August 5, 2021 – Closing Activities

Daily Update

Thought O’ the Day

“Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes.”

Joseph B. Wirthlin

A Word from Monique

It is so hard to believe that in two short days, you will be here to pick-up your campers and summer 2021 will come to a close. 

We hope your girls had the best time this summer! From swimming in the Guadalupe to running through the sprinklers in the big field, this summer was action packed. 

Sadly, we know it will soon be time to go back home. And the truth is most campers really miss camp after they get home — some campers miss camp a lot. They call this campsickness… and trust us, it is real. 

“Much like homesickness, campsickness is a natural response to the sadness and loss that may accompany the end of the camp season or session.” Camping Magazine

Luckily, we have some simple tips to helping campers deal with campsickness!

• Encourage your camper to talk about camp and share stories. 
• Have them teach you a camp song. Camp songs are a huge part of our summer. I am certain they will have many to share with you. 
• Use the photos on Campanion to drum up conversation and help them remember fun times. Did you know that Campanion photos are free to download? Why not make a photo album together!
• Encourage your camper to keep in touch with camp friends. Some campers like to write real letters to each other to keep the communication campy. Each camper should go home with a list of addresses for the campers in their cabins to make keeping in touch easy. 
• Keep up with the Heart on our many social media sites. We are on Facebook and Instagram, and we post 2x per week on our blog! All of these are great ways to spark fun memories, and let you know what’s going on around The Heart when your camper is away!
• Talk about camp plans and start a count-down calendar for next summer!

Today’s Menu

August 4, 2021 – Cypress Gathering

Daily Update

Thought O’ the Day

“With the new day come new thoughts and new strengths.” 

Eleanor Roosevelt

A Word from Maddie

As we near the end of camp, we can look back and reflect on how camp has truly affected us this summer. It has been one heck of a summer. I started off as head of field sports along with a couple other titles and then suddenly one day became program director. Life has been hectic here at camp. We have definitely had our ups and downs, but overall this summer has been my favorite yet. It was filled with twists and turns, some bad and some good, but we all have made it this far. I truly love Heart of the Hills and I am extremely grateful for it to have given me so much. To those thinking about working at The Heart, please consider the different reasons. The Heart creates special friendships. Doly and I have created a bond that will last a lifetime. The Heart makes everyone feel special. Here people feel as if they belong and that they are loved. I love every moment I spend here and I wouldn’t give it up for the world. 

Today’s Menu

August 3, 2021 – Bonus Day & Award Show

Daily Update

Thought O’ the Day

“Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.”

–Henry Van Dyke

A Word from Laura Wentworth

Storytelling

The adventures of stories came alive this summer at HOH. The girls were fascinated with telling their open stories and listening to stories read aloud! A favorite was Louis Armstrong’s what a Wonderful world!! The girls listened to the song  many times, they draw beautiful pictures about each line and presented their vivid pictures as Louis sang one of his best songs ever, the girls were so happy and proud!

Today’s Menu

August 2, 2021 – Counselor Mountain Top

Daily Update

Thought O’ the Day

“The time is always right to do what is right.”  — Martin Luther King, Jr

A Word from Deen

For Seminar Day, our campers pick four electives completely outside of the realm of normal camp activities. Our classes are extended to 90 minutes, with two classes happening before lunch, and two after siesta. We had a wide variety of unusual activities, from an Olympic Watch Party and a Teddy Bear Picnic, to Wand-Making, Embroidery, Cookie Decoration, and Guitar Lessons. It was a wonderful opportunity for campers to try something new, break out of their comfort zones, and switch up the routine of camp to start the last week.

Today’s Menu

August 1, 2021 – Sunday Worship/Arrow Vespers

Daily Update

Thought O’ the Day

Every day may not be good. But there is something good in every day.

A Word from Kelly

Lifeguarding seems like easy work. Relax, sit in a chair, swim if you feel like it. But if you’re doing your job, it’s none of that, and it can be downright scary. I will never forget my first moment of terror as a lifeguard.

Every child has their moments where they think, “Ha ha, I will play a trick on them,” and the consequences just don’t register. Every kid does it, every adult remembers doing it, because the moment is one where you often learn a lesson about that kind of joke for the very first time.

This day, a child had decided to swim underwater then hide in a spot where I could not see them, under an anchored raft that floated mid-pool. When I noticed the missing kid, I quickly cleared the pool because they had disappeared and I could not spot them, nor could their parents. Without an audience, finally, the joker swam out and got an earful from the adults.

The other kids that day were angry to be called out of the pool, but hearing “angry mom” voices made them button it up quickly. The kid, when he returned to the pool, was a little sheepish and the other kids were a little less friendly to him. But I hope the lesson they all learned is that you don’t hide from the lifeguard–or anyone who’s responsible for your safety.

That’s part of why we encourage parents to pick bright colors for their campers. We have multiple lifeguards watching for the girls. They are all well watched by their instructor, too. But we do have occasions where kids are not great swimmers, and just in case they get in trouble, the floaty or raft doesn’t hold onto them, or they want to be cool, too, and let go just like the 7-year-old Olympian swim buddy of theirs from Hawaii, those bright colors–preferably yellow, white, lime, something that shows up even in dark water–make it easy to spot them quickly and help them.

Lifeguards also dress in bright outfits so folks who need help know where to go. One of ours, a just-past-toddler at the time, tried that hiding “trick” once at a water park. Fortunately, she did it in a kids’ play area. To this day, we do not know where she hid, and I still can’t believe we looked away for a SECOND and Campie just…disappeared. But we immediately spotted the red-shirted lifeguard and asked for help. She shut down the park exit for fear of a kidnapper, and grabbed other staff who helped us find Campie. Campie, of course, magically appeared, giggling, in the middle of the kid zone. She got the same earful from us. I think her younger sister, Campietta, heard enough that, miraculously, she’s not tried that trick yet.

The nice thing is that most of the time, as a lifeguard, you DO have a chance to work on your tan. But it’s an important job, and being certified as a lifeguard has been rewarding and made me feel like I can protect my own. Best of all, since all our waterfront activities require certified lifeguards, too, it’s made me feel certain that if my kid, their friends, or campers at the waterfront are swimming while our lifeguards are on the job, the lifeguards will keep them as safe as I would myself.

 

Today’s Menu

July 31, 2021 – Movie Night/S’Minion Swim Meet

 

Daily Update

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

“Because that’s what kindness is. It’s not doing something for someone else because they can’t, but because you can.”

Andrew Iskander

 

A Word from Maddie

 

When I came to camp my first year, I knew nothing about it except for the fact that my parents met at Camp Stewart. Since being at camp, I have learned so many new things. One of the most important lessons of camp is to realize that our actions have effects on other people. Sometimes our campers learn these important lessons through their own mistakes and others learn from the others’ mistakes. Camp is the perfect place to do this. Camp is the place where we can make mistakes and learn from them all in the same day. Nobody has to be perfect at camp, all we want campers to do is try. Another important life lesson is the idea that campers can become more independent. This is done through making important decisions for themselves regardless of what other people want. Sometimes our campers make mistakes, but in the end, they will learn to be better people overall. The life lessons learned at camp will help our girls overall in the way that they will become even better people overall. Camp is such an important place for kids to grow and prosper through their mistakes and others’ mistakes.

 

Today’s Menu

 

July 30, 2021 – Seminar Day

 

Daily Update

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.” 

Theodore Roosevelt

 

A Word from Kimber

 

To Come Soon

 

Today’s Menu

 

July 29, 2021 – LITe NITE – Turned Movie Night

 

Daily Update

 

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

“The expert in anything was once a beginner.” 

Helen Hayes

 

A Word from Monique

 

Where DID the time go? It doesn’t seem possible that you could already be thinking about coming to come and pick up your campers! But we know that it is on your mind because we are getting some questions. Hopefully this will clear some of those concerns up!

