WEKIVA YOUTH CAMP - Summer of '07

 
The wonderful sights and sounds of  camp are still resonating in the hearts and minds, of those who attended this summer! The friendships we make and the fun we have, keeps us coming back again and again to Wekiva!  Our program at camp is designed with much thought and care with the goal of promoting confidence building, self-reliance, sportsmanship, growing friendships for a lifetime and a spirit of teamwork.
 
Our campers enjoyed swimming, canoeing, nature studies, woodland adventures and the ever-popular campfire sing-a-longs, complete with s'mores and banana boats!  A statewide "burn ban" for all state parks was in effect for awhile early in the summer, and we had to handle our campfires very carefully, as directed by the Park Rangers!  The Night Rides in the cherrabanc( an open-sided trailer with seats facing out for campers to ride on) were a "hit" with the campers, as they saw the night creatures and the beauty of starry nights in the park.
 
Tribal Games and "The Great Wekiva Race" were very popular additions to the summer curriculum this year.  And, we went back and re-visited our Native-American roots with programs and crafts that taught the campers about the culture and history of these fascinating early Floridians.  Jimmy Sawgrass, and his group of interpreters, taught us about the dances, clothing, adornments and hunting tools and techniques that made up the early Native American way of life in our state. Some of our campers went to see the Native American Museum created by Jimmy Sawgrass. He explained the meanings of the cabin names at Camp Wekiva, and many other Native American names we use. The campers gained a new respect and understanding of our Native American heritage in Florida.
 
Camp is soooo filled with "neat" activities.  Campers enjoyed swimming, canoeing, tubing, horseback riding/trail rides, nature studies, gardening, fishing, field sports, nature crafts, tribal games, talent and skit nights, night rides, wildlife programs, hiking, orienteering, exploring, Club ECO, synchronized swimming, Woodsman skills, gourdcrafting, tree identfication and rubbings, journaling, ropes challenge courses and carnival nights.  Closing Ceremony on Friday night is always moving and memorable.  The food is DELICIOUS and Canteen is GREAT!
 
Now the BIG NEWS!  WE PASSED!  We had our 3-year Re-Accreditation Visit by a panel of three representatives of ACA.  Mary Jane Meherg, the Camp Director, worked long and hard, along with the Camp Chairman and Assistant Chairman, to prepare for the Visit.  We passed
with FLYING COLORS!  We won't have to undergo this test again for THREE YEARS - and that is a relief!  We are proud to be accredited with this prestigious organization.  The American Camp Association (ACA) gives parents the assurance that we adhere to the highest standards
of operating a youth camp.
 
We are now working on and planning for the, the '08 Camp Session.  Personnel changes and staff hirings are next on our agenda.  We will be looking for Counselors, Volunteers, Aquatics personnel, and of course, campers.  Please send us names in your communities that
are potential staffpersons or campers. We want the best!  Flyers, brochures and registration packets are available with information for next summer's camp. Our Registrar, Kalia Baillene, is working to get our Online Registration up and running, for the convenience of our parents.
Plan to attend WEKIVA LEADERSHIP TRAINING WEEKEND in February, 2008.  It'll be a blast! This year, we're adding a canoeing session with Darcy Stottlemyer for those who choose to go. You'll learn about plans for camp and have LOTS OF FUN!  It's a lovely time of the year in the
Park.....cool, crisp weather that's wonderful for sleeping!  And bugs are scarce!
 
At the top of our WISH LIST is the need for a new upright refrigerator for our Canteen. The old one is a bit "long in the tooth" and no longer does the job adequately. Melted popsicles are no fun, as you can guess!  Our Drink Cooler box that stores the soft drinks is truly in a sad state. The drink box is probably a relic of those swingin' 50's when we all jitterbugged around at the local soda shop wearing our poodle skirts and bobby sox. Anyone remember? There comes a time when you just can't keep repairing equipment - it's just too far gone! So,
we'd appreciate some "ANGEL" or angels keeping us in mind for these important items. THANKS to the generousity of members and clubs throughout the state, we were able to get the mattresses and bed rails that were sorely needed.  Remember, a donation toward
operating expenses of $500 and up will ensure that your name(club, circle, district, individual) will be placed on our new plaque. Thanks again to "Joan's Jewels" for the lovely new plaque, which will be kept on display at Headquarters. 
 
Keep saving those Campbell labels - it's important and much appreciated!  We were able to get new sports equipment, nature books and a sound enhancement system this past summer!! Thanks to Devon Villareal, we received a large donation of LIFE JACKETS from the DEP
(Department of Environmental Protection) and we greatly appreciate this.  They're quite snazzy and colorful - and came in various sizes to fit all our canoers. Remember us in your budgets; it takes a real TEAM EFFORT throughout FFGC to support our camp. Camp Wekiva is a magical, nurturing place that touches the lives of many youngsters. As members of  FFGC, we are all a part of this wonderful effort as we FOCUS ON YOUTH.  As we say, "Campers Today, Environmental Leaders Tomorrow".
 
In the spirit of Wekiva,
Jan Sillik, Chairman
Wekiva Youth Camp '08