It is with much excitement that the full time staff return from Winter Break to the leafless silence that exists at Camp Collins this time of year. Doesn’t sound exciting to you? Wondering what all the buzz is about? It’s a new year and with a new year comes a new summer, which means we are that much closer to welcoming back staff, campers, parents and leaves!
The excitement and anticipation is doubled as all full time staff took their own Winter Break to recharge for the countdown to summer camp that starts……..NOW! Here is how some of them spent their time:
Haelynne “Zuma” Barron – Camp Program Director
My Winter vacation 2011 highlights:
Finishing the 3rd and final Hunger Games book
Long boarding, people watching, and laying in the sun at Venice Beach, Cali
Hanging out with my family and friends, including this thing
“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” -Oprah Winfrey
Willard “Boo” Burks – Executive Director
“I had a wonderful Christmas break spending it with my family in Arkansas. Sherri, Makenzi, Clay and I were all together for Christmas and New Year’s and enjoyed playing board games and laughing at all of the funny things we heard and saw over the past year. I also had a chance to visit with mine and Sherri’s parents and see my grandmother who is 92 years old. One of my best memories of the Holiday was when I saw into an old high school friend that I had not seen in 30 years. It was great to catch up with him and visit about old times and catch up on what is happening now in our lives. It is amazing how time flies and how our lives change. The Holidays are always special because of family and friends and this years was especially fun and memorable.”
Sarah “Wicket” LaPointe – Office Administrator
“Ahh stay-cation! All my and my husband’s family live far away so the holidays were a quiet celebration between the two of us….oh and our dog Henry who in fact has his own monogrammed stocking that Santa filled for Christmas morn:) Highlights of my winter break were a snow hike around Trillium Lake on Christmas Eve, acquistion of pin-striped overalls, satisfaction of checking most items off my ‘Winter Break To-Do Around the House’ list, and my Packers beating my husband’s Lions on New Year’s Day resulting in a won bet and him squeezing into my ladies cut Favre jersey! Can you say photo op? Classic!”
Brian “Sporto” White – Group Services Director
“Christmas for our family is a much anticipated time of year. We enjoy the waiting just as much as Christmas Day itself. Our time spent at church during Advent, the photo with Santa at the mall, decorating the house and tree, and sending out Christmas cards are part of the holiday season. Christmas morning was spent at our own home this year, as we are typically frequent travelers during the holiday. It was relaxing to wake up at home and see the joy in the kid’s faces as they saw what Santa brought them. Then it was off to Grandma’s house for a few days of family time, football games, great visits, playing with cousins, playing games, and napping on the couch. New Year’s weekend was spent at Grandpa’s house in Central Oregon; playing with cousins, visiting with family, opening more presents, and eating VERY well. The holiday season is a great opportunity to reconnect with our loved ones.”
Kristin “Clementine” Cunningham – Teen Programs Director
“I had an adventure-filled winter vacation. I started my break by heading back to my hometown of Durham, North Carolina to visit with family, friends, and two crazy black lab puppies. From there, I traveled to Chile where I celebrated New Year’s with a HUGE fireworks show, visited the Atacama desert (the driest in the world…of course it rained while I was there!), saw beautiful beaches and was able to experience the amazing Chilean culture. 17 flights later, I am happy to be back in Portland!”
We would love to hear how you spent your Winter vacation! What traditions are special to you, your favorite gift you gave and received, the unforgetable meal you shared with family and how you best like to celebrate this time of year. Share in the comment box below and your submission may be featured in our next ‘Zine.
