Session Two - Friday Evening

Dear Moms and Dads, and other Camp Followers like Grandparents and Relatives!!!
I always love it when Becky asks me to write a blog to you all. It makes me step back from the hectic schedule of the farm and reflect on what fun we have all together.  John Denver did not know what he was talking about when he wrote “Life on the farm is kinda laid back!”  He had never seen a day at Pony Farm!  We sure have something going every single minute.  No bored or lazy kids here!
Yesterday morning dawned muddy but sunny.  After the torrential downpours on Wednesday, good weather was a welcome relief.  The kids were such good sports tromping through the mud and puddles to catch their ponies. They even worked to dry out all the equipment from the soggy horse show.  I reviewed ‘the troops’ at barn chores and much to my delight, every kid said that she had a blast at the horse show.  That is a true testament to the kids and the staff!
Despite being a little tired, the kids were ready to ride again…Where do they get that kind of energy?!?  The riding lessons for the campers who had attended the show were ‘flat’ lessons, meaning no jumping. The rest dug into their learning with gusto.
Following a yummy lunch of their favorite Mac and Cheese with extra cheese (and salad of course!), they went off to rest hour to gather energy for an action packed afternoon.  The activities to choose from ranged from Pony/Mini Spa Day, a Gunner Gold Rush Hike up Temple Mountain with Becky, Bareback riding in the ring, Catch Riding (where everyone switches and rides each other’s pony or horse!) and carriage driving.  The driving seems to be a big hit this year.  Unbeknown to the campers, the driving team had a plan to drive them up to Connolly’s Dairy Farm for a special treat of homemade ice cream.  Armed with 16 kids, two pairs of ponies and three carriages pulled by single ponies, we were off. Sadly, a pin on one of the harness fell out and my crew had to unhook and lead the pair home. Gratefully, nothing bad happened as a result of this equipment failure.  The kids and I drove in my car up to Connolly’s for ice cream and to meet the other driving contingent.  Delicious ice cream was enjoyed by one and all on a sunny summer afternoon. What could be better!
This cadre of activities was followed by snack time and feeding the horses. Then the “Ultimate Barn Team Challenge” was on!!! Each barn competed for the cleanest, neatest and most well swept & raked barn.  Kris was the judge and a prize of Dunkin Donuts was awarded to the winning barn.  Everything looked so much better after this team challenge.  It was certainly worth a dozen donuts!
A Ship Wreck Dinner followed with each camper being given some kind of cooking implement as their silverware. Amid great laughter and gaiety, they had to eat with spatulas, whisks, serving spoons and forks, etc.  This crazy dinner was followed by a rousing game of Capture the Flag.  Two teams mustered lots of hutzpah to be the victors.  A nice Good Night Circle followed where everyone remembered the best parts of their day and sang the good old favorite camp songs.  They tip toed off to bed for a solid night’s sleep.  A good day was had by all!
Today was a pristine day of sun and cool, lovely breezes, in short, a perfect day for riding.  After the morning meeting and room clean up, with each room in hot contention for being the cleanest winning room, the girls went to their riding groups.  I had the fun and pleasure of walking around to see each group with a board member and a special guest of the farm.  I saw such good riding, happy students and careful, clear teachers.  It was such fun to ‘show off’ our farm family of two and four footed treasures!
This afternoon the girls had to choose between vaulting (gymnastics on the moving horse) on Avalon, an 18 hand Belgian; a peaceful trail ride; Pair Jumping in the ring; and a Free Ride where the girls planned their own practice of new skills or polishing their horse’s work under the watchful eye of an instructor.  Because the trail ride was such a big seller, we ended up splitting the gang into two groups.  I am writing this while they are finishing up their afternoon, getting snack and beginning barn chores.  I am about to go down to be with them for showers, dinner prep and the evening.  Our big game tonight is Counselor Quest.  This is a fav as each counselor plans where she is going to hide in the best place.  Kids who ‘find’ the various staff members get points, with the most points for the most counselors found wins.    We will then follow this with Goodnight Circle, during which time, we will talk about why we love the United States of America.  We will sing patriotic songs as we prepare for the 4th of July!
Tomorrow we will all gather and go to the Temple 4th of July Games on the town ball field. This will entail ribbons for all ages with crazy, silly foot games. This culminates in an Egg Toss, followed by a Fire Hose tug of war, with the losing side being soaked with the fire hose!  With lots of sunscreen, rides in the old fashioned Fire Truck called Annabelle,  and a wonderful cookout with the Temple Fire Department, good old fashioned fun will abound.
So, I hope that your 4th of July is filled with fun and delight.  May you eat delicious food and be with friends and family, knowing that your children are well tended and loved here at Pony Farm.
With more adventures to come in our 2nd week of Session 2, I am happily sending greetings across the air waves to you all.
Cheers and with a smile,
Boo!!!