YCT Stories

Summer Resident Camp - Week 5 (Day 5)

2011-07-29T18:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of our campers who made this week so magical! Summer resident camp is at it's end but we look forward to seeing each and every one of you back in 2012! Thank you for all of the wonderful memories! This summer has been legendary thanks to you!

We miss you already!

Summer Resident Camp - Week 5 (Day 4)

2011-07-27T18:04:00.000-07:00

Today campers were able to sleep in and have breakfast in bed! It was a nice break to be able to get an extra hour of sleep this morning! Campers needed the extra energy for the busy day they had scheduled! Campers went horseback riding through our beautiful trails, conquered the high ropes course 35-ft in the air, and challenged themselves on our new climbing tower! It was a great time! Best of all, we had a Royal Mock Rock at our chapel that overlooks beautiful Piper Lake! Each cabin performed a dance/skit to one of their favorite songs! Campers had a blast dancing and singing the night away!

Summer Resident Camp - Week 5 (Day 3)

2011-07-26T14:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday! This morning we had breakfast in our pajamas! It was a great time! Pajama breakfasts are one of our favorite ways of starting the day! Today campers will be building sandcastles at the beach, boating across our beautiful lake, playing basketball at our sports court and going for a frog hunt around camp! Tonight we are dressing up as pirates and playing Pirateopoly! Campers will have a blast as they move around the game board by going to different locations throughout camp! It's a lot of fun to take a classic board game and mix things up by bringing it to life here at camp! We can't wait for the game to begin!

Mission: Read Campers

Summer Resident Camp - Week 5 (Day 2)

2011-07-25T16:01:00.000-07:00

Good Evening! Today has been so much fun! This morning the second group of CITs departed for their 4-day, 3-night canoe trip down the AuSable River! The CITs were so excited as they packed their bags and loaded up the canoes. It's perfect weather for their trip's departure--sunny, blue skies and comfortable temperatures! We can't wait to hear all about their adventure when they arrive back at camp on Thursday! Meanwhile, the rest of camp is busy swimming in the lake, playing sports and games, and learning how to work together as a team on our teams challenge course. Tonight for dinner we are having a Royal Ball! Campers and staff can dress up in their best as we feast on a delicious chicken dinner! There will be kings and queens, princes and princesses, and even a duke and duchess at our royal dinner! After dinner, for tonight's evening activity, campers will be playing Candyland throughout camp!

Queen

King

A royal game of Sorry!

Summer Resident Camp - Week 5 (Day 1)

2011-07-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Pirates and Princesses Week! We have an action-packed week ready for our campers! Right now campers are checking in and moving into their cabins. Once everyone is settled in our staff will be hosting a Pirates and Princesses Traveling Show! Members of our specialty programs will be traveling along to each cabin letting campers know about all of the great activities involved with our specialties! After the show, campers will choose the specialty that they want to be a part of during their week at camp! Tonight we will be having a treasure hunt! A chest of treasure has been buried somewhere on camp! Campers will be looking for clues and following their treasure maps in hopes of being the first group to find the hidden treasure! After that we will be winding down the day with a campfire filled with songs and skits by our great staff! Campers will be dancing and singing by the light of the fire! What a great way to start out our week!

Summer Resident Camp - Week 4 (Day 6)

2011-07-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

Camp Timbers would like to say thank you to all of the campers who made Olympic Week at camp such a blast! We had so much fun! We can't wait to see you again next summer! Please stay in touch with us on our facebook page! We would love to hear all about your week at camp!

Here are the cabin photos from this week:

Willow

Walnut

Spruce

Sequoia

Poplar

Pine

Elm

Cypress

CIT

Chestnut

Cedar

Birch

Aspen 2

Aspen 1

Summer Resident Camp - Week 4 (Day 5)

2011-07-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

Today is Thursday which means it's Color Wars Day! Each cabin will be assigned one of three colors (green, blue, or red). Cabins within the same color work together to gain as many points for their color as possible. Whichever color has the most points by the end of the day wins! It will be fun to see what color comes out on top this week! Today is all about record breaking! Today is the day that Camp Timbers helps the YMCA set the world record for “The World’s Largest Marshmallow Roast.” All of our campers will be involved with setting the record! Isn’t that exciting?! Campers will even get a certificate at the end of the day confirming their involvement in setting the record in the Guinness Book of World Records. Now after we are finished with that we will be having a campfire to finish off our last full day at camp! Songs and skits will be performed by our creative staff. Campfire is our favorite evening activity because everyone on camp comes together to sing and dance until the sun starts setting! It’s always a great time.

Here are some pictures from last night’s International Dinner:

China

America

Mexico

England

Germany

France

Italy

Brazil

India

Summer Resident Camp - Week 4 (Day 4)

2011-07-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that it’s already Wednesday?! This week is going by so fast! Campers have had such a wonderful day! This morning they got to sleep in and have breakfast in bed! Once campers started their day they were busy playing sports and games, challenging themselves on the high ropes course, and getting into water balloon fights! We want you to know that we are taking great care of your kids during such a hot week. Everyone has been provided with a water bottle and counselors are frequently checking to make sure they stay full as campers go about their activity periods around camp. We have altered our schedule to make sure that campers are getting access to the lake as much as possible. There are sprinklers set up around camp that campers can cool off in and water stations provide drinking water to all of the main areas of camp! Because we care so much about our campers and work hard to make their stay enjoyable, all campers are staying hydrated and healthy. In fact, camp is a great place to spend these hot days because we have our own private lake that campers can play in throughout the day! Campers are really enjoying themselves and making awesome summer memories this week. Tonight we had an international dinner! Campers 'traveled' to England, Germany, Mexico, America, China, France, India, Brazil, Canada, and Italy- enjoying food and activities from the different countries! Yum, what a great dinner! We also learned new things about each of these wonderful countries and were able to try new foods!

Here are some pictures from last night’s Timbers 500:

Good times with good friends!

Dancing to "Little Sally Walker"

Birch cabin

Pillow suit

Ready to race!

Yay! The Timbers 500!

And they are off!

Go, Go, Go!

At the start

Poplar cabin planning out a race. They went on to win the Championship!

What a fun night!

Summer Resident Camp - Week 4 (Day 3)

2011-07-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

Campers started off their morning wearing their pajamas to breakfast--one of our favorite ways to starting the day here at camp! The Road Runner and Polar Bear clubs met up long before breakfast though to start the day with a relaxing run on our wooded trails or a refreshing swim in our beautiful lake. Campers have been busy today flying kites at our upper ball field, mapping out new countries at arts and crafts, and mountain biking through the woods. Even though the day is hot campers are having a blast during their activities! This is the way summer was meant to be spent--with good friends, new experiences, and days spent at the lake! Tonight we will be participating in the Timbers 500. This race has cabins creating cardboard race cars that campers will race across the ball field! Campers will finish the revved up race by cooling down in the lake! Last year's champion was Aspen 2 cabin! Who will finish first this summer?

