We're all here!

We're all here!

Monday, May 29, 2006

IMAGE CAPTION - having fun during training week!

Dear Merri-Mac:

Staff are arriving and so are our first camper trunks, which means that camp is here! We begin today with 3 days of specialized training for the climbers, backpackers, riders and paddlers, and the rest of the staff will start on the 29th. After that June 4 will come and we'll be celebrating Merri-Mac's next birthday. This will also be the last Smoke Signals until the end of the summer, but we will be beginning our summer newsletters and photos through the parent section of the web site. The great news is that every parent is already registered and has already received their passwords.

Maria M. wrote with some more good news: "Now my dad bought me a dog! Its name is max, it is a Labrador Retriever, its color is brown, like chocolate!" Good job dad.

Maggie T., who is already here for staff training week writes: "Hey Girls! Guess who?? It's Maggie T.! I decided since I was at camp it would be amazing to write for Smoke Signals! So, if you aren't excited yet, you totally should be! All the staff got here today and let me tell you Merri-Mac staff is AWESOME! Yesterday I went out with Beth, our new water ski instructor, and she is the greatest. My skiing skills however are not so amazing, but hey, hopefully I can work on that this summer.

It's so exciting to be here, but it definitely isn't complete without ya'll! We are counting down the days till you get here, which for 1st session is only in 6 days! So be pumped! I can't wait to see you and get lots and lots of hugs!

Oh, and Sunnyside, you better be ready for an amazing, rockin' awesome summer.

You are all in our prayers! Hurry up and get here!

We can't wait either-

Adam and Ann

Camp is about to start!

Camp is about to start!

Thursday, May 18, 2006

IMAGE CAPTION - having fun at Merri-Mac

Lake Doris is nearly full, Mary Page caught the first frog of the season, our new pumps and pipes are filling our Senior Hill water tanks. What's more is that this weekend Merri-Mac will come alive with 100 contra dancers. Camp is about to start!

With just over a week until the start of Training Week things here are at a fever pitch. Jen just returned from a 4 day climbing certification course and will be spending part of the summer preparing for her exam in September. Adam, Dan and Stephen are busy putting the final touches on the lessons they will teach during Training Week, and Merri and Mac are lurking in the office waiting for the first camper to arrive.

From the Campers:

Audi writes, "Hey! I can't wait to see you girls!!! I miss u so much! Have a great summer." Charlotte W.shares, "Hey ya'll!! Good luck in getting through the last few weeks of school and exams and all of that. It's going to be hard but so worth it because then it will be summer and summer means camp and camp means we get to see each other!! If you're a second session girl you have to go use the Macky's Bulletin Board!! There are already some amazing 1st session people using it but not as many 2nd session (as far as I've seen). If you're a 1st session person use the message board too and maybe we can get to know each other. I can't wait to see you all!" Finally, Becca S. says, "So, after the 53278th time reading the dearest, latest Smoke Signals, I came up with something to say. First, I will make sure that in the next 19 days, there is very, very little silence from me. And secondly, I was contemplating cabin assignments, since I have some spare time and all....and I had this crazy thought. Why not put our very own Vanessa Hayes in Dreams Begin or End. You know, just to keep yours truly, as well as Ally H. under control. I think that would be a perfectly swell idea! But it is up to you. Hope you're well! Love, and see you soon!"

Don't worry Becca, we've already put a lot of thought into cabin assignments.

For the Staff:

Don't forget that climbers, backpackers and trip staff start wilderness training on May 26th, riders and paddlers on the 27th, and the rest of the staff arrive by 11:00AM on the 29th. Just as importantly, read your email! There's an important note from Stephen explaining why it is crucial that you have your completed health form before you arrive.

See you very soon!

Adam and Ann

Lots happening, and we're just getting started...

Lots happening, and we're just getting started...

