Sunday, January 31, 2010

George's Amazing Pico de Gallo Recipe

For all you fans of KP's Culinary Staff and the tastey meals they whipped up every day during the summer, George, the Food Services Director, has graciously allowed us to post his secret recipe for Pico de Gallo. A must-have for any Superbowl Party or KPAlumni gathering. Whether you are a camper who misses Taco Day or a college-age counselor whose gourmet meal consists of a bowl of ramen noodles and a hot pocket, this recipe is sure to please... And if find yourself getting a little...

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Friday, January 22, 2010

Reflections Poem by Tahnia Fairbrother

Each summer, there are several wonderful songs, poems, and thoughts shared by campers and staff at Reflections. I am sure you all remember a moment that really touched you. This week, counselors Brian Deyermond and Dave Robb stopped in for a visit. We all were hoping camp would start tomorrow, but since that is not possible, I thought I would share this poem from summer 2009.  - Alan 

It’s a long and winding road, the excitement piling high. A year has gone by. A year full of wild, unforgettable experiences.  But none could last as long as the memory of that moment the bus rounds the corner and you see the sign. That one faithful sign that makes your heart skip a beat. Then as you bump up the drive and past the new field and the high ropes course…  you feel that rush of adrenaline that had escaped you all year long. The atmosphere changes and you suddenly know where you belong. As you reach the office, a loud cheer comes from below, sending a warm fuzzy feeling through your veins. Your counselors welcome you as you step off the bus.  Old and new. That night, you don’t want to go to sleep because there are too many people you want to talk to, too many places you want to go, and too many things you want to try.

The first morning you wake up before the wake up bell as that rush of adrenaline you felt the night before still lingers in the air. In the breakfast line you catch up with all your old friends, and maybe meet some new ones too.  Over the course of the next few weeks, you make friends that will last a lifetime. Some from places far away like France, London, and Spain. 

You meet amazing counselors that change your life forever. They help you to be yourself and never give up. They help you problem-solve and strategize. They help you to make new friends and most of all enjoy your time here at camp. From activities to special days, time flies like never before. Memories are made and jokes are told. 

The last day of camp as we clean the cabin, the atmosphere is as strong as ever. Council Fire is our last time to be together as one big KP family. Outside the Playhouse tears are shed as some campers take off with their parents, only to return next summer in one long year full of waiting. The next morning is full of last minute tears and rushed goodbyes as everyone climbs on their bus with watery eyes.  As the bus drives away and our cherished counselors wave, we again pass the sign, but this time for the wrong reason. We go the opposite direction and watch that one faithful sign with the two words we love as we drive away.  Those two words are always somewhere in the back of my mind.  And when I say them, it comes from the heart.  Kingsley Pines has changed my life from the very first day I came, July 12, 2008 and has continued changing it to this day.  Thanks to all the counselors, you guys make KP what it is.  And a special thanks to all the great friends I’ve made along the way.  Because as we all know, friendship is the glue that binds us together here at Kingsley Pines.

Tahnia Fairbrother
KP Camper
2008, 2009, & 2010

 

Monday, January 18, 2010

Ice Fishing at Camp - A Maine Tradition

This past weekend was just just beautiful.  On Saturday, we had temperatures in the high 30s (warm by our standards).  Lisa, Timmy, GW, and myself went  ice fishing about 500 feet off of the KP beach.  We brought out a fire pit, tables and chairs and enjoyed a wicked nice day.  Timmy turned out to be a successful sportsman and caught a giant Yellow Perch close to the end of the day (we practice catch and release).  Lisa spent much of her time decorating a snow caterpillar named Chilly and colored her with green food coloring.  If anyone is interested in spending a day at Kingsley Pines this winter trying their hand at ice fishing just let me know.  I'll take any excuse possible to spend time on a frozen block of ice.  Coming soon, we will have pictures of Alan driving across the lake with the plow truck.  He'll be wearing a life jacket of course!

Lisa and Timmy with a giant Yellow Perch.

Looking forward to seeing you all this summer!

Drew

Friday, January 15, 2010

2009 Winter Reunion in Massachusetts

Hey 2009 campers, the Annual Kingsley Pines Massachusetts Winter Reunion is Saturday, January 30, 2010. The list of campers attending is growing, so don't miss out! Please RSVP so we know how much food and how many zany t-shirts to bring. Spend the afternoon with your KP buddies. We'll have games and a pool for swimming, so bring a bathing suit (one or two piece) and towel!Date: Saturday, January 30, 2010Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, lunch includedLocation: Holiday Inn 30 Washington Street...

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Camp Fair Schedule

Kingsley Pines representatives will be attending several camp fairs this February and March.  Below is the schedule:

Saturday, February 6, 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Glen Urquhart School
Beverly Farms, MA

Sunday, February 7, 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School
Sudbury, MA

Sunday, February 7, 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Westtown School
Westtown, PA 

Monday, February 8, 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
Minuteman Career & Technical High School
Lexington, MA

Thursday, March 11, 4:30 pm -7:00 pm
Lycee International
Paris, France 

Friday,  March 12, 4:00 pm -8:00 pm
Eurosites George V
Paris, France 

Saturday, March 13, 2:00 pm -7:00 pm
Eurosites George V
Paris, France 

Sunday, March 14,1:00 pm -4:00 pm
International School
Brussels, Belgium

 For more information about these camp fairs, please contact us at 800-480-1533, 207-655-7181 or info@kingsleypines.com

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Florida Winter Parties

The Kingsley Pines Southeast Florida Winter Party is Saturday, January 30, 2010. The Southwest Florida Winter Party is Sunday, January 31, 2010.Past campers and new campers interested in attending Kingsley Pines in 2010, along with their families, are welcome. Pat, Joyce, Devon, and Leslie Coughlan as well as Drew and Lisa Taylor will be there and look forward to seeing all of you. Please RSVP so we know how much food and cool t-shirts (like the photo below) to bring. We'll be spending the afternoon...

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Sunday, January 10, 2010

KP On The Cover Of Curious Parents Magazine

Kingsley Pines is featured on the cover of this month's issue of Curious Parents magazine, courtesy of Philadelphia area photographer, Lora Carr.

Lora's family has attended Family Camp for many years and both her sons attend children's camp.  Below is an excerpt from Lora's blog about her experience with Kingsley Pines:

 "To know Kingsley Pines, is to love Kingsley Pines. Our boys have been attending camp at “KP” for many years now and absolutely love it. I was the “Nervous Nellie” mom who couldn’t bear the thought of sending a child of mine to camp, until I met the owners, the Director and the staff and realized that sending your children to camp is giving them a gift of new friendships, new found independence, and opportunities for new experiences — all in a picturesque, non-competitive, safe and caring environment. It was the best decision we ever made and one for which our children continually thank us (yes, they really do!) So, if you are thinking about a camp experience for your child, take a look at Kingsley Pines — your children will thank you, too."

 Check out Lora's Blog at  www.loracarr.com/blog and more of her photography at  www.loracarr.com