OFL Returners are here, and having a blast! Our theme for this year’s returners camp involves cuisine, activities, and events from all kinds of different places around the world. Yesterday, they covered Europe, and today they are in Latin America. We’ll post pictures as soon as we get a chance. We don’t post anything over the weekend, so check back here Monday evening to get an update!
OFY Advanced Camp
Sorry for the late entry! OFY Advanced Camp arrived on time and safe and sound on Wednesday, and they’re doing great! So far, they’ve been day hiking, riding horses, and generally having a lot of fun. If time permits, we’ll post some pictures here after the weekend.
Everyone Made it Safe! Apologies for Technical Difficulties
Arrival on Friday went smoothly, and everyone had a wonderful weekend!
Unfortunately the Ranch is without internet access, though, and has been for the last week. They’ve been unable to upload the blog, and it may be some time before photos are up.
We’re unsure of when the internet will be connected again, but if you have any questions feel free to call Marissa Perry @ 626 204 2554.
Day 6 – Monday
Weekday schedule began again today with work projects turning into hours for community service for our marvelous students. That requirement for graduation could not be met in an easier or more fun manner!
Doing some homework. It’s hard to see in the photos, but right out the window are beautiful pine covered mountains where weather frequently blows over from the other side. We love watching snow move in closer and closer until it is snowing all around us.
Bind folded team building/leadership activities are always fun!
Each group had a turn to act out different leadership styles! It was an afternoon full of laughter. We have some great actors and actresses in our students. The last activity before supper helped kick-start conversations on the importance of values for our students!
Day 5 – Sunday = Sleep In
Students were able to get a little extra sleep. It was a relaxing morning with some students being able to ride horses and others playing games in the warm sunshine in the dining hall.
The students were able to experience an amazing beautiful hike!
Day 4 – Ranching Around
Day 4: RMPR (Rocky Mountain Pathway’s Ranch) Olympics!
Saturday = Sleeping in here at the ranch. The students enjoyed a later breakfast and played many board and card games while smaller groups went on horse back rides.
Team building!
On to the games! Get an article of clothing, bring it back to a team member, run back and get some more!
Capture the flag. Three teams. Lots of snow and sunshine!
Make your own pizza night!
Day 3 on the Ranch
Day three was an amazing day in the Rockies! We started out the day with a fresh breath of air before breakfast. The picture is of students attempting to find their group while closing their eyes by making an assigned animal noise. It was hilarious!
Mid-morning, the students went on a beautiful hike in nature. Smelling the Ponderosa Pine was fun since it actually smells rather like vanilla! The temperature was a balmy 40 degrees Fahrenheit meaning that the snow was just right for a snowball fight! As we continued hiking, the students noticed deer, horse, and mice tracks in the snow. In a beautiful meadow, we took a couple moments to spread out and have personal reflection/meditation time. Wind in the trees sounding like the ocean, sparkling snow, quietness, stillness, golden bits of grass poking through, small red rocks, and memories of home were all some of the things the students said that they had thought about and noticed during this peaceful activity.
The last activity of the day before supper were debates! The students had an hour to read information about their given topic, assign roles, prepare their statements, and then debate another team. Many of the students were very passionate about their topic and did very well!
Day 2 part 2
More highlights from today include hanging out with fellow students and *drumroll* . . . . . . more time with the horses! Students were schooled in the names of the horses, parts of a horse, types of equipment, how to approach a horse, and other such horse etiquette.
Other activities in which students participated to help warm up after the cold outdoors include Ranch Beautification, and leadership lectures. The students are definitely having a blast!
Day 2 part 1
Today was another beautiful day in the Colorado Rockies! This morning was the first day that the students had the choice of pre-breakfast activities. These started at 7:20 am which was no problem for our early riser students! They could choose Jamming with Jabba, a music option, or The Phantom Llama, feeding the animals. Those outside had a blast experiencing the early morning sunrise over the mountains.
This was followed by another amazing breakfast provided by our wonderful chefs. Again the students loved playing games afterwards which provides many bonding moments.
Day 1
The group had a great day today! In between remembering to drink enough water to counter act the increased loss of water due to the altitude, the students spent the day doing team building activities. The chefs here treated us to an amazing breakfast of french toast, homemade apple sausage, and fresh fruit. After every meal, the students are able to play games. They learned about the different animals on the farm, worked on some of their packets, played amazing group games, and were able to participate in community service. Super excited for tomorrow!