Thursday, May 11, 2006

IMAGE CAPTION - having fun at Merri-Mac

Merri-Mac is vibrating with activity with daily deliveries of tribal sofies, Merri-Mac hoodies, green crocs, gymnastics bars, water skis, climbing ropes, vegetable steamers, chafing dishes, decking for the new dock, canoe seats and thwarts, a couple of new computers, refurbished princess plaques, trophies, coupon books, infirmary supplies, flowers and bulbs...the list is nearly endless. We're also enjoying hearing from so many campers and staff.

From the Campers:

Jillian C. wrote to say, "I'm going to Merri-Mac for 7 WEEKS!!!!! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!" Shannon D. had some questions about the new clothes, also sharing, "I was home sick today and so my mom said to fill out the camper packets. Well I did and I started to get REALLY excited for camp!! I'm so excited for camp!!!!! It's gonna be so fun!!!!! This will be my 6th year!!! I was in Blue Heaven last year and had SO much fun!!! I can't wait!! I'm coming for the 3 week session!! My sis is going for 5 weeks!!! Lucky her!!! I couldn't because our school cheerleading squad goes to cheer camp on June 7,8,9,and 10th. I miss camp so much!!!! I love you all!!!"

Finally, after a couple of weeks of silence Becca S. wrote to say, "HI YA'LL! I am so amazedly excited for camp this year. These seven weeks are going to be exciting, and I cannot wait to see or meet you all. Only 26 days. Until then my loves, keep being cool, you're in my prayers and I hope you all are wonderful!"

Staff News:

Staff should have all received an email from Stephen reminding you that you MUST come with your health forms. We can not allow anyone on property who does not have a health form so do it sooner rather than later! Also, we are putting the final touches on cabin assignments, so now is the time to let us know if you have any thoughts. Our returning UGA staff hosted a meeting for new UGA staff to help prepare them for this summer. All reports are that it was fantastic. Anne A. wrote saying, "just wanted to tell you that bringing all of the UGA girls together was a huge success. All 10 uga girls plus Anna R. and I went to dinner last night and had a great time. We had a blast getting to know each other and I know everyone can't wait until camp starts. This is going to be an amazing summer."

Maggie T. also wrote: So we had a dinner on Saturday night with all the UGA counselors, thank Anne, it was her idea. It was wonderful! Man, I wish someone would have done that my first year. They are amazing girls! I'm so excited to get to know them even more this summer! I'm done with school for this semester...Praise Jesus for getting me through that! I hope all is well in Black Mountain...Cya in 20 days!! ahh! Oh, one more thing - Have an awesome day!!

Lots happening, and we're just getting started!

Great Camping!

Adam and Ann

photos.xml

Hip Hurray! Clear the Way! This is what the people say...

Hip Hurray! Clear the Way! This is what the people say...

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

IMAGE CAPTION - Camp Merri-Mac Keeps Rollin' Along!

We started filling the lake and planting flowers this week and every day camp looks more and more like Merri-Mac! We also started getting ready for 2007 by ordering our new early enrollment charms. I say charms because this year we are going to have three, one for each tribe!

The biggest news may be that we have added a new staff position for this summer. Anne A., Maggie T., Bethan H., Stephanie C., and Vanessa will be the first to fill these spots, which will be called "senior staff." Don't worry, they'll still be in cabins, but they'll add some other responsibilities that should make camp even more wonderful. We're also busy assigning staff to cabins so let me know if you have any suggestions about where you want your favorite counselor.

From our Campers:

We're hearing from more and more camp families as they send in activity selection sheets and the like. Most recently we received an email from Caroline N. who says, "I AM SOOOO EXCITED FOR CAMP!!!! There are only like 36 more days left!!!! I am soooo happy because I am going for 5 weeks this year!!! Olivia is only going for 3 weeks (booo) but that's ok. And my bro is going to Timberlake for 2 weeks, he used to go to another camp, but I convinced him to go to Timberlake!!! I am sooo excited that camp is SOOOO CLOSE!!! I have had dreams about it every single night!!! Can any one tell me who won the banner in the first session? I AM SOOOOO EXCITED!!!

Caroline, the first session banner winner was...Iroquois.

Great Camping!

Adam and Ann