Day 8

Today was awesome! As mostly all the days out here have been, of course. We got to sleep in for the first time since being here and had a relaxing morning. We left at 11AM and had half the camp go rock climbing at the indoor gym, while the other half went on an amazing hike to a fantastic waterfall.

After that we played a short game of kickball and all went for a refreshing swim in the river this afternoon.

Things are starting to wrap up here as we get ready for our final block of on snow training. Two days of slalom slotted for Monday and Tuesday and we are going to make every last day worth it, with smiles on our faces and not so silent wishes that the camp had another two weeks to go.

Day 7

Well today was another beautifully sunny day! Our fourth, and final day on snow before our day off was awesome. We did some more brush courses as well as put in some tall gates. It was our last day of GS and we are proud with how well everyone progressed.

Tomorrow we are splitting the group in two. One group will go on a hike to a waterfall, as well as play soccer. The other group will go to an inside climbing gym. After those activities we will all meet at a swimming hole to refresh and cool ourselves off on another day of projected heat and sun.

After that, two more days on snow with slalom skis and then it is time to come home. I think everyone is wishing the camp would go on longer, with all the fun we are having! I hope the east coast will have this much sun when we get back!

Photos uploading!

Day 6

The days are getting nicer! Today on the hill it was extremely warm and we were taking off layers before we even left the lodge this morning. We worked into brushes today, which went very well. Tomorrow there will be full gates set for our last day of GS.

Tonight we had another BBQ at the park and the kids had a great time running around, playing all sorts of games. Tomorrow will be our fourth day on snow so we put all the children to bed at 8PM to assure a productive day. We are all certainly tired enough to pass out that early anyway!

One more day before our second scheduled day off and we are hitting our stride! Can't believe it's almost over! We want to stay!

(More photos uploading as we speak!)

 

Day 5

Today, we finally saw the sun! After numerous days of rough weather, we are finally through the bad spell, and on to greener pastures. The 10 day forecast is predicting bright, beautiful sunshine, with no break. We are all very excited to get our rays in!

Today we worked on more drill progressions with GS skis, and tomorrow we will be setting some brushes.

This afternoon we headed to Wildwood Park, to have a BBQ and play lots of games. The kids have A LOT of energy still, and you can easily see that they are getting along as the play a massive game of kickball together.

 They all have such a joyous attitude that keeps us young and reminds us of what life is really about.

Living, purely for the joy of it.

 

Day 4

"There is a great advantage in training under unfavorable conditions. It is better to train under bad conditions, for the difference is then a tremendous relief in a race."-Emil Zatopek

View all

Get your own

Here are some photos from Anna's special home made box jumps!

View all

Get your own

Day 3

The bad weather continues to hover over Mt. Hood. We planned on skiing GS this morning, but after sending a coach up the mountain to check it out and getting a poor weather report, we decided it was best to take today off. In the morning, each house had some down time and then a tuning clinic.

At eleven o'clock, the kids had the choice to head out to the indoor soccer arena or to rock climb. The soccer group split into three teams and rotated competition. At the end, we had a mini-play off. The rock climbers challenged themselves, pushed their limits, and encouraged one another.

The girls houses each baked a chocolate cake for a late afternoon activity. Each house was again on their own for a "family style" dinner.

We plan on skiing the next four days and taking Sunday off. Although the weather is far from ideal, everyone is all smiles and having a blast! We look forward to some productive and high volume skiing tomorrow.

Here are some pictures from the day:

Day 2

Headed out to the Mountain early this morning with our GS skis. After taking a few runs, the wind, fog, sleet, and rain persisted. We decided that the conditions were too dangerous and unproductive so we went back to the houses.

After drying off and enjoying a little bit of down time, we packed up and went in to Portland for some bowling, movies, and shopping!

Each house was on their own for a "family style" mac and cheese dinner.

Day 1

Well, day one down and we are on a roll!

