2012 Summer Camp Recap
2012 at Camp Huawni was the summer camp of all summer camps…so much so that Asia Jones is disappointed he didn’t terrace one more hill to contain all the special moments that keep a sprouting up, even as the summer comes to a close. The real test of how summer went is always based upon what our campers say. So- in addition to tons of kids saying it was their best Camp ever at Summer Tree, campers rated their counselors a 4.7 out of 5- pretty darn good (5= excellent, 4= good, 3= average, 2= below average, 1 = poor). AND, the credit goes once again to our counseling staff- they did an incredible job LTKing (LTK=love the kids, our mission)…it was some site to see I tell ya.
Migrating North To 2 Weeks & Beyond
Another really cool thing happened this summer- a whole bunch of our one-week, first year campers are already signed up for at least a two week session next summer. In fact, there are only 22 spots left in Session 2 next summer and 29 spots left in Session 3- Huawni is the place to be! They got just a taste of the Huawni Magic and are ready to whatasize their summer next year. Also, I believe we set a record this summer for kids who stayed multiple sessions, with some staying all 6 weeks! It’s now very normal for kids to stay 4+ weeks at Camp! This is way cool.
What’s On The Schedule?
As y’all know, we are constantly looking at ways to further reach our mission, which is love the kids. One big question we’re asking right now is how can we continually improve the food we serve at Camp? Thank you to all our parents and campers out there that have already given us some poignant feedback. If you have feedback, good or bad, please shoot us an email . Don’t worry- we’re keeping Ada’s Fried Chicken™ on the menu:)
We’re Kicking And Screaming About These Upcoming Shin Digs…
Huawni Circle Parties - a chance for campers to invite their hometown friends to meet and hang out with their favorite Huawni counselors.
School Open Houses - we’ll be making a few pit stops this fall to share Camp with your school! Want to be the cool kid at school who throws a party? Email us
Camp Parties - these will kick off in January and word on the Camp road is that the Huawni Film Festival will be bigger than ever! Want to host? Give us a
50th Anniversary - Yes…Huawni will be turning 50 in just two years. Make sure that we have your updated contact information (email, phone, and mailing address) so we can keep you posted on some very exciting 50th Anniversary happenings. Alumni- update your info today here
And finally to duties…page 2- Camp is getting a new website. If you’re reading this now, then you’re on it! That’s right- the unveiling of the new website might have been the most anticipated event since David McGinnis was unveiled on the soccer field in the 70’s. Hope you’re enjoying it!
Top 5 Summer Fun Moments From Summer 2012
How good it is that memories last- right?
5. – MUD PULL IN THE RAINSTORM Getting pulled behind the Ranger through the mud in pouring down rain by an old tug-war rope with Ben Zeimen and Matt Friend
4. FLOATING THE PINSON CREEK floating the Pinson Creek with Caleb Homer….we only “tumped over” twice and yes…we wore life jackets
3. EARLY CELEBRATION IN RFR Zachary Smith, son of alumnus Sarah Palmer Smith, grabbing the baton early in Run for the Roses and celebrating with his arms bouncing up and down as he ran- don’t worry…his team eventually did win.
2. PINE BOTTOM TENT NIGHT Pine Bottom counselors going above and beyond by turning their cabin into a tent for princesses with lights and personal love letters at each girls’ bed- way to go Laura Webb, Summer McCoy, Morgan Wilson and Alex Lange! I’m proud of y’all for LTKing the extra mile!
1. HIKE TO TURTLE ROCK Hike to turtle Rock was especially fun this summer because A: we had water to jump in and B: the Ware legacy Kiddos (Hunter Jones, Emily Chaston, Jayden, Logan, Tanner & Thomas) were all there and having a blast. Here I was with all these Colorado kids and they were daring me to jump off this really high sand bank. This was definitely a time when I was completely soaked, thinking, “Man…the world is just right and this is how it should be.”
Final Pow Wow Thoughts
What a blessing it has been getting to once again be a kid this summer at Huawni. Camp continues to get better and continues to be a place where kids’ hearts, souls, and ability to laugh are nourished.
We are more and more realizing that Camp Huawni is no longer just a place for ‘recreation’, but it’s more and more becoming a necessity for healthy childhood development. To our alumni, I’d like to remind each of you that even though your staff shirt may be retired, you can continue to fulfill Daddy Earl and Mimi’s tradition of Loving The Kids wherever you are. Tell families in your world about Huawni and change a life forever. Come to a Camp party and bring your best friends’ kiddos. We’ll be ready for you to join in the Camp Song as soon as you show up.
inwauh,
Travis “T Earl” Adams
Director & CEO of Fun
