Our weekenders have had an opportunity to spend time with friends from Camp, meet new ones and be involved in a youth group like experience. Held at the winterized camp facilities of Frost Valley YMCA Camp, some of our activities have even been firsts for all – in November we picked apples, made cider and learned how to mountain board (like snow boarding – but on grass with boards that have very large wheels). In January we went snow shoe hiking, snow tubing, and ice –fishing.

We also had a talent show – not quite ready for prime time – but lots of fun. No doubt the snow sports will continue for February’s weekender being held February 26-28 in addition to crafts, hikes, and our very popular natural facials.

Coordinator Christine Tarbox, assistant Sally Bell, and their staff have enjoyed getting to know our kids and are impressed with their openness and high levels of interest and cooperation. “They have eagerly participated in our activities and are revealing more of their personalities each time we are together,” she shared. Christine and Sally and their staff enthusiastically look forward each month to being together with one another.

In addition to the activities we sense that our participants have enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and opportunity to be away among friends. In presenting the Weekender our hope was to provide some needed respite time for the young person and family alike – and we think we have reached that goal as well. At our last weekend Hayley’s mom was seen quietly eating a piece of pizza while watching CNN – something she readily admitted rarely happens other times!

Two more Weekenders are scheduled for this Season in March and April. Our plans include a very significant expansion of this program in 2010-2011 in a variety of venues and times along the East Coast.