Sunday Funday Mail it Monday

To help you brain storm ideas to send to your campers, we came across this puzzle idea.  Clearly this one is for a boy, but you could easily find a puzzle that would work for your camper!

1.Get a puzzle that the person working it will enjoy... for Brady, I got Super-Heros and for Reese, I got Winnie the Pooh!

2. Work the Puzzle.. 

3. Flip it over and write on it... 

4. Break it up into pieces again... and rebox. 

5. I taped the two boxes together and put on a mailing label. Off to the Post Office! 

Fun, fun, fun! This is one of my favorite things about living far away, and a great way to build memories with little ones when you live far away. 

Posted 20th September 2012 by Mallory Ramsey

Labels: DIY Kids Pen-Pal

Twas the Night Before the Horse Show

Twas the Night Before the Horse Show

By; Breana L.

‘Twas the Night before the horse show

and all through the lodge,

Not a camper was stirring,

Not even the staff

All the boots and britches were set

by their bunks with care

in hopes that a win

was soon to be theirs.

The campers were all nestled all snug in their bunks.

While visions of ribbons danced in their heads;

And the staff in their rooms, and CITs in Homestead,

Had just settled themselves for a long restful nap.

When morning they rose in such a great chatter,

Girls sprang from their beds to see to the matter

Away to the great room they flew like a flash

Tore open their doors and flew to the staff.

***Today the girls will be participating in their morning lessons, and their afternoon activities will be in preparation for the horse show Saturday. They will be cleaning and polishing their boots, washing their ponies/horses, gathering their show clothes, and cleaning their tack. This evening the girls will head to bed an hour earlier to get rested for the long, fun day ahead of them tomorrow. ****

Just horsing around

      This morning the girls awoke rejuvenated and ready for their fun day ahead. Today the girls’ day is split into two groups. Riding groups one, three, and five will go swimming with the horses this morning and the remaining groups will have their regular lessons this morning. Then after lunch they will switch. This is the activity that girls request and adore so dearly here at Pony Farm, so the aire of the camp is that of pure bliss and excitement.

      This evening’s activity is capture the flag. The girls have already been secretly planning their strategy, and are looking forward to getting out in the fresh air and running off some extra energy and steam.  Not that I can quite understand how they are so energetic with such a fun-filled, jam-packed day!

    Check back in tomorrow for the daily update on the lovely ladies’ adventures;)

A Timeless Terrific Tuesday

     The sound of excited footsteps and rambunctious chatter echoed throughout the lodge this morning. The girls were ecstatic to begin their day’s adventure. This morning the girls will be partaking in their lessons with the amazing lesson staff.

     Following lunch and rest hour the little ladies will have a choice of four afternoon activities. They are: Bareback riding, Hacking, Pony dress-up, and taking the small animals to the creek.

    This evening the girls are very excited as the evening activity is Fashion show and Ice Cream Trough; both are Pony Farm favorites!

Meet the Staff Monday - Session 4

Hello wonderful camp families!

While your daughters are settling in at Pony Farm, we thought we'd share a bit about the awesome staff who they are just beginning to meet. Welcome to Meet the Staff Monday!

Becky Sanborn Hawkes – Pony Farm Camp Director

Becky is the Director of Pony Farm Summer Camp.  Becky got married this past Fall to her Mikey.  She enjoys coming to camp with her fur child, Gunner!  In Becky’s down time she enjoys teaching second grade in Wilton.  This will make Becky’s 17th year on the farm!  In her spare time she enjoys reading, swimming, cooking, and hiking!

I have a conviction that a few weeks spent in a well organized summer camp may be of more value educationally than a whole year of formal school work.

-Charles Elliot,  Former President of Harvard University

Camp Leaders

Diana Zoltko, BSN, RN, NCSN

This is my third year as the Pony Farm head nurse. I also work 3 nights a week with the girls by facilitating evening activities. I grew up in Central Maine but I currently live in Wilton, NH with my husband and four children. I have a sophomore in college, a junior in high school, a fourth grader, and a kindergartener! I love reading and board games. I am currently pursuing my Master in Nursing Education.

