SPRING/SUMMER 2022 - Spring is here and summer is close behind! Look inside for information on Drive "fore" Camp Golf Tournament (page 17), the ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Spring is here and summer is close behind! Look inside for information on Drive “fore” Camp Golf
Tournament (page 17), the new Dunning Lake Playground Ribbon Cutting (page 19),
Half Day Camps (page 34), and more…
SPRING/SUMMER 2022
Fostering a Love for the Outdoors • Developing Leadership and Life Skills • Creating a Sense of Community
DIRECTOR’S CHAIR
Dear Friends,
As we move into spring, there are many things to be excited about! First and foremost, we will be
celebrating the 75th Anniversary of our award-winning Summer Day Camp. With milestones like this,
I always think of those people who had the vision to start our camp program. I wonder if they had any
idea that when they started this program, it would have the staying power and the impact that it has had.
Quantifying this impact is impossible to do, but it has been huge and cannot be overstated. Our best
estimate is that over 80,000 children enjoyed summer at Winding Trails building character, gaining an
appreciation for nature, and making new friends through our camp program. There are another 4,000
individuals who have worked here as counselors, lifeguards, and program specialists. The responsibili-
ties and skills learned working in this capacity have provided these people with the foundation to be
productive members of our community. They are resourceful, empathic, resilient, and hardworking.
Many things in this world have certainly changed in the last 75 years. I am happy to say that one thing
that hasn’t is the positive impact of camp and the joy it brings to campers and staff. Please read through
the articles in this newsletter highlighting our 75-year camp history.
Another exciting addition coming this summer, will be the installation of our new Dunning Lake
playground. This much anticipated improvement has been in the work for over two years. Thanks to
the generosity of hundreds of members and local businesses, the funding is in place and construction is
scheduled to begin in late April. This state-of-the-art playground will include two separate play areas
that are age specific with dozens of different play elements. It will be a favorite spot for the children
and a place for parents to gather, watch their children, and share in the beauty of Dunning Lake.
The past two years have been challenging for all of us. At the time of this writing, things are look-
ing positive and we are hopeful we don’t have to mention that dreaded word again. Our organization
has weathered this storm very well and we have been very fortunate to remain open and offer the vast
majority of our programs. In fact, we have seen record interest in all our programs which is both good
and bad. We love to see the interest, but it does mean that if you don’t register for a program right away
you may not get in. Please take the time to see what is planned for this spring and summer. We attempt
to offer a little something for everyone.
On behalf of our staff and the Board of Directors, I want to thank you for your support of this orga-
nization. We are looking forward to the warmer months. Winding Trails will continue to be a space
where you can relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy time with family and friends. We look forward to continuing
to serve you. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Scott Brown, CPRP
Executive Director
LOOKING FOR STAFF ALUMNI
Winding Trails has been fortunate to have thousands of great people work at Winding Trails. The summer of
2022 marks the 75th year of camp. We will be holding a staff alumni event on Saturday, July 9th to celebrate this
milestone. Over the years, we have lost contact with many of these people and would like to reconnect. If you or
someone you know served was a staff member, we want to hear from you. Please email renee@windingtrails.org
so we can update our database and let you know about details on this event.
2 SPRING/SUMMER NEWSLETTER
GENERAL INFORMATION
WINDING TRAILS 2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO SERVE
Brian Cunningham, President Cedric DeLaCruz ON THE BOARD AND COMMITTEES
Dave Kinahan, Vice President Jason Hamilton Winding Trails is a nonprofit organization that relies upon
Tom Greenebaum, Treasurer Wendy Ku volunteer members to help provide governance for the orga-
Alana Ledford nization. In addition to the Board of Directors, there are six
Patty Lavendier, Secretary
committees that work to provide strategic, fiduciary, and
Stacie Aubrey Reem Nouh generative oversight for the organization. Each year, we
Jonathan Chaia Betsy Sargent look for new members with diverse backgrounds in age, sex,
Chris Chisholm ethnicity, and interests to serve on the Board of Directors
and various committees. Time commitment varies depend-
ing on the position. If you feel you have skills in fundraising,
WINDING TRAILS 2022 strategic planning, construction, human resources, insurance,
COMMITTEE MEMBER VOLUNTEERS engineering, finance, recreation, environmental issues, sus-
Tom Atkins Joy Fausey Jeff Rogers tainability, or other pertinent areas that would be of help to
us, please contact Scott Brown, Executive Director at (860)
Rick Blake Jeff Ferraro Tim Roy 677-8458 ext. 18. Help make a difference in your facility.
