Blackmans on the Web (log)

“If, when we were young, we tramped through forests of Nebraska cottonwoods, or raised pigeons on a rooftop in Queens, or fished for Ozark bluegills, or felt the swell of a wave that traveled a thousand miles before lifting our boat, then we were bound to the natural world and remain so today. Nature still informs our years – lifts us, carries us.” Richard Louv http://richardlouv.com/ begins his book “Last Child in the Woods” with that beautiful statement. He is right. For me, the outdoors has always been an integral part of what makes me who I am. Whether it was my Mom yelling at all of us, “Go outside and run around!” or finding a solitary moment to lay in the field behind the house to watch the clouds, outside is a place I have enjoyed and have found I truly need. I believe everyone is enriched by the opportunity to spend time in nature.

Why am I passionate about Camp Grady Spruce and why am I asking you to care? Because I know from personal experience that when a camping program is not just located in the outdoors but is focused on outdoor programming, it has the power to reinforce love and respect of nature as well as getting along with others and learning to be creative and improvise. Making sure children – and the outdoors – are cherished and protected pretty much gets to the essence of what Camp Grady Spruce is here for.

Scholarship requests are poring in to Camp Grady Spruce at record-breaking rates. As a board member, in addition to making a donation, I am involved in reading over scholarship requests and am, quite frankly, horrified by the prospect of how many more well-deserving children there are than funds available. Everyone has their own preferred charities. I respectfully ask that you help Scott and I support this worthy effort in any way – big or small – that you can. CLICK HERE

Spruce called on Wednesday with a little camp emergency. Seems they had a session scheduled for kids of military families but therewas a staffing mix up. Our guys got a call to see if they’d be interested in coming out and helping. So they’re off today for a week at CGS. Nice way to end the summer. I’m glad they’ll get to go hang out together for awhile before Alex leaves for Tarleton on the 22nd.

Posted with WordPress for iPhone

A couple weeks ago Ann and I went out to CGS to help put together bunk beds in the 5 new cabins at Main Camp. Hard work, but great to see the new cabins. Ann arranged for us to use one of the cabins for Memorial Day weekend. Sam had been wanting to share CGS with Sarah since he’s so enjoyed going there all these years. So we invited Sarah and her mom and dad to join us for the weekend.

We had a great time. Climbed to the top of Johnsons Peak, took a barge over to Hells Gate and climbed up Devils Island. We had a nice campfire on Sunday night and had “Hobo Packs” for dinner. All in all, a nice relaxing weekend

<< Click the image to see some of our weekend photos.

It’s that time of year – the YMCA Camp Grady Spruce Partners Campaign is in full swing. CGS has been an important part of our lives for nearly as long as we’ve lived in Texas.

It wouldn’t be saying too much to say the CGS has had a significant impact on shaping who Alex and Sam are as caring, engaged young people. YMCA Camp Grady Spruce’s mission is to deliver exceptional outdoor programs that inspire, build and strengthen relationships with God, His creation and each other. Visit our Campaign page to learn more. There you’ll find any easy way to donate to the campaign.

These are some photos of Sam and Alex at camp, summer 2007