In this political environment I am so glad I am in the kid business.   To be able to look forward towards summer of 2017 is refreshing.  The journals are now being putting together, all 120 pages front and  back.  For those of you who don't understand.  Those memories that were written all summer are not typed up and being bound for mailing.  They are funny, heart wrenching, and creative.  The yearbook video was just completed but will not be sent out until Thanksgiving. In this odd political environment it is refreshing to watch people just having fun!  Last year was the year of memory necklaces and memories.  Hopefully, that will carry us towards the summer of 2017.  The reunions are being planned for December 26th in Florida and Janaury 15th for Maryland and Virginia.  Locations are being worked on now.  It is amazing how much work it is to close and reopen camp.  Thank you for your support as we celebrate 62 years and going strong.  It is a pleasure promoting from within.  Matt Guffey is now full time. A nice young man and a great asset to camp.  I think this is the first time camp closed up properly.   Our calendars are filling in for the year.  We depend on our alumni for referrals and open houses.  So please contact camp and lets put one together in your area.  So what is the theme of this blog?  Lifelong memories and planning new ones for 2017!

The summer is over and we get to play all over again

The children left August 12 but we stayed until last week.  Why you may ask, because we had groups after camp one day after closing until last weekend.  We ended with a beautiful, wonderful wedding.  Jill, Allison, Jm, Matt, Tennis Dave, Cheyenne, and Alex cooked 150 crab cakes, 300 friend shrimp, meatballs, spanakopita, spring rolls, tenderloin, turkey, brisket, apple crisp, chocolate chip banana bread, muffins, etc. etc. etc.  We made beds, did laundry and packed everything again for next summer.   The wedding took place down by the river and the weather was perfect.  The affair was in the playhouse and the band played until the wee hours of the morning.  It was just amazing.  The next two days we closed camp, packed up and are now enrolling children for 2017.  As Florida braces for Mathew ( a hurricane) we brace for summer of the 2017.  I know we have not been available but we were working hard to make it happen.   We forgot to tell the chickens we were leaving as they are still laying two cases of eggs a week, and the peacocks are perched on their post looking for the children.   Have  you seen our commercial?  It is playing in Washington , Virginia, Maryland and Pittsburgh.  Maybe you will be a T.V. star.  Contracts to staff are going out this week.  As we all know the staff of 2016 was great!   We look forward towards touching base with them again.  And how about them O's.  Tonight at 7 in Toronto.  We hope they bring their game and we can go forward to Texas.  It makes good television and we don't have to watch the Vice Presidential debate!!! That being said,  cheer on the Orioles and we will talk again soon.  If you get sad look at your memory necklace and remember camp is only 250 days away!

One two three four we want Color War

War is about to break out at Timber Ridge, Color War that is.  Not yet but close!  The children are waiting in anticipation.  The themes are still a mystery.   Last night was an amazing Talent Show.  The little girls danced for the camp with Sydney Thune, all of 8years old, being the choreographer and directing a crew of 8 across the stage with flips, turns and twists.  Daniel Zuhen took over the Baby Grand with a concert your mouth would drop open to hear.  How long have you played the piano Daniel? ,  11years ( he is 15) just amazing!  Siena Dibene played the piano and sang she is ready for the Voice.  Sophia Blake got up and sang, where has she been hiding the talent she showed?   Marissa Kubin and Maggie Milligan danced solos and were great.  I can not forget our talented staff:  Rachel McNear, who is way too talented, Lee Neemer Shay Kleinman, and Chris Shoff who sang their own song of "Camp children don't cry" about past homesickness and of course the solo by Shay Kleinman of "Halleuijah"  This has been a heartfelt amazing summer.  We have grown as a family and a team so seeing these young adult and children go back to their lives leaves a sadness for those we may not see again.  However, they have grown and their lives will be forever changed as a result of their time here.  One, two three four we are ready for Color War! 

First blog with more to come, summer of 2016

I guess I have been lax in blogging about this summer.  However that does not mean we have not been busy.  This summer has been amazing for both staff, children and myself.  I guess I can quote the children.  "Why do we have to go to bed when this is the only place where we can walk around and watch the stars whenever we want and not be scared".  Well they have to go to bed but it was an interesting comment.  The safety and fun zone here is 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  Such a needed break from life in the city.  This year not only do children not have cell phones but neither do staff.  This was a hard rule to pass.  I can not tell you the maneuvering and manipulating to not make that happen.  However, after a very short time our young staff realized they did not even want their cell phones.  You may ask why?  Communication skills lack in todays society.  The internet answers all of the question and none of the questions.  It is so easy to zone out and text a friend or hang at the office during off time.  Without cell phones the staff and children are forced to play, forced to laugh, and forced to figure it all out.  The growth of the staff this summer from day one has been in leaps and bounds.  Very few staff did not make it, and most have excelled.  The other big thing has been full camp events.  Without cell phones everyone knows everyone and really enjoys being together to laugh and encourage the young and old.  During meals not only do we eat together as a large family we talk together and laugh together.   We discuss the days events what were are going to do and what we have done.  At camp "Color War" is more important then the presidential elections.  Because the reality is all of the good and bad news will be there when this fantasy world ends.  We are on a need to know basis and so far no one needs to know.  We raised the flag half mass when the rest of the country does but we do not explain why and no one asks?  Camp is what is used to be back in the old days.  The only news you got or wanted was from your neighbor.  The news here is who learned to swim, who caught the biggest fish and what an amazing Circus show we had last night.  I love camp!