Kristen Burns Patricia Freeman Tom Roy
Kerry Callahan Emily French Shannon
Patrick Carrier Eric Garcia Rutherford MAIN OFFICE HOURS
Ann Clark Donna Hamzy Tiffany Smetak The main office is open 8:30am – 4:00pm Monday through
James Sullivan Friday. The main office will be closed on Memorial Day,
Jill Clark Kimberly Hughes Monday, May 30th and Monday, July 4th for Independence
Sal Corio Steve Juers Rob Tacinelli
Day. If you miss the office hours, you can always use the con-
Mike Daly Rob Low Danielle Truncali venient Drop Box slot next to the office door.
Kate Doemland Scott Muska Jon Wu
Lisa Duquette Pam Nahorniak PARK HOURS
Aliza Elwell Jim Platosh The park will be open daily from 8:00am to dusk. Swimming
is available beginning Saturday, June 4th to Sunday, July 31st
from 10:00am to 7:45pm and from Monday, August 1st to
COVID-19 UPDATES Monday, September 5th from 10:00am to 7:30pm (depend-
At the time of this publication things are improving but as we ing on staff availability). The gate locks promptly at dusk.
have seen, still constantly changing. To see the latest informa- (Please refer to your membership handbook for policies and
tion please visit our website at https://www.windingtrails.org/ regulations or our website www.windingtrails.org on the
covid-19-information/. Membership page).
GUEST FEES THE GRILLE HOURS
Guests of members must be registered online at https://www. The Grille is our concession stand at Dunning Lake located
windingtrails.org/guests/. These guests must park outside the on the west side of the bathhouse. It is open on June 4th –
main gate and ride into the park in the member’s car. 5th and 7 days a week starting June 11th through August 21st.
Guest fees are $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for children ages 3 The Grille will be open weekends only August 27th -28th
to 15. Discounted guest books are available at the front gate or and September 3rd – 5th depending on staff coverage. The
in the main office. Grille hours are from 11:30am – 7:00pm.
WINDING TRAILS STAFF • (860) 677-8458
Membership/Programs Admin. Kim Kowalski Ext. 10 kim@windingtrails.org
Recreation Supervisor Bailey Dailey Ext. 11 bailey@windingtrails.org
Camp Administrator Renee Felter Ext. 12 renee@windingtrails.org
Recreation Coordinator Michon Nocera Ext. 13 michon@windingtrails.org
Camp Director Keith Garbart Ext. 14 keith@windingtrails.org
Education Director Mark Dale Ext. 16 mark@windingtrails.org
Executive Director Scott Brown, CPRP Ext. 18 scott@windingtrails.org
Financial Manager Pat Schnee Ext. 19 pat@windingtrails.org
Park Director Bryan Martin Ext. 21 bryan@windingtrails.org
Park Maintainer Anthony Baio
Park Maintainer Kyle Harding
Park Maintainer Paul Kelly
Park Maintainer Nicholas Voitkevics
Online registration available for all programs at www.windingtrails.org 3
GENERAL INFORMATION
NO SMOKING POLICY FISHING OPENING DAY
If you are a smoker and must smoke on property, we ask Dunning Lake will open for the 2022 fishing season at
that you do not smoke on Dunning Lake beach or in the 6:00am on Saturday, April 9th. (Please note we will be holding
picnic area. Smoking will be permitted north of the wooden the Children’s Fishing Derby on this day from 8:00am – 10:00am.)