The first group of CITs is currently on the canoe trip down the AuSable River! We can't wait to hear all about their adventure when they get back on Thursday!

Summer Resident Camp - Week 4 (Day 2)

2011-07-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! We are having a great time here at camp! Our day has been full of activities like learning how to shoot a bow and arrow at archery and boating across beautiful Piper Lake! Even though this week’s temperatures are hot, we are staying refreshed as we spend the day on the beach. Throughout camp there are water stations that keep our campers hydrated and healthy on these hot summer days. We are having a blast splashing in the water and fishing off the bridge over the lake. It is only the first full day of week 4 resident camp and we are already making so many great memories. It’s always fun to meet new people and cultivate new friendships. Tonight we are having a Gold Metal Rush! Campers will be down at the waterfront participating in fun activities including bridge jumping, riding down our waterslide, and playing beach volleyball! It will be the perfect ending to such a great day!

Human Knot

Showing a rock to a friend

Ready for archery

Boating on Piper Lake

Camp's swim area

Water fight!

Our great CIT group

Summer Resident Camp - Week 4 (Day 1)

2011-07-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome campers and parents! It's Olympic Week at Camp Timbers! You came just in time to join the fun! We have a great week planned for our campers--today is just the start! While everyone is getting settled into their cabins, we are getting ready for our Opening Ceremonies Traveling Show! Campers will be learning about all the great specialty options that they can choose from throughout the week. Campers will be picking one area to specialize in whether it's sports and games, arts and crafts, archery, mountain biking, high ropes or any of our other awesome specialty programs here at camp! After dinner, we will be starting off the night with an Amazing Race! Campers will be exploring camp while searching for clues in a race to the finish line. We always have a great time during our Amazing Race activity. Campers are sure to love it as much as we do! Tonight we will be having a campfire! Camp staff has been preparing funny songs and skits to perform! We can't wait! Campers will be dancing and singing until it is time for bed!

Summer Resident Camp - Week 3 (Day 6)

2011-07-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

We would like to send out a BIG thank you to all of our wonderful campers who made Adventure Week so much fun! We had a blast and we can't wait to see you again next year! Thanks for the great memories!

Here are the cabin photos from this week:

Willow

Walnut

Teen Quest

Spruce

Sequoia

Poplar

Pine

Hickory

Elm

Cypress

Chestnut

Cedar

Birch

Aspen 2

Aspen 1

One of our awesome specialties this week was a photography/media option that allowed campers the opportunity to learn about photography while exploring camp. Here are some of the pictures taken by the campers who were in the specialty this week:

2011-07-15T09:41:00.000-07:00

Summer Camp - Week 3 (Day 6)

Counselor Spotlight:

Adam Pearson, Northallerton, North Yorkshire. England

It's a funny feeling stepping into the unknown. I'm from a small town in England and have never traveled alone or outside of Europe. I tried to generate an image of America and camp in my head, but could never have anticipated the effect camp has had on my life.

I've been at Camp Timbers for four weeks now and can honestly say this has been the most positive and enjoyable experience of my life so far. I have learned so much in such a short period of time. I've learned so many new skills and priceless lessons about life and myself.

I've learned the importance of a job you enjoy. I've learned how valuable it is to work with people who are friends and you enjoy being with. Everyone at camp has been so friendly and welcoming, I could never have asked for more.

The atmosphere like that of camp is simply one of a kind. The positive energy, enthusiasm and trust are infectious and radiates through camp. All staff are committed and work tirelessly towards achieving a common goal: to have a positive influence on a child's life.

The camp is located in a beautiful setting. There's a bench next to the lake that has inscribed on it; "enjoy life and it's possibilities." I think this message is an important principle to follow. This summer I hope to make every second of every day count and make my time here an extraordinary adventure. I will enjoy my camp experience and take every opportunity that comes my way and work hard to create possibilities that will benefit my life and the lives of the campers.

Adam Pearson,

International Counselor

YMCA Camp Timbers

Summer Resident Camp - Week 3 (Day 5)

2011-07-14T08:03:00.001-07:00

Today is all about The Color Wars! Cabins are assigned one of three colors (blue, red, or green) and given a list of fun things to do throughout the day! As each cabin completes a task on the list, their color gains points. The color with the most points by the end of the day wins! Cabins are already busy checking things off their list to give their color the most points possible. Campers have been challenging themselves on the high ropes course, getting into water balloon fights, and boating on Piper Lake! Tonight campers will be finishing off their day at another campfire! All new songs and skits will be performed which is sure to be a blast! It is already campers' last night at camp! Check-out is tomorrow! This week has gone by WAY too fast!

To remember all the fun we have had so far, here are some fun pictures from this week:

Playing gaga ball

Learning lacrosse

Flag football

Belaying at climbing tower

Reaching new heights

Swim practice

Our awesome CITs from Mexico

CIT group shot

Blue team for capture the flag

Yellow team for superhero capture the flag

Tripper, the yellow lab

Taking the horses into the open field

Playing horse tag

Ready to ride!

Summer Resident Camp - Week 3 (Day 4)

2011-07-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your patience! Here is yesterday's blog:

Last night's temperatures were in the 50s which was really refreshing. Campers were able to cool down after a hot week at camp! Today is simply beautiful! It is great weather for all of the activities we have planned for today! Campers will be sliding down our large sled tube, horseback riding through our nature trails, and challenging themselves to reach the top of our new climbing tower! Everyone at camp is anxiously waiting for today's Harry Potter Night! Staff has turned our lodge into the Hogwarts Great Hall! It will look spectacular as campers take part in our feast and become a part of our school of wizardry! We have tons of fun games to play as we bring the world of Harry Potter to Camp Timbers!

Even the morning lake looked mysterious...

Just some of our awesome staff in character!

The four houses

The famous Dumbledore

He who must not be named

The beginning of the Quidditch Match!

Trying to make a goal

A brave student facing Voldemort

Having a blast in his search for Harry Potter

Questioning a possible Harry Potter

We love Harry Potter Night!

Summer Resident Camp - Week 3 (Day 3)

2011-07-12T06:26:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful day! The sun is shining and Camp Timbers is buzzing with excitement for another fun day at camp! This morning campers had breakfast in their pajamas! It was great to sleep in a little longer and have breakfast in our favorite PJ's! Today is very special! It is Superhero day! Campers are encouraged to dress up like their favorite superheroes throughout the day as they adventure through camp! Campers will be flying through the air on our ziplines, making their own costumes in arts & crafts, and testing their athletic skills during sports & games. Tonight we will be playing Superhero Capture the Flag! We can't wait! It's going to be a day full of adventure, new experiences, and superheroes!!

Winner of today's Cleanest Cabin Award goes to Chestnut! Congrats! Keep up the good work!

The following are pictures from last night's Safari! We had so much fun finding all of the rare animals that were let loose around camp!

