Generations of Love!

Last year, we came up with the slogan, “We’re All Heart”, to honor Uncle Carter and Aunt Trudy’s love for all campers and staff.  To me, this slogan has always had a special meaning, and this year it becomes more special, because I am making the transition from Director Dan to Director Dad. My daughter is coming to camp for the first time as a mini camper! It brings my heart so much joy to think of all of the fun she will have and the friendships she will make, just as I did when I was her age.

Some of my favorite memories as a mini camper include, swimming in the Doublecreek pool with the counselors, riding that good ole horse, Star Fire, shooting a bow and arrow for the first time, and climbing on the jungle gym.  For me, being a mini camper meant more than just attending a great camp, it meant joining my grandparents and their extended camp family.  You know that moment at your family holiday when you graduate to the adult table?  Well, that was the excitement I felt coming to camp!

Now, I’ve found myself wondering what kind of camper my daughter will be. Will she jump right in during sing song, or will she wonder why her dad is playing with all of the other kids? I’m not sure, but here’s what I know.  When campers come to Doublecreek, they are loved!  They are accepted!  They are celebrated!  They leave at the end of the day knowing someone believes in them. All my other questions will work themselves out, because really, what else could a dad want?

From our family to yours, Happy Valentine’s Day!

-Director Dan

Happy New Year!

Yes, I can still hear those holiday greetings!  But they're starting to taper off.  Emotionally, January is a transitional month.  You’re coming off the rush of the holidays, into the weight of returning to school and work, and staring at bills you’ve accrued during December.

But, hey!  It’s a new year.  January is my launch month.  All the ways I intend to improve myself:  losing weight, saving money, becoming stronger, faster and smarter, I start in January.  Never mind that I should try to do these things throughout the year – starting self-improvement projects in July doesn’t make sense to me.  Starting in January, that’s the time to start.  Why?  It’s a new year! One year I examined my goals.  Upon closer inspection, I realized that if I achieved all my goals, I would morph into a completely new person.  I don’t need to become a new person – just a better person.

As you already know, Doublecreek doesn’t need to reinvent itself.  But, there are always tweaks that can be made.  As soon as summer is over, we’re working towards next year.  Winter Break Camp is over, and now we’re working towards Spring Break Camp.  The Austin Family Camp Fair is coming up and (ready for my shameless plug?) registration is open!  Some years Doublecreek has major physical additions; other years the changes are so subtle you can’t detect them.  What’s on the horizon this year?  Come visit us at Open House in April and see for yourself!

Some things change, others remain the same.  For instance, some counselors will return; some will graduate and begin new careers.  Some campers will return and some will become counselors-in-training (CITs).  The “heart” of Doublecreek is one thing that won't change.  This intangible trait was developed by Uncle Carter and Aunt Trudy, and has been passed down to Director Dan, as well as our owners, Judy and Jane.  Everyone who has been a part of Doublecreek, either as a camper or counselor, is a part of this legacy.  

I hope you will continue to be a part of the Doublecreek legacy and help us to make this great camp even greater!

-- Joe Ray