Welcome to Post Blizzard Wednesday. Though I usually post on Mondays (every other Monday, of course) the impending snow had me scurrying around coaching basketball and doing homework for grad school. Besides, I knew you would want to hold out for some video footage of the winter wonderland. As you can see, it's kind of hard to ski in 15 inches of snow...but it sure is beautiful out there!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Are you guys cold?
By: Jeff Hoeben
Camp Co-Director
In the Madison area each year they participate in the nation wide vigil called 40 Days for Life Our shift was from 6am to 10am on Monday morning. Chris and I left the house at ten 'till five. It is eery pulling up to Planned Parenthood in the dark. Just looking at the building and knowing of what goes on inside is troubling and so very sad. As we stood outside quietly praying, a car pulled up and rolled down his window. He politely asked, "are you guys cold?" We replied, with a "good morning"and before we could give an answer about our condition he responded, "it's faith that keeps you warm." It's faith that keeps us warm, what a beautiful thought. Certainly is was cold that morning. It's cold thinking about the reality of abortion. It's cold looking at the numbers of abortions performed at Planned Parenthood. The Life Issues Institude has some staggering numbers posted...It's all so cold. Just as the stranger said, faith does keep us warm. It is such a good reminder to pray and turn our efforts over to God.
Camp Co-Director
In the Madison area each year they participate in the nation wide vigil called 40 Days for Life Our shift was from 6am to 10am on Monday morning. Chris and I left the house at ten 'till five. It is eery pulling up to Planned Parenthood in the dark. Just looking at the building and knowing of what goes on inside is troubling and so very sad. As we stood outside quietly praying, a car pulled up and rolled down his window. He politely asked, "are you guys cold?" We replied, with a "good morning"and before we could give an answer about our condition he responded, "it's faith that keeps you warm." It's faith that keeps us warm, what a beautiful thought. Certainly is was cold that morning. It's cold thinking about the reality of abortion. It's cold looking at the numbers of abortions performed at Planned Parenthood. The Life Issues Institude has some staggering numbers posted...It's all so cold. Just as the stranger said, faith does keep us warm. It is such a good reminder to pray and turn our efforts over to God.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Musings by Mo-T
By: Mo-T Theresa Wilks
Quack...Quack...Quack...
That may sound like a flock of geese flying overhead in a perfect V formation, heading south for the winter. But it is not. In fact, I do believe that all the geese have decided to stick around for this nice weather. I mean, would you really walk all the way to Florida when there is sunny, 60 degree weather here? It's basically the same thing.
Actually, that is the sound of the Camp Gray outdoor ministry team walking around camp in the "Flying V". They recently got the idea from watching all three movies of the Mighty Ducks trilogy (on DVD). For those of you who are too young to know what these movies are, please rent them sometime and watch.
The Mighty Ducks is a timeless tale of a hockey team that starts playing together as a peewee club (District 5, to be exact). With a cranky lawyer-turned peewee coach, this group of misfits quickly (in one practice) turns into the best peewee club in country (or Minnesota). Just like all the other classic, Disney, wonderful sports movies.
We really learned a lot about teamwork, miracles, and forgiveness from these movies. It seemed only natural to try to practice these same attributes in our retreat work here at camp. So, today they get to try out the new attitude with the eighth graders from St. James School in Madison. And that, my friends, is why you will hear the sounds of spontaneous, simultaneous quacking here at Camp Gray.
Have a great week friends, and remember, no matter the weather, ducks fly together!
Quack...Quack...Quack...
That may sound like a flock of geese flying overhead in a perfect V formation, heading south for the winter. But it is not. In fact, I do believe that all the geese have decided to stick around for this nice weather. I mean, would you really walk all the way to Florida when there is sunny, 60 degree weather here? It's basically the same thing.
Actually, that is the sound of the Camp Gray outdoor ministry team walking around camp in the "Flying V". They recently got the idea from watching all three movies of the Mighty Ducks trilogy (on DVD). For those of you who are too young to know what these movies are, please rent them sometime and watch.