Our Safari Guide, Rachel

Poison Dart Frog

Running away!

They caught the Zebra!

Pink Panther

Monkey

Kevin from the movie UP

Piranha

Elephant

Our super fast Leopard

Giraffe and Zebra

All of our rare animals!

Summer Resident Camp - Week 3 (Day 2)

2011-07-11T15:43:00.000-07:00

Good Evening! Today has been an exciting day at camp! Early this morning our Road Runner and Polar Bear clubs met up to get an early start on the day. Great job to all of the campers who make these clubs so much fun to be a part of! These campers are having a blast exploring the lake or our beautiful trails while the rest of camp is still sleeping in bed! It started to rain this morning but we were all thankful for the showers because it helped to cool us off on this warm, summer day. Now the skies are blue and we are busy doing exciting activities throughout camp! Campers have been learning about teamwork at the challenge course, fishing from the bridge over Piper Lake, and learning how to shoot a bow and arrow in archery specialty! Tonight’s evening activity is UP Safari! Campers will be dressing up in safari costumes and going on an adventure that they will never forget! We can’t wait! It’s going to be a GREAT week!

Congratulations to Elm cabin for receiving today’s Best Scrape and Stack Award and The Cleanest Cabin Award! Great Job!

Hooray! It's Adventure Week!!

Fishing off the bridge

Nice catch!

Having fun!

Taking aim

Learning the proper form

Ready to shoot

Learning archery

Trail-riding

Cabin mates

Having fun on their nature hike

Boating on Piper Lake

Summer Resident Camp - Week 3 (Day 1)

2011-07-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Adventure Week at Camp Timbers! This week we will be celebrating some of our favorite adventure stories like Harry Potter, Up, and of course all of the greatest superheroes that we know and love! After check-in campers will be seeing our "Adventure is out there!" Traveling Show. This show gives campers the opportunity to see all of the awesome specialties that they can be a part of during the week! Campers can choose from watersports, photography, nature backpacking, GLEE, high ropes, mountain biking, arts and crafts, sports and games, archery, horseback riding, fishing, or cooking! There are so many great choices! After dinner tonight, the Amazing Race through camp begins where campers will be searching for clues and problem solving the challenge road blocks in their race to be the first cabin to the finish line.

Tonight we will have a campfire! WooHoo! Staff and campers will be singing and dancing until it's time for bed! We are all so happy to start Adventure Week at camp! It is going to be a LOT of fun!

Summer Resident Camp - Week 2 (Day 6)

2011-07-08T06:18:00.000-07:00

It's already Friday?! This week has gone by so fast! Check-out day is already here! Camp Timbers would like to say thank you to all of the campers who made Holiday Week at camp SO much fun! We had a great time getting to know you! Please come back and see us again soon!

We will miss you!

Willow Cabin

Walnut Cabin

Spruce Cabin

Cypress Cabin

Chestnut Cabin

Aspen 2

Aspen 1

Summer Resident Camp - Week 2 (Day 4)

2011-07-06T18:21:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween! We sure are flying through our holiday week here at camp! It has been so much fun! Today we celebrated the spookiest holiday of the year, Halloween! Campers just finished up their evening activity where they went trick or treating throughout camp! Campers decorated their very own bags to put all their goodies in tonight! It was great seeing everyone dressed up and looking silly as they celebrated Halloween! Overall it has been a great day! Campers slept in and had breakfast in bed this morning! With such sunny weather campers were swimming, fishing, boating, and biking all around Piper Lake. Campers are sure to have some amusing stories from this week to share with you once they're back home!

Nice fish!!

Fixing his line!

Beach volleyball

It is a beautiful day for a swim!

Switching order without stepping off the log

It's all about balance!

Working together to complete a level in the Teams Challenge Course

Summer Resident Camp - Week 2 (Day 3)

2011-07-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

This morning, bright and early, some of our clubs here on camp met up to start the day off right! Members of the Road Runner Club ran on the beautiful trails of camp. The Polar Bear Club went for a refreshing swim in the lake. Also, a new club called Michaelcise was started this week allowing campers to get a workout that is focused on stretching and toning muscle. All three of these clubs are great for campers because they encourage kids to get up and be active in the morning! Once everyone was awake, campers had breakfast in their pajamas while sitting around a BIG Christmas tree in the lodge! We are celebrating Christmas all day! The cozy fireplace was even decorated with stockings for each cabin! Campers enjoyed a delicious pancake breakfast before heading out to their fun camp activities like arts and crafts, boating, and horse riding. Tonight campers will be going on a Christmas present hunt as they try to find hidden presents around camp in a fun, interactive game! We are having a blast bring Christmas to July as we get to spend the holiday with our camp family! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!

Update: CIT canoe trip is going great! The group left White Pine Campground this morning and has safely made it to today’s destination! Everyone is safe and having fun on the AuSable River!

Summer Resident Camp - Week 2 (Day 2)

2011-07-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July! Camp is full of excitement as we celebrate America’s birthday! There is so much planned for today! The CITs will be starting their 4-day, 3-night canoe trip today on the AuSable River. They will be starting in Grayling and finishing their trip on Thursday in Oscoda. It is sure to be a great time! We can’t wait to hear all about their adventure! Campers today will be playing sports and games, ziplining across Piper Lake, and participating in the teams challenge course! Campers will also be working together with their cabin members to create a float for this evening's 4th of July Parade on camp! After a picnic dinner, we will be throwing a 4th of July celebration with lots of FUN activities to celebrate this wonderful holiday! We are so excited to be spending the 4th with such awesome campers and staff! God Bless America!

Tonight is CHRISTMAS EVE here on camp!! We are looking forward to celebrating Christmas tomorrow! Holiday Week at camp ROCKS!

CIT Canoe Trip

Excited for the trip!

Ready to go!

They are off!

4th of July Parade!

Loving his Camp Timbers Gear!

Aspen Float

Happy 4th!

Summer Resident Camp - Week 2 (Day 1)

2011-07-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome Summer Resident Week 2 campers! We are very excited to have you at Camp Timbers! This week’s theme is Holiday Week! It is going to be a blast celebrating all the different holidays throughout the week! Already campers are unpacking their suitcases and getting settled into their cabins. Today they will be swimming in the lake, discovering the layout of camp, and participating in a St. Patty’s Traveling Show! During the show, campers will learn all about the great specialties available to them here at camp including archery, dancing, arts & crafts, swimming, sports & games, nature walks, and SO MUCH MORE! Tonight campers will end their day at campfire where they will learn new songs and watch fun skits. The weather is SO beautiful today at camp! It is a perfect way to start our awesome week together!

Summer Resident Camp - Week 1 (Day 6)

2011-07-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

Thank you SO much to all of our Summer Resident Week 1 campers! We had a great time getting to know you! Below are the cabin photos for this week. Again, thanks to all of the wonderful campers who shared their summer with us! We hope to see you again next year!