Hey Everyone! My name is Meg Rothnie and I'll be assisting Becky organizing and running camp this summer!  I started coming to Pony Farm when I was 7 years old and have been very close to the farm ever since (I'm 33 now)! I live in Charleston, South Carolina, but I'll be spending the whole summer at Pony Farm and living in the Homestead! I am in the process of becoming a PATH certified therapeutic riding instructor and I ride and show my horse "Sweet T" down south. My favorite pony at Pony Farm is Maggie, who I used to own when she (and I) were quite a bit younger! But all the horses and ponies are fantastic. I can't wait to meet you all and have a super duper summer!!

Senior Staff

Hi! My name is Eryn, I'm from Amherst, New Hampshire where I live with my older sister, Taylor, my mother, stepfather, my dog, Cooper, and my cat, Winston. I have been riding for thirteen years now. I also enjoy playing volleyball, going on hikes with Cooper, and teaching myself to play the piano. I am a sophomore at the University of New England for occupational therapy. This year I will be a second year senior staff member at Pony Farm! My favorite horse is Charlie and my favorite activity with the horses is to go swimming with them! I can't wait to see everyone again this summer!

Hi everyone, my name is Alex Lahm and this will be my third year at Pony Farm. I started out as a third-year CIT and this will be my second year as senior staff. Gretski is my favorite horse on the farm, with Gruffy coming in as a close second. Horses have always been my favorite animal and I’ve been riding since I was five years old. In addition to riding, I played soccer, tennis, and was a swimmer throughout middle and high school. I am a student at Tulane University in Louisiana but I was born in Hong Kong and was raised overseas. I’ll be a sophomore in the fall and I hope to one day become a veterinarian. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone this summer!

Hi:) my name is Breana Lloyd and I eighteen years old. I have a fifteen year old brother and very supportive parents. I am from a small town in New Hampshire, called Rindge. I graduated this year from Conant Highschool and will be attending New England College in the Fall, as a pre-med major. I love working with kids and horses alike. My favorite horse on the farm is Merle, the mustang. This will be my first year as a member of the senior staff and I look forward to having a blast this summer with y'all.

Hi there! My name is Sophie Shulman, and I am senior staff. This is my 11th summer at Pony Farm (I just can't seem to leave!) I'm from Needham, MA and am currently studying to be a veterinary technician at Mount Ida College. When I'm not in class, you can find me giving riding lessons year round at Willow Brook Farm in Holliston, MA, working at a local vet’s office, babysitting, or snuggling with my two dogs Pennie and Puck. Pony Farm is my home away from home and I can't wait to share it with you!

My name is Katie Horblit, I am first year Senior Staff and this is my 5th summer at Pony Farm! I'm from Wellesley, MA and ride at Holly Hill West where I just finished my last year in Junior Equitation. I am a sophomore at UMass Amherst as a double major with Pre Law and Sociology, and spend my summers at home with my Mom, Dad, brother, and three dogs. I can't wait for an exciting summer with our campers!

Mia Kosel

Counselors in Training (CITS)

Hi my name is Rachel Wasilewski! I live in Newton, MA. I've been coming to Pony Farm for eight years and this will be my second year as a CIT. My favorite ponies on the farm are Duncan (even though he's not a pony he's a donkey) and Twilight. Some of my favorite activities to do during camp are personal scavenger hunt, swimming with the horses, and battle of the boy bands. When I'm not on the farm, you can find spending time with my horse Jameson, playing volleyball, or with my family/friends. Pony Farm is always the highlight of my year, and I hope it brings you as much joy as it brings me!

My name is Leah! I have been going to Pony Farm for four years now. My favorite ponies are Merle and Josh. I am from Framingham, Massachusetts and will be a 2nd year CIT. I have a pony back home named Johnny Rock-it.

