I have been retired

What a run I've had at Cedars since the Campbell's plant closed in Fremont.  Now it's family time in the summer.

Ben Nachman, Churchill Scholar

Over his years on Cedars staff, Ben Nachman worked in Nature, as the Journalism instructor, and OA Coordinator.  One summer he delayed expressing interest in staff until the last minute.  A spot in the dishroom was the only thing available, and Ben jumped at the chance.  He quickly immersed himself in the dining hall, and we adored his work ethic and leadership.  We started calling him Edward Scissorhands for his specialized ability to simultaneously sort silverware with both hands.  Even if we didn't really understand some of his interests in math and physics, it was always clear this "kid" had great potential, and we are so proud that he is well on his way to "big time stuff".

http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/Feb12/ChurchillNachman.html

Where has the summer gone?

Seems that only yesterday it was staff week....now, the final session of Webelos camp is upon us, and then we move into weekend special events as the camping season comes to a close.

It has been an interesting summer to say the least.  The first weeks were plagued by thunderstorms that sent us to shelter at least once a week.  The last weeks have been hot and humid.  I don't know which is the lesser of the evils.

Rachelle Jelinek and Kyle Mooney were the returning rocks upon which we built with mostly new staff and many volunteers.  With compliments to all, the job has been done and done well.

Dr. Chuckles ordered us a new heat stack for holding food ready to be served.  It's our first with clear doors, which is very convenient.  The staff has dubbed her Reba Red - She stands 6' tall with her boots on, and she will keep you 80 to 200 degrees all day long.  Many thanks to him and the volunteer electricians who made sure things were in proper order.

So, it is on to OA Conclave, NBZ Festival, WoodBadge Dinner and WoodBadge Course.  After that, the snow flies.  Hope this finds all of you in good health and high spirits.

Staff Week

There are many new faces around camp, but the essence of Camp Cedars is beginning to feel familiar again.  With a much fewer number of bodies to feed, staff week affords us the opportunity to do some special things for staff that I wouldn't have the cooking time, oven space, or heat stack space to do during a normal week of camp.  Chuck helped me set the menu on Sunday morning and includes items like ham sausage, french toast slice, sweet potato fries, green beans with onion, chicken salad, individual round pizzas, cheddarwurst, enchilladas, refried beans, and assorted cereals.  One of these years, come join us on staff; the fellowship and fulfillment is hard to beat.

National Camping School

Whenever NCS is at Cedars, it always seems to be a wet, chilly week.  My theory is that Mother Nature has a fixed amount of water to use.  She looks down and sees a group of very prepared leaders of Scout camping and decides, "Let's dump most of it here."  Aside from the weather, NCS brings 'experts' to camp who believe the food service rules of their home camps are better; hence, no need to follow the rules here.  Overall, exclusive of the dishwasher being broken, it has been a successful session.  Onward to staff week.

Springing into Summer 2011

Spring has finally arrived in Nebraska and activities at camp are happening. OA Conclave is this weekend and a Cub Camp next, Saturday. Then National Camp School and staff week for Cedars and Easter Seals, and WE ARE ON OUR WAY to a GREAT summer of camping. It is shaping up to one of our busiest yet. Hope to see many of you here this year. Stop and say hi if you get the chance.



Photo courtesy of Josh Williamson



Happy Anniversary!

Clifford and I are celebrating our 50th anniversary today.  Here's the then and now.