As a reminder pickup will be from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday, August 6. 2021. If you haven’t already scheduled a time for pick up, you can do that here.  Please arrive at your assigned time. Each time slot is limited to attempt to get everyone in with less waiting. We will do our best to get you in and out as quickly as possible.  

Here is what you can expect at pick up:

• Enter through the “old main gate” which is the gate you exited through at opening. If you arrive early, feel free to park in the lot across from The Heart to stay off the highway.
• Collect your camper and her luggage at her muster area (we will guide you):
  • Girls who reside in the Lodge will meet their families at the Pickleball Court
  • Girls who reside in the Dwellings will meet their families in front of the Art Studios
  • Girls who live in the Abrigos will meet their families at the road near the Pottery Barn
  • Girls who live in the Adobes will meet their families at the road near Volleyball Court.
• Proceed to in front of the office, where you will find:
  • Sign-up and bribery
  • Pick up your camper’s tepee photo and Trading Post refund check (or bill)
  • Optional red aluminum photo frame (no additional cost, while supplies last)
  • Medicines from Orenda
  • Camper Portraits available for in person purchase

We still ask everyone to remain in their vehicle; we will do all transactions through the car window, including photo sales! 

One thing we invite you to consider right away: signing up now for 2022. We have a long tradition (borrowed from Camp Stewart) of “bribing” our campers to sign up for next year before leaving this year. Each girl who does will receive her choice of a nice “bribe”. We will be revealing the bribery tomorrow at lunch, and a few items are offered “as supplies last”. We will have bribery available at pickup, or if you respond before then, we will go ahead and let the girls choose and receive the gift. Here is the LINK to the sign up form.

THANK YOU for letting us have your girls here this term.  <3 Monique–

 

Today’s Menu

 

July 28, 2021 – Groovy Field Day

 

Daily Update

 

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”

— Princess Diana

 

A Word from Maddie

 

We have just passed the halfway point of the second term. Second term is always a wild ride as we near the end of camp for the summer. It is hard to believe we only have less than two weeks left, but I love walking around camp with the energy higher than it has been all term. The girls are constantly out having fun and making new friends. Today while walking down the track I saw girls enjoying field sports, tennis, and pottery as they are all taking in the last couple weeks of what camp has to offer. In minion field sports, they were playing sharks and minnows. The sounds of happy yelling brought delight to my ears as they seemed to be having lots of fun. The tennis class was playing a game where they hit the tennis balls back and forth. The pottery class was making new bowls and cups to take home with them. Today just truly reminded me of the magic of camp. 

 

Today’s Menu

 

July 27, 2021 – The Amazing Camp Race

 

Daily Update

 

Tuesday, July 27, 2021 

Today was birthday #10 for camper Stella R! At lunch she had a beautiful cake decorated with Oreo crumbles and a few cut Oreos decoratively arranged. How in the world she didn’t dig into it immediately still baffles me—but she chose to take it back to the cabin for a party with her cabin mates. 

It’s unbelievable to consider that after today, there will be only two TTS classes and two MWF classes remaining! The other days will be Groovy field day, Seminar Day, Bonus Day, Awards Day (with final swim meet and gymkhana), and pickup day. More on each of those as time unfolds. 

I thought that Big and Little Sisters were going to be revealed on Mountain Tops last night, but in fact that happened today during Sisterhood Powwows. 

The girls in riflery continue to progress. Brynne B achieved her Young Specialist, and KK H reached her Prone Level IV, which requires some dead-eye consistency! 

At the end of the day, the Junior Gymkhana took place, and all events came off smoothly. The Thunderbirds claimed that ribbon! 
After an eat out of sloppy Joe’s, the Amazing Camp Race took place. Each pair or trio of Camp Sisters met challenges as a team to see what points they could rack in for their Sisterhood. Activities ranged from archery and basketball to camp trivia, setting a table, pottery, yoga and more. If the challenges weren’t met, the girls would run into “detours” or “road blocks”, which also earned them points. The event lasted a little under an hour, so nobody had a prayer of tackling everything, so there was a lot of variety. The winning Sisterhood will be announced tomorrow—because there is a lot of tallying to do! 

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

• “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”
  • Dr. Seuss

 

A Word from Deen

 

Update to Come

 

Today’s Menu

 

 

July 26, 2021 – Backwards Morning/Mountain Top

 

Daily Update

 

Monday, July 26, 2021

This morning the sun rose as Taps played, then “Friends We Are” (Tattoo) called us to flag lowering. How can that be?? Yes, it was Sdrawkcab Yad! We had burgers and fries for breakfast, and pancakes, sausage, cereal and scrambled eggs for lunch. A few girls went to extremes—shoes on the wrong feet, hats, shirts and nametags on backwards, even earrings turned around. So cute.

Activities were held in normal sequence, thank goodness! Our Split B campers who are newly arrived don’t need any challenges in figuring out where to be when! It’s enough of a learning curve!

During powwow, the Sisterhoods held elections for the Split B Term Way Showers, which is the only office that’s elected each two weeks. Crossed Arrow Way Showers are Minion Maddie S, Sophomore Mika L, Junior Sydney C and Senior Delilah H. Thunderbird Way Showers are Minion Tessie C, Sophomore Ivy C, and Junior Kate Ry.

By the end of the day, Sage W had achieved her Level 3 Prone Specialist, Olivia G had ranked up twice and Robin M had earned one new rank. In archery, Reah L earned three medals in one day!

Tonight the Sisterhoods held their Mountain Tops, where the Split Termers learned who their camp Sisters would be—some Big and others Little. Tomorrow night’s activity will be done with Sister pairs striving to achieve points for their Sisterhoods in the Amazing Race.

At the end of Mountain Tops, the Sisters O’ the Week were named. These are girls who have shown courage and exemplary attitude in every aspect of camp. They are Minion Sofi C, Sophomore Maria C, Junior Charlotte Y, Senior Rhea H, Teen Valeria M, LITe Rebecca V, and counselor Sammy B.

If you missed Monique’s presence on the phone most of the day, she was in Kerrville getting a big dose of civics. It was her first experience on jury duty! Lucky for us, the case was settled by mid-afternoon, so we now have her captive here again. J

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

“When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, it changes the world.”

 

Harold Kushner

 

A Word from Deen

 

Update to Come

 

Today’s Menu

 

 

July 25, 2021 – Christmas at Camp

 

Daily Update

 

Sunday, July 25, 2021

 

That extra sleep and the pajama buffet breakfast are always appreciated at this point in the week! Hooray for Sundays!

 

Today we marked Christmas in July. Campers had left shoes on their porches, and this morning, found that Papa Noel had come to visit, bringing little tokens of fondness to each girl. The dining hall was festooned with tinsel and small glittery cutouts. On a non-Sunday Christmas in July, we would play Christmas tunes for class changes and girls would wear ugly sweaters, elf costumes and the like, but Sunday trumped that, and we all wore whites.

 

A secret Santa came in person and distributed copious amounts of peppermints to the campers, and after extra portions of ice cream were served on top of Christmas dinner, Santa posed with all the younger campers for special photos. 

 

Optional communion was held for our Catholic campers and staff, thanks again to Kerrville’s Notre Dame church.

 

Our Teen campers, the oldest age group, led the all-faith worship this morning. They modified popular tunes to fit the camp theme, took turns leading the prayers and reading the birthday blessing. Each 16-year-old mentioned specific memories of camp, and called out her friends and mentors.

 

Megan H said she always thought there would be more camp left, and it was hard to see her camper days ending. Cadie T called camp her second home, and urged others to soak up every moment, even the scraped knees and mosquito bites. Ava L said the clichés are true, that they needed to cherish every moment, because it’s the memories that make camp special. Hannah M admitted that she never believed that she would grow up and stop being a camper. Kristen C calculated that she had spent half the summers of her life here, and that as much as each spot on camp held memories, it was the people who shape you and feel like family. Tally S said that her friends and camp sisters would always have a place in her heart. Molly R said that only nine of her 197 month life span had been spent here, but that those nine surely changed her life; that camp had been the place where she could be herself unapologetically. Avery S gave thank you’s and told the other campers that they don’t have a next year any more, and hopes that someone will soon invent time travel so that they can come back and visit this year again! Julia J admitted she never thought this day would arrive for her, and that the people here are more like sisters than friends in her home away from home.

