Day 10

Well, we made it to the last day on snow! The weather was overcast today but warm; the snow conditions challenging. That didn't stop the kids from taking 10+ runs in the courses however, as they put their heads down and got some great milage in, and in our opinions made some of the best turns of the camp.

After skiing we went back to the houses and packed up most of our stuff before heading to Wildwood Park one last time for games and grilling. There was also a raffle, and "paper plate awards" were given out to each camper, made by their peers.

As always, the kids have their relentless energy, and with the end of the camp drawling near there seems to be the usual underlying sadness of the realization that this unique experience in their lives is coming to an end. But friends made, may turn out to be bonds that will last for a lifetime.

Day 9

Another hot day on the hill today. The snow was a bit soft in the morning but we threw some salt and did a couple hours of slalom drills before we set courses for the kids to run. 

We set a variety of courses using brushes, stubbies, and paneled gates. The kids got a lot of runs in, setting them up for a solid last day of skiing tomorrow. 

Tonight, we have a dance party going on! Lots of singing/excited screaming going on currently. Their energy never seems to end, and they seem to have more and more fun each day. I know we are all sad that the camp is coming to a close. 

Day 8

Now today was beautiful! Not a cloud in the sky, and warm, warm weather. The cold wind last night kept the snow nice and firm however, so we had an amazing surface to work with. The kids had the last day of GS today, and it couldn't have been a better ending.

Games today consisted of speed ball, with core and agility ladder worked in between games. After games we jumped into a very chilly, extremely refreshing river. It felt good now that we are finally getting some HOT weather.

Tomorrow we work back into slalom with drill courses. Only two more days left, and we look forward to making them count!

Until tomorrow

Day 7

Success! We got a great day on the hill today. With the bad weather moving out, and the sun finally penetrating through the clouds, we moved on to full gates of GS and we saw some really good things out of the kids. Tomorrow will be our last day of GS.

This afternoon we went to Wildwood Park again and the kids played games while we grilled up some burgers and hot dogs.

Only three days left on snow over here. We are certainly going to make the most of it, especially with warm weather and sun coming our way!

Until next time...

Day 6

Unfortunately the rain kept on coming for the third day in a row today, which forced us to take another day off. The upper lift didn't spin, and very few braved the bottom lift, and from those who did we heard it was dreadful conditions so we believe we made the right decision.

The plan now is to go four days straight of skiing. And the forecast looks sunny and beautiful! The skiing tomorrow should be fantastic.

Today we hiked to an amazing waterfall set in a verdant valley, which the kids could hike behind. After the hike we stopped in Government Camp for lunch, and then played games of knock out, soccer, and kick ball for most of the afternoon.

We had dinner as a group at one of the houses followed up by a lesson on skiing tactics with Q&A. Once that was finished a tuning clinic was held that I think all the kids benefited from.

All and all, a very busy day, and with plenty of pictures to prove it! Check it out.

Day 5

Well, the weather got the better of us today. Or rather, the weather got the better of the mountain, which closed its lifts do to excessive rain.

Instead of heading up to the hill we headed into Portland for some bowling, shopping at the mall, and movies at the theater.

The kids had a great time, but after reviewing video tonight before bed time, we have a feeling they are all raring to get back on the hill tomorrow. We look forward to a successful day, as we plan on continuing our progression with brush courses.

Here are some photos of bowling today, as well as sequence shots taken in the brush gates the day before yesterday.

Enjoy!

Day 4

Our activity day couldn't have been planned better. We woke up to a light drizzle and later found out that the upper lift on the mountain did not open do to heavy fog and rain.

The kids "slept in" till around 8 o'clock and treated themselves and their coaches to a pancake breakfast. Amazing! 

After that we watched the USA game on TV and quickly headed out after the conclusion to soccer and rock climbing. Everyone had a great time and the van was blessed by tired silence on the drive back to the houses. 

We all have dinner at our separate houses tonight. Lasagna! Its been a very fun and mostly relaxing day, and I think we are all rejuvenated and ready for another awesome day on the hill tomorrow. 

Hasta mañana

Day 3

Well the weather held true, and we got another awesome day on the hill! We set some brush gates, and the kids excelled! We are happy with the progression we've had so far, before our day off tomorrow.

Skiing was followed by the routine pick up of demo skis, and then back to the house for a bit of rest.

At 4:30 we headed to Wildwood Park for games and grilling. We also had a special birthday party for Emma Speiser, who turned 10! Despite it being the third full day of activities, the kids still have unrestrained energy that just kept coming! (Spurred on by the birthday cake sugar, no doubt.) Night is upon us now however, and they have finally settled in. I am sure they are just as excited to sleep in tomorrow as the rest of the staff is.

Tomorrow we will split into two groups. As I explained, half the kids will go to indoor soccer, and the others will go indoor rock climbing. Exciting stuff! Look for pictures of that! Pictures from today below.

 On the hill today..    


At Wildwood Park

Day 2

Well the proverbial ball is rolling now, with another great day on the hill! The weather looked ominous on our way up to the mountain with low and dark clouds threatening rain. Luckily as we gained altitude we busted through the cloud cover and found the sun, which stayed with us for the rest of the day.

We did another full day of drills and free skiing today, and we are really happy with how the group is progressing as a whole. We may get into some brush gates tomorrow.