The kids were quiet and conservative in the morning, feeling out the new scene, and their new friends. But as the morning went on that quiet we were experiencing quickly gave way to loud chatter and uncontrollable laughter. The coaches all got roped into the fun too, as usual, and we felt lucky to be out there being a part of it.

We started off today with slalom skis and did a whole lot of drills. Although there was a slight drizzle for most of the day we got a lot done and had an awesome first day on the hill. Tomorrow we are on GS skis for even more drills. Hopefully the weather will hold up!

Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate in the afternoon so we were unable to get together and do group games. We did however have the chance to play some games at our own houses before heading over to the girls place for a group dinner.

We are all pretty tired but looking forward for another great day tomorrow. Till next time!

Half way there!

Well, there is certainly something to be said about traveling with nearly 30 kids! But we made it to Chicago, and we still have all of them! They are in high spirits, (if not high energy), and excited to get this camp kicked off. 

When we land in Portland we will collect our bags and have a pizza dinner before we head up to the mountain.

Tomorrow morning we'll be on slalom skis for some technical drills, getting our skiing feet back on! We are all looking forward to it! 

Let us know if you have any questions in the comments. We are boarding our final flight now. Onward!  

Almost there!

Welcome back everybody!

We are all very, very excited for another year of fun adventures at Mt. Hood! Remember, this blog is the place to go to keep up with your child's whereabouts, and all the fun they are having. We update daily, usually with photos, so please check in everyday, or subscribe by submitting your email on the left side of the page.

Here is a copy of the "do not forget" list. We leave on Saturday, get packing!

What to bring and packing hints:

Keep it light and simple.  If you can't carry it yourself, don't pack it (the airline will charge for heavy bags or too many bags, you are allowed 2 checked bags each weighing 50 pounds, campers will be responsible for any extra charges).  You need a ski bag (which can be stuffed with clothes), one large cargo bag and one back pack.  Your back pack will be used as a carry-on bag.  This pack will serve as your camp back pack for the entire two weeks. Ski boots should be packed in your travel bags or carried on the plane.  Try not to duplicate your clothes, except for items like socks, underwear, t-shirts, shorts.  Please be reasonable and bring only what you can comfortably carry.  The weather in town is typically summer-like, so bring summer sport clothing for afternoon activities.  Ski clothing should be fairly lightweight and roomy enough to allow for extra layers underneath when necessary.  It is typically cold in the early morning up on the hill, like winter, but then warms up as the day progresses.  Keep in mind that we have laundry machines in each house so pack accordingly.

What to Bring:

1 pair GS skis and 1 pair of SL skis (you will be able to test ski and boots more info on this to come)

GS Suit
ski boots
poles (GS and SL)
ski helmet

Back Protector
SL gear (shin/face guards
back pack
water bottle (camel back)
sunglasses
goggles
sun block
lip balm
running shoes / (dryland workout clothes)
small tuning kit (file guide, file, stone, small amount of wax, scraper)
spring jacket
wind jacket
warm-ups
bathing suit
camera
spring gloves/2 pr.
towel - toiletries
fleece
sweatshirt
summer clothes
Tevas/Flip Flops

 Spending Money:

The only things you will need to spend money on are snacks, souvenirs, movies, ice cream, ski equipment you may want to buy...

Laptop computers; There is no need for campers to bring laptop computer including:

(I pads and the like)

Cell phone/computer policy;  We do allow campers to bring cell phones, but we will strictly monitor their use.  We believe athletes can the most out of their experience by using phones as little as possible.

Cell phones may not be used during any training activities, including ski training, dryland training or off day activities.  We will give athletes some time in the early evening to touch base with parents and friends

Phone Card:
We suggest that each camper have a phone card or calling card number.  Each house we are staying in has a phone and we do encourage campers to phone home,
however if they call direct we are charged a $15.00 service charge plus the call.  Please send your child prepared to call home at your expense.

Please feel free to call if you have any questions: 802-793-1745

 or e-mail us at ajulius@gmvs.org