 

It was an emotional afternoon, as we had to release a beloved counselor and four Heart LITes due to violation COVID protocols. Many tears were shed over the untimely goodbyes. It’s such a hard situation.

 

Girls enjoyed free swims, open riflery, open archery and other leisurely activities. Many girls this term are big readers, and often carry their latest book around in case a quiet moment can be found. Sunday afternoons are great for that, too.

 

We had “fake flag” lowering, as the flag was never raised this morning. The Seniors who mimed the lowering and folding were very convincing! The Teens named Audrey G and Ryleigh Y as their “Geeks O’ the Week”, a dubious honor that’s a Second Term tradition.

 

Tonight is Thunderbird Vespers. We can’t wait to hear the songs and sayings they offer up. I can say how amazing the rehearsal sounded last night, though!

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” 

 

Robert F. Kennedy

 

Staff Brags – Tam V

 

This is Tamara’s first summer at the Heart! She loves dancing and anything outdoors. She is one of our amazing photographers that takes photos of our campers everyday. When she’s not taking photos, she’s taking care of her 16 year old campers, ensuring their last summer is extra special. When she isn’t at camp, she is studying Animation and Graphic Design at Universidad TecMilenio. She hopes to have her own brand one day and travel the world. We’re so glad she traveled here to be part of our Heart family!!

 

Today’s Menu

 

 

July 24, 2021 – Split 2B Arrival/Jr Swim Meet/Movie Night

 

Daily Update

 

Saturday, July 24, 2021

Today, Audrey G had a landmark birthday! Lots of festive greetings, stuffed animal, balloons, flowers and cake.
We had the misfortune of discovering a massive leak in our main water tank—to the tune of 7,000 gallons gone in a beat. We shut off the water to that tank and switched it over to our small auxiliary tank, which can supply the camp for about half a day. This required some routine manual switching, with an alarm as a reminder. Well, at some point late in the evening, the alarm didn’t wake up the designated switcher, and we went to bed with low pressure, and awoke to no water. Ugh. Throughout the day, the water level eked up, but in the meantime, some of our swimming classes enjoyed bathing during swim classes. That’s making lemonade out of lemons! They had a ball.
P.S. The maintenance men flushed the main tank, pressure washed it, used an angle drill to open up the cracks enough to force water resistant cement into the cracks to seal off the problem. Or at least that’s my amateur explanation of it.

After lunch, we greeted our Split 2B campers, 34 of whom are here for the first time! It was so much fun to greet them. They barely hit the ground when afternoon activities kicked off, and they jumped right in.

When activities ended, the camp gathered in the shade around the Ark—Crossed Arrows on one side and Thunderbirds on the other; new campers in the center. One by one they were called forward to draw a bead from the heart-shaped basket to learn which Sisterhood they would join.

Right away was the Junior Swim Meet, and the newcomers sat with their Sisterhoods to cheer on their teams. Crossed Arrows took the win by a close margin.

Tonight’s supper was an eatout on the lawn, followed by the movie Parent Trap (Lindsay Lohan version) in the Village. Movie nights are accompanied by coke and candy, Skittles specifically!

 

New camper Sisterhoods:

 

• Addie Y, Powerful Thunderbird
• Adelaide B, Powerful Thunderbird
• Caroline D, Powerful Thunderbird
• Caroline G, Strong Crossed Arrow
• Charlie B, Strong Crossed Arrow
• Clara I, Strong Crossed Arrow
• Elizabeth S, Strong Crossed Arrow
• Ella T, Powerful Thunderbird
• Elle J, Strong Crossed Arrow
• Elle M, Powerful Thunderbird
• Freddie V, Powerful Thunderbird
• Georgia S, Strong Crossed Arrow
• Ila C, Strong Crossed Arrow
• Julianna M, Powerful Thunderbird
• Lizzie R, Powerful Thunderbird
• Luisa C, Strong Crossed Arrow
• Maddie S, Strong Crossed Arrow
• Maddy H, Powerful Thunderbird
• Maria C, Powerful Thunderbird
• Mariasofia R, Strong Crossed Arrow
• Mika L, Strong Crossed Arrow
• Nina A, Powerful Thunderbird
• Nora C, Powerful Thunderbird
• Olivia M, Powerful Thunderbird
• Paige A, Powerful Thunderbird
• Peyton S, Powerful Thunderbird
• Reah L, Strong Crossed Arrow
• Sarah D, Strong Crossed Arrow
• Sidney S, Strong Crossed Arrow
• Sophia R, Strong Crossed Arrow
• Stella R, Powerful Thunderbird
• Sydney C, Strong Crossed Arrow
• Tessie C, Powerful Thunderbird

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

Be positive, patient and persistent. And you will be successful.

 

Staff Brags – Dany C

 

This is Dany’s fourth year on staff! She loves spending time at the waterfront as one of our incredible WSIs. She is optimistic and so dedicated to making each summer the best one yet for every single camper. When she’s not enjoying summers in Hunt, Dany is working hard as a fourth year med student at the University of Monterrey, pursuing her dream of being an emergency medicine physician. We are so happy she’s back for another amazing summer!

 

A Word from Maddie

 

Camp is a challenging time. It is full of laughter, sadness, and joy as we close out our split 2A term. Our girls cherish the memories they make with each other as they say their goodbyes to the girls who left. Camp is a place where you can make memories that last a lifetime and come back to them every year. Camp is a special place in the fact that we get to see certain people for just a couple weeks out of the year, but we form such close bonds with these people. Watching our split A girls leave today was a cool experience because you get to see and feel the impacts that the staff has made on these girls’ summers and lives. Watching our girls leave has a huge impact on me because I wish they could stay even longer, but it also makes me very thankful that I work at a camp that has such long terms because I get to know the girls better than if camp was just a single week. I love getting to show the parents how much I care about their children and just how much of a pleasure it was to watch their child for 2 weeks. Despite saying our goodbyes today, tomorrow will come and we will have a completely new group of girls, but we will continue to keep the memories that surround us with the girls who left today.  

 

Today’s Menu

 

 

July 23, 2021 – Closing Split Term 2B

 

Daily Update

 

Friday, July 23, 2021 

 

It was a hot day! July at last has come. The campers were still aglow over the fun we had last night with Medieval Evening. We didn’t run out of popcorn or cotton candy, but we did run out of time to get all we wanted! The campers loved the make-believe of dragons and knights and ladies, and all the different activities were clever and fun or challenging. Plus the decorations were really over the top! 

 

And it was a busy day, too. Morning activities were shortened by a few minutes each so that we could make time for a brief Awards Ceremony for our departing Split A campers. 

 

Each girl received an 8×10 cabin photo, an Award O’ Merit (some girls got two or even three), and if they passed a swim, riflery, archery, tennis, horseback or canoeing level, they would have received those medals or patches. If they participated in Volunteer Voices or Guitar Club, they would have received a patch for that. 

 

We recognize our three-year campers with a silver medallion with a three-leaf clover design, each leaf being our double-heart logo. We had no five-year or 10-year campers, but we did have one seven-term camper, Noelle S, who will receive her seven-year ring—an open gold heart inset in a silver heart.

 

Our three-term campers in Split Term A are Kailee B, Evelyn K, Amelia R, Zephyr S and Claire T. 

Each Sisterhood named special award winners. Thunderbirds recognized their Braves O’ the Split Term: Minion Lola G, Sophomore Zooey D, Junior Phoebe C, Senior Ruby S and Teen Melody L. Crossed Arrows named Froggy O’ the Split Term Carlota S, Junior Shooting Star Julia C, Senior Shooting Star Kate H, and Arrows Up Laurel C. 