After skiing we picked up some demo skis in Govie, and then headed back to our separate houses for a few hours before heading to dryland/recovery. (See attached pictures.)

Weather looks a little dreary tomorrow with a possibility of rain, but we plan to stick it out and get a good day in. Thursday will be our first day off, and our first activity day. The kids will have a chance to either play indoor soccer in Portland, or indoor rock climbing.

Thats all for now, until tomorrow!


 

Day 1

Today was beautifully sunny and warm. We had a very successful first day back on snow where we split into our separate groups and got back to the basics. It was great getting to know the kids more personally and growing a rapport within the groups themselves.  

After skiing we went to Government Camp, where some of the kids picked up skis they wanted to demo for tomorrow, which will be our first day of GS.

The afternoon was filled with games, (soccer, buoy ball, and a core/agility circuit), followed by dinner at one of the houses. After everyone filled up on a delicious home made meal, all of the athletes and coaches gathered to introduce themselves and the staff gave an overall plan of what we hope to accomplish here at this camp.

Today was exhausting, but I know I speak for everyone when I say how glad we all are to be here. The kids are already as thick as thieves, and the staff has heard the last peaceful silence as even the thickest walls of shyness were made scarce to new friends made in unfamiliar places.

Till tomorrow...

Made it!

Well, we made it! It was a long travel day for the most of us, and we were all in bed by 8. Sleepy and dreaming of finally getting back on snow tomorrow. We are all very excited.

My eyes droop as I write this myself, but please check back in each day here and we will keep you up to date as much as possible. Here are two of my favorite pictures from today.

View of Mt. Hood on our flight in

Hungry campers getting their fill of pizza upon landing in Portland, Oregon.

Stay tuned for a great camp!

Check List!

Hi parents and campers,

I hope you all are enjoying your spring.

We are about a week from our departure for MT. Hood 2014.  I have some important notes in this e-mail so please take a few moments to read over.

Please renew your child’s USSA membership as soon as possible.  We need to make sure all camp athletes have their 2014-2015 memberships updated.  The memberships go from July 1 – June 30 each year and our camp overlaps those dates.  You can register on line at www.ussa.org   Please e-mail if you have any questions on this. 

Here is the Group flight itinerary:

DELTA AIR LINES - FLT 2417

SUN 22JUN      BURLINGTON VT-ATLANTA GA 0725A   1014A

DELTA AIR LINES - FLT 2646

SUN 22JUN      ATLANTA GA-PORTLAND OR   100P   0300P

DELTA AIR LINES - FLT 902

THU 03JUL      PORTLAND OR-ATLANTA GA   0855A   0438P

DELTA AIR LINES - FLT 2416

THU 03JUL      ATLANTA GA-BURLINGTON VT 0649P   0924P

If you are meeting us at the BTV airport please be there by 6:15am 6/22/14.

Delta has baggage charges ($25: 1^st bag $40: for 2^nd bag, each max weight 50 pounds ) please make sure your child has cash or a credit card to cover these expenses. Weigh your bags before going to the airport.

Tracy Julius will be at PDX (Portland Airport) to receive athletes who are arriving there without the group her cell # is 802-279-3714 and ID address is PO Box 1212 Waitsfield, VT 05673

MAIL:

***Packages and Mail can be sent to:

“Your child’s name” c/o Adam Julius / GMVS

PO Box 170 Rhododendron, OR 97049

Only use the US Postal Service for all packages/mail

Packing Reminder:

Keep it light and simple.  If you can't carry it yourself, don't pack it (the airline will charge for over weight bag (over 50 pounds) or too many bags (over 2) , campers will be responsible for any of these charges). 

You need a (2) pair ski bag (which can be stuffed with clothes if needed), one large cargo bag and one back pack. 

Your backpack will be used as a carry-on bag.  This pack will serve as your camp backpack for the camp.

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.  Houses have washers and dryers.

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.

Cell Phone/computer policy:  Cell phones are discouraged, we don’t allow cell phone use during on-snow or dry land training sessions.  Excessive cell phone/texting use is strongly discouraged.  Laptop computers are not needed.  

DEMO Equipment: We have made contact with all the major ski, boot and binding manufactures. Each one of these companies has a small showroom and shop located in Government Camp, Oregon.  We encourage athletes to test equipment while at camp.

 Coaches will assist athletes with equipment testing, ensuring a well thought out testing process.  We do not want young ski racers testing new boots and new skis at the same time, we encourage athletes to try a pair of skis with there own boots and boots with there own skis.  This is an excellent time to for athletes to try next year’s stuff!  Campers will have a journal to record all testing information.

Adam’s cell # 802-793-1745 call me anytime if you need additional information or have any questions.

Thank you, and see you all very soon!

Welcome 2014 Camp Members and Family!

For those of you who are returning with us to Mt. Hood, Oregon, welcome back! We are all very excited to have another very fun, and very successful trip.

For those of you who are new, this blog provides daily updates on our activities, as well as numerous photos. So please, come here each day to see how the camp is progressing, and feel free to leave a message to your kids in the comments.

If you would like, you could enter your email on the upper left side of this page, (right under "Follow by email"), to get notified any time this site is updated.

We will be posting a list of all the items that your child will need for this trip shortly, so please stay tuned.

Hope everyone is having a great start to the summer, and we will see you all shortly!