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THIS PACKET INCLUDES PRE-SUMMER PROGRAM INFORMATION NEEDED

FOR YOUR WEEK AT CAMP

SUMMER 2016

FAMILY GAMES Family Games has a long standing tra-dition at camp. The whole point is to bring families together with some friendly camp competition. Building off of last years’ success, the staff is rig-orously preparing and creating new games and twists! Make sure to bring some clothes and accessories in your teams’ colors for Family Games night! If you are a returning camper, you will be the same color as last summer; if you are a new camper or switched weeks, please call the camp office to find out your family’s color.

BOOK REVIEW

World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia and thousands of refugees are on a desperate trek toward freedom, many with something to hide. Among them are Joana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge en route to the ship that promises salvation, the Wilhelm Gustloff. Forced by circumstance to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in each other test-ed with each step closer to safety.

Just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, tragedy strikes. Not country, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people—adults and children alike—aboard must fight for the same thing: survival.

Told in alternating points of view and perfect for fans of Anthony Doerr's Pulitz-er Prize-winning All the Light We Cannot See, Erik Larson's Dead Wake, and Elizabeth Wein's Printz Honor Book Code Name Verity, this masterful work of historical fiction is inspired by the real-life tragedy that was the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff—the greatest maritime disaster in history. As she did in Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys unearths a shockingly little-known casualty of a gruesome war, and proves that human-ity and love can prevail, even in the darkest of hours.

Join us for a discussion around the book Salt to the Sea, by Ruta Sepetys. You are welcome to read the book prior to arriving, however we will have a few copies available to borrow in the Gift Shop. The discussion will be held at the end of the week, giving you plenty of time to read the book.

CAFÉ NIGHT

Join us in ‘your best’ camp clothes for an entertaining evening of singing and dancing. Our talented staff have already started to prepare for this special per-formance, just for you! (for adults 14 and older). Kids under the age of 9 will

enjoy a movie night in the Dining Hall. Kids between the ages of 10-13 will ride the hayride to Mario Martin Lodge to be entertained with a choice of movies. Parents/guardians will be asked to select between the two movies for their child. If no selection is made, the child will enjoy the movie with the lower movie rating (ie - G, PG, PG-13).

CAFÉ COOKIE SWAP To go along with the entertainment from the staff, we are looking to you for help with the refreshments. This year, we would like to do a cookie share/swap. We are asking families, if you are willing, to bring along a dozen or two of your favorite cookies; and the recipe. We are going to setup a cookie table at café night so everyone can enjoy the baked treats. We will copy and share your recipes (if you are willing to share your secrets) so others can enjoy bak-ing your cookies at home. Do not worry about storing your cookies until Wednesday night, we will be glad to store them in the kitch-en. We recommend bringing cookies on disposable plates/platters, however we will wash and return any personal dish-ware. Our kitchen staff will also be adding to the mix with some of their favorite cookie recipes. We are looking forward to see-ing the variety and personal touches in each batch of cook-ies. Thanks for helping to sup-port the Café Night program!

PASS THE BUCK To go along with all the new items in the Deer Valley Gift Shop, we will also continue to have a ‘Pass the Buck’ section where you can donate gently used Deer Valley apparel. If you have classic gently used clothing that no longer fits or just takes up space in your closet you can donate it to the Gift Shop to be offered to fellow campers. We are also looking to collect and eventually display vintage Deer Valley camper and staff apparel.

BUCK-A-ROO

Camp Buck-A-Roo is designed to help give you some special time at camp while our staff look after your kids!