The Mighty Ducks is a timeless tale of a hockey team that starts playing together as a peewee club (District 5, to be exact). With a cranky lawyer-turned peewee coach, this group of misfits quickly (in one practice) turns into the best peewee club in country (or Minnesota). Just like all the other classic, Disney, wonderful sports movies.
We really learned a lot about teamwork, miracles, and forgiveness from these movies. It seemed only natural to try to practice these same attributes in our retreat work here at camp. So, today they get to try out the new attitude with the eighth graders from St. James School in Madison. And that, my friends, is why you will hear the sounds of spontaneous, simultaneous quacking here at Camp Gray.
Have a great week friends, and remember, no matter the weather, ducks fly together!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Musings by Mo-T
By Mo-Theresa Wilks
Weather Update:
Cold and rainy.
For those of you who live near Camp Gray, you may not be all that surprised at this weather report, for two reasons.
1) You are currently experiencing the same weather
2) It has been like this for about a month
Granted, we have had a few nice, sunny, moderately warm days. But it seems as if most of this month has been cold and rainy. Rain isn’t so bad. It’s even necessary. It also helps us to appreciate more the dry, sunny days. But when it’s in the 30s or 40s, it’s just uncomfortable. Some might even call it “bone chilling”. I hear that it makes some people just want to curl up inside with a nice mug of hot cocoa and a snuggie? (Yes, I intended that question mark.) Personally, I most strongly dislike this weather because if it is going to be this cold anyway, it might as well just snow. Snow is clearly way better than rain (at least if you are trying to ski…)
So this is what we have been dealing with at Camp recently. But the staff here and all the groups who have visited have been taking it in stride. Everyone gets on their rain gear and heads on outside. That’s because the truth is, Camp is beautiful and a gift from God, whether you’re looking at it through rain, fog, snow or sunglasses. And, even despite less than ideal weather, it’s still such a blessing to have the opportunity to be outside exploring our 225 acres. Besides, we wouldn’t want to miss the beautiful fall colors all around us, would we?
So onward we press, working with all our ESP, teambuilding and Confirmation groups. And yes, onward we look – to some different weather. But we still won’t forget to thank God for all the blessings that we are experience right now, and take full advantage of them.
Weather Update:
Cold and rainy.
For those of you who live near Camp Gray, you may not be all that surprised at this weather report, for two reasons.
1) You are currently experiencing the same weather
2) It has been like this for about a month
Granted, we have had a few nice, sunny, moderately warm days. But it seems as if most of this month has been cold and rainy. Rain isn’t so bad. It’s even necessary. It also helps us to appreciate more the dry, sunny days. But when it’s in the 30s or 40s, it’s just uncomfortable. Some might even call it “bone chilling”. I hear that it makes some people just want to curl up inside with a nice mug of hot cocoa and a snuggie? (Yes, I intended that question mark.) Personally, I most strongly dislike this weather because if it is going to be this cold anyway, it might as well just snow. Snow is clearly way better than rain (at least if you are trying to ski…)
So this is what we have been dealing with at Camp recently. But the staff here and all the groups who have visited have been taking it in stride. Everyone gets on their rain gear and heads on outside. That’s because the truth is, Camp is beautiful and a gift from God, whether you’re looking at it through rain, fog, snow or sunglasses. And, even despite less than ideal weather, it’s still such a blessing to have the opportunity to be outside exploring our 225 acres. Besides, we wouldn’t want to miss the beautiful fall colors all around us, would we?
So onward we press, working with all our ESP, teambuilding and Confirmation groups. And yes, onward we look – to some different weather. But we still won’t forget to thank God for all the blessings that we are experience right now, and take full advantage of them.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Musings by Mo-T
By Mo Theresa Wilks
October 12, 2009, a day that will live in infamy. Well, maybe not, but it is my half birthday! I will be celebrating another 6 months of life by doing what I do most Mondays…working in the Camp Gray office.