Europe, Camp Fairs, Reunions and a busy office!

Hello to all my Timber Ridge Family and Friends,

Long time  no talk!  Sorry we have been behind on our blogs, but it has been a very busy couple of months for the TR Family.  Jill, Fred and I spent two weeks in Europe recruiting new and exciting friends to bring to camp this summer!  We met some wonderful young people who will be joining us.  We have also been traveling around the United States to Camp Fairs and events to find new friends to join our camp program, just two weeks ago we were in Richmond and Charlottesville, Dulles Town Center Yesterday, and we will be in Florida in two weeks!

Next Weekend---February 28th is our reunion make up day!  We hope to see everyone there!

Fred, Brian, and Allison have been visiting university's to bring the best counselors to camp.  Allison is actually at West Virginia University today to meet and interview potential candidates-- Logan is going to help her out!

The miniature Golf Course and New Gaga-Courts are underway they will be such a welcomed addition to camp!  Canteen on me for any campers who can beat me in Mini Golf!!! Don't worry I will have time in may to practice before you get there!

Murray is putting together the summer calendar now, but we always need your great ideas so please email us with anything you would like us to add onto our summer program!  We love new ideas for evening activities, Saturday events or just any fun thoughts that you may have.

Everyone make sure to wish Uncle Fred a Happy Birthday on Friday (Feb 26) he will love to hear from you!

If your not yet enrolled in camp what are you waiting for???? Call us today and lets get you on the books!  Also if you have any friends, neighbors, family, or acquaintances you think might want to come to please let us know!  We love referrals from our current family's and alumni!  We will do something special for you in return if they enroll!

Alright everyone!! Back to work I go.  Counting the days until summer(for me that begins may 1st--When Jill, Allison, JM and myself all move on up to camp).  DO WELL IN SCHOOL and we will see you Sunday!


More soon!

Alex

I am not surprised that a gaming system was used in the recent attacks in Paris. This is how the new generation communicates. Everyone who knows me knows for years that I dislike the over use and abuse of technology. Though it is a wonderful thing to be connected to the world, I am a believer that it brings depression, poor communication skills as well a false reality of what life is all about. That is why I love camp where the air is clean, the people are real, and the ...friendships are true friendships, not face book friends. Yes, I am venting as parents need to pull those cell phones from the dinner table, shut down the games after school, and talk to your children. Look at their eyes, ask the right questions, and listen. We parents, are the teachers, not their friends, we are their lifeline to the future. We will continue to take those cell phones at camp, pull off the earphones, and put away gaming systems as our mission is to help everyone who joins us look around and see how beautiful the world can be with real friends who you can call anytime anywhere and who care! Camp is no longer a luxury I truly believe it is a necessity in todays world!

Dog Days of Fall into Winter

I was talking to Uncle Fred and he was saying how hot it is in Florida today.  Here is Baltimore it is raining and in the 60's.  Thanksgiving is coming soon and I was thinking about all I am grateful for.  First of course my husband of 35 years, college love and my great kids and grand kids.  It was hard work but I am really proud of all of them.  My boys are gorgeous and I get a warm feeling all over when they call and I hear , "Nana".  Even the two year who does not say much but "Nana" he does say with love.  Zack works very hard in the midwest and though I miss him terribly I am proud of him for the life he has carved out for himself.  Jobi is special, beautiful, bright and really my closest girlfriend and the best.  If I ever need anything she is there.  Second is still having my father in my life.  He is an amazing man and I talk to him many times a day.  Still sharp, playing tennis and golf, and the King of his domain.    Always has my back!  Third to be able to create magic each summer in an amazing place like camp.  Sometimes we forget with the rat race of life how amazing it is to be able to escape for several months and play with adults and children in a safe, fun, place where no one grows old.  It is like Never Never Land.  I awake to Roosters screaming, children playing, laughter and music everyday.  I know how amazing it is as when I talk to alumni about  their best memories and best friends  from camp.  Some have not been to camp in over 50 years and yet they talk about it like it was yesterday.  Facebook is full of cabin pictures and people I have not seen in many many years.  Yet, I remember them like it was yesterday.  It is pure, wholesome, and amazing and I am thankful to be able to be part of this dream.  Next are my dogs.  Now many people don't love animals.  However,  I have the 3 most amazing dogs.  They are quiet, loving, and beautiful.  There is Vinney who is 13 years old, OCD, quirky and has his own corner of the house. Why OCD?  Well, he drinks in 3's, follows the same path in and out of the house all of the time, will not go any other way!  Sleeps and eats in the same corner.  Definitely fits into our family.  Then there is Millie.  She had a brain tumor at the age of 8 months and it was removed.  She is the miracle dog.   University of Pennsylvania said she was going to die but they were wrong and my wonderful vet found a surgeon who removed it and it was benign, that was two years ago.  Then there is the puppy Daisy all of  6 pounds but rules the house, and Millie.  Finally,  I get to work with amazing people.  Everyday I love being with them.  We spend an incredible amount of time together and our love is like family.  They are there for me no matter what.  Who can say that about people they work with!  They  help create the magic and love doing it.  So no matter what happens in life I have been blessed and if I don't say it enough, I am thankful!!!  What are you thankful for?  Look around, life may be difficult at times but there is always something that is amazing that makes the hard work and hard times just a bump in the road!