Or make it sooner than that! We still have room in our next few weeks of summer resident camp! Come spend another week with us!

Teen Quest

CITs

Elm Cabin

Cedar Cabin

Aspen 1 & 2

Summer Resident Camp - Week 1 (Day 5)

2011-06-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

Today is the last full day (and night) at camp for summer resident week 1 campers! We can’t believe how fast this week has gone by! Time flies when you’re having fun! Early this morning our Road Runner and Polar Bear clubs did their early morning routines. Campers hurried off after breakfast for a fun game of capture the flag, where two teams raced around trying to find the other team’s hidden flag and bring it back to their home side! Campers had a blast! Next, everyone met up at the beach to swim in Piper Lake and play in the sand! Today’s weather is just as beautiful as yesterday and campers were happy to spend their last full day at camp in the sunshine! After lunch, campers will be going off to their chosen specialty. The horse specialty is having a costume parade at the barn this afternoon! Campers who are participating will be dressing up not only themselves but their horses too! It will be a great time! Camp’s evening activity is a campfire! Staff has prepared some really great skits and songs that will get campers singing and dancing until the sun finally sets!

Below are some pictures from last night’s luau! Wish you could have been there! It was a BLAST!!

Hayride to the Luau!

Splash Fight!

Trying to Dry off

Good Times with Good Friends

Summer Resident Camp - Week 1 (Day 4)

2011-06-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day! Campers are excited to be outside in the warm sunshine! Today, campers had breakfast in bed, allowing them the chance to sleep in this morning. Once their day had started, campers played sports & games, went swimming in the lake, and rode horses around camp! Later today, we will be boating across Piper Lake in kayaks, paddleboats, and canoes. It is such a perfect day for boating! Campers will have a lot of fun exploring our lake and all of its wildlife. After dinner, campers will be attending Hero Camp as they track down the mysterious villain who has been leaving clues of his presence around camp. This villain has been trying to corrupt hero efforts here at Camp Timbers! Campers will need to come up with a plan to defeat this villain once and for all!

Tonight’s BIG event is the luau! Campers and staff are SO thrilled for all of the fun luau activities that are planned! It is sure to be a blast! We will be posting pictures of tonight’s luau on the blog tomorrow so that we can share some of the fun with you too!

Today’s Cleanest Cabin Award goes to…(drum roll please)…HICKORY cabin! Congrats and keep up the good work!

Summer Resident Camp - Week 1 (Day 3)

2011-06-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday!! This morning campers involved with our Polar Bear Club took a refreshing swim in the lake. The lake is so tranquil first thing in the morning. Nothing gets you ready for your day like an invigorating dip in the lake first thing in the morning! The Polar Bear Club had a lot of fun! Throughout the day campers have been sliding down our sled tube, ziplining across our beautiful lake, and reaching new heights on our climbing tower! Tonight’s plans include another segment of our Hero Camp! Campers had so much fun last night learning about heroes and making their own round table of leaders—just like King Arthur!! Tonight’s evening activity is a game of Pineapples to Pineapples! Even though the weather today has been a little rainy, it certainly hasn’t stopped all the fun we are having here at Camp Timbers, where adventure and fun can be had even on rainy days!

Cleanest Cabin Award goes to ELM cabin! Two days in a row!! Good job girls!

Campers on a trail ride

Taking the BIG leap!

Flying through the air!

Camp Timber's sled tube

A happy camper :)

Summer Resident Camp - Week 1 (Day 2)

2011-06-27T11:07:00.001-07:00

It’s another beautiful day here at Camp Timbers! Campers have been busy participating in activities all over camp. Early this morning, around 6:15am, campers involved with our Road Runner Club took a peaceful jog through our gorgeous trails around camp. After a delicious breakfast, campers were creative at arts and crafts and adventurous on our 30ft. high ropes course. Right before lunch, campers cooled off in the lake and took a ride on our wild water slide! All day long kids have been smiling from ear-to-ear as they make new friends and have fun exploring camp. Tonight we will be starting our first Hero Camp activity where campers will begin to evaluate what it means to be a hero and who they consider a hero within their own lives. To finish up our busy day, campers will be playing the interactive game of Clue: Hawaii Edition. We are thrilled to have such great campers here at Timbers! The best part is that the week has only just begun!

A BIG congratulations to Elm cabin for receiving today's Cleanest Cabin Award!!

Having fun!

30 ft in the air!

Coming down from the zipline.

Going up!

Climbing up!

Getting clipped in

Campers having fun at high ropes!

Camp's swimming area

Horses eating breakfast in the pasture.

Summer Resident Camp - Week 1

2011-06-26T13:11:00.001-07:00

Today we welcome our first week of summer resident campers! Our staff is excited to be starting the week off on such a beautiful, sunny day. The warm temperature and soft breeze goes nicely with our week-long luau theme! Campers are currently busy settling into their cabins. Camp staff is preparing for tonight's Aloha Travelling Show! And, of course, later tonight we start the week off right with a good old fashion campfire. Campers will fill the air with song and dance until it's time for bed! Aloha, summer campers!! We are all looking forward to the fun week that lies ahead!

Gaga Ball!

Campers were making paper cups during our Aloha Travelling Show!

Beautiful Piper Lake

We are so excited for Luau Week!

Camp Staff welcoming kids at check-in!

Our Horse Ranch Director, Brandy.

Our Arts & Crafts specialist, Callan, painting a sign to celebrate Luau Week at Camp!

Herter Music Camp - Cabin Photos

2011-06-26T12:45:00.001-07:00

Here are the cabin photos from our Herter Music Week! We hope to see all of you again next year!
(Cabin names are below each cabin photo. Please click on any photo to see a larger copy)

Willow Cabin

Walnut Cabin

Spruce Cabin

Sequoia Cabin

Poplar Cabin

Pine Cabin

Oak Cabin

Maple Cabin

Hickory Cabin

Elm Cabin

Cypress Cabin

Chestnut Cabin

Cedar Cabin

Birch Cabin

Aspen 2 Cabin

Aspen 1 Cabin

Herter Music Camp - Day Seven

2011-06-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

We would like send out a HUGE thank you to all the campers and staff at Herter Music Camp! We had a blast this last week and we hope you did too! Here are a few pictures from our week together.

Herter Music Camp - Day Two

2011-06-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

Campers are having a busy day filled with new experiences and fun adventures! Music is filling the air as campers practice their instruments and perfect their music pieces. And not only are campers practicing and performing music but they are also taking advantage of all that camp has to offer. Between sessions of rehearsals campers are playing sports and games, becoming creative with arts and crafts, and relaxing on the lake during their boating classes. Camp's positive, supportive staff gives campers the opportunity to explore nature with a sense of adventure. Just last night campers participated in our version of The Amazing Race! Each cabin raced around camp looking for clues and solving problems in order to reach the next destination. Human knots and elephant walks became road blocks that challenged each cabin group as they made their way to the finish line. It was a lot of fun! With smiles on their faces and laughter in the air campers made their way down to campfire where camp staff performed skits and songs until it was time for bed! Tonight campers are looking forward to the Lapeer Symphonic Orchestra performance! We are all so excited to hear the orchestra play! What can we say? Some days are just filled with new adventures and fun memories! We are all so thankful that Camp Timbers gives us so many opportunities to have wonderful days like these!

