Reflections from a Road Trip by Jackie Ribbe

Being one hour into our 14- hour road trip to Memphis for Thanksgiving, I am faced with that moment of deciding whether to hunker down and embrace the journey or dread the long day ahead.  It is quite understandable to feel challenged in the quest for optimism, with three teenagers crammed between pillows, blankets, duffle bags, gifts, food and “the healthy choice” snack bag … not to mention, a husband navigating snow covered slippery roads with a windshield demanding an endless supply of washing fluid.

Yet, already we have been surprised by some simple joys…an impressive 10- point buck on the top of a car next to us, a bald eagle perched in a tree on the side of the road, and seeing two of our Kenyan friends shoveling six inches of snow off their Northwoods driveway!

My inner mom is also smiling, as I reflect on an assignment our son, Ben, who just submitted an English assignment (literally just submitted via internet and the laptop in our car). Reflecting on a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, Ben provides further perspective on how we can see beauty rather than drudgery in the everyday, and why we should choose to enjoy what God has put before us. 

I decided to share this with you since I really couldn’t have said it better myself. It’s a simple choice really. 

Ben Ribbe

English 3rd Hour

11/25/14

Emerson/Thoreau Essay

When walking through nature, it is very easy to overlook the many stunning characteristics that contribute to the Earth. Ralph Waldo Emerson elaborated on this subject with the following quote: “The invariable mark of wisdom is to find the miraculous in the common.” Nature provides many unique and miraculous aspects that we take for granted, among them are the changing of the leaves, the falling of snow, and the twinkling of the stars.

When the leaves change, it is an amazing sight. Throughout the life of a tree the leaves grow, live, and fall many times. This is amazing because it shows that no matter what, the tree will continue it’s life cycle. It perseveres through the cold of the winter and the heat of the summer, all the while revealing its beauty through breathtaking colors.

This beauty can also be observed through the stars in the night. Just think of the number 300 billion. There are 300 billion stars that make up the vast night sky. 300 billion unique balls of light shining, without fail, bringing beauty and proclaiming their artistry in the night sky. Take a moment and look up, it is a sight that no television screen can display. It is a gift from God to every person on the Earth. From peasants to great lords, no one is exempt from the panorama of astonishing grace displayed through the stars.

Once the stars disappear, and the sun begins to rise, the world awakens to a winter wonderland. The white, pure, blanket of snow covers every inch of the ground. Most people will groan and complain about the hardships the snow brings, but remember to look at all levels of the spectrum and focus on the positives. The snow really is one of nature's most remarkable gifts. Overnight it can transform the world into an unfathomable beauty. Consider yourself lucky to live in a place where snow also finds its home.

When the leaves change, the snow falls, and the stars twinkle, one must make it a choice to recognize the astonishing beauty that nature gives us. It is important to take a look around and notice the remarkable gifts that God has given to all beings on Earth. When going out into the world, one should keep Emerson’s quote in mind: “The invariable mark of wisdom is to find the miraculous in the common.”

Best wishes to all of you for a miraculous and wise Thanksgiving!

 - from the Ribbe family on the road

Our First Ceramics Master

One of our two ceramics instructors, Ali Mayer, is here today to share some exciting news about the Ceramics studio! Ali has a deep connection with the program, as she was an Assistant Counselor the summer we began Ceramics. She shares how the studio has not only shaped her story, but a glimpse into how it is impacting others.

"Hello! My name is Alison Mayer and I am one of the ceramics instructors this summer. 

Ceramics was added to the activity roster in 2010 in an effort to expand the arts at HoneyRock. When I was an Assistant Counselor, I had the opportunity to be in the studio. My experience working with the clay that summer shaped the path of my lif, giving me a vision for the direction that God was leading me. Creating art became passion which has continued to grow since that summer. In order to fulfill my calling, I am pursuing a degree of Fine Art at Emily Carr University of Art and Design. My desire is to become an art professor at a small college or art school.

I am very pleased to introduce the very first ceramics masters student at HoneyRock, Jacob Fisco! Jacob participated in Advance Camp this summer and has been coming to HoneyRock for several years. He has participated in the ceramics program since it’s beginning. As a Masters student, Jacob created a tea set including a teapot, saucers, and tea cups. He also created a series of five mugs, learned how to load and fire the kiln, made glazes and slips, plates, lidded jars, and the list goes on. Another important part of all Masters awards at HoneyRock is the service and assisting hours that the student completes, giving back to the activity area. Jacob served all areas of the studio for a total of six hours in order to receive his Masters. It was a great joy to work with Jacob and share in something we have both come to love so much at HoneyRock!"

The Ceramics studio serves more than our camper programs. During the spring, Professor Hooker runs a Woodfire class, where Wheaton students come to HoneyRock for two weeks to create pieces, firing them in our wood kiln. The studio will also play an incredible role in Vanguard year, coming September 2015.

Queen Bee Makes Rounds

Shmo, the Beehive's Queen Bee, delivers packages to cabins!There's a buzz on camp this morning - we're getting ready for more Res campers to arrive! Busses are picking campers up down south, last touches are being made to Cabin Impacts, cabins are being fluffed for new campers, and deliveries are being made by the Beehive's (camp store) very own Queen Bee, Shmo. 

Over the weekend, staff and high school campers enjoyed a little down time - games of volleyball and Frisbee were played. Trips into town for laundry and some ice cream were made. Hanging out in hammocks happened and (lots) of naps were taken to rest up. Advance Camp counselors will go to White Buck, a nearby lodge, this afternoon to take the next few days to rest, reflect, and renew for the new group of Advance Campers, coming July 21.

