Camp Champions

Victoria headed out for two weeks to her first overnight camp in Marble Falls called Camp Champions. At first she wasn't sure about going but then after meeting counselors, going to local meet and greets with campers, getting some new camp gear, and having 2 friends come with her all helped ease the nerves. I was super impressed with CC and the way they handled this new family to the camp scene! Besides offering over 26 activities they instill such a love of life. No AC in the cabins - actually no electricity at all! And they have about 5 reasons why they don't have lights in the cabins. The owners, Susie and Steve Baskin, are Harvard MBAs and have taken camp into the child psychology level. Everyday they post tons of pictures and at least one blog a day. The have 4R's they try to instill in the kids, and everyone's name must follow with a Sir or Ma'am. So Victoria's name was Victoria Ma'am. Sounds silly but they have a few reasons why they do that too. Everything they do has a reason. And there are NO electronics at camp. Steve is the only camp owner to have his own TedTalk and the subject was about camp and electronics.

We received 2 letters from V, but she said she mailed 6! Her favorite activity (after horseback) was all things water. She learned to water ski and said being pulled by the boat on the raft was like a roller coaster! She never said she was homesick but did say the last three days of camp she missed us!

We were all super excited for V to head down so we painted the car to get her in the spirit. We stayed in Austin for a night with the Davises and it was a wonderful way to send V off.

Ummm, so sister didn't want to join in the family pic... but she was the first one to say she missed sister. And Victoria even sent Rebecca a letter.

Here we go! The Camp Champions Entrance- a giant spur! 

First day!

Her friend Madeline at drop off!

Bunk's ready and she's ready to go! She had the Emoji Tie Dye theme rocking

Drop off went great! There were no tears just smiles and a little nerves.

Lake love! I'm so proud of her for learning how to water ski.  This was one of SEVERAL experiences she tried: knee boarding, the glob, Sea Dos, rock climbing and ropes course were a few other favorites...

She's a TROJAN! She was initiated into the Trojan tribe and she fits in great! Their color is blue and Spartans are red.

Making new friends

V and her two friends she came with

Cabin fun

Plaque night

Torchlight

More crazy Trojan v Spartan games

Cowboy v Alien theme party!

V with her favorite Counselor, Kate Ma'am

On the first day they had a swim test to put them in the right water group. Then from there they had instructional swim during their stay.  Swimming is big at CC - maybe another reason why she loves it so.

Slushie night

Another favorite counselor, Kyren Ma'am

Closing ceremonies. She was a Mini (the youngest group) and they lead the color guard. I love how CC instills a love of country and everyday before breakfast they have a flag raising ceremony. 

Reunited and it feels so good.

Before she left she wanted to register for next year!

Hanging out in the Hearth (library, ceramics, painting, legos, jewelry making) and not sure she's ready to come home.

She is a Champion! So proud of her!! She's all over the 4 R's: Respect, Responsibility, Reaching Out, and Reasonable Risk

She really challenged herself and proved to herself that she can do a lot more than she thinks she can...