Herter Music Camp - Day 1

2011-06-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

Such a beautiful day to welcome our first summer resident campers of the season! Herter Music Camp is officially in full swing! Campers are already swimming in the lake, biking through our wooded trails, and filling the air with beautiful music. We are thrilled to have such a great experience here at camp! Let the memories begin!!

Timbers 120 Day 2: Rainbow Bend to Mio

2010-05-30T12:47:00.000-07:00

Safari Day! Decked out in our leopard print shirts and leopard and zebra print hats, we put in at nearly the same time as yesterday. Out strong and steady paddling kept us on course, as we encountered many wild and elusive species!

We continued on our way until we hit the backwaters of Mio Pond, where we slowed out paddling and floated for a while. Once we hit the pond and we started up paddling again, we saw something moving through the water. Clearly not a stump, Ali joked it was a deer and lo and behold, it gets to the edge and leaps out of the water! An exciting addition to our Safari!

It took us about 2 hours to find our campsite, which proved more difficult than originally expected. After a while of paddling, we saw a sign pointing us toward Canoe Camping, we headed down and found several spots, none of which were canoe camping, after heading back and forth a bit, we asked a fisherman who wasn't sure, but pointed us toward the dam. We paddle nearly to it and finally saw it!

After setting up camp and eating a yummy dinner, we played Euchre with two brothers who were paddling the river together for Memorial Day Weekend. The brother's provided the Wilderness Survival Tip Card Deck, which may have provided more entertainment than the game itself!

Timbers 120 Day 1: Graying to Rainbow Bend

2010-05-29T04:12:00.000-07:00

We began the Timbers 120 with the drive over to Penrod's in Graying in the camp truck with a canoe tied down to the top and we couldn't have done it without Brandy, our driver and ratchet strap expert, so many thanks to her!

Dressed in our matching camp hats and camp t-shirts, we officially put in at 9:23am, starting the trip with a paddle high-five! I had on my very first YCT shirt, which I thought fitting for the beginning of this journey. As we paddled along on that gorgeous May morning, we spotted many types of wildlife including some of the human variety. This highly populated section was easy and, for me, incredibly familiar, since I have taken many campers down this section of the AuSable. We docked at Rainbow Bend shortly past four and set up camp at a nice site near the river. The first thing we did once we got there was take a nap, an amazing nap, which felt almost as good as the naps you take at camp during rest period!

After our "rest period," we had a lovely little feast for dinner: burgers, mashed potatoes, sliced carrots and we topped it off with tea and hot cocoa. We quickly retreated to our tent for the night because of the sandflies, which we eating us up. If you think the insects at camp are bad, check out Rainbow Bend, it will make you think twice!

Two Days Until we are on the River!

2010-05-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

We are counting down to the Timbers 120! Only two more days left and Ali is packing up the camping gear and I just got an amazing Uncle (Aunt) Sam outfit in the mail for Memorial Day, which I am sure we will pull out for Fourth of July at camp!

We are almost ready! Have you made your pledge yet?

Thanks to Hart Pontiac Buick GMC of Saginaw for their generous pledge which we received today!

Check out YCT on 98.5 WUPS!

2010-05-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

Tune in tomorrow morning at 9:15am, when YCT staff member, Rachel will be on 98.5 WUPS talking live with DJ Michael J about YMCA Camp Timbers and the Timbers 120! Or you can listen live at www.wups.com!

The Timbers 120 is only a few days away, but remember there is still time to make your pledge to help support camper scholarships and camp improvement projects!

Bald Eagle Encounter!

2010-05-25T19:15:00.000-07:00

While canoeing today with the Coyote group, Megan spotted a Bald Eagle flying above the lake. After watching it glide through the sky for a few minutes, it began a quick dive for the water and like a bolt of lightning, it grabbed a foot long bass from the water! It flew over several canoers and landed on Old Chapel trails with bass in claw. We slowly and quietly paddled toward it, and were shortly floating a mere 20 feet from our new friend. It seemed like no time at all and he was off again, taking off right above our heads and heading off into the sunset to have dinner. All together an incredible YCT experience that pretty much hits the top of the chart in my book.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Miller!

2010-05-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

A big congratulations goes out to Mary and Brian Miller, last years Village Chiefs here at YCT, who were married here on Saturday!

The staff group who made it to the wedding, we clean up nice! Isn't Mary beautiful!

Outdoor Living Skills

2010-05-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

One of our OE classes is Outdoor Living Skills or OLS for short. Today, the Bear trail group was at the Outdoor Classroom learning how to make fires and build shelters!

With only two matches, each team had to build a sustainable fire

The groups all successfully completed their task!

After building fires, we moved to building shelters. The scenario: we are lost! Miles from civilization and with only 30 minutes of daylight remaining, we need shelter! It is also supposed to rain tonight and there is a chance of frost! Oh no! The groups were tasked to build a shelter which would fit one person for the night. They had to consider the location and design of their shelters, so that their lost hiker would be safe.

One group decided to make a lean-to, which they stuffed with leaves and ferns to help protect from the elements and keep heat in!

The other group made a small cabin between two large logs, with a roof of sticks layered with leaves for insulation and bark for protection from the elements!

Their design was very impressive, and when our hiker headed in he commented on how incredibly warm it was!

An Evening at Camp!

2010-05-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

With a little more than a week before the Timbers 120, YCT is abuzz with happy campers! As one group moved out, we had another move in. After a long day of activities with our trail groups, we all came together for some night activities. We started our evening with a good ol' game of Capture the Flag and then went to have our opening campfire!

The Green Team getting their faces painted!

And the Blue Team as well!

We headed to Campfire after CTF!

Lights, Camera, Action! It is skit time!

Watching intently, as we learned how to put on make-up!

How does her make-up look?

Hey wait a minute, I think there might be a person behind her...

Wildfire!

2010-05-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

Nearby camp today, there was a forest fire! As we watched the large cloud from the waterfront, one of the science teachers explained to us that it was most definitely a smoke cloud because there was a cumulonimbus cloud above it. But we kept on doing out activities, which for the night were Mission Impossible and Creative Problem Solving!

For Mission Impossible the group wa divided into cabins, and each cabin had to successfully complete different tasks to get their passports signed at stations all over camp!

Playing the Haha game in Mission Impossible

Simon Says put your hand on your head!

Attempting to detangle the human knot!

Don't fall down playing Dizzy Bat!

Tush Push on the beach!

The cabins had to stay together, otherwise they would get "biffed" with flour!

Holding hands in a circle created a forcefield to protect a cabin group from biffers!

