alumni update

Dear Frost Valley alumni, friends, staff:

Photograph I took of the Big Tree in Big Tree Field in 1978.

We are in the second week of the first camping session for summer '15. For those receiving this who haven't seen a Frost Valley summertime close up in a long while, I'll just ask you to remember/imagine what it was like when you were in the valley—and that's what you'd see if you were here still. The programs you remember continue; the sheer hour-by-hour joy of the kids (and their counselors) is as great as ever; the CITs are being creatively trained & oriented to caring for children; the Big Tree stands tall, an icon and beacon; the international staff come from all over; we are all, still, "dismissed to chiefs" after every dining hall meal; and, most of all, the Wawayanda/Hird/Frost Valley values are always front & center, among them respect, responsibility, diversity, and inclusiveness.*

A few items/reminders:

1) The big Frost Valley alumni reunion weekend is happening over Labor Day weekend! Reserve your place here: http://frostvalley.org/event/alumni-reunion-weekend/ .

2) Almost daily during the summer, I add at least one entry to my Frost Valley alumni blog. Check out recent entries: dancin' in the dining hall (video); our Dawn Helfand Huebner on anxiety (Ted talk video); doctors judge at Challenge Night; chilly mountain morning. Here's the link: http://frostvalleyalumni.blogspot.com/ .

3) Longtime Frost Valley trustee Cathy McFarland Harvey (camper parent, staff parent, camper grandparent, trustee, former president of the Victoria Foundation which has supported camperships for decades, etc.) lost her beloved, wonderful, witty husband Dick Harvey on July 3. Our thoughts are with Cathy. You can read Dick's obituary and leave a condolence here: http://www.codeymackeyfh.com/tribute/details/354/Richard_Dudley_Harvey/obituary.html#tribute-start

4) Inductees into Frost Valley's Hall of Fame this year are: Carl & Marie Hess, Henry Hird, and Bob Ohaus. The induction happens at camp during our summer luncheon/gathering on Saturday, August 15. Contact me for more information.

5) See below for a message from Director of Camping Services Dan Weir about two openings in an upcoming teen summer wilderness survival program. Do you know a young person (12-17 y.o.) who might like to be challenged at FV?

Yours in the Wawayanda spirit,

- Al

Al Filreis
http://writing.upenn.edu/~afilreis

* The eight core values are: Caring, Community, Diversity, Honesty, Inclusiveness, Respect, Responsibility, and Stewardship.


* * *

Hello all,

With being half way through our first session, camp is running incredibly well.

We wanted to share that we are in need of two participants for our Bear Grylls Survival Academy Teen Summer Program for July 12th to July 17th. The participants must be aged 12-17. The program normally costs $1600 but we are definitely flexible to work out a price point that is affordable for families. Price shouldn't be an issue if a family wants to take one of these spots. We sincerely want this session to run.  We are really excited with the start of this program. It's combining our Bear Grylls Survival Weekend programs and our long history with summer camps. Here is a link to more information:

http://frostvalley.org/camp/bgsa-teen-summer-programs/

Please let me know ASAP if you think you have anyone that is interested.

In addition to this, I've attached our availability for the rest of the summer. Please remember that for Frost Valley employee families, if we have a spot open with less than week to the start date, it is no charge. Please see me directly if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Dan
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Dan Weir

Director of Camping Services
Frost Valley YMCA
2000 Frost Valley Road
Claryville NY 12725
p) 845-985-2291 x270
www.FrostValley.org