Drone Camp…A New Perspective

July 26, 2017July 23, 2017Sr. Krista von Borstel, SSMO 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, SSMO 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, SSMO 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, SSMO 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

Cheyenne Cunning and the Camp Howard Store

July 19, 2017July 17, 2017Sr. Krista von Borstel, SSMO Leave a comment

JULY 19, 2017 CAMP HOWARD FEATURING THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF CLAYTON SMITH

Cheyenne Cunning has been working at Camp Howard since she was old enough to walk! She graduated from college this spring so this is her last summer as a youth staff member at the camp. She started out doing dishes, helped cook for rentals, was on the “Pop up Team” from Seton Catholic (came at a moments notice to help clean or do a special project at camp), and for the past three summers, has run the camp store. She will be a big loss to the camp as she moves forward toward her career this year but the memories she has left behind will never be forgotten! #sistersblog #cyocamphoward

We’re Off to the Races with the new SPEED RACERS!

July 18, 2017July 17, 2017Sr. Krista von Borstel, SSMO Leave a comment

JULY 15, 2017 CAMP HOWARD FEATURING THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF CLAYTON SMITH

This was the year to add to programming for the 6-10 year olds at Camp Howard. They are the Fircrest and Greenwood campers which means they stay in those units. They watched while the older kids got the zip line, big swing and laser tag. It was their turn this year and they got corcl’s and speed racers. Sounds like it has been a hit so far and we are all pretty excited for them! #sistersblog #cyocamphoward

Zip Line at Camp Howard…the Best!

July 17, 2017July 17, 2017Sr. Krista von Borstel, SSMO Leave a comment

JULY 17, 2017 CAMP HOWARD FEATURING THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF CLAYTON SMITH

I was talking to the 13 & 14 year olds at camp who were participating in the zip line. They were pretty excited about their experience and I heard one of them talking to a friend, “I have done a lot of zip lines but this one was the best!” I pardoned my eavesdropping and asked why she thought it was the best. She said the view was fantastic and you could see where you were going and it was “spectacular!” I thought that was pretty awesome. She is right…the view is amazing. #cyocamphoward #sistersblogs

FINALLY…A Corcl in Action!!!

July 16, 2017July 17, 2017Sr. Krista von Borstel, SSMO Leave a comment

JULY 15, 2017 CAMP HOWARD FEATURING THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF CLAYTON SMITH

WOWZERS!!! the kids have taken to Corcl’s like fish to water!!! 🙂 They can’t wait to get into them! The Camp staff saw them for the first time at the American Camping Association Convention this year and brought the idea home. Looked like fun especially since we were looking for something to excite the little kids in programming. They became good at it to the point it was the buzz at camp!!! Way to go Fircrest and Greenwood campers! (Boys and Girls ages 6 to 10)

Jenna Bass & Camp Howard BXB Camp

July 12, 2017July 9, 2017Sr. Krista von Borstel, SSMO Leave a comment

Basketball enthusiasts from around the Greater Portland area joined Jenna Bass for a basketball campout at Camp Howard Thursday through Sunday to add a few skills to their basketball toolbox. Bass, a former Willamette University star, flanked by daughter Claire and co-worker, Connor Garcia, enjoyed their four day experience with the kids under the wonderful Christ Child Basketball Courts at Camp Howard. The kids who attended will return to their CYO teams this winter armed with all kinds of new skills to enhance their games!

This Activity Unplugged the Campers!

July 10, 2017July 9, 2017Sr. Krista von Borstel, SSMO 3 Comments

Imagine what it might be to fish for the first time and actually catch some fish! That was the case for several Camp Howard campers and 22 Chinese students visiting from their homeland. They experienced the worms, the poles, the hooks the tangled lines, bringing in a fish, casting the line and a whole new world! It is always one of my favorite places to go and get a few good pictures! Note the iphones in the pocket along with the headphones! 🙂 Mission accomplished!

After they catch the fish, the fish are cleaned on the spot then taken to the kitchen where they are prepared for dinner and the fishermen/women get to eat their catch. It is a pretty awesome experience to observe! #srkristablog, #cyocamphoward