Hello parents and friends...

What a great start we have had to the 2004 summer. Our children's session started Saturday, we have done so much it seems like a week already... and I do apologize for not getting these notes up on the website earlier, but not because of any problems, just busy having fun.

We have thirty one campers. We have already had the group swimming and bowling, the girls had an awesome campout; two of the girls had never slept outside so pretty exciting! They went out at three in the afternoon and had crafts and games at the campsite which is a covered picnic area right near the gate—far enough away to be exciting, close enough to be safe and secure. We cooked hot dogs and hamburgers and had s'mores and even avoided a rain storm to find beautiful stars... even some shooting stars!

We had campfire opening night, and a big thanks to our assistant director Bill and our program directors Archie and Casey for an upbeat, fun, night.

While the girls had their campfire and sleep out the boys had "Boys Night In" with games and contests. Tonight was the ever popular and ever-messy "It's a knockout relays". We have avoided any problem with the rain, I know some of you who were at the later part of check in worried that that downpour might dampen our camp but that is the worst of the rain and it hasn't bothered us. It is great to be with our former campers who bring their memories and expectations of our traditions and craziness and great to introduce our new campers to that special magic which is Easter Seals Camp New Mexico.

Hello Parents and friends,

Another busy day here at camp. The boys are on their cookout and sleep out tonight... We almost got rained out... We were busy this afternoon with play practice and wheelchair races when the deluge came and everybody had to move indoors for Campbingo and then the Camper-Counselor game. With of course the question from all the boys being "What about our camp out?" After about an hour of rain the sun came out shining brightly with lots of warmth to it so the boys headed out for their campout. The rest of us had a video night with sodas and popcorn. We of course had had a big group swimming this morning, as well as others playing golf and doing archery. Bill is helping the cabins each make a paper mache volcano with promises to all of us that there will be major eruptions in the next several days... can't wait.

Time is flying... all is well. Our counselors are working hard and doing an excellent job meeting the needs of our campers, we really strive to individualize our program since we serve such a widerange of ages and abilities and it takes a lot of energy and flexibility. I hope you'll give each of the counselors a big "Thank you" when you see them, they deserve it.

Jane Carr
Camp Director

Wednesday night... Hi everyone.

Only twenty minutes of rain today... hurray!! So we were able to have the Fire Truck come in and entertain us, campers got to get up in the truck, ring the alarm, and squirt a few of the staff. All this while we had fifteen people bowling - winning the coveted bowling trophy is a big goal here, you know.

We had swimmers go out this morning, the Elks Club here in Gallup graciously lets us use their pool and it is great. Tonight was the talent show, it is always heartwarming to see our campers perform and enjoy the warm applause of everyone. Patrick did a lipsync, as did Josh, Chris, Danny... oh just too many to name.

Saman put on a magic act. Alicia danced. And of course the counselors were crazy. Archie, Kevin, and Casey revived their gymnastics act from last year to everyone's delight. The boys are tired from last night's sleep out so I am hoping for an early bedtime for us all!

Hello All,

Session One is coming rapidly to a close. Don't forget pick up is ten o'clock on Saturday morning, please don't be later than eleven as we have very litle break. We LOVE doing camp and being with your kids but we do rather exhaust ourselves!

Today we had horses brought to camp, ask your camper if they rode on Bean, Danny said it weas his first time on a horse, Yasmira said: "My mom will be so proud of me because I am not afraid!". Very successful... We also had a group swimming, a group doing a hike with Bill, and then after rest hour our Play performers had a practice and we took a group bowling.

The play is progressing well. Archie has written an original screenplay and counselor Claire is really helping choreograph some neat dances.

Tonight was Kangaroo Court in which campers accuse their counselors of such heinous crimes as toilet papering the cabins, putting their elbows on the table, etc... of course they are always guilty and meted out punishments like having ice water poured on their heads, or eating mustard.... the things the counselors do to entertain the kids are impressive.

We have another day tomorrow full of activities. The LAST swimming, the LAST bowling... and then an all camp barbecue outside, the play, and the closing dance. Great weather today, I think the rain is gone!

Hello to all...

By the time you read this you will probably already have picked up your camper. But I am writing late at night just to finish out notes about our session.

We had a great last day (no rain). A group went swimming, others did golf or archery, then made memory books, be sure to ask your camper to see them. In the afternoon we had a final bowling group. Our newest camper, Chad, set an all time camp two game bowling high of 226! Aaron and Hayden are the best of friends and over two games with very different scores they totaled each 190... what karma!

We had a hamburger barbecue outside and then Bill Fales led the volcanic eruption... each cabin made a very impressive volcano... we had to really honor cabin two's work of art and did not erupt it but will keep it on show at camp. You might ask to see it when you are at camp. After the volcanos we enjoyed the play. Lots of high energy singing and dancing. Chris, Elizabeth, Christina, Monica, Saman, Mary, Orlando, Rudy, Jose, Sydney, Josh, and Jenna were great actors and actresses... thanks to Archie for all his work.

The session has drawn to a close, it was a pleasure to share this time with them in this special time.