My job here as weekend retreat coordinator is pretty cool. I work with the volunteers in planning and running all the, you guessed it, weekend retreats. This happens to be mostly spiritual retreats. When I am not working on those, I spend my time researching topics within the faith we want to learn more about, thinking of new programs/ideas for retreats, or helping out around camp in many other ways.
Everything I do during the year though, does not make me forget about the awesome things we also do during the summer! While we don’t typically do anything special for half birthdays here at camp, if you are here your birthday you are in for a treat!
Traditionally, especially during a session of summer camp, the birthday boy or girl gets the privilege of sitting on a stool in the middle of the pavilion, being sung to (very loudly and boisterously) and getting a special birthday dessert. It is truly a great way to celebrate.
Having a springtime birthday, though, I have never had the pleasure of experiencing this. This saddens me greatly, but I figure I can make up for it by celebrating my half birthday as well…
October 12, 2009, a day that will live in infamy. Well, maybe not, but it is my half birthday! I will be celebrating another 6 months of life by doing what I do most Mondays…working in the Camp Gray office.
My job here as weekend retreat coordinator is pretty cool. I work with the volunteers in planning and running all the, you guessed it, weekend retreats. This happens to be mostly spiritual retreats. When I am not working on those, I spend my time researching topics within the faith we want to learn more about, thinking of new programs/ideas for retreats, or helping out around camp in many other ways.
Everything I do during the year though, does not make me forget about the awesome things we also do during the summer! While we don’t typically do anything special for half birthdays here at camp, if you are here your birthday you are in for a treat!
Traditionally, especially during a session of summer camp, the birthday boy or girl gets the privilege of sitting on a stool in the middle of the pavilion, being sung to (very loudly and boisterously) and getting a special birthday dessert. It is truly a great way to celebrate.
Having a springtime birthday, though, I have never had the pleasure of experiencing this. This saddens me greatly, but I figure I can make up for it by celebrating my half birthday as well…
Inaugural Camp Gray Alumni Softball Game
By: Skip Carlson
Camp Gray Sports Writer
After players warmed up, and caught up (late 90's staff members Brian Spader and Shaun Crumb made the trek back to this humble camp - meaning there was a lot of time needed to catch up!), teams were chosen. Those staff that have at least 4 years of experience serving at Camp Gray were placed on one team (affectionately known as the Geriatrics - or Jerrys for short), while those that are bit more green to the Camp Gray staff were placed on the other team (known simply as the Domin-8-ters).
The Jerrys won the pregame coin toss, and so were awarded with the home-field honors, which seemed appropriate as the Jerry's had nearly 60 years of combined staff experience.
After two innings, the Jerrys had a commanding 6-1 lead, which had the mostly pro-Jerry crowd in an absolute tizzy! Before long, however, the Domin-8-tors settled in, and came storming back with 10 runs over the next 3 innings. After five innings, the score was 11-10, in favor of the Jerrys, but the Domin-8-tors weren't backing down.
The game continued on in this back-and-forth fashion all the way until the top of the 9th, when the Domin-8-tors came to the plate looking to extend their two-run lead, because due up in the bottom of the 9th was the top of the order for the Jerrys: "The Big 3" of Jeff, Shaun, and Brian.
The Jerry's defense came up big in the top of the 9th with several clutch plays, and were able to keep the Domin-8-tors from scoring any runs, however, the Jerrys were only able to score 2-runs in the bottom half of the 9th, knotting the score at 16.
Not unlike the 2002 MLB All Star game, this game ended in a tie, not because the players didn't want to continue, but because the annual fall community picnic at Camp Gray was on-deck (pun entirely and excitedly intended!), meaning hundreds of local folks would be arriving at camp anytime to take in the celebration of Mass, a delicious meal, and fellowship with the staff and volunteers of Camp Gray.
While the decision to end in a tie was difficult, it adds fuel to this young rivalry, and will make future alumni softball games at Camp Gray even more exciting. Won't you join us next year? Thanks to all those that made the first-ever Camp Gray alumni softball game such a huge success.
There's no DH at Camp Gray.
Jerry's starting pitcher Brian Spader crushes this pitch to left-center.