 

The minute we had the last spoonful of homemade ice cream after lunch, it was time to bid farewell to our Split Termers. So many re-enrolled for 2022! It makes us glad knowing that we will see them again. We waved goodbye to Doc Kelley Tomsett, and waved hello to Georgia Griffith Fulenwider, who will be heading up our wellness center for the second half of the July Term. 

We had regular activities for fifth and sixth, and this evening is Division night. Notable: the Juniors will have ice cream at Mesa Manner, Seniors will enjoy Pointless Theater (in lieu of Point Theater, our non-COVID norm), and Teens will sup on a dinner catered by Francisco’s of Kerrville at what we’re calling Villagehill (in lieu of the fancy dinner we would normally have at Riverhill Country Club).

 

 

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

Three things in human life are important: The first is to be kind; the second is to be kind, and the third is to be kind.”

 

Henry James

 

Staff Brags – Carrie C

 

This is Carrie’s 12th year at the Heart and second on staff!! She is one of our amazing Thunderbird Guardians. Carrie is majoring in Communications at Samford University, where she made the Dean’s List this past year! When Carrie isn’t studying hard, she’s out enjoying the little things in life, like watching the sun set. We are so grateful to have Carrie on staff this summer, sharing her long time camper wisdom and making a mark wherever she goes!

 

A Word from Kimber

 

Coming Soon

 

Today’s Menu

 

 

July 22, 2021 – Medieval Evening

 

Daily Update

 

Thursday, July 22, 2021 

This morning started very early for some, but not too quickly for anyone! The campers awoke at their respective campsites, and made their way back to their cabins, gear in tow. Some fell straight into the softness of their beds, others hit the showers. 

A buffet breakfast was served 9-10 a.m. By 9:30 everyone, even the far flung Teens, were back. Our normal schedule of activities resumed by third period. 

Bribery was presented at lunch, in a style show by mostly Heart LITes. All campers who are registered for next summer before they leave this year may pick one of the “bribes”. A number of the Split Term A girls were allowed to make their picks. 

At the end of the day, Seniors and Teens had their gymkhana. There was an individually timed cloverleaf barrels race, and a pole-bending marshmallow eating relay. Crossed Arrows won the ribbon by a score of 37-24. 
In riflery, Fern E earned her Prone Specialist, and Hailey G reached the Kneeling Specialist rank, which is quite challenging. 

Tonight is Medieval Evening. Campers are circulating in costumes to different areas of camp. Pie Ye Firelighter, Jousting, May Pole, Caber Toss, Cast Your Blessing (fortune telling), Dragon Egg Walk, Royal Court Dancing, Dragon Scales and Troll Boogies (nachos), Fairy Floss (cotton candy), Potions (snow cones), Princess Pops (popcorn), Masque Painting, The Duchess’s Lace (hair braiding), The Queen’s Lens (photo shoots). By far the longest lines involved food or snacks at the end! The music was on theme, and everyone enjoyed themselves. Especially the Fairy Floss! 

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

“The future depends on what we do in the present.” 

 

Mahatma Gandhi

 

Staff Brags – Naomi H

 

We are so happy to have Naomi here this summer as part of our media staff! Naomi loves all things fine arts. She plays guitar and piano, loves to sing, and enjoys photography. She is planning to channel these passions through a Music Therapy major at Sam Houston University. In addition to her love of the arts, she also has a passion for travel. She spent a whole year in France working and studying. When she’s not conquering the world, she loves playing with her kitty. We’re so glad she’s here at the Heart!!

 

A Word from Monique

 

Hello camp families! 

 

We have been getting a few calls and emails lately about scheduling camper phone calls.  For those of you who have been long time campers, you know that this is always about the time those would be starting. 

 

After a lot of thought and consideration, we have decided to stop this long tradition. 

 

While a good many of our campers are “okay” after the calls, quite a few campers struggle with homesickness after speaking with home.  These happy campers are suddenly spending a day or two slightly sad and missing home! . 

 

So, how can you contact your camper:

 

Send them a good old-fashion letters: Children love to get handwritten letters and we highly encourage that!  Always keep your letters newsy and upbeat. It’s a wonderful idea to ask questions about your camper’s camp experience in letters.

 

Email, a quick and easy way to communicate: While we strongly recommend the handwritten letters, we know that in this day and age we are used to instant communication. And it is often much easier with busy schedules and traveling to just shoot over an email, and have a response waiting for you shortly thereafter. By logging into our CampInTouch system or using the Campanion App, you will be able to email your camper while she is here at The Heart.

 

In order to send email, you may purchase CampStamps. Click the “CampStamps” link at the top of the page to manage your CampStamps. You will also have the option of asking for a handwritten reply back. This service will cost an additional CampStamp once the email is sent to you. These emails come to your inbox just as soon as your camper turns them in to us. This process is not quite as simple as you might think! Because of our no-electronics policy, your campers hand write a response to you. Once it has been brought to the office, it is faxed to CampMinder using a system called MyFax. With the bar code printed on the side of the paper, the reply is delivered to your inbox!

 

Hopefully this will help you stay connected!

 

Today’s Menu

 

 

July 21, 2021 – Overnight

 

Daily Update

 

Wednesday, July 21, 2021 

The morning at least was a normal day! One of the new favorite twists on an old camp classic is what the girls are calling Jenga canoe. The trick is to play Jenga while keeping the canoe still enough to keep from tipping the tower of blocks! Very clever way to help the girls develop the skill of balance in an inherently unstable watercraft. 
This afternoon we had extended siesta, but part of that time, the girls spent getting packed and prepped for their overnight tonight. 

Once upon a time, the divisions took turns going on overnight campouts. It was always a world class hassle trying to organize activities when some of the counselors were out on the trail every single Friday. Then the light bulb came on. What if we just invest in a huge quantity of ice chests and Igloo coolers, and everyone camped out on the same evening? Duh. Easier on the kitchen staff, easier on the activity schedules—and we have plenty of acreage to use different spots for every group. 

Minions camp out at the Opening Ceremony grounds, Sophomores on top of Switchback Trail, Juniors at the Mountain Lion Maw, where Caballo Creek begins, and Seniors across the river from the canoe dock at our Treehouse. The Teens are camping about 65 miles away on a private waterfront along the Sabinal, owned by Four Sisters Ranch. It’s a gorgeous spot, dotted with a canopy of oaks that are close enough together for the girls to make a hammock village, and grassy enough to make a soft bed for those who prefer to sleep on the earth. Giant cypress trees stand guard, and it’s truly majestic. Plus there is a full kitchen, and bath facilities with hot and cold water! Not too shabby! 

So the main campground is eerily empty. I know the controlled chaos will be back soon enough, and am thankful for that. 

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

“Winning doesn’t always mean being first. Winning means you’re doing better than you’ve done before.” — Bonnie Blair

 

Staff Brags – MJ C

 

MJ grew up at the Heart and now she’s back on staff giving back! She is one of our climbing instructors here at camp as well as a senior counselor! When she’s not at camp, she’s studying at The University of Texas at Austin in the School of Natural Sciences. When she isn’t studying hard, she’s baking, listening to music, or playing with her kitty that lives with her in Austin. MJ is silly, friendly, and everyone’s best friend. We are so grateful she’s on staff this summer!

 

A Word from Maddie

 

This summer has been full of great adventures. Yesterday was field day, which is one of my favorite events during the summer. Field day is full of tons of exciting adventures and games where the campers get to compete for their sisterhood. One game that always gets really intense is the teen dodgeball game. Teen dodgeball is not like just any dodgeball game, it involves one ball and a jail. This game can get super intense among our campers as they get super into it. Even today while walking around camp, I saw a pick up dodgeball game with some girls when they had a little free time. This something I love seeing because it means our campers can come together over one game that most age groups can play. The reason this game is a huge field day game is becuase it is so important to the sisterhoods. This game plays a huge role in the outcome of field day so it is always one of the more intense games throughout camp.