After the intense game of Mission Impossible we headed to the lodge for a game of creative problem solving, in which cabins build some structure to protect and egg when we drop it on the lodge floor! The eggs weren't hard-boiled and the cabins could only use 20 plastics straws and an arms length of tape!

Some happy builders with their structures!

Building their egg protectors!

Celebrating after being one of two cabins to successfully drop their egg the first time!

The two cabins which made it to round two, got dropped from a chair!

Jon got the whole camp chanting about the egg drop!

After breaking the egg, we toss the destroyed eggs across the lodge and into garbage bags!

Another fun day at YCT, despite the looming smoke cloud!

Piper Lake Beavers!

2010-05-17T18:34:00.000-07:00

Went for a "night" hike, which was more like a dusk hike, and snapped a few photos of the Piper Lake beavers!

The view of the beaver dam from the observation deck!

Since the water is low, the beaver dam seems really high!

Found some cool fungus on a log near the water, then I heard a splash...

It was one of the Piper Lake Beavers heading out for dinner!

Look at his orange teeth!

And his little hands!

He put on quite a show for me, but eventually decided to go elsewhere

As I was leaving, I found a chewed up tree!

And here are the shavings!

Waterslide

2010-05-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

The waterslide is up! The process began last Friday, as a group of staff did the heavy lifting and attached all the individual pieces to the cables, a process which involves lots of repeated hooking, clipping, and tying. Several hours later, the slide was up and looking great. It only needed the finishing touch of tying the bottom flaps to their metal stabilizers, but they needed a lifeguard to get in over the water. So today, we got out there in our giant row boats and finished up the ties, completing the waterslide! Maybe it will warm up soon, so we can get in the first slide of the summer!

The newly installed Waterslide!

Maybe you notice how high up the slide is since the water is low. That will be one heck of a drop to the water! Good thing you are always wearing a lifejacket and there is a lifeguard at the bottom of the slide to help keep everyone safe! Woo hoo!

Busy day with the Y Guides!

2010-05-15T19:16:00.000-07:00

With only one day at YCT, the Y Guides had a packed day to fit in as many fun activities as possible!

Dads were showing their boys how to fish on the bridge...

... and on the shore!

Everyone got the chance to go down Piper Pete's Plunge with Drew!

Megan took a group canoeing and kayaking!

One of the dad's showed us a new kickball game, similar to ultimate frisbee and football!

A new camp favorite? I hope so!

They started campfire with a bunch of huge torches!

And then they initiated Howling Chipmunk as their new fearless leader!

A Rare bog! A Rattlin' bog! A Way down in the Valley-O!

There was a moose! He liked to drink a lot of juice!

Megan got a new pet named Centa!

Oh no Howling Chipmunk, Centa peed!

The Timbers 120: Two Weeks To Go!!!

2010-05-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

The AuSable River holds a simplistic, yet majestic, grandeur. Families vacation on the sandy banks of the river as fishermen wade with patience. The AuSable River is an idealistic northern Michigan destination for many. But, loud songs about a moose interrupt the chirping birds and the grazing deer. Those responsible for the noise typically come from YMCA Camp Timbers, located in West Branch, Michigan. At Camp Timbers, the Counselor-in-Training program allows for teen campers to take a four-day, three-night canoe trip down the AuSable River. The CIT program at Camp Timbers hooked sisters Rachel and Ali Lum on boating.

After may years as resident campers, Rachel and Ali became CIT’s at Camp Timbers. As CIT’s, they both learned about leadership, respect, and responsibility. Though many lessons were learned and many memories made, the sisters knew more fun times lie ahead. In the summer of 2006, Rachel became a staff member at Camp Timbers, Ali joining her sister in 2008. As staff, their love for camp grew deeper. Because they both worked as lifeguards, boating became second nature for the sisters. It wasn’t until last January when they realized it was time to put their canoeing talents to the ultimate test. Rachel and Ali decided to canoe all 120 miles of the AuSable River.

Once decided, the sisters knew their trip could be turned into something more. And so, Rachel and Ali joined forced with the Saginaw YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign, a campaign which raises money to help families send their kids to camp or join programs at the YMCA. The money raised from the weeklong 120-mile journey down the AuSable River is designated for camp improvement projects and scholarships, to make vital improvements to camp and grant more children a life-changing week.

The sisters have named their canoe trip the Timbers 120, in the spirit of the famous camp evening activity, the Timbers 500. In the Timbers 500, cabins make racecars out of cardboard, tape, and some creativity, producing some incredible results! The canoe trip will embody everything Camp Timbers means to campers. Each day on the AuSable River will be filled with favorite songs, fun costumes and traditional camp activities. There will be a pajama breakfast on the banks of the AuSable, a Memorial Day celebration, a Hawaiian Luau, an early morning plunge during a polar bear swim, and an exciting Safari.

Along with the many other activities planned for the Timbers 120, one day will be dedicated to River Prom 2010. Dances are a common evening activity at Camp Timbers and are always a camper favorite, but as the initial plans for the Timbers 120 were being made, Ali realized she would be missing her one and only chance to attend her senior prom. Ali made the decision to go ahead with the Timbers 120, giving up prom. But, Ali believes being on the AuSable River is more important than being anywhere else.

“The Timbers 120 is our way of giving back to the camp which gave us so much, “said Rachel, the 2010 CIT Director. “We are just one small part of the Timbers 120. You support is the major factor. Please help us give back to Camp Timbers.” You can follow the entire adventure online at the YCT Blog (yctstories.blogspot.com) and get updates about camp on the YCT Twitter and YCT Facebook page. If you would like to be a sponsor of the Timbers 120, please send a tax deductible donation along with a donation form to YMCA Camp Timbers.

-Ali Lum-

The Beast

2010-05-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

Ever heard of The Beast? Well, here at YCT we've been doing The Beast activity and thus far everyone is having a great time with it. Especially since it is raining out and The Beast is in the lodge, where we have a rip-roaring fire going! Take at look at the photos of The Beast below; can you guess how to play The Beast?

The game pieces!

A completed Beast

Capture the Flag!

2010-05-12T18:46:00.000-07:00

After a short hiatus, we have another Outdoor Education group here at YCT and for evening activity we played Capture the Flag in main camp. Oh, what a game, with everyone decked out in yellow or blue war paint! Once painted, the kids took off to hide their flags, with chaperones following closely behind.

Each team had their strategies, the yellow team on the defensive and the blue on the offensive. Thus, many blue teamers were caught and we had our many regulars in "jail" at the sports court. Every time they had to do something silly to get out, whether it was singing the teapot song, dancing in a kick line, or walking the elephant walk!

One of the teachers was talking about how they felt like a child again, which is truly one of the best parts of camp: bringing out the child in all of us. Although, after the game, we overheard many of the chaperones saying, "Oh man, I am going to be hurting tomorrow!" Both teams did an incredible job hiding their flag and playing their strategies, but they each were just too good, because we ended up having to finish the game and go to campfire without anyone getting the flag back to the sports court! Maybe next time!