The Domin-8-ters
left-to-right: Emily, Chris, Amanda, Kevin C., Meghan, Pat, Sean, Emilio, Kevin E., Kate
THE JERRYs
front row, l-to-r: Rebecca, Mo-T, Nicky, Lindsay, Jenna, Sara
back row, l-to-r: Topher, Gus, Shaun, Jeff, Brian
A soft grounder is easily collected by Domin-8-ers shortstop Kate Earleywine, which she effortlessly turned into a double play.
Once again, the Fr. Cassidy Athletic Field played host to a real nail-biter.
Camp Gray Sports Writer
In what turned out to be a perfectly marvelous afternoon, dozens of Camp Gray staff alumni past and present recently gathered at the Fr. Cassidy Athletic Field at Camp Gray for the Inaugural Camp Gray Alumni Softball Game.
After players warmed up, and caught up (late 90's staff members Brian Spader and Shaun Crumb made the trek back to this humble camp - meaning there was a lot of time needed to catch up!), teams were chosen. Those staff that have at least 4 years of experience serving at Camp Gray were placed on one team (affectionately known as the Geriatrics - or Jerrys for short), while those that are bit more green to the Camp Gray staff were placed on the other team (known simply as the Domin-8-ters).
The Jerrys won the pregame coin toss, and so were awarded with the home-field honors, which seemed appropriate as the Jerry's had nearly 60 years of combined staff experience.
After two innings, the Jerrys had a commanding 6-1 lead, which had the mostly pro-Jerry crowd in an absolute tizzy! Before long, however, the Domin-8-tors settled in, and came storming back with 10 runs over the next 3 innings. After five innings, the score was 11-10, in favor of the Jerrys, but the Domin-8-tors weren't backing down.
The game continued on in this back-and-forth fashion all the way until the top of the 9th, when the Domin-8-tors came to the plate looking to extend their two-run lead, because due up in the bottom of the 9th was the top of the order for the Jerrys: "The Big 3" of Jeff, Shaun, and Brian.
The Jerry's defense came up big in the top of the 9th with several clutch plays, and were able to keep the Domin-8-tors from scoring any runs, however, the Jerrys were only able to score 2-runs in the bottom half of the 9th, knotting the score at 16.
Not unlike the 2002 MLB All Star game, this game ended in a tie, not because the players didn't want to continue, but because the annual fall community picnic at Camp Gray was on-deck (pun entirely and excitedly intended!), meaning hundreds of local folks would be arriving at camp anytime to take in the celebration of Mass, a delicious meal, and fellowship with the staff and volunteers of Camp Gray.
While the decision to end in a tie was difficult, it adds fuel to this young rivalry, and will make future alumni softball games at Camp Gray even more exciting. Won't you join us next year? Thanks to all those that made the first-ever Camp Gray alumni softball game such a huge success.
There's no DH at Camp Gray. Jerry's starting pitcher Brian Spader crushes this pitch to left-center.
The Domin-8-tersleft-to-right: Emily, Chris, Amanda, Kevin C., Meghan, Pat, Sean, Emilio, Kevin E., Kate
THE JERRYsfront row, l-to-r: Rebecca, Mo-T, Nicky, Lindsay, Jenna, Sara
back row, l-to-r: Topher, Gus, Shaun, Jeff, Brian
A soft grounder is easily collected by Domin-8-ers shortstop Kate Earleywine, which she effortlessly turned into a double play. 
Jerry's "BIG 3": Jeff, Shaun, Brian
Once again, the Fr. Cassidy Athletic Field played host to a real nail-biter. Thursday, October 8, 2009
SPOTLIGHT! - DOUG ULASZEK
Doug - All-Pro Counselor. Scratch golfer. Aspiring closer for the Chicago Cubs. Well howdy Doug! What have you been up to since summer?
What is your favorite thing about Camp Gray?
Oh man, that’s tough…there are so many things I absolutely love about Camp, but if I had to choose, I’d say parent feedback. It feels incredible to know just how much of an impact we as a staff have on our campers. There’s not many summer jobs where you can say, “man, I really made a difference in that person’s life,” as much as you can as a camp counselor.