guard rail fence. We ask for your cooperation in complying Members 16 years of age and older must have a valid CT fishing
with this policy. license. To help with the health of our fish population and the
enjoyment of all fishermen, we encourage you to "catch and
release". If you do intend to take the fish, you are limited to
three trout or bass per day. If you bring a guest, you and your
ANNUAL LAKE TREATMENT guest are limited to five trout or bass per day. There is also a
Dunning Lake is one of our most precious resources at size limit on bass. 12" - 16" bass are in the protective range and
Winding Trails. Each year we monitor the health of the must be released. Only one bass over 16" may be kept each day
lake by conducting water tests, inventorying plants, etc. The
lake currently has several species of invasive plants that we
are controlling through a CT DEEP state permitted weed
treatment. As a result, Dunning Lake will be closed on DISC GOLF AT WINDING TRAILS
Wednesday, June 1st at 5:00pm for our annual treatment. The
lake will be open the following day after this application. We Check out our disc golf course located
apologize for the inconvenience. on our trails surrounding Nature’s Porch!
There are nine holes in total and the
course runs counterclockwise down
PICKLEBALL AND TENNIS INFORMATION Canal Trail to Skater's Loop, back
to Roosen's Run ending on Pond
The tennis and pickleball courts will officially open on Trail. The first hole tee begins just
Saturday, April 2nd. The hours will be from 8:00am to 7:45pm. over the bridge at Walton Pond near
Time limit per court is one hour unless no one is waiting to use the Archery range. You are free to play any
them. Tennis camp will be using both tennis courts between time that the summer day camp is not in
the hours of 9:00am to noon the week of June 20th - June 24th session. Bring your own discs.
and July 25th - July 29th. The pickleball courts may be used by
the camp program Monday- Friday from 10:00am to 3:00pm,
June 20th to August 12th.
NATURE’S PORCH HOURS
Nature's Porch is located on the eastern shore of Walton
CALLING ALL PICKLEBALL ENTHUSIASTS Pond and offers nature-themed "drop-in" activities during
Interest in this sport is surging across the country. We have open hours. Nature programs, from birdwatching to walks
three permanent pickleball courts. We have had interest from to fishing classes and more, are offered for families and
some members about meeting other pickleball enthusiasts. If individuals on many weekends so check the calendar for
you have an interest in finding others to play, please email program dates. The large front porch and its inviting chairs
kim@windingtrails.org with your skill level, preferred time to are available anytime during park hours. Come visit us and
play, and phone number. We will then share that information explore this portion of the property!
only within the group and you can make new friends, get some When: . . . . . . Saturday & Sundays, April 30th to September 25th
exercise, and enjoy this sport. Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
OVERNIGHT CAMPING
Did you know that members of BOAT RENTALS
Winding Trails can camp over- Boat rentals are open every day from 11:00am to 7:00pm
night at the designated camp areas from June 4th until September 5th All persons renting a
on weekends from May–October? boat must be at least 8 years of age and a level 4 swimmer.
This is pack in/pack out camping, meaning you park in the lot All boaters must wear a lifejacket, which is included in your
and transport your gear to the site using our pull carts. There is rental. Rental fees are as follows:
a fire pit, picnic table, grill and a Sani-Can all on site. We also Canoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.00 per hour
keep the camp bathhouse, with hot showers, open for your con- Kayaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.00 per hour
venience. The camping areas are intended for tents only. Your Standup Paddleboards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.00 per ½ hour
vehicle must stay in the parking lot. Due to popular demand Sailboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.00 per hour
and limited sites, families may only book two nights a season.
Boat Rental Passes are available for purchase online
Please observe quiet time from 9:00pm–9:00am. Please contact under the program registration page!
