Happy Memorial Day! Illahee’s season has begun! It’s “opening day” -the start of staff orientation. There is a buzz of energy and a few butterflies as new and returning counselors drive into camp. Our week will be spent with team building, moving into cabins, activity training and even evening programs. (Yes, we will go to the Farm for a cookout and even have counselor Airband!!)
Even though today marks the first day of orientation, training has begun as many of our staff have attended specialized clinics during the month of May. All of our trips staff have taken WFA courses (Wilderness First Aid) or are WFR or EMT certified. Fox Mountain guides has hosted returning lead climber Honey in the AMGA Single Pitch instructor course, and our trips training climbing staff attended their two-day rock wall management course.
Riding director Sellers participated in the week long CHA clinic (Certified Horsemanship Program) in Georgia where the president of the organization, Peggy Adams, was lead instructor. All Kayakers refreshed their Swiftwater Fescue techniques in two day clinics and Mary Elizabeth enjoyed a day long Kayak instructor course with the American Canoe Association. Alexis, our archery head, arrived last week for the Archery clinic hosted by Backcountry Institute and our ropes course director, Chris, took a three day high ropes clinic sponsored by Camp High Rocks. Over the weekend 18 of our counselors became lifeguard certified participating in Gallagher’s intense three day Red Cross course.
Yesterday, camp drivers took a three hour Coaching the Van Driver course, that Dave facilitated before taking everyone out for a driving test. This afternoon our climbing director, Brent, will hold a belay clinic for all climbing staff and our lifeguards will take a refresher on the swim lake that Laurie and Lindsey will help to direct. We are excited to begin the BEST SUMMER EVER, and safety and training are a big part of that!