What was the best lesson you took from summer camp 2009?
Patience! When you are responsible for 8 Settler boys, you better have some. If you don’t, you’ll learn it quickly, like I did. Holy Cow…let’s just say I have a new found respect for mothers and elementary school teachers.
What is your absolute favorite memory from summer? (I know you have like 39, but I’m confident you can narrow it down to one)
The Week 8 CTF was epic. I was a Pathfinder counselor that week, and between us and the Ranchers we had about 35 people against about twice as many Trailblazers. It was a really close fought match. The Pathfinders were down pretty much the whole game, but we scored the winning point with like 2 minutes left. I mean, you could put that game on ESPN Classic it was so good. That was also my last CTF match of the summer, so it was especially sweet to end it like that.
What is your favorite book?
I’m a big Harry Potter fan, but I think I’d have to say The Lamb’s Supper by Scott Hahn. Or anything written by Scott Hahn for that matter. In The Lamb’s Supper, he talks about how the book of Revelation relates to the Catholic Mass…reading it gave me a completely new outlook on the Mass. It went from something I just did every Sunday to something I look forward to every week.
Name one improvement you would make to camp?
I would love to see more Praise and Worship music…We do it after Mass on Fridays, but it would be sweet to have 20 minutes every day just to praise God through song.
You have a free ticket to go anywhere in the world. Where would you fly?
Is it cliché to say Rome? I’m a big history nerd, especially when it comes to Church history, so I think I would just be beside myself in the Vatican. There’s so much faith and history there; I could probably stay here for months and still not see everything.
Who is the biggest hero in your faith?
You know, I really can’t say I have a biggest hero. There have been a lot of people throughout my life who have had a great impact on my faith…one is definitely Fr. Larry Bakke. This summer I got to know him, and he is truly a great man of God.
Who is your favorite Saint?
Hmmm…I’ve always been partial to St. Sebastian (my Confirmation name!). Any guy who goes up to the Roman Emperor and tells him off for persecuting Christians, then gets ordered to be put to death, doesn’t die, but goes right back and tells him off again is seriously cool.
What are your top 3 favorite spots on camp? Why?
3. Cassidy Athletic Field – CTF on the AF. Nuff said.
2. Patrick and William Picnic table for lots of good conversations with staff when campers are asleep.
1. St. Francis of Assisi Chapel because, well, Jesus is there! Mass, Adoration, No Rosary No Dinner; every powerful faith experience I had this summer happened there…it is truly a special place.
When you were of Settler age, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I think my mom told me once I wanted to be a chemist, but I also remember wanting to be a reporter. Ironically, I started college as a Chemical Engineering major and ended up in Journalism. Oh, and a professional baseball player (actually, that’s still true…can you say Fantasy Camp?)
Favorite Bible verse?
Colossians 3:17 – “Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of Christ Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Honorable mentions – 1 Timothy 4:12, Luke 22:26, and Jeremiah 17:7.
Well thanks a lot, Doug! Do you have any closing words?
Doug teaches this camper the appropriate way to celebrate your first catch at Camp Gray! Monday, September 28, 2009
Musings by Mo-T
By: Mo-Theresa
Weekend Retreat Coordinator
Today seems to be the first real Autumn day here at camp. Some might even call it a blustery day. Feel free to count me among the “some”. It’s a touch chilly, and very windy. Leaves are blowing, layers are being worn, and hot chocolate is being warmed. Mmmm…Soon we will have fires going in the fireplace, I will be skiing everywhere…and oh, sorry, I think I got lost in a daydream.
Being the weekend retreat coordinator this year, I have a bit of spare time during the week. (But only a bit – it takes a lot of work to plan those retreats, and help out all over camp!) I use this time to cause mischief, daydream (as you just witnessed) and… and… well I’ve got nothing. That’s why I decided I would write on the blog every other week.