Bailey Dailey at Bailey@windingtrails.org for reservations. Get $50 worth of boat rentals for $40 or $20
Members Fee: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15.00 per family worth of boat rentals for $15
Guests of Members Fee: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00 per family
4 SPRING/SUMMER NEWSLETTER
TRAILS TALK
EVERY SUMMER HAS A STORY - SEASON 1
Winding Trails
Summer Camp
Celebrates
75
I
years!
t is hard to believe, but we have had 75 glorious years
of serving the children of Farmington and the sur-
rounding communities at Winding Trails Summer
Day Camp. Every summer has a story, and we are going
to tell you a few in this newsletter.
We have put together six stories to give
insights and highlights of 75 years of camping
at Winding Trails. In the following articles, we
will tell the story of our history. These stories
will include our very first summer, how we
came to purchase the property, and laying the
foundation for the camp program. You will
also hear some personal reflections from our
first full-time Camp Director, current Camp
Director, and thoughts on the future.
Did you know that Connecticut is the birth-
place of organized camping? The first summer
camp in the nation was formed in Washington,
CT in 1861. Frederick William Gunn was the
headmaster of the Gunnery School and started
the Gunnery Camp. It was a camp associated
with the school which took students on two-week
camping trips during the summer. Today, accord-
ing to the American Camping Association, there
are 12,000 camps operating in the United States. Summer formed its own recreation department, and the Recreation
camps, no matter what year we are talking about, is a place Association changed its name to Winding Trails. Now back
where resiliency is taught, empathy is mentored, and lifelong to the story…
friendships are formed. It could have been a movie! World War II had ended,
Before we look at the beginning of Winding Trails Day the soldiers had returned home and three women from
Camp, you need some background. Recreational programs in Farmington wanted to start a summer day camp for return-
Farmington were run by the Recreation Association, Inc. an ing veterans’ children. So, these three ambitious women
independent organization that provided activities to the chil- approached Avon Old Farms (AOF) to lease some of their
dren and families of the town. The Farmington Community property. At this time, AOF had closed as a boy’s school and
Chest provided 60% of the Recreation Association’s fund- was operating as a blind veterans’ hospital.
ing and program revenues funded the rest. Winding Trails So, 75 years ago in 1947, Winding Trails Summer Day Camp
Summer Day Camp was just one program that they ran. In opened its tent flaps for the first time. The new camp ran 6
1955, the Recreation Association bought the Winding Trails weeks during the summer on 20 acres surrounding Walton Pond
property from Avon Old Farms School and four years later which was leased for $1. We can find no record of how many
was granted nonprofit status. In 1972, the Town of Farmington children attended the first year, but we were off and running.
Online registration available for all programs at www.windingtrails.org 5
TRAILS TALK
EVERY SUMMER HAS A STORY – SEASON 7
Running a Camp on
Leased Property
T he summer of 1953 for Winding Trails Day Camp was
pivotal for many reasons. This was the seventh season of
camp and it had finally found its footing and had established
Walton Pond took up 8 acres and they had the 12 acres on the
east and west side of the pond. There was no Dunning Lake;
no Garmany Hall or pavilions; and no Winding Trails Drive.
a great reputation. The number of campers increased 35% You entered Camp Winding Trails off Route 4 on Walton
from 1952 and it was the first time Winding Trails had to Way, which was a dirt road that ran through Poplar Swamp
close registration to some campers due to space and staffing (Dunning Lake) past three houses (Chimney Island) and up
constraints. This has been a sad fact that still haunts us today. Pond Trail that ran to Avon Old Farms (Their south entrance).