Hi, I'm Megan! I'm a second year CIT from Framingham, MA and this will be my fourth year on the farm. Though I love all of the Pony Farm horses, Buster holds a special place in my heart. At home, I ride at Blue Meadow Farms. When I'm not around horses, I love to rock climb and work on projects for my school's television production class.

My name is Agnes Griggs! I’ve been a camper at Pony Farm for the past 5 years. This will be my first summer as a CIT. My favorite pony on the farm is Kiddo. I live in Brooklyn, New York with my parents, younger brother, and my dog. I ride on the weekends at a barn on Long Island. Pony Farm is my second home.

Hi! My name is Jamie Page and I have been coming to Pony Farm for seven years. I love all the ponies on the farm but two of my favorites are Charlie and Suzy. I live about an hour away in Wellesley, Massachusetts and during the year I ride my horse Lasser. I can’t (and don’t want to) remember my summers without all the amazing ponies and people I have met at pony farm and I am super exited to begin my first summer as a CIT!

My name is Cecille! This will be my 6th summer on the farm, first year C.I.T. My favorite pony on the farm is Kiddo, and my favorite horse is Biscuit. I am from Wenham, Mass, but I live in Bethal, ME for the school year. I am 15, and I have a 17 year old brother. I ride my horse Biscuit, play soccer, and ski race. (In the picture, I'm the one with the yellow cleats!)

Hi, my name is Jeanmarie! This is going to be my sixth year at Pony Farm and my first year as a CIT.  I was born in Amherst NH, and still live there today. I have been riding for 7 years and my my favorite pony is Mr. Mickey Mouse, though my favorite pony at Pony Farm is Kiddo. My hobbies include playing the piano and drawing.

Hi I'm Morgan Frost! I was a camper at Pony Farm for three years and this is my first year as a CIT.  I was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, and spent 13 years in Fairfield, Connecticut.  Now I live in Palo Alto, California.  I ride every week at Spring Down Farm in Portola Valley.  I can't choose a favorite horse at Pony Farm -- I love them all!  My favorite activity at Pony Farm is carriage driving.  Besides riding horses, I like to act, sing and dance.  Here's a picture of me with my face painted!

My name is Abby Morris and I am from Ridgefield, Connecticut. This will be my third summer at Pony Farm and I will be a first year CIT. My favorite horse on the farm is Dillon… although I really do love them all! I enjoy spending time outside and with animals, riding horses, and hanging out with friends. I’m super excited for Pony Farm to start this summer!

Opening Day - Session 4

OPENING DAY!

Dear Camp Families,

Welcome to our 45th summer of Pony Farm! Thank you for choosing Pony Farm. We know that it is hard these days to trust people outside of our own immediate family circle, and we want to sincerely reassure you that we will take good care of your camper(s). We are committed to doing a super job for each and every camper. We have worked extremely hard to get everything ‘just so’ for her arrival and stay. We just wanted to reiterate to you how seriously we take our job of providing “safe FUN.”

Right now, your daughter is meeting our terrific staff, many of whom have been with us for years. The camp staff has received lots of training specific to how Pony Farm operates, and in other essential skills, such as first aid and emergency response. They work together as a team, each person having the right skills and commitment for his or her job.

We begin camp orientation with our important motto of “Taking good care of each other, our horses and the land”. We take all campers through the steps of barn safety, horse care, mail call, medicines, meal times and house capers. We have carefully designed each part of their day so that it is like a big, well run family with all sorts of caring adults to guide campers through each activity from dawn to dusk. The fun and joy of being together has begun!

Tonight, we will have dinner and then begin with some “Getting to Know You” games. An “All Farm Scavenger Hunt” helps everyone get to know her way around the farm. Next, we sing together some favorite camp songs (“Barges,” anyone?) to make everyone feel comfy and cozy!