This led me to trying to figure out exactly what kind of poster (as in a person who posts on the blog, not hangs on the wall) I would be: would it be biweekly, bimonthly, semiweekly, or semimonthly? After a raging debate in the office, I turned to the more reliable source of http://www.dictionary.com/ for some help.
Here are the definitions I found:
Bi weekly-Occurring every two weeks,
Occurring twice a week; semiweekly
Bimonthly- Occurring every two months,
Occurring twice a month, semimonthly
Semi weekly –Occurring, done, appearing or published twice a week
Semimonthly - Made, occurring, done, or published twice a month
Okay, so let’s talk this out. It could be biweekly, because it occurs every two weeks. It seems as though it could also be bimonthly, occurring twice a month. This however says it is the same as semimonthly. This makes sense, according to the definition of semimonthly, but begs the question, “How can bimonthly and semimonthly mean the same thing?”
So I decided to look up semi – nothing. Only one thing left to do, look up the prefix “bi”. This is what I found:
All words except biennial referring to periods of time and prefixed by bi- are potentially ambiguous. Since bi- can be taken to mean either “twice each” or “every two,” a word like biweekly can be understood as “twice each week” or “every two weeks.” To avoid confusion, it is better to use the prefix semi- to mean “twice each” (semiannual; semimonthly; semiweekly) or the phrase 'twice a' or 'twice each' (twice a month; twice a week; twice each year), and for the other sense to use the phrase every two (every two months; every two weeks; every two years).
So there you have it, bi can mean either, but semi only has one meaning. Still, the debate continues. Is this a biweekly/bimonthly post? Is it a semimonthly post? Or, should it be a biweekly/semimonthly/semiweekly post? I guess I have 2 weeks to figure it out…
Weekend Retreat Coordinator
Today seems to be the first real Autumn day here at camp. Some might even call it a blustery day. Feel free to count me among the “some”. It’s a touch chilly, and very windy. Leaves are blowing, layers are being worn, and hot chocolate is being warmed. Mmmm…Soon we will have fires going in the fireplace, I will be skiing everywhere…and oh, sorry, I think I got lost in a daydream.
Being the weekend retreat coordinator this year, I have a bit of spare time during the week. (But only a bit – it takes a lot of work to plan those retreats, and help out all over camp!) I use this time to cause mischief, daydream (as you just witnessed) and… and… well I’ve got nothing. That’s why I decided I would write on the blog every other week.
This led me to trying to figure out exactly what kind of poster (as in a person who posts on the blog, not hangs on the wall) I would be: would it be biweekly, bimonthly, semiweekly, or semimonthly? After a raging debate in the office, I turned to the more reliable source of http://www.dictionary.com/ for some help.
Here are the definitions I found:
Bi weekly-Occurring every two weeks,
Occurring twice a week; semiweekly
Bimonthly- Occurring every two months,
Occurring twice a month, semimonthly
Semi weekly –Occurring, done, appearing or published twice a week
Semimonthly - Made, occurring, done, or published twice a month
Okay, so let’s talk this out. It could be biweekly, because it occurs every two weeks. It seems as though it could also be bimonthly, occurring twice a month. This however says it is the same as semimonthly. This makes sense, according to the definition of semimonthly, but begs the question, “How can bimonthly and semimonthly mean the same thing?”
So I decided to look up semi – nothing. Only one thing left to do, look up the prefix “bi”. This is what I found:
All words except biennial referring to periods of time and prefixed by bi- are potentially ambiguous. Since bi- can be taken to mean either “twice each” or “every two,” a word like biweekly can be understood as “twice each week” or “every two weeks.” To avoid confusion, it is better to use the prefix semi- to mean “twice each” (semiannual; semimonthly; semiweekly) or the phrase 'twice a' or 'twice each' (twice a month; twice a week; twice each year), and for the other sense to use the phrase every two (every two months; every two weeks; every two years).
So there you have it, bi can mean either, but semi only has one meaning. Still, the debate continues. Is this a biweekly/bimonthly post? Is it a semimonthly post? Or, should it be a biweekly/semimonthly/semiweekly post? I guess I have 2 weeks to figure it out…
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