September 29, 2012

What happens after summer?

by Laura Pauli

“So what do you do the rest of the year?” – It’s a common question summer camp staff are asked by parents. And while many of our counselors will return to college in the fall, camp keeps running all year round and we keep a smaller crew of staff to work year-round. During the school year Camp Marston and Ra ...more

September 19, 2012

Hard work pays off

by Simon Hansen

In 2002 portions of our forest that were Pine Trees were devastated by the Pine Bark Beetle. The Beetles destroyed over 90% of our Pines. Then in 2003 the forest was hit by the Cedar Fire. Camp was fortunate in that we did not have any buildings affected by the fire but our forest was in some serious trouble. With all o ...more

August 29, 2012

The Spirit Flag

by Simon Hansen

A recent addition to Camp this summer was that of our Spirit Flag. This new addition became highly sort after by the cabin groups throughout the week. Cabins would be awarded the Flag if others noticed their cabin groups doing extra cheers, being extra helpful, cooperative and just generally filled with SPIRIT! Every nigh ...more

June 18, 2012

Bead Ceremonies - Recognizing Character

by Laura Pauli

After each dinner at Raintree the staff prepare an informal but powerful “bead ceremony.” Counselors get on stage and present beads to campers for things they noticed thought that day that showed good character. We have beads for caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, friendship, sense of humor, and bravery. We ...more

May 31, 2012

Camp is Cool, Camp is Sweet

by Simon Hansen

Does the phrase "Camp is Cool, Camp is Sweet, Camp is Cool, yeah, it can't be beat" mean anything to you? It's not exactly Shakespeare but it is a kind of a big deal round these parts. All year round Camp is both Cool and Sweet, but no time more so than during the Summer. Every Sunday during the summer, after everyo ...more

May 02, 2012

Mountaineers Village

by Simon Hansen

There is some construction going on in the South of camp - the Maintenance boys are building a long awaited new village for our summer camp Mountaineers program (ages 14-16). It's going to be so sweet - a big gazebo, 4 luxurious camper cabin tents and a staff tent. Mountaineers will be able to hone their classic Paco T ...more

April 24, 2012

Raintree Ranch Bolo Program

by Laura Pauli

A tradition started many years ago at Raintree Ranch is our Bolo System. But what is a Bolo? A Bolo is a western type necktie fastened by a rope or cord and usually with a decorative stone or jewel. The stone or jewel can slide easily up and down making it much easier tighten than tying a normal neck tie. The style becam ...more