Lights, Camera, Action!

2010-05-06T20:17:00.000-07:00

This high energy OE group had a packed day! Down at fishing, one of the students caught a 16in Bass. At Arts and Crafts, the students made hand dipped candles, with wax heated over an open fire. Down at the waterfront, they had a driftwood fire going in the morning to help fight the effects of the chilly breeze off the lake. After dinner, the students received a top secret transmission via satellite from the Camp Timbers Intelligence Agency and were sent on Mission Impossible, another crazy evening activity!

Jon, OE Staffer, getting the group ready with our tradition skit starter, Lights, Camera, Action!

Our OE group finished out today with Creative Dramatics, an evening activity in which cabins groups come up with skits to explain questions in nature, like why is the bald eagle bald? Using every person in the cabin, each cabin answered a different question with fun characters like Mother Nature (which a Dad chaperone changed to Father Nature), magical fruit trees, turtles, snakes, raccoons, eagles, and more!

Down at the chapel watching Creative Dramatics!

Piper Lake

2010-05-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

The lake is looking really low this year! Which is probably due to the really dry winter, although we might be able to make some of that up in spring showers, like the one we had today. The first of our Outdoor Education groups moved in today in the middle of a down pour! Luckily the sun came out after lunch for our awesome activities, which included teams course, outdoor living skills, orienteering, archery, arts and crafts, sports and games, climbing tower, and boating!

Look at how big the beach is!

The great part about a low water level in the lake is that means the beach is really big and the waterslide will be super long! More fun all around!!!

2010-05-04T19:41:00.000-07:00

A portion of the Outdoor Education staff team moved up to camp today! During the month of May, YCT hosts various elementary and middle school groups for a couple of days at a time. Teachers bring their classes up and they get the chance to sample some of camp's activities and we get the chance to hang out with some pretty cool kids.

To get prepped for our first group's arrival, Bee and Brian, our certified high ropes specialists, wanted to "practice" their Climbing Tower skills, which was really just an excuse to play around on our 30 foot Climbing Tower! They got harnessed up, did their safety checks and headed up the wall.

On belay? Belay is on!

Belaying is a climbing technique used to keep the climber safe. Basically the person on the ground keeps the rope tight and uses friction to stop the rope if the climber slips, that way they don't fall more than a few inches. During summer camp, we use a group belay system in which the entire cabin is on the rope helping to keep their cabinmate safe, teaching our campers the importance of working as a team.

Brian on his way to the top

Before we send up a camper, they set a personal goal for the tower. For some people, like me, their goal is merely to make it off the ground, for others, like Brian, it might be to make it up in under a minute!

Bee pushing her limits on the tower

Both Bee and Brian did the wall a couple of times, each time heading up in a different way, making each climb a new and exciting experience!

Pledge forms now available online!

2010-05-03T20:54:00.000-07:00

The pledge forms for the Timbers 120 are now available online to download at http://tinyurl.com/yctpledgeform!

A promotional postcard for the Timbers 120

Please consider donating to this amazing camp and help to change a child's life!

Patriotism!

2010-05-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

Ali found hats today for us to wear on Memorial Day during the Timbers 120!

Snazzy, eh?

Just the beginning of our costume collection for our wild n' wacky trip down the river to raise money for YCT!

New Element at the Ropes Course

2010-05-01T18:14:00.000-07:00

If it is possible, the high ropes course, is even better than before! The basic four elements are the same as always, but the extras which the Climbing Specialty uses have been changed around a bit. The long burma bridge and log entrance are gone, but don't worry Climbers, they have been replaced by a new and equally challenging element!

The swings element on the high ropes course

The new entrance is a complicated ladder of sorts, featuring tires, wooden rungs, and smaller wooden boards. Bee and Brian, two of our certified high ropes staff, spent a good 20 minutes trying to figure out how it works, maybe you will be the one to figure it out!

The new entrance

It attaches to the main elements by a smaller burma bridge and connects with them at the third platform. Who's going to be here to climb thirty feet in the air and try it out this summer?

Countdown to the Timbers 120!

2010-04-28T17:14:00.000-07:00

It is only one month away and preparations have begun for the TIMBERS 120! Below is the final itinerary (with some fun little details!) for the 120 mile journey!

Saturday, May 29: Traditional Camp Timbers Day!

18 miles: Leave YCT and put in at Penrod’s in Grayling

As we leave YCT, we will be decked out head to toe in camp gear, ready to hit the open waters! We will spend the day singing camp songs, practicing the water safety skills we learned as CITs, and we will end our first night just like we do at Camp, with a bonfire!

Sunday, May 30: Safari Day!

18 miles

When the animals at the YCT Zoo break loose, it is up to the cabins to catch them and bring them back for a reward! A favorite camp evening activity, we will be dressing up as Zoo animals in it's honor for our day on the river. Hopefully we won't have any cabins trying to bring us back to camp!

Monday, May 31: Memorial Day!

13 miles

Heading out in our finest red, white, and blue, we will be celebrating Memorial day like we do the 4th of July at YCT: with fireworks! Plans for a huge bonfire, a backcountry barbeque, and sparklers are all in the works!

Tuesday, June 1: Luau Day and Midnight Madness!

26 miles

We will have our leis and tiki torches ready for our Luau day! It is also the only day we legitimately get to wear bathing suits! Maybe we can convince Drew to come out and bring the blow-up limbo? The next morning, we get to sleep in and have pajama breakfast, so why not stay up late and celebrate Midnight Madness? We may not have a basketball court to play on, but there will be plenty to fun on the AuSable at midnight!

Wednesday, June 2: Pajama Day!

14 miles

Starting with our pajama breakfast and ending with a night hike, it will be another day dedicated to the stuff the makes YCT great! We will do some our favorite traditional activities that have been around since we first started coming to camp!

Thursday, June 3: River Prom 2010!

18 miles

In the early planning stages of the Timbers 120, we realized that Ali would be missing her one and only senior prom if we went ahead with it. Ali made the difficult decision and she will be canoeing the AuSable to benefit Camp, while the rest of her friends spend hundreds of dollars on single night of fun. To celebrate her sacrifice and to honor the many Camp Prom Nights we've had over the years, we will be wearing (inexpensive) prom dresses all day on the river and having River Prom 2010 that night!

Friday, June 4: The End!

12 miles

Knowing how exhausted we will be as we finish up the last of our 120 miles, we plan to return to camp for a closing campfire to celebrate our trip and all of the sponsors who made it possible and who help to make the future of camp possible.

Please consider donating to this incredible and sponsoring our trip! Pledge forms will be mailed to camp families in early May, otherwise email ycttech@gmail.com for a pdf version!

Eagle's Flight!