ACs were able to get into town and made sure to stop by thrift shops and the print store to buy Wilderness Wednesday screenprint t's and sweatshirts. 2:22 celebrated stories from wilderness trips, went white-water rafting on the Wolf River and played some large group games on camp. They're heading into the second half of their time at HoneyRock, and will be busy in activities this week. Next week, they'll split into work groups and serve both camp and the surrounding communities. After helping with Family Day, Service Team went back to rotations.

A short update for today - but you can follow the busses as they make the trip up north via our Facebook page. We update as they stop for lunch at Madison, pass through Wausau and Rhinelander, and a final update once they reach camp. Prayers for safe travels and a great session are appreciated - we couldn't do it without the support of those back home praying for our staff and campers!

Res, Advance, 2:22 and more!

We have five different camper programs going now, and today we have an update for them all! 

Res: Res campers just arrived yesterday, and they're charging ahead at full steam! After a night filled with name games, icebreakers, swim tests, skits and cabin reflections, they woke up this morning to cabin impacts, camper worship, and activities. At this point, they're just finishing up their second activity period and heading into OPA (optional play activitiy) where they have some structured free time with their cabin before dinner. 

Advance Camp Girls, ready to go on trip!Advance: While the boys got back Saturday afternoon, the girls left on trip right after lunch today. They'll be out on trip for the next few days, enjoying the beautiful Northwoods. Meanwhile, the boys will work on their activities on camp. When Sarah asked the girls how they wanted to caption this picture, they said, "Bugspray is the new perfume!" This year, that may be the case!

2:22: 2:22 is in camp today but will be gone tomorrow as they all split up and leave on their trips. There are a few pictures up on SmugMug, including their cabin photos. Stick tight through their wildnerness and service trips - while we would love to get pictures during these times, there isn't an opportunity. Our photographer is working hard to get as many takes of them as she can before they leave!

Service Team: Service Teamers are busy busy busy! They're split up all around camp as well as in town. Job rotations include housekeeping, Operations, Construction, town service, etc... If you were able to pop over to our photo site, you might notice some silly pictures in their gallery. We handed off the camera for them to take some pictures of their time setting up DTP tents, banquet, and their overnight trip - they had some fun with it!

AC's: This is a fun group to watch. They're all doing so well with their campers - leading them through bible studies, camper worship, activities...it's incredible to see the growth from Service Team to Assistant Counselor. The guys will soon be leading their Res campers on their overnights, while girls are prepping for Girls Night on camp. 

All SmugMug galleries were updated today, even Res Camp! The password was given out early this afternoon in a message sent to the email parents provided. If you can't find it, check your junk mail - somtimes it likes to sneak in there. If you're still having problems, let us know at media@honeyrockcamp.org. Thanks!

Welcome Back!

It's been a busy start to the summer here at HoneyRock! Last night, our Assistant Counselors arrived - all excited to be back up at camp for the next eight weeks. Our Assistant Counselor program is the final step of the camper progression - the ACs are ready to cap their HoneyRock camper experience with an incredible summer of service. We'll keep you posted with their stories!

While our oldest campers just arrived, in one week we will welcome our youngest: Intro Campers. We thought you parents might want some information that may help the packing experience and transition to camp. If you're wondering what to pack, check out our packing list. Since it gets chilly at night, make sure to bring all your layers, and don't forget the bugspray!

While packing with your camper is one way to prepare them for camp, check out our other tips to help ease the transition away from home.

Have you figured out how your child is getting to camp? If questions arise, all of our transportation information can be found here. Instead of having your child ride back down to Wisconsin or Illinois on a bus after camp, come and visit us on Family Day! We love meeting our campers' loved ones and they love showing you around their new digs - just be sure to register!

Remember: It takes a few days for mail to get to HoneyRock. If you want to send a letter to your camper in Intro Camp, start writing! We love getting those letters a little early so they're ready for your little one. Those handwritten words are so comforting during their time here! We also provide the opportunity for parents to email their campers throughout their session - here's a step by step process of how to send your messages.

Also, to our Intro Camp parents: watch your inbox for a special video from the media team up here at camp! We've made an extra-special video this summer to introduce you to a few of the programs. Intro Campers, make sure to watch the Res Camp section - those are your counselors...they can't wait to meet you and share their favorite things at camp!

Camp Registration 2012 - Online Payment Methods

by John Welsh
Finance and Advancement Director 

2012 Deadline

Summer is approaching quickly! HoneyRock is busily preparing for the arrival of campers as we draw closer to June. We are excited for what summer holds as registrations continue to be submitted on a daily basis. If you have registered your son/daughter for camp, you have already paid the $150 deposit to hold a spot. We'd like to take a moment and remind you that payment for the full balance of your account is due by May 15, 2012. 

Payment Methods

You can pay your balance by either cash, paper check, electronic check, or credit card. Please note that paying by electronic check can potentially save HoneyRock thousands of dollars in processing fees, which accrue for HoneyRock with each credit card transaction. We prefer electronic check over credit card for this reason. We realize that not everyone will be able to fulfill this request, but we greatly appreciate your understanding in regard to this matter. 

E-check is Safe

Your security and privacy are important to us. When paying with electronic check you will be asked to give some information similar to what you would give to pay with a paper check or credit card. All information is kept confidential and secure by our payment processor. 

We thank you for your patience and adaptability in working with our new online registration system! While we have yet to finesse the process, we hope that this has been a significant improvement in the registration process from years past. We're excited to see you this summer!