 

Today’s Menu

 

 

July 20, 2021 – 101 Dalmatians Field Day

 

Daily Update

 

Tuesday, June 20, 2021

Have you ever seen spots before your eyes? If so, then you and I were in good company today! From the first bugle until Taps, spotted puppies were everywhere, their ears flopping and their tails awag. The occasional burgler and Cruella De Ville herself were also seen roaming the premises.

It was Dalmatian Field Day! After pajama pep rallies, flag raising and breakfast, the games began. Each pup was in multiple events, from obstacle relays, to musical water buckets, to hungry hippo. Events lasted until lunch.

We had mandatory siesta—which was extended by a half hour. Today was the first time it was full-on sunny, and although it wasn’t particularly hot, it was very active, and the girls needed the down time. Okay, I’ll come clean. The counselors needed the nap.

Each division played games such as mat ball, and the points were racked up. The final competitive event was the Teen dance off to the tune of “Who Let the Dogs Out” which was won by the Crossed Arrows.

When the last point was counted, the Thunderbirds came out ahead, 726-690. Close! The highpoint girls were Minion Maggie C, Sophomore Valyn P, Junior Sam B, Senior Riley B, and Teen Sterling M.

At supper, we celebrated three birthday girls! Each got a yummy looking cake. Adley W, Trista L and Lucia G.

Tonight the Minions made blanket forts in the Sunshine Loft, had baths and early bed. Sophomores designed and painted their coats of arms for Thursday night, Juniors and Teens watched the movie Cruella, and the Seniors had ice cream at Mesa Manner—Blue Monster with sprinkles and chocolate syrup.

What a day!

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”

 

Desmond Tutu

 

Staff Brags – Jo W

 

Jo started coming to camp when she was six years old and hasn’t missed a summer since! She just graduated and is headed to SMU in the fall, where she will major in Biology to pursue her dream of working in pediatrics. No matter what she ends up doing, she hopes to make a positive impact on her community. She’s definitely done that here at camp! She loves trying new things and meeting new people and camp is just the place for both of those things. In addition to her passion for people, she has competed on a national level in rowing and is continuing her rowing career on the women’s team at SMU. Jo’s bubbly personality and love of the outdoors makes her the perfect counselor here at the Heart. We’re so happy she’s back for another amazing summer!

 

A Word from Deen

 

Hello Camp People!

 

Counselor Vespers is a song-and-dance routine full of fun uplifting songs, interspersed with motivational quotes. Counselors slip into some silly costumes, then head down to Cypress Hollow and perform their routine for the entire camp. It’s a fantastic chance to show the campers that it’s ok to be silly. Fun is had by all.

 

Today’s Menu

 

 

July 19, 2021 – Mountain Top

 

Daily Update

 

Monday, July 19, 2021

 

Our ACA visitors arrived just at 8 a.m., which is about 10 minutes before we raise the flag (so early)! While the hour was not unexpected, what we didn’t know was whether they would have already eaten or if we were to feed them when we ate. Happily for my tummy, it turned out to be the latter.

 

Dorcas and Katie were delightful. They looked at *everything* and often assured us, we aren’t scoring, we are just nosy. Both have been in the camping business for decades, Dorcas at medical needs camps in Florida, and Katie in Girl Scouts. They interacted with campers and staff, asked lots of good questions of everyone they met, and shared many great ideas with us. They stayed for lunch, made song requests, wanted to see the garden, and stayed until after 5.

 

While they told us there were a few items they could have scored differently, we did not receive a single citation; they said it was clear that things were organized, healthy, the campers were engaged, comfortable and friendly, and the few little things that could use improvement would be simple to implement. Whew!

 

The day was lovely, until the end of siesta, when it began to rain in earnest. Because of the threat of lightning, activities had to move under shelter. Archery played Uno on the porch of Mesa Manner. Several classes banded together to enjoy “Just Dance” videos. After the thunder moved on, horseback kids played in puddles near the Grand Patio. “Bad weather” doesn’t bother anybody when you’re at camp!

 

The rain persisted until we were in supper, and it cleared. Just in time for Mountain Tops! It was muddy, but it was a big relief. The campers love their Mountain Tops. 

 

After coming off their hills and reuniting as the Heart Sisterhood, we announce Sisters O’ the Week (used to be called Braves O’ the Week). These are the girls who have done their best all week to bring out their own best. Girls recognized were Minion Kate M, Sophomore Adele L, Junior Ryan R, Senior Millie D, Teen Megan H, LITe Kate R, and Counselor Bethany KM.

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” 

 

Estee Lauder

 

Staff Brags – Sydney P

 

Sydney was a 7 year camper and is on her second year on staff. She is a junior majoring in accounting at the University of North Texas. Also at UNT, she is apart of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, 

 

A Word from Deen

 

Hello Camp People!

 

Rolling into our second week at the rifle range, we’re putting the fun in FUNdamentals!

 

In addition to learning the “Big 4” rules of Gun Safety: Every Gun Is A Loaded Gun, Muzzle Discipline, Know Your Target and Its Backdrop, and Trigger Discipline; we are refining the fundamentals of Rifle Marksmanship: Aiming, Stability of Hold, Breath Control, Trigger Control, and Follow Through. Novice shooters get several rounds of one-on-one instruction with our RSO’s while we continue to provide feedback and instruction to our more experienced shooters who are improving their grouping and shot placement.

 

Today’s Menu

 

 

July 18, 2021 – Worship/Counselor Vespers

 

Daily Update

 

Sunday, July 18, 2021 
We love a Sunday at camp! Everyone sleeps in an extra hour, and breakfast is a buffet that the girls can attend in their pajamas. The morning is leisurely (ish), until …. 

At 10, a deacon from Kerrville’s Notre Dame Catholic Church comes to offer communion to our Catholic campers and counselors. 

At 10:30 the Volunteer Voices gather to warm up at Cypress Hollow to help lead worship in song, and today those voices were accompanied by seven guitars! It was a big group of voices and accompaniment! 

At 11, the all-faith worship service began. The worship committee set us up with a vase of huge, beautiful sunflowers and colorful zinnias from our garden. Gilley Estes, a former Heart camper who is now a counselor, spoke to the girls on opportunity. She gave very specific examples of small opportunities she accepted throughout her working career, and how those little things opened doors to bigger, more exciting things for her. Gill gave us a Scripture and a Thought O’ the Day that dovetailed nicely with the topic. 

For lunch, we enjoyed the traditional Heart/Stewart Southern Sunday lunch of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and homemade rolls (orange rolls ala Raleigh House this time)! And our homemade vanilla ice cream was served with chocolate syrup on the side. 

Siesta was extend a half hour, after which campers could choose to participate in free swim, archery, riflery, dodgeball or other sports, or just hang out and read or visit. 

As soon as the pizza delivery arrived, the campers gathered for flag lowering and “pizza cheers”. The cheers are a competition between divisions to determine who gets to go first in line. 

Tonight was counselor vespers, with the theme of Strong and Powerful women who care about you, the camper. The songs were upbeat and fun, and the campers enjoyed every one of them. Plus, seeing their counselors acting crazy in costumes added spice! 

It was a great day for recharging and refreshing. 

Tomorrow will be our accreditation visit from a team of other American Camp Association camp directors. We feel prepared, but I will be unavailable most of the day. Jane–

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

Do not give up, the beginning is always the hardest.

 

Staff Brags – Bailey B

 

We are so happy to have Bailey Balderson on staff this summer! She just finished her freshman year at the University of Texas at Austin studying Communications, pursuing her goal of one day becoming the public affairs specialist for the FBI! When Bailey isn’t studying hard, she’s playing hard! She loves friendly competition, which she’ll get to channel second term when she’s a Guardian for the Crossed Arrows! We’re so glad she’s here at the Heart!!