2010-04-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

Construction began today for the Eagle's Flight Zipline! The Zipline will start 17 feet above the upper ball field (near the sled tube), reach across the lower ball and the lake by the beaver dam, ending by the old archery range near the nature center. Expected to be over 1000 feet long when completed, as far as Matt Miller, founder of Universal Ropes, knows it will be the longest in Michigan.

The Start of the completed Eagle's Flight Zipline

Support for this project camp from former camper and staff member Mike Houlihan, who reached out to his CMU community and raised half the money for the project! Thanks to Mike and all who contributed to making YCT a better place for future campers!

The end of the completed Eagle's Flight Zipline, as seen from the Upper Ball Field

UPDATE 4/29: A video of the first flight by former camp staffer, Joe Meyers, is now posted on the YCT Facebook page!

Camp food is nutritious!!!

2010-03-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

I remember the most frightening part of heading off to camp for the first time; the food. I was terrified of the rumors and stereotypical stories of "camp food". I was scared I would starve to death, only being served burnt spaghetti and brown bananas. BUT, my fears were put to rest when I arrived at YMCA Camp Timbers where I quickly learned how excellent the food tasted!!! As I continued to spend my summers at camp, I fell in love with the exotic flavors of the spanish rice, tortellini pasta salad, pulled pork, and stromboli. But my favorite meal of all times at YMCA Camp Timbers quickly became the the McTimbers breakfast sandwiches, a delicious combination of egg, sausage, and cheese stacked inside an english muffin. The most shocking part of it all came when I learned how healthy camp meals and snacks are. I know I eat healthier at camp than at home because I am guaranteed salad, fruit, vegetables, protein, and many more delectable components to a healthy diet. At camp, I don't compromise the taste of foods for their health benefits because I get both!!!!!

By: Ali

Question of the Day... What Song Reminds you of Camp the Most?

2010-03-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

"Danny Boy" - Ken D.

"Time of your Life - Green Day" - Michael S. D.

"cat's in the cradle and nightswimming" - Amanda W.

"Can't narrow it down... Leavin' on a Jet Plane, Cat's in the Cradle, Free Fallin', Pink Pajamas, and Irishman Shanty..." - Kristi M.

"Lean on Me, Free Fallin, One Tin Soldier" - Lindsey R.

"What is Mine - OAR" - Miquel G.

"Wow. Cat's in the Cradle, Blister in the Sun, Hammer and a Nail, anything by James Taylow. Pinball Wizard. ;) So many memories..." - Jen S.

"LOL! The Beaver Song!" - Andrea H.

"Dr. Worm and Cat's in the Cradle :]" - Nikki M.

"hmmm.... all very good ones.... Tom Petty, Indigo Girls, John Denver, Cat Steven's Peace Train... and let's not forget the song Way Down Yonder :) Um, I think we are starting to age ourselves here people!" - Amy L.

"I forgot about anything Indigo Girls or Tome Petty. Let us not forget Pecos Bill as well." - Amanda W.

"Probably because we sang it so often, but Wonderwall!" - Joel S.

"Alice the Camel" - Alexander R.

"'The Mountain'. 'What about me'. 'Pinball Wizard'. 'What if I stumble'. 'Macarena'. 'The Power of Love'." - Jeff S.

"One Tin Soldier will always remind me of my camper days, but lately Don't Stop Believin' keeps reminding me of that time Matt Lechel drove around camp on the golf cart with speaker hooked up to it as a morning wake up call!" - Rachel L.

"nananana chewing gum..." - Melissa H.

"We welcome you to Y-Camp Timbers, mighty glad you're here..." - Ricky G.

"don't stop believing is number 1 for camp timbers for me. dan started playin the intro during our last lunch and by the time we got to the chorus the entire dining hall was on it's feet dancing on tables swinging towels it was amazing! or bon jovi's living on a prayer... wednesday morning radio salute." Heidi B.

Responses taken from the YCT Facebook Page!

Sharing Adventure... Building Leaders

2010-02-20T17:24:00.000-08:00

Camp Timbers has helped me be more adventurous and more outgoing. It is the best thing I do during the summer. You learn while you have fun and you try and face your fears. My most memorable experience was this previous summer.

Tori (Center) with the 2009 Teen Questers

I enrolled in the Teen Program and it helped me understand more about being a leader. I met so many new and funny friends that I still keep in touch with. I encourage people to come to Camp Timbers because you will have the best time here.

By: Tori

Great Outdoors Defeats Video Games!

2010-02-10T17:38:00.000-08:00

I could probably give a hundred reasons why Camp Timbers changed the way I spend my time today. It definitely helped my learn what I liked about the outdoors. I was given the option of so many activities to try. Most of the time I would pick archery, the rifle range, fishing, high ropes or swimming. I loved to go fishing and was able to fish every day at camp. I remember building shelters, learning to build fires, camping of the ball fields and making hobo stew with aluminum foil on the fire. I'm sure it had an impact on my decision to move to Alaska. It was the outdoors that I loved on steroids! I overcame my fear of heights on the high ropes course and have spent many days in Alaska ice climbing on some of the most beautiful glaciers in the world. Because of camp I am able to accomplish more in my life. Playing video games is not what life is all about!

By: Scott

The Lum Sisters' Story

2010-01-25T19:55:00.000-08:00

Ali and I started coming to camp with our Dad through the YMCA's Indian Princess program (now Adventure Guides) when we were little kids. We travelled the state spending three weekend at three YMCA camps every year. Ali and I never really felt the inclination to go to summer camp until we met former YCT Assistant Director, Ryan Jaime. Ryan's enthusiasm for YCT and his realy cool hats, convinced Ali, myself and our dear friends Caryn and Eileen to sign up for a summer session on the spot.

The end of our first week of camp (clockwise from top right: Rachel, Eileen, Alison, Caryn)

My first day of camp was quite an experience. I can still remember walking to my cabin, Spruce, as an excited, slightly nervous 12 year old. I entered the camp family that day and never looked back. Several years later, I would work along side my counselor of that week, Steph, and just this past summer I attended the wedding of my cabin mate from so long ago. The bond you share with your camp family is one different and sometimes more profound than all others. Only your camp friends understand the importance of grilled cheese day, or how to "poodition" in the lake, or why staying in Oak still to this day gives you the chills. I didn't know that week would forever change my life; it was just a wonderful, carefree moment of fun in the sun.

Ali and I can never seem to find the best way to thank camp for everything it has done for us. And we know that there are many kids out there who feel the same. So when we decided to canoe the entire AuSable river in a week, we knew that we should partner with the YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign to raise money for the camp that introduced us to the AuSable.

We will spend one week, paddling the AuSable, in the same way we did as CITs and as the CITs will this summer with me as CIT Director. Our trip will represent a crazy camp week, so we will be wearing costumes under our lifejackets, having prom on the river, and keeping everyone updated on this blog!

Keep your eyes out for more camper stories and more information about how to donate to the Strong Kids Campaign!

By: Rachel Lum

CIT Director 2010, Camper/CIT Alum