Camp Howard and the Columbia Gorge Fire

September 5, 2017Sr. Krista von Borstel 4 Comments

SEPT. 5, 2017 CAMP HOWARD

I know many of you are wondering about Camp Howard and how we are faring in light of the fire in the Columbia River Gorge. Thank you for your care and concern. It means a great deal to us and we realize the camp is a treasure of the children and those who have been campers and staff in the past!

The fire is burning further North of Camp Howard and we have fortunately not been in the path as of yet. The direction and power of the wind is the big factor in where the fire goes. We have put together a contingency plan in the event we needed to evacuate the camp. As you can imagine it would involve removing all of our vehicles and as much of our camp supplies as possible.

You may be interested to know that in 2011, the Oregon Dept. of Forestry offered to remove the flammable material under the trees and create a 100’ defensible corridor above the Bull Run on camp property. We accepted their invitation and they worked on it for four years to create this space. We have worked to maintain this area over the past several years. We have also created green spaces around our buildings to help in the defense of fire. Additionally, we have set up a fire line through the camp that allows us to hook a large water gun for watering vast areas. God willing, these measures might pay off! We will prepare for the worst and pray for the best!

Please pray for our year around camp staff as some have evacuated from the Corbett area where they live.

I have attached a map for you to see the location of Camp Howard in regard to the Columbia River and the Gorge. You can see we are South of the fire area at this point and the fire has been burning West from Cascade Locks. East Corbett and Springdale have evacuated.

Again, we greatly appreciate your outpouring of concern around the camp. It is heartening to say the least! Follow my blog to stay posted with what is going on at Camp Howard.

The entire CYO/Camp Howard Staff and I thank you for your prayers! We will keep you posted.

Sr. Krista

Adventure Zip Line at Camp Howard

August 17, 2017August 17, 2017Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

The second phase of the zip line was added at Camp Howard this past year to add to the experience of 13 and 14 year olds. This phase added two zip features and a bridge extending the total length of the zip line to approximately 500 feet. A third phase is expected to be added in 2018 as the camp works toward four total phases to the line.

The camp makes the zip line available to outside rental groups and several have taken advantage of the opportunity.

Bull Run From a Drone’s Perspective

August 11, 2017August 9, 2017Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

At Camp Howard, Youth Leaders Make ALL the Difference!

August 10, 2017August 9, 2017Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

The youth leaders at Camp Howard for the summer session 2017 have been one of the very best teams of leaders in my 20 years with the camp. Their development as individuals, willingness to work with one another, ability to lead and inspire have been the ingredients that have made this one of the best seasons on record.

ABOVE Left to Right: Ally Oser, Anna O’Boyle, Natalie Nielsen, Anthony Cioeta, Anna McLean and Lizzy Brown make up the Unit Leaders with Anna McLean being the overall youth leader for 2017 as Program Director.

Camp leadership meetings are held every Wednesday morning with youth leaders and the year around camp staff. ABOVE Left to right: Natalie Nielson, Anthony Cioeta, Anna O’Boyle, Karen von Borstel (Property Director), Leila Blakely (Health and Safety Director).

ABOVE: Ally Oser, Lizzy Brown, Anna McLean, Natalie Nielsen, Anthony Cioeta.

ABOVE: Shawna King (Asst. Camp Director), Shelby Dunn (CIT Director), Ally Oser, Lizzy Brown (Unit Directors)

ABOVE: Sr. Michael Francine (Camp Assistant), Nora Gravengaard (Camp Director), Shawna King (Asst. Camp Director)

Cheesy Rolls Make the Camp World Go Round!

July 28, 2017July 24, 2017Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

We got in trouble on our evaluations Session 1 for not serving cheesy rolls. Cheesy Rolls have become one of the “expectations” at Camp Howard because they are so darn good! The cooking staff made an all out effort to provide the delight session 2 to keep the camp out of trouble with the campers and staff! So far, so good!

The Fire Inspector is Here!

July 27, 2017July 23, 2017Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

Don Patty has been the fire inspector for Camp Howard a long time. He knows the camp really well and often has tips for us on how to make the camp safer. We like it when the inspectors come. They do a good job for us and we are grateful. He did not find anything this time but often he does and we get it corrected asap. Don had some ideas for us in planning for the new dining hall however. We are looking at ways for the fire department to fill the truck water tanks at the camp. That is an important consideration.

Now the Health Inspector should arrive any day…we try to always be ready, not just for the inspection, but for the generally safety of people!

Drone Camp…A New Perspective

July 26, 2017July 23, 2017Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

We were brainstorming new camps to offer for 2017 when we came up with drone camp and the sound of it was intriguing. Mark Lee, our resident techie was all over it and began researching it. Then he bought a drone and began testing it and flying it. Then he asked if he could teach the drone camp! “Wow Mark, yes we would LOVE for you to do that!” Well, if you know Mark, he gets into something and drills down to the finest of details which he did for presenting Drone Camp. He had two takers session 2 and they had an absolute blast with it. He has six more coming up session three. The films the kids were able to shoot at the camp were really fantastic and had all of us looking at camp from a new perspective! I think drone camp will be around for a while. Eight campers will get their “wings” this summer! #sistersblogs #cyocamphoward

ABOVE: Mark Lee with the drone controls. BELOW: Phantom 3 Drone – smooth and stable!

We’ve Arrived!

July 24, 2017July 23, 2017Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

Observation is one of my favorite pastimes! Camp Howard is rich with opportunities for observation! The arrival of campers to Camp Howard is filled with emotion. The kids get off the bus, some with giant smiles, others with a bit of trepidation! The fear does not last long however, as the first thing that happens is the staff introduce themselves to the campers and tell them about what their job is at camp. Next, the campers are grouped by gender and age and then called by name to their cabin group. Soon they are in a small group learning about the individuals they will be spending their week with at the camp. Soon, it is all smiles!#sistersblog #cyocamphoward

Camp is a GREAT Place for Keeping Kids Moving in the Summertime

July 21, 2017July 16, 2017Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

We all know that summer time can be a sedentary time for kids. Camp is a great way to keep the kids outdoors and moving. They are on the go all week moving from activity to activity and the activities for the most part keep them moving as well. Camp Howard excels at providing activities that keep kids on the move and they LOVE IT!!!

Oh the Stories they Tell!!!

July 20, 2017July 16, 2017Sr. Krista von Borstel Leave a comment

JULY 2017 CAMP HOWARD

We started camp out with 245 youth session one (July 2017). Evenings provide a special time for campfire activities such as the Cougar Campfire (Thursday) and maybe one or two earlier in the week. During the earlier campfires, campers have the opportunity to show their talents by singing, playing an instrument, doing a skit and telling stories. It is a fantastic time to be present and learn about the campers. They are amazing people! #sistersblog #cyocamphoward