This special program will be offered again, in a similar fashion as last year. The morning and evening will be strictly babysitting, however the afternoon will include some special Buck-A-Roo activities for children six and under and their parent/guardian(s). There will still be opportunities for babysitting in the afternoon, but those times will be offered around the Buck-A-Roo ac-tivities (specific times will be provided at the begin-ning of your week). Below is the overall schedule for the program: - 10:00am to 12:00pm for children under 3 or age 3 but not yet ready for the 3-4 yr old group - Afternoon: Summer schedule will include specific activities and babysitting times for children 6 and under - 8:00pm to 11:00pm for children 6 and under As DV weekly camp rates are free for children two and under and minimal for young children, babysitting does cost an additional fee of $7.00 per hour and specific pricing will be set for the afternoon activities; based on staff, time, and supplies needed. Signups will be available on Saturday evening after dinner in the Dining Hall. If you would like to save a buck or two, you can sign up ahead of time for all the morning sessions (6 sessions total) for the entire week and save on the fee! Paying per session will cost you $84, however if you sign up at least 2 weeks prior to arriving for the entire week, it will only cost you $57 (included is Sunday 2:00pm to 5:00pm and Monday through Friday 10:00am to 12:00pm). All fees incurred during the week will be placed on your tab.

Claire Planton Buck-A-Roo Staff

BINGO Bingo is a great way to spend time with the whole family. Please help us keep this tradition alive by bringing fun prizes (remember they are mostly for kids, and kids at heart). The more prizes you bring the longer the BINGO fun can go! Prizes that can be used at camp are always popular (i.e. - frisbees, sidewalk chalk, sport balls, bubbles, beach toys, glow sticks and other fun things).

HORSEBARN

Everyone is gearing up and getting ready to go to the ‘new’ Deer Val-ley Stables! This will be our third summer with the new barn which includes an indoor riding arena with viewing area, ten large stalls, and lots of space for grooming and getting to spend some quality time with our horses! We have hired a terrific trio of Stables’ staff includ-ing our Coordinator Zoe Littlechild, Colleen Brown, and Cari Zbel. Re-member to pack long pants and boots so you can join us for an unforgettable experience at the stables this summer! For returning campers, you will be excited to know that all of our horses, except for Hot Shot, will be back this year.

SPORTS Camp offers a wide variety of sport courts, games, and opportunities from the very traditional to new and crea-tive. We want everyone to be able to participate and having the right equip-ment is the best place to start. Below is a list of sports equipment that you may want to bring for your week at camp!

Softball/Baseball Glove - camp hosts an adult men’s and women’s softball game. We have several bats and our staff are always willing to share a glove

Tennis Racquet/Balls - camp has a limited number of tennis racquets and balls, so make sure to bring your own if you want to ensure use at anytime

Hockey Sticks - camp has a variety of plastic sticks that are available for use Soccer Ball - camp has a soccer field

Cleats (Soccer/Baseball) - camp offers a variety of sports that you may want to bring cleats/spikes (no metal cleats) for, however they are not necessary.

Bikes - if you are interested in biking in and around camp you must bring your own bike; camp does not have bikes available

Golf Clubs (Golf Outing) - once a week camp organizes a Golf Outing, if you are interested we recommend bringing your own clubs

RAINY DAYS Over the years, plenty of umbrellas have been left at camp. We labeled all lost and found umbrellas (on the handle and on the material covering your head). Please feel free to use any umbrella labeled ‘DV’ or ‘Deer Valley.’ Please do not use garbage bags as ponchos (as it is a waste of material). Thank you!

AERIAL ADVENTURE! We are excited to share that over the spring season, The Adventure Network, overhauled our high ropes course, creating our new Aerial Adventure Course! There are two circuits on the course that were designed for different ages and experience levels.

For our Beginner Course, participants must be a minimum of 7 years old. The course includes climbing the cargo net to access the platform, crossing the burma bridge, balancing your way across the catwalk pole, and finishing on the swing bridge tunnel.

For our Advanced Course, participants must be a minimum of 12 years old. The course in-cludes climbing the cargo net to access the platform, using the vines to cross the rickety bridge, weaving through the timber jungle, and finishing on the swing bridge tunnel. The course also includes two special elements that will be a surprise! A total of 5 elements are in-cluded, plus the cargo net.