 

A Word from Kimber

 

Hello back home! We are a week into camp and things are going well. The Heart LITes are still planning LITe Nite, an evening activity of their own invention! The purpose of LITe Nite is to give our Leaders in Training an opportunity to come up with an evening program, and manage all of the accompanying rigors of planning an activity for almost 200 people. We can’t wait to see what they come up with!

 

When they’re not planning LITe Nite, our LITes have been a huge help around camp, assisting counselors with lessons and cabin duties. Recently, they’ve addressed the Junior division as a whole to teach them how to set the dining hall tables and serve. Not only are the LITes instructional, but they’re very encouraging and praise the juniors for their efforts and progress!

 

We are so thankful for all of the Heart LITes’ hard work! There’s no light in a camper’s life like her LITe! 

 

Today’s Menu

 

 

July 17, 2021 – Movie Night – SR/TN Swim Meet

 

Daily Update

 

Surprise! We enjoyed a misty morning, cool once again. 

Covert Ops results were announced: the Thunderbirds took the win in a close contest. 

It was another busy day at The Heart. In canoeing, Molly R, Bella B, Evie B and Emma G achieved their Swamper badges. In riflery, Kailee B ranked her Prone Specialist, and in archery, Valeria M advanced one rank; Josie G, four; and Keni W, three! We have gotten some slick new arrows that are helping the accuracy of the girls’ shots, which is an exciting discovery! 

After sixth period was the Senior-Teen swim meet, which stirred up a lot of excitement and loud cheering from the cheering section. In the end, the Crossed Arrows dominated, and took the aqua ribbon for their guidon. Now each sisterhood has one ribbon. 

Tonight was our first “eat out” which was hot dogs, chips and cookies on the lawn, followed by the movie, The Lorax, along with candy and coke for snack. 

The counselors have written reports on each camper, and they should come to you tomorrow in an email. It has been a full, crazy, and uneven week of adjustment, but it feels to me like things are finally in their normal, happy rhythms. It’s good to feel it. 

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

Be helpful. When you see a person without a smile, give them one of yours.”

 

Zig Ziglar

 

Staff Brags – Mary O

 

This is Mary’s first summer on staff at the Heart, but she was a minion camper one summer years ago! She is one of our junior camper counselors this summer. She grew up in Kerrville and Boerne, so she’s familiar with the Texas Hill Country. She now studies at the University of Texas at Austin and majors in History. Mary loves biking, spending time with friends, and cooking. She enjoys being outside and meeting new people, which makes camp the perfect place for her to spend the summer. We are so glad she’s here on staff!!

 

A Word from Maddie

 

As I have learned over the past couple weeks, being a program director is hard work. It takes a great deal of effort to deal with situations outside of my normal comfort zone. This week I also made the decision to step up and be a cabin counselor on top of everything else. This decision reminded me of just how hard our counselors work. As someone who has only ever had kids under the age of 10, taking on a cabin of 13 and 14 year olds is an intimidating adventure. As camp gets going, I can better appreciate the things these counselors go through on a daily basis to make sure their campers are happy and safe. My goal this summer is to keep every girl on this camp safe while having the best time of their life as well. This term has definitely posed its own set of challenges due to covid affecting the social lives of our girls, but I believe this summer also has the potential to be one of the best terms out of the recent years. The social effects of covid play a huge role on how our camp is being run this year, but it also causes us to have a different understanding of the things these girls go through on a daily basis. 

 

Today’s Menu

 

 

July 16, 2021 – Covert Ops

 

Daily Update

 

Friday, July 16, 2021 

This morning our Cinderellas of last night got to sleep in a half hour extra, and have breakfast in bed. One counselor remarked that it was a lot of work organizing the “BIB”. Everyone got homemade pigs in a blanket, fruit, juice, milk, and a fresh doughnut that Maddie Rea had brought from earlier. 

Powwow was an exciting moment: the Big Sisters were finally revealed! Many younger campers had a good idea of who their Big would be, but for others it was a surprise. Tonight’s activity is Covert Ops, which is a Sisterhood competition, the first of the term. 

As soon as it started getting dark, the Big and Little pairs or trios all dressed in dark colors, and met on one end of camp. The mission was to get as many tickets as possible to the opposite end of camp before the deadline. The Sisterhood with the most ticket will win. Sounds easy, but it is not. Counselors are all over camp, serving as Interpol. If they are able to catch a Sister team in the beam of their flashlight, they are allowed to question them (camp trivia, questions about geography or astronomy or spelling, or they may be asked to sing a song or recite the Pledge of Allegiance), and if they can answer correctly, they’re set free. Otherwise, they go to jail for a few minutes. 

Many campers deem Covert Ops their favorite camp activity. The winning Sisterhood will be announced at the end of the evening, and claim the black ribbon for their guidon. 

In archery, Charlotte Y managed to achieve an amazing five new ranks! Three campers also ranked up in riflery.

 

July 15, 2021 – Roaring Twenties Dance

 

Daily Update

 

Thursday, July 15, 2021

“Dancing Queens” are still at it as I write! The Roaring 20’s dance is alive and well on our tennis courts! Many kids and counselors are blinged out in flapper dresses, and everyone is jumping up and down, dancing the moves particular to many dances, in step with the line dances, and singing loudly in unison with every tune. The cookies and punch are being served from the “speak-easy”, and it’s great to see the fun. A fun addition this term was karaoke! They loved it. “Love Story” and Justin Bieber’s “Baby Oh” and “Driver’s License” were the top singalongs. 
We had a fire drill today—at the end of siesta. Normally our fire drills take place when we are in the dining hall. It was fun to change it up. Campers knew to expect it, so it didn’t freak anybody out. 

Volunteer Voices are sounding so good! We are excited about them. Lots of girls are hitting the target today in archery, real improvement. After activities end, the rifles continue to sound, as the campers aren’t ready yet to retire. Camp is going strong. 

Program Director Maddie Rea will arise early to pick up doughnuts to supplement tomorrow’s breakfast in bed. Everyone will be sleeping well tonight!

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

“You learn something every day if you pay attention.” 

 

Ray LeBlond

 

Staff Brags – Ryleigh Y

 

This is Ryleigh’s 11th summer at the Heart and 2nd on staff! Ryleigh is one of our minion counselors. Ryleigh is a Sophomore at the University of Oklahoma, where she is majoring in marketing.

 

A Word from Maddie

 

his week was the opening day of the second term. Already this term has been full of different exciting adventures. Second term is so much different then the first term, but their differences are what make the two terms so unique. Now that I am not teaching field sports, I am finding different ways to learn the campers names. One of my big goals of camp is to learn all the kids names because I want to be personable with the kids. I want them to know that I am there to support them. Yesterday, I comforted a kid during her 6th period class because she was homesick. This camper gave me a wonderful insight into her life as we talked about more personal things in order to make her feel better. Knowing campers’ names and the things about them really helps me make these deeper connections 

 

Today’s Menu

 

 

July 14, 2021 – So. Ice Cream at Jane’s/Bunk Night

 

Daily Update

 

Wednesday, July 14, 2021 

Today was Valentine’s Day. It was sweet to see so many of the girls dressed with extra doses of red and hearts sprayed everywhere! My favorite holiday, for sure. We distributed blank Valentine’s cards for campers to be able to send little messages to their friends, and tonight at supper we had homemade Tres Leches cake. 

At powwow, I invited anyone who played guitar or ukulele to the porch of Mesa Manner to strum a few songs together. We are hoping we can put a song together before Sunday, to be able to lead the worship singing. And all the girls will be invited to strum along with the group singing after Sunday lunch. Imagine my delight when 10 girls showed up! Delight became ecstasy when we began playing together and it sounded wonderful. Normally when you get more than three guitars, you’ve got a train wreck. 

After siesta, the Volunteer Voices gathered to begin working on some songs, also for worship. 