Interestingly, in May 1953, each past camper who had not signed 1953 was the turning point on leasing property because there
up received a call from the Recreation Association’s Camp was no continuity. The camp was unable to have any permanent
Committee to inquire about their feelings about camp. This structures. Meanwhile, AOF was arguing about the amount of
served as one of the first surveys and evaluation of Winding insurance coverage the camp was carrying and the camp was
Trails Summer Day Camp. It was trying to prevent AOF from har-
also the first summer to have a vesting the wood around Walton
parent’s day in which cookies and Pond. It was decided that Camp
punch were served. There was a Winding Trails needed either a
little disappointment because a long-term lease or to own their
donated piano was supposed to be own property. Two other locations
part of the entertainment, but no for a permanent camp were being
one had figured out how to get it scouted in 1953. Property adjoin-
to the Trails in time for the event. ing the Lions Club and property
Let’s talk about time and money! off Coppermine that backed up to
1953 was the first year Camp the Farmington Forest Preserve.
Winding Trails ran for 8 weeks A year later Winding Trails
rather than their six-week season approached AOF with an offer to
in prior years. Camp was in ses- buy the 20 acres and in 1955 ended
sion 4 days a week from Monday up buying 300 acres for $30,000
through Thursday. The cost of and the rest is history. The camp
sending your child to camp was was grouped into 5 units. 3 groups
$4.25 a week. There was an aver- on the west side of Walton, one
age of 120 campers a day for the on the east side and the oldest
summer, with the average camp- campers on the island. Each unit
er going to camp for 4 weeks. had an old army tent that was
Campership money has been a used for each group, and they all
mainstay of Camp Winding Trails shared two outhouses. Campers
since its inception. For the prior six in each group decided democrati-
years, each Association Director cally what the group would do for
was responsible for donating or activities for the day. In 1953, in
finding donations for two camper addition to the swimming raft,
weeks to send those less fortunate to camp. In 1953, in addition camp added a couple of canoes and rowboats to the activity list.
to Director contributions, the camp expanded their efforts Boating was by far the campers’ favorite activity, although based
and reached out to 75 local businesses and groups. Everyone’s on number of boats verses kids, they must have been quite a
effort provided 40 camperships that summer including the patient group. According to the end of year report, Winding
Farmington Exchange Club who has contributed every year Trails Summer Day Camp had $2,306 worth of camp equip-
since 1953. In the “Some things never change” department, it ment. This would have been tents, raft, boats, and recreation
was noted in a report that several great summer camp staff equipment. It is a reminder that camp is about community and
members wanted to work at camp but couldn’t make ends physical infrastructure is not as critical to its success. We will
meet with the low pay. This problem was remedied by finding leave you with a final tidbit about the great summer of Camp
additional paying work for them around town on weekends. Winding Trails 1953. It was noted that in November, “Camp
Very 1950’s problem solving, wouldn’t you say? was finally buttoned up for the winter,” but the Camp Chair
Let us finish with physical space and equipment. In 1953, you from the Recreation Association suffered a broken toe while
need to reimagine Winding Trails. The camp leased 20 acres. accomplishing the task!
6 SPRING/SUMMER NEWSLETTER
TRAILS TALK
EVERY SUMMER HAS A STORY – SEASON 22
Camp Infrastructure
and Activities
B
efore we look at the summer of ‘69 at camp, here are with a shared number and swim area they were using. The
a few changes to Winding Trails since 1953. First and raft sat in the middle pond and a rope swing used by the older
foremost, The Recreation Association (Winding Trails) campers on the west side where the present-day boats are
now owned Walton Pond and the 292 acres surrounding it kept. The rowboats and canoes were on the east shore in front
which led to the building of permanent structures. A well was of a small nature hut. The entire waterfront was protected
dug soon after the purchase of the property. The first pavilion by a boom, a series of telephone poles floating and tethered
was built in 1958. In 1962, Garmany Hall with no insulation, by wire to keep the floating debris from coming down the
heat, or plumbing was built. An arts and craft building was pond into the swim area. Several people commented on how
added in 1965. Then in 1968, the camp bathhouse and two more all the turtles, frogs and snakes from the pond would sun
pavilions were built. In addition, Mort Dunning of Dunning themselves on the boom watching the kids swim. Campers
Sand and Gravel built a new dirt road to camp to allow for could go to the Arts and Craft building located where the
the digging of Dunning Lake. The following capital projects Lodge is today. Behind Arts & Crafts was the playground
were completed in 1969. That new road was paved and is the and blacktop with a ballfield behind it. This was before the
present Winding Trails Drive. Garmany Hall was insulated, sportsplex was dug out. As you headed up the hill there was
heated, and plumbed and the caretakers house was built. But an archery range and gun range. The younger campers shot
the best gift for camp was a playground and blacktop area with BB’s and the older campers got to shoot 22’s. In short, sum-
basketball, volleyball, paddle ball and shuffleboard. mer camp wrote the book on recreation. Any and all games,
1969 was the 22nd season of Winding Trails Summer Day sports, events, and recreational activities that people pursue
Camp. It was an 8-week season and averaged one hundred during their adult leisure time is being taught, played, and
kids a day with a cost of $6.50 a week. The camp day started experienced at summer camp. It’s like one stop shopping, you
every morning with an opening ceremony at Chapel Hill get to sample, taste, and experience a little bit of everything
for the whole camp. The camp week was often themed. The that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. What is even better, you
group’s daily activities were varied. Some groups would head get to do it with your friends!