For either of our course it is recommended that you wear jeans or long shorts so that the harness is not rubbing on bare skin. Closed-toed shoes are required.

ZIPLINE Our zip line is 500 feet in length and crosses over the corner of our lake. In order to access the zip ca-ble, participants will climb a 40 foot telephone pole to reach the platform. Have no fear, from your first step on the telephone pole on the south side of the lake, until they step off the ladder on the north side of the lake, you will be wearing a harness and hel-met, and will be connected to safety lines the entire way. Participants must be 12 years or older and be-tween 75 and 250 lbs (no exceptions can be made). It is recommended that you wear jeans or long shorts so that the harness is not rubbing on bare skin. Closed-toed shoes are required. For those un-der the age of 12, there is a zipline on our adventure trail which you can learn about on the next page.

ADVENTURE ZIPLINE New last summer was the official adventure trail zipline! The zipline is designed for everyone under 250 lbs. To ensure that everyone has a positive zip experience, we are including some special instructions on how to get on and off the seat.

HOW TO GET ON: Put the strap behind your back and then under your rear-end. There is a step block for those who need a few extra inches.

HOW TO GET DOWN: Wait until you come to a complete stop. The zipline is

designed as a gravity zip which means you will zip all

the way to the end and then backwards until your mo-

mentum stops. Once you are stopped, put your arms

through the strap and slide out of the seat.

TEENS

Hi Teens! My name is Jake Pilewicz, and my cousin Leanna and I will be your teen counselors for the upcoming summer. I am a lifelong DV camper and extremely excited for my first year on staff. I am from Pittsburgh, PA. I am currently finishing my junior year at Penn State where I am studying Supply Chain. I am also a pitcher for the D1 Varsi-ty Baseball team. I am really looking forward to this summer and having a great time hanging out with all of you. Finish strong in school, and I'll see you at DV! Hey Teens! My name is Leanna Weinstein, and I will be one of your teen counselors this summer! This is my second summer on staff; last year I was one of the young teen’s counselors. I go to Penn State with my cousin and fellow teen counselor Jake Pilewicz. I love being outside whether that means hiking, playing vol-leyball, or hanging out in my hammock. I am so excit-ed to be working with the teens this summer and can-not wait to meet all of you. Summer is quickly approaching, and we are excited for everyone to get here. We have been planning and fin-ishing last minute preparations in anticipation for the summer. We plan to have plenty of available activities for you, as a group, to choose from. But don’t worry, you will have the freedom to bring your ideas to the ta-ble and activities you might like. We are planning on putting a little twist on the teen dance and having a luau! We want this to be a Hawaiian themed dance and a lot of fun; however, we ask that everybody dress appropriately. Please refrain from wearing bikinis or anything that does not cover midriffs. Some examples of outfit possibilities include Hawaiian shirts, sun dresses, sunglasses, Lai's, and any colorful clothing. We are really looking forward to the summer and getting to know all of you! See you soon… Jake and Leanna

CRAFT SHOP

CRAFT OF THE DAY This year, along with all the usual arts and crafts we will be offering a special craft each day. Be sure to stop by to see some of the cool and unique crafts that will be available. Below are some of the crafts that you will need to plan for prior to arriving if you want to participate.

TIE-DYE The most popular craft is back! Pack your 100% cotton t-shirt to tie dye. We will have Deer Valley shirts and a few other tie-dye-able items available in the Gift Shop. As long as you bring your own shirt, this craft is free!

