of a muscle, it’s all communication. The horse understands without words. If a camper is stressed, the horse can sense that. If a camper is relaxed, the horse relaxes as well. It’s a feedback loop, animal to animal, a real time relationship. Many years ago when I was a camper at Sanborn, I was afraid of horses. I pretended I didn’t care, but the truth is I was scared. The staff was ready for this. The counselors and wranglers gently encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and give horseback riding a try. So I did. I thought we would jump right on a horse and ride, but the process was much more intricate. The wranglers first taught me how to care for the animal, to understand it, to lead the horse gently, to speak to it. They showed me how to brush the horse, tracing the contours of its power. I began to relax and forget my fear. I began to feel a sense of wonder. I gazed into the huge marble eyes. I ran my hands along the sway of the horse’s back and wondered if a Ute boy or a young trapper did the same with his horse two
• hundred years ago, right where I was standing. We learned to saddle and bridle, tightening buckles, bringing all tack to the perfect length. Then, with mud on my rented boots, I swung up into the saddle. We rode slowly, ambling away from the Big Spring barn. That sunny afternoon, I went on my first ride. And I’ve never looked back. When we ride, we develop all kinds of skills. Horseback riding is a two-way process. You can’t just sit back and do nothing, you must interact with the animal with physical and verbal cues. As a result, riding develops subtle communication skills. Riding also develops balance and coordination. Your core gets a workout, and you must stay focused on where your body is in space. After a long ride, the next day you can truly feel it, aches in muscles you didn’t know you had. At our camp we do all kinds of rides, from half-day trail rides to five day pack trips deep into the Rockies. It’s a range of fun that fits perfectly with the range of campers. My favorites are the long trips, adventures that are unmatched. We ride deep into rugged country, places where only horses can take us. We sleep under the stars and rise before dawn to care for the herd. It’s a unique experience that you can only find at a place like Sanborn. In our modern chaotic world, it’s important to find ways to relax. Horseback riding can do that. Horses are a direct bond with nature that we can all share. When you ride a horse, you find both companionship and solitude at the same time. Any chance I can get, I’ll take a horseback ride. The rasp of an old saddle, the musk of the animal, the joy of a slow walk through an aspen grove. The world looks better from the back of a horse. The Ute indians of the Rockies once said, “The way to heaven is on horseback.” I think they might be right. ~Matthew Huffman~
The Sanborn Alum News Spring 2016 PO Box 167 Florissant, CO 80816 www.sanbornwesterncamps.com