The Heart is home to a variety of squirrels, including rock squirrels! They are interesting little creatures, tucking themselves away in our cliff faces and boulders. Though they are ground dwellers, rock squirrels are excellent at climbing. We often see them scurrying all over camp- especially the boulders by the kitchen! Rock squirrels eat a variety of vegetation, including nuts, …
Our Little Neighbors: Mighty Bumblebees
Which came first, the wildflowers or the bumblebees? We are not sure, but neither would be as abundant without the other. The Heart is blanketed with seasonal and fragrant blooms which attract all sorts of pollinators. Seeing the bees bumble about is one of the many joys of camp life. Because they produce enough honey for human consumption, honeybees typically …
Our Little Neighbors: Cardinals
Well known for their vibrant vermillion plumage, cardinals are native to the Americas. While there are a variety of cardinals, the ones that call The Heart home are northern cardinals. When European settlers arrived and first saw the cardinal’s coat, they were reminded of the robes worn by Catholic Cardinals. It’s interesting that the birds and clergymen have coats of …
Our Little Neighbors: Vultures
Vultures, the living lesson in life that reminds us to appreciate the beauty of nature in new ways. The Heart is home to both black and turkey vultures. The Turkey Vulture’s scientific name, Cathartes Aura, is indicative of their role in the ecosystem. It translates to “purifying breeze” or “golden purifier.” These terms may not come immediately to mind when …
Our little Neighbors: Porcupines
“Bowlegged and pigeon-toed, the porcupine slowly ambles along, swinging its fat body from side to side, muttering to itself.” –Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Ah, porcupines. Their scientific name, Erethizon dorsatum, translates to “the irritable back.” They are solitary creatures that enjoy grazing on whatever vegetation they can get their big chippers on. Weighing in at around 20 lbs, covered …
Our Little Neighbors: Ravens
With a wingspan of about four feet, ravens cooly glide over most of the northern hemisphere, including The Heart! Through cleverness and adaptability, ravens have crafted ways to thrive for millions of years. While ravens prefer to roost in forests’ tall trees, nests with dappled turquoise eggs can also be found tucked away in cliffsides. Sporting a distinct rugged beard, …
Counselor Chats: Sign Up Today
Counselor chats, nurse chats, and trading post information update. In following up with camper families of 2020, we learned a few things about Opening Day that could be improved upon. Often camper families want to have a conversation with their camper’s counselor, or the camp nurse. Sometimes families want to buy their camper’s clothing in person. And for our new …
Opening Day Details: Summer 2021
Prior to Opening Day, families will schedule a drop off time (see below). Upon arrival, camp families enter camp through the service gate, which is the wider entrance beyond our main gate. From there, traffic directs into one of two lanes. Then, greeting our campers, is our crew of former camper volunteer RN’s. Temperatures are taken in the car. If …
COVID Daily Screen
Opening Day for First Term and 1A is two weeks away! That means it is time to start your daily COVID-19 Health Check! It’s a quick look at symptoms and temperature. In an attempt to make the process simple, CampMinder has created an easy two-minute form that you fill out each day. Simply go to our home page, scroll down and on the …
Summer Prep: “The Ultimate Checklist”
Can you believe that summer is nearly here! We are so excited for the campers’ arrival! As we are making sure that camp is ready, we would just like to make sure that everything is in line for your camper. Opening Day Information: Our streamlined drop-off and pick-up process for Summer 2021 allows us to reduce exposure for our health and safety at …