CRAFT SHOP DIRECTOR JUDY FISHER I am so excited to return to Deer Valley as a STAFF MEMBER! During the '60s and '70s I was a SALT, CLIPPER, OFFICE SECRETARY, PROGRAM STAFF and PROGRAM DIRECTOR! Since that time, I have taught Health and Physical Education for 20 years in the Pitts-burgh School District and was the Assistant Principal at Fox Chapel Area High School for 5 years and then the Principal at Kerr Elementary School for 6 years until I retired! I came to DV in 1956 as a four year old and camped with my family forever... and my two sons, Matt and Ian, were both on Program Staff. Although an "OLD" camper, I am full of energy and love for Deer Valley and looking forward to helping campers discover their artistic talents no mat-ter how old they are!!! I especially love Watercolor Painting and working with clay. See you in the Craft Shop!!! - Judith M. Fisher, Ed.D. (Dr. J)

CUSTOM COASTERS ($) This craft will be one of the Craft of the Day specials. For this project you will be able to create custom coasters using patterns, nature, or photos. We will have plenty of ideas and patterns here at camp, but if you want to use personal photos, please be sure to bring them along with you. Anything will work as long as it is on normal printer paper or something thinner. Thick/photo paper will not work. The coasters are 4in x 4in tiles (please print pictures/patterns accordingly).

NATURE CENTER

As many of you are aware, we have been fundraising to construct a new nature center. We are still working on raising fi-nal bit of funds needed to support the construction and interior furnishings, however we plan to begin construction in May. The contractors will be working hard to get the framework put together which includes getting most of the major deliv-eries down to the construction area be-fore summer begins. However the con-tractors will be working throughout the summer. The new building will sit between the existing building and the lake. We still plan on using the current building, minus the porch, for the summer nature program; or at least to house the animals. Please talk with your chil-dren ahead of time about the changes that will be taking place this summer. We want the kids to still enjoy the animals, but in a safe manner. We will make sure that we are clear about when the animals will be available and when the area will be closed. We hope to make use of the environment to away from the construction for other nature based programs. Thanks for your understanding and helping us to keep the area safe.

CABIN CAMPAIGN

We are excited to share that after five plus years, all the cabin interiors have been renovated/remodeled! We still have some work to do on the porches, but the insides are complete. You will also be excited to see more hooks on the walls to hang shower and beach towels. We are working hard to update the in-teriors with the final touches. We ask that you please do not install your own hooks, screws, nails, or other items that will damage the interior or exterior walls. If you have any prob-lems or issues related to the cabins, please stop in the office so our maintenance staff can help. Thanks again to all who donated to help make this campaign successful!

GO GREEN Help camp be more environmentally friendly by bringing reusable water bottles and traveling coffee mugs. Also try to bring bio-degradable shampoo and laundry soap as these will help the septic system as well.

LINENS

If you are traveling a long way or don't have room in your vehicle, make sure to rentlinens if you are interested in having all your bedding, pillows, wash cloths, and towels provided by camp. Follow the instructions posted on the Deer Valley Summer Program page for more information or to rent.

AGE RESTRICTIONS

Unfortunately due to legal restrictions the following camp activities have an age, height, and/or weight restriction:

- Horseback Riding: you must be a minimum of 7 yrs old and 44 inches tall - Zip Line: you must be a minimum of 12 yrs old and between 75 - 250 lbs - Aerial Adventure: Beginner Course: you must be a minimum of 7 yrs old Advanced Course: you must be a minimum of 12 years old - Row Boat: you must be a minimum of 9 yrs old to go out on your own - Kayak: you must be a minimum of 11 yrs old to go out on your own

MOTORIZED VEHICLES

Due to legalities and restrictions we can no longer have personal motorized ve-hicles in camp during the summer for safety purposes. Also a new change, Deer Valley no longer owns any golf carts; however we will, through an outside source, rent golf carts to those in need. Please call the camp office if you have any questions or need to rent a golf cart for your week.

HEALTH HISTORY FORM If you did not already, please complete a Health History Form for everyone un-der the age of 18. Everyone under the age of 18 must have a completed form submitted to the office either prior to arriving or upon arrival. These forms will remain confidential within the program department. Anyone who does not have a completed form will not be able to attend kids/teen group. Health Forms can be found on the camp website: Summer Forms