to the waterfront on Walton Pond. There were two tents 1969 was the year that provided the foundation in infrastruc-
set up as changing rooms. On the south end of the pond, a ture and expanded activities for camp for the next decade. The
permanent H-dock was set up to teach swimming lessons next big move was when camp waterfront moved to the newly
and provide free swim in the afternoon. There was a buddy dug Dunning Lake. Camp had to wait for the first full-time
board set-up on the beach. Each camper had to have a buddy Camp Director, Scott Brown, to arrive in 1986 and expand the
with them in the water. Each buddy would wear an ankle tag number of campers.
Online registration available for all programs at www.windingtrails.org 7
TRAILS TALK
EVERY SUMMER HAS A STORY – SEASON 39
A Chance Encounter That
Turned Into A Love for Camp…
By Scott Brown
M
any people find it hard to believe that I never graduate degree from UMASS and his master's degree from
went to summer camp as a child. Being a Camp Yale. Although I had no idea what I wanted to do for a career,
Director, most people just assume you must have I was going to college. In high school I was pretty good at
attended camp if you are in that position. This math and for some reason decided that would mean I should
assumption is certainly not out of the norm. There are thou- be an engineer. I was admitted to the School of Engineering
sands of camp professionals across the world who went to camp at UCONN and halfway through my first semester, I quickly
as a child, fell in love with everything about camp, and end up realized engineering was not for me. My answer was to drop
working in that setting as a profession. This is in fact the road out of school, but my father quickly convinced me to take some
most camp professionals take. I took a different route. general classes and think it over during the upcoming sum-
I was very late to the camp game. As a child I certainly loved mer. During my spring semester I found out that there was
the outdoors and played all kinds of sports with the neighbor- a major you could get in Community Recreational Services.
hood kids. Most of these activities were unorganized. Back in This degree would give you the opportunity to work in a rec-
the late 60’s and early 70’s all my friend’s moms stayed at home. reational setting like municipal parks and recreation. Although
We left the house in the morning and only returned home my father was skeptical, he was happy that I planned to stay
for lunch and dinner. The only organized sport I played as a in school. I thought this was the perfect major for me because
youth was ice hockey. Summers were spent with friends in the I liked the outdoors, sports, and children. The only problem
neighborhood, exploring the woods, playing pickup sports, and was this degree was in the School of Education and my GPA
occasional visits to the local elementary school where the town after a semester in engineering was a dismal 1.79 and I needed
recreation department ran a summer playground. a 2.0 to petition to get in to that school.
As I got older the expectation was that I would go to college. Fast forward four years, and I received a BS in Education
My father went to college on the GI bill and got his under- and applied for the job of Camp Director at Winding Trails.