Charlotte Y earned two new archery ranks and Hailey G achieved Sitting Specialist in riflery. 

Tonight is bunk night. Each cabin will do an activity, and they’re being encouraged to come up with a cabin crest—like a family crest—to paint onto their cabin shield for Medieval Night next week. I hope everyone gets into it. Sounds fun to me! 

But the Sophomores will be having their ice cream party at Mesa Manner. A camper favorite, the ice cream party takes place for each division on a separate night. Everybody gets to eat all the ice cream they want (until we run out, which doesn’t often happen), and slather all the toppings on it. Tonight’s flavor is called Blue Monster, which is actually a delicious vanilla ice cream with crushed Oreos and Nestle’s chocolate chip cookies. Thing is, it is VERY BLUE. One little bite will turn your tongue and lips blue! And as the hostess, I’m beyond thrilled that the blue doesn’t actually stain clothes, countertop, or floor. Thank you, Blue Bell!

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

Good manners and kindness are always in fashion!

 

Unknown

 

Staff Brags – Avery W

 

This is Avery’s 11th summer at the Heart and 2nd on staff! She worked in our office last summer for first term before she finished up her last year as a camper in second term as a Firelighter! To say she’s hard working is no joke. When she’s not at camp, she attends High School in Dallas, Tx, where she made the honor roll this past year and was awarded for her skills as a percussionist. Avery is bubbly and engaged in every aspect of camp. We’re so grateful she’s here on staff this summer, working as a Heartlite and now junior counselor!

 

A Word from Monique

 

Hello camp families! 

 

Have you been receiving letters from your camper? We hope they are filled with stories of all the fun and exciting activities your camper has been participating in over the last few days. While we hope that every letter that leaves this camp is full of excitement and happiness, we know that is not always the case. Sometimes the letters discuss the feelings of homesickness your camper is feeling, or that they aren’t having fun, or that they “hate it here”.

 

Getting that sad letter from your camper can be tough, but it is not unusual. Letters are usually written during quiet times when campers have more time to think back to home. Often, even well adjusted campers will get these homesick feelings, particularly in down time (like siesta or just before bedtime). 

 

SO what should you do?

 

• Write an encouraging letter to your camper. Acknowledge that you read their letter and tell her you want to be updated on everything, the sad moments but also the activities and new friends and fun they’re having. 
• Contact us here in the office or email and ask for an update on how your camper is doing. Many times the letters were written at rest period and before the letter even leaves camp, the feelings expressed may not still be accurate.
• Call a friend who is an experienced camp parent who has likely received one of these letters in the past.
• Know that the fun and excitement of camp eventually far outweigh any sad feelings.

 

Today’s Menu

 

 

July 13, 2021 – Common Ground

 

Daily Update

 

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

 

This morning we awoke to clear skies and sunshine. I was just sure that our charmed cooler days had come to an end, but the clouds rolled in and cooled us off again, complete with a few sprinkles of rain on us this afternoon.

 

Sisterhood elections continued, with both groups holding runoff votes during the day.

 

In archery, three campers earned new ranks. In riflery, Hailey G achieved her Prone Specialist Level 4. Scarlet F lost a tooth. We suggested she check lost and found. 

 

Tonight the officers were announced and sworn in at a joint ceremony of the Sisterhoods called Common Ground.

 

Thunderbird	Office	Crossed Arrows
Avery S	Fire Lighter (Chieftain)	Sage M
Eva R	Minion Way Shower (Shaman)	Holly W
Maggie C	Minion Song Leader	Scarlet F
Sofi C	Minion Secret Keeper (Chief)	Finley M
Anna T	Soph Way Shower (Shaman)	Valyn P
Piper E	Soph Song Leader	Billey M
Hattie H	Soph Secret Keeper (Chief)	Poppy D
Lily H	Junior Way Shower (Shaman)	Vada M
Fernanda E	Junior Song Leader	Ella P
Molly R	Junior Secret Keeper (Chief)	Avery W
-none-	Senior Way Shower (Shaman)	Josie G
Marly M	Senior Song Leader	Isaac Isabella T
Riley B	Senior Secret Keeper (Chief)	Rhea H
Bella B	Teen Song Leader	Molly R
Valentina L	Teen Secret Keeper (Chief)	Megan H
Kristen C	Story Teller (Scribe)	Catherine B
Charlotte G	Story Teller (Scribe)	KK H
Hannah M	Story Teller (Scribe)	Julia J
Carrie C	Guardian (Sponsor)	Bailey B
Dany C	Guardian (Sponsor)	Jo W

 

At the close of the day, just moments before Taps, the International Space Station passed overhead, visible for a full seven minutes. And the clouds parted, and most of us enjoyed glimpsing that together. It’s a big, beautiful world!

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

“The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.” 

 

Brian Herbert

 

Staff Brags – Brenda S

 

This is Brenda’s first summer at the Heart!! She loves being in nature and taking photos, which she does here at camp!! Additionally, she is one of our mighty minion counselors, taking care of our youngest girls at camp. This is perfect for Brenda because she is so friendly, patient, and kind! When she’s not at camp, she is studying biology at UNAM in Mexico City. We are so happy she’s on staff this summer!

 

A Word from Deen

 

Hello beautiful people!

 

On our first day at the Riflery Range, we’ve covered the “Big 4” rules of gun safety!

 

• Treat Every Firearm As If It Is Loaded
• Always Point Your Firearm In A Safe Direction
• Know Your Target And Its Backdrop
• Keep Your Finger Off The Trigger and Outside The Trigger Guard Until Your Sights Are Aligned With Your Target

 

We’ve also learned the parts of a rifle and proper Firearm Handling skills, including safe carry positions, and safely passing firearms from one user to another with an emphasis on trigger discipline, muzzle discipline, and maintaining positive control of your rifle. At the Heart, we believe that proficiency in firearms safety is of the utmost importance, and that identifying unsafe gun handling can save lives. Next on the docket is SIght Alignment, Sight Picture, and Trigger Squeeze!

 

Today’s Menu

 

 

July 12, 2021 – Officer Elections

 

Daily Update

 

O, heavenly cloud cover! Today there was no precipitation, but the clouds kept the searing sun of July at bay. 
It was the first rotation through the MWF schedule. As all of the try-outs have been concluded, at the end of day, all the necessary (and some just wanted) schedule changes were arranged. 
The “plate trick” is alive and well. When I was a camper in the late 1960’s and early 70’s, we ate cafeteria style on metal trays, so it was call the “tray trick”. We’ve been eating family style on real dinner plates since the summer of 1977, and the trick had to be re-dubbed. The way it works is, once the counselors begin scraping plates, neighboring tables surreptitiously pass their plates over to the table of a happily chatting and unsuspecting plate scraper to see how tall the stack has to be before she catches on. It’s a lot of fun, and everybody gets a good chuckle—even the counselor who’s tricked. 
The Advanced English Riders this term are Emma G, Ella P, Lane S, Sasha H, Katherine W, Sage W, Palm W, Valeria M and Sterling M. 
The aspiring war canoe team members have been trying out yesterday and today, and finally the teams were announced. This is such a big deal because the race at Closing is so exciting. Results: PWC: Avery A, Riley B, Kristen C, Natalie E, Mary Scott H, Betsy H, Hannah M, Molly R, Faith R, True R, Avery S and Palm W. SWC: Catherine B, KK H, Megan H, Julia J, Brooke J, Sarah J, Zoe M, Judith M, Ella P, Molly R, Emily V and Sage W. 
Tonight the Sisterhoods conducted officer elections, with each candidate giving campaign speeches, and secret balloting. The girls dressed up to add some spice, T-birds in solid colors and the Arrows in pajamas. Runoffs (if necessary) will be held in brief meetings tomorrow, and results will be announced tomorrow evening. 
One of the things that I love about the way we do elections it to allow all Fire Lighter candidates who are not elected to have a second shot. We conduct the Fire Lighter elections on the first full day of camp so that all the top girls in the Sisterhood can run, then those who aren’t elected can still run for an office the next day. And I love the secret balloting because each camper can vote her own conscience without the peer pressure that a show of hands can cause.

