wordsworth

Batterer’s Intervention Class. The class I chose I chose because it was closest; it’s on Ferncreek. It’s called No Abuse. It has a reputation. It is the oldest. It is confrontational. Every single minute.
Most of the guys are done with their partners or wives. Or, their partners and wives are done with them.
The curriculum is modeled after a program begun in Duluth not long before we met. At it’s core are two wheels – the Power & Contol wheel, and its inverse the Equality wheel. The weekly homework at No Abuse focuses on one segment of one of the wheels. This week the homework was on the Respect section of the Equality wheel.

Hello Everyone!
What a fantastic start to the summer!!! All but 9 campers were checked in by 12:15…I think that has to be a record! Thank you to all the parents that had to wait to get checked in.
I can’t tell you how great things are going. The afternoon started with cabin team building activities and went into outdoor games. There was kickball, basketball, dodgeball and more. Afterwards the campers and counselors returned to their cabins to establish some cabin rules. Next thing you know it was time for dinner! Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, brocolli, salad, rolls and chocolate cake, oh my!!! We ended dinner with a pledge to be good and treat each other well. After dinner we had our a swim test for all of our first time campers. We are getting ready for our cabin photo scavenger hunt. Each cabin runs around camp searching out objects or certain people, take the picture and move on to the next thing. They have 30 minutes to get as many as possible. It is a great way to introduce the different areas of camp and work as a team. As soon as they finish with that activity it is on to counselor skits. Each activity participates in a skit to introduce their activity and themselves. They have been practicing all week and excited to finally perform for their campers. The evening ends with store and then it is off to bed. Back in the cabin it is time to brush teeth, get clean and ready for bed. But, wait there is more…. Once everyone is in bed they will do their nightly cabin gathering. They talk and get to know each other better and begin the bonds that will last a lifetime. Sleep will be welcomed by all. Goodnight and please don’t worry, we will take good care of your most precious children. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of their wonderful lives. Sleep well. We will check in again tomorrow for an update. Watch for pictures going up either tonight or in the morning!
Diana, Murray, Mike, Mia, Devin, Bri and the whole Circle F gang

Well…if there was a class in Camper Mom 101…I missed it. Arrive earlier than scheduled arrival time…secure bunk…travel with plastic three drawer dresser…choose box fan over small fan…arrange three pairs of sunglasses and hair products neatly on top, etc…etc…it was obvious that some girls had been here before. Ah well…now we know…anyway…Ellen has everything she needs and a great hat to boot!

Bob Marley was playing from the registration station (talent show building)…making us (me)  feel welcome. A scene of organized commotion. Murray remembered us and Diana greeted Ellen with a hug. Met a fellow camper and bunk mate, Lucy, and her folks upon arrival, and one of Ellen’s camp (bunk) counselor’s – 19-year-old Anna from Cleveland. Ellen is in the last cabin at the end of the lake…top bunk in the middle. Her nerves gave way to complete excitment as she sweetly waved good-bye.

Good-bye.
Good luck.
Good camping.
Good riding.
Good climbing.
Good arrow shooting.
Good card playing.
Good book reading.
Good chowing with your mates.
Good kayaking.
Good swimming.
Good rock skipping.
Good gator watching.
Good trail blazing.
Good mosquito swatting.
Good joke telling.
Good giggling.
Good chigger scratching.
Good sun bathing.
Good fire building.
Good ant stomping.
Good marsh mellow roasting.
Good ghost story telling.
Good tree climbing.
Good hay riding.
Good cold showering.
Good bird watching.
Good snake catching.
Good for you.
I love you, Ellen.
Good-bye.