8 SPRING/SUMMER NEWSLETTER
TRAILS TALK
The year was 1986 and the camp was looking for its first In those first few years, we ran 3 buses, had 30 staff, and about
year-round Camp Director. My interview was with a panel of 150 campers per day. Campers were allowed to come for just
recreation professionals and to be honest, I didn’t think the one week and there was an overnight every Thursday. The bus
interview could have gone any worse. I was super nervous and attendance system was very sophisticated. As each child got off
stumbled over many of the answers. Somehow the panel put the bus a red, blue, or green marker was swiped on the back
me through to the final three, and after a second interview of the child’s hand. Many times, that marker would wear off
the Executive Director, Heidi Roosen-Martin offered me the after two swim periods at Dunning Lake and make the end
job. It paid $14,000 per year. of the day dismissal very stressful trying to figure out what
To say that I was nervous to be taking over a camp program bus the children were supposed to be on. The overnights held
after never even attending camp would be an understatement. were also wild with campers sleeping on the old blacktop, boys
I was fresh out of college and all of 22 years old. My plan was were put on one side and girls on the other. Each overnight
to spend a couple of years here and move on to a town park I would have 10-12 kids who couldn’t make the night and I
and recreation department. Clearly, I never followed that plan, would be calling parents at midnight to come to the gate and
and this year I celebrate my 36th year at Winding Trails. Why pick up their kids. The staff effectiveness was less than stel-
I never followed through on my plan has everything to do with lar on Fridays after working on very little sleep. Other early
the “power” of camp and how it changed my life. memories were of the final day of camp when we would play
My first summer at camp was very hard because I had no idea Forfeit Chase. This event is no longer held but involved putting
what I was doing. I had never hired or trained summer staff all the campers in the amphitheater and the staff going in the
and was not prepared for dealing with camper behavior, parent woods to hide. The campers would be released to go find the
phone calls, or bus transportation issues. Fortunately, the camp staff and get a number. Once every staff member was found
program had a core group of long-time counselors who had and hopefully no campers were lost, we headed back into the
worked several summers at Winding Trails and had attended amphitheater and each camper redeemed their number for
various camps. In typical camp fashion, these people shared something. The numbers may be something good like getting
all they knew and helped me understand the maintenance a camp shirt or an ice cream or not so good like dancing with
needed before camp opened, what to include in staff training, your counselor or picking up trash. The final number drawn
and what traditions and events were held. Every morning of was #1 in which the lucky camper got the privilege of pouring
camp we would head to chapel and hold camp opening. I was a 5-gallon pail of leftovers from the camp refrigerator over my
never comfortable public speaking and now I had to lead staff head. This concoction included expired milk, bug juice, maple
and campers in the pledge of allegiance, camp songs, and joke syrup, a few old lunches, etc. It was nasty but I loved it.
of the day. Any time I stumbled there was one of the veteran One of the other reasons I love camp so much is the people
staff to pick me up and respectfully show me what I should who work in the camp industry. I don’t think you will find
be doing. I soon fell in love with everything about the camp any other business where people are so willing to share ideas
program. Some of those staff I met the first few years are still and support each other. Just a couple of years after I started
my closest friends 30 years later. at Winding Trails, our camp program had waitlists in several
age groups and I was struggling to figure out how to expand
the program to get more kids in. After attending one of my
first camping conferences, I started asking questions at one
of the after-hour socials. After some much-deserved ripping
from this group, one owner offered to take me to lunch the
following week and laid out everything we needed to do.
He explained how we needed to add more camp groups and
expanded our activity areas so we could have things for these
kids to do. His plan was simple but brilliant and led to the
growth of camp from 150 kids per day to 450 kids in just a
few years. This growth also provided the revenue for us to
construct the Lodge building, add additional camp pavilions,
and build the Sportsplex.
Although I never had the pleasure of going to camp as a child,
I feel so grateful to have spent 20 years as the Camp Director
here. One of my favorite things I enjoy doing and still do to
this day is have lunch with a different age group each day
of the summer. I can’t begin to tell you how much joy these
campers bring me during