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

“The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.” 

 

Brian Herbert

 

Staff Brags – Bethany M

 

This is Bethany’s 9th year at the Heart and 2nd on staff! She grew up in Houston, Tx and then graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. She loves calligraphy and artwork, which she pursues through her own small business. She also loves running, and has completed a marathon and many half marathons with her mom, who was also a camper at the Heart! Bethany is kind, hardworking, and so much fun. We’re so grateful she’s on staff this summer!!

 

Today’s Menu

 

 

July 11, 2021 – Mountain Top

 

Daily Update

 

Can it be that we’ve only had a single full day of camp? The calendar says it’s so, but it feels so packed with experiences and interactions that it feels so much longer. One of the counselors was fussing at us in the office because the supplies she had requested hadn’t come yet. We had to remind her that the request came in on Saturday, and it was just now Sunday. Hahaha 
Although it was Sunday outside our gates, it was a “Tuesday” in here. We wanted to go ahead and launch into regular activities, so we followed the TTS schedule (so that tomorrow we can resume with MWF on an actual MWF day). There was the usual amount of people not knowing where to go when, but overall, the kids were elated to be moving through their day, doing new and exciting things, and even accomplishing new skills already. 
About an hour before Zippity Doo Da sounded to wake up the rest of the camp, the aspiring Top Elite Riders met to try out for the team. It’s the Top Elite girls who present the Quadrille at the end of the term. There are six who made the cut: Bailey G, Sarah J, Sterling M, Valeria M, Palm W and Sage W.
We also had seven girls try out for the Advanced English Riding class that takes place under the watchful coaching of my brother, Jeepers Ragsdale at Camp Stewart. All seven were placed, and there will be two more trying out tomorrow. I’ll announce the results when I have all of them! 
In every swim class, the girls were evaluated and placed into their Red Cross swim levels. 
The Sisterhoods met today to elect their Fire Lighters, which is the highest office. There Were Three Thunderbird candidates and four Crossed Arrows. The Arrows had to hold a runoff. Results were announced tonight on the first Mountain Top meetings. 
I might as well pause here to offer some translations. Most of you are aware that up until this summer, The Heart was steeped in Native American culture as a theme for all our names. But the time has come for some simple re-naming. We were Pawnee and Shawnee tribes, now we are The Powerful Sisterhood of the Thunderbirds, and the Strong Sisterhood of the Crossed Arrows. The Powerful and Strong names help us retain the P and S that have become a big part of our identity, and the Thunderbird and Crossed Arrows have been the symbols we’ve always used. Fire Lighter was Chieftain; Guardian was Sponsor; Secret Keeper, Chief; Song Leader, Songleader; Way Shower, Shaman; Story Teller, Scribe. There are other small modifications that I think will be obvious enough as we go forward! 
SO our new Fire Lighters are Avery S for the T-Birds and Sage W for the Crossed Arrows. Very exciting; I know they will be great role models and leaders. 
Failed to mention yesterday that it was the birthday of Mary Scott H. She received a beautiful cake at supper, but that cake wasn’t actually consumed until today, because that’s what Mary Scott wanted.

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

”If you have to choose between being kind and being right, choose to be kind, and you will always be right.”

 

Unknown

 

Staff Brags – Andrea R

 

This is Andrea’s first year on staff and we are so excited she’s here!!! Andrea loves the outdoors and is always up for an adventure. You can find her at the Waterfront most class periods of the day, where she is often giving some extra encouragement to those afraid of the Guadalupe! Camp is perfect for Andrea, whose goal in life is to help others. We are so grateful to have her here impacting campers at the Heart!!

 

A Word from Monique

 

Hello back home!

With camp in full swing, we want to make sure you don’t miss a minute of the action! 

 

If you are reading this, then I would bet you have found the Daily Updates from Jane, our daily photos and where to send your camper emails. 

 

This year we have three wonderful people on our media team! These girls not only work on the media staff, but are serving as counselors in cabins with your campers! They work very hard to make sure to get you the best insight into camp each day! 

Naomi H. from The Woodlands, TX, Brenda Sanchez from Mexico City, MX, and Tam Vera from Torreon, MX are our amazing photographers this summer. 

 

Our goal is to have yesterday’s news and photos up by 10:00 AM each day. However, sometimes our internet isn’t always as cooperative as we would hope (like this morning), so please understand that they may be a tad late some days. 

 

Another great way to view photos, news, etc. is the new Campanion app. I know quite a few of you have already downloaded the app and submitted your “training photos” for the facial recognition software. But for those of you that haven’t, you are not going to want to wait any longer. Download the app, and experience summer camp updates like never before. 

 

 We hope you are enjoying the ease of access for photos, emails, and microposts through Campanion! 

 

As always, please let us know if you have any issues with CampInTouch, Companion, or any concerns at all while your camper is at The Heart.

 

Monique–

 

Today’s Menu

 

 

July 10, 2021 – Opening Day

 

Daily Update

 

Opening Day! The rain held off to a bare drizzle and only came in a couple of times, but the cloud cover still kept us nice and cool. I call that a great day in July in Texas! And everything came off with minimal hiccups. 
The North Texas bus left Dallas on the button at 7 a.m., and quickly picked up riders along I-35. The Houston bus left a bit behind schedule, but made quick tracks westward on I-10 and got here in no time. All the campers arriving by car came in a steady stream, with only a few having to double back for a second circuit because of an item left in the car! 
The time seemed to go nearly as quickly as our sack lunches were downed, and then we were in our all-camp welcome meeting in the Village. “Red Shirt” head counselors were introduced and then the Juniors, Seniors and Teens began their activity sign-ups in the old fashioned way. 
Supper was a delicious pasta and meat sauce that two non-spaghetti lovers told me they loved, and the Dr Pepper cake for dessert was a real hit. Afterward, Eau de Bug Spray filled the air as campers prepared to divide into groups for the Sisterhood Sorting ceremonies. Former campers gathered either with the Powerful Thunderbirds or the Strong Crossed Arrows, and new campers gather together at the Ark to be lined up. 
The ceremonies began unceremoniously when some of the campers unhappily discovered that they had paused over a fire ant bed. Ouch! Shoes and socks flew in every direction, and the foot slapping dances began. After a moment things settled down. The counselors sang to the girls, I read the Legend of the Guadalupe, and the Guardians explained the opportunities and responsibilities of belonging to a Heart Sisterhood. One by one the newbies were called forward to draw their bead. Here are the results: 

 

 

Thought O’ the Day

 

“Courage: the most important of all virtues because without it, you cannot practice any other virtues.” 

 

Maya Angelou

 

Staff Brags – Daniela M

 

This is Dani’s first summer at the Heart! Dani is from Puebla and she is studying International Relations at UPAEP. Dani is easy-going, friendly, and super hard working. She works both in our Trading Post and as a general counselor. When she isn’t at camp or studying hard, she loves reading, sports, and archery. We are so grateful she’s here this summer, especially after she had to defer from last summer because of COVID!!!

 

A Word from Maddie

 

This upcoming term is something I can’t wait to experience. This term has so many things to look forward to as we get to experience a summer with less covid restrictions. As our staff has gotten here these last few days, we have gotten to really see how this term is going to look and it is going to be great. Our staff this term is positive, upbeat and super excited about what this term holds for us. I love getting to know our new staff members and the new things that they bring to camp overall. The unique talents of our counselors and heart lites are what make camp special. Having counselors who specialize in different areas makes it easy to make camp the special place that it is. Staff is a super important part of camp because of the way the staff has an impact on all the children. This term is going to be a great one thanks to the staff members we have here this term!

 

~Maddie Rea

 

Today’s Menu