Our Counselors-in-Training have prepared Vespers for tonight to help set the tone of respect, care and consideration. Vespers is a peaceful ending to the day which lets the kids slow down and prepare for bed. This is a circle of thanks and reflection on everything from horses, being together, and loving our family and friends. Sometimes the staff or children write poems while other times they bring special books and read passages. It is so beautiful with all their sweet smiling faces bathed in candlelight with our Vesper Log lighting the main room of the lodge.

Then we sing special camp songs and each room tiptoes off to bed. They get changed and brush their teeth, and then their Room Counselors come tuck them in bed. For the littler kids, counselors read or tell a bedtime story. It is a peaceful ending to a day filled with activity! Tomorrow morning they will wake up and catch their pony for morning chores. Following that, they will begin their riding and get sorted into just the right group and onto just the right mount. We take huge care to do this correctly.

Emails are the best way to be in touch with people at camp, whether it be your daughter or staff. You can e-mail your daughter at camp@touchstone-farm.org. We check, print, and deliver any emails to your daughter’s mailbox every day. We are truly not by the phone because we are out with your kiddos….so do email. We are committed to checking e-mail before 11AM each day….and check once more before the evening is out.                                        

Becky’s email address: bhawkes@touchstone-farm.org

Andi’s email (for horse related questions): asnow@touchstone-farm.org

Just to remind you…Here is the phone call policy:  The office phone, 603-654-6308, is answered as much as is possible and the answering machine is checked regularly. You are welcome to call and leave a message for your child to call you back after the first week.

If there is an emergency at night, you can call Boo’s cell phone at 603-321-5255. Please reserve this for emergency use only. We are all only a phone call or an email away and like to work with parents to resolve any issues while they are small. Please look at our blog - http://touchstonefarmblog.blogspot.com/ and Facebook pages – Touchstone Farm and Pony Farm for camp updates!

We want to say again how pleased we are to have your child with us. Thank you for your confidence in us. We will do everything we can to make her stay fabulous. Rest assured that we will call if there is even one little question! Together, we will make this a fantastic time for her, creating memories she can take with her the rest of her life!

Best,,

Becky Hawkes

Camp Directors of Pony Farm Summer Camp

Picking Up Your Camper - Session 3

Pony Farm Summer Camp Picking Up Your Camper

Closing Day of each camp session is exciting and busy and bittersweet. We’ve developed a routine that gets your camper ready to show you what she’s learned as well as packed up to head home with you.

Below is the schedule for the closing Saturday of your camper’s session. All families are excited to see their camper, and for everyone’s enjoyment and safety, we ask that you please follow the schedule as presented.

Time	Location	Activity
9:30 – 10:00	The Lodge	Check in at the Lodge with Becky & Boo. Load your camper’s “stuff” into your car. (Your camper is already at the barn getting her horse ready. She will be all packed up, and her belongings will be waiting for you at the Lodge.) Check the posted list to see where your camper will ride during the Riding Exhibition and the location of her Specialty demonstration.
10:00 – 11:00	Riding Rings	Gather around your daughter’s ring and watch her ride while the Senior Riding Counselor explains what she worked on during her stay.
11:00 – 11:45	Riding Rings	Follow your daughter to the Specialty that she chose. This may be driving, vaulting, games, dressage, jumping a course, doing an obstacle course or puissance.
11:45 – 12:00	The Lodge	After her Specialty, your daughter puts away her horse and tack while you return to the Lodge and do any final packing up. On the back porch, you can also find her official camp photo and order prints if you wish.
12:00 – 1:00	Lawn and Porch of the Lodge	We ask that you bring a picnic for yourself and your family to enjoy. We will have drinks and desserts for you at tables on the porch. During this picnic, Becky will make a brief presentation about camp and the farm. We hope this will be a nice cap on your visit and you learn how vital the mission of the farm is for so many people.
1:00 – 1:30		You can plan to leave by 1:00 – 1:30 – depending on how long it takes your daughter to say goodbye to the staff, her friends, and, of course, her pony!