Winter at Camp

Just like the rest of the northwest Hamilton is really feeling the effects of winter. It is ranging from the teens down into the single digits here. The pond is completely frozen now, as well as a lot of the ground. It almost feels like we have permafrost. The lake is also starting to form a thin layer of ice on the top. The staff are still braving the cold to work on the high ropes course. I'm however, holed up in the camp office with the heat on working on staff training. It was so pretty this morning when I drove in that I snapped these pictures with my camera phone. Hope you're all staying warm!

Camp Gallagher 2010

Neon sunsets, soft guitar chords and overnight adventures may seem far away during these dark winter days, but at the CYO office, we have been talking a lot about the upcoming summer season. One thing we all agree upon is how special these summer days are, especially at a place like Gallagher. We want to make sure even more campers get to experience its beauty this upcoming summer season.

So as we release the summer 2010 schedule for Gallagher, you may notice some changes. We have extended a special session to graduating seniors, giving more campers one more opportunity to find ways to “Live it up, and live it out” at camp and beyond. For campers who have a busy schedule or limited funds, you can come experience a 6-day Gallagher session. For the first time in years, we are also offering an 11-day session, for even more time at this place we all love so much.

These changes may be surprising to some, but in a changing world, we feel it is important to make sure everyone has an opportunity to come to Gallagher. While Gallagher is a sacred place, where forest meets sea and tradition lives strong, it is also a spirit. It something we live out, carrying God’s love into the world and finding ways to be ourselves in a world trying to make us someone else. So as we dream of summer days, we hope this new Gallagher schedule will bring this spirit to even more campers. Any questions? Just ask! Wa-Wa-Wakikia. See you this summer!

Bradshaw High Ropes Course

We have lost a dear member of our family this summer. U.S. Army 1st Lt. Brian N. Bradshaw, died June 25 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Kheyl, Afghanistan. Brian joined the CYO family in 2001 working as a dishwasher at Camp Don Bosco. He worked at Bosco the next summer then moved on to Hamilton until 2006. Brian was loud, caring, adventurous and notorious for his impressive mopping skills. He mopped out the Longhouse like no other! Brian's spirit and love for camp showed as he led campers on adventures through the woods as the mountain bike specialist while at Hamilton. He will be deeply missed by the CYO community and will forever be in our circle of friendship, family, and support.

Brian's family decided to support one of Brian's favorite camp activities at Hamilton, the High Ropes Course. With their help we've begun construction on a new course. This course will help campers conquer fears, set goals, and really live out Brian's adventurous spirit. This week we began installation of the poles that will be holding the course. I'll be trying to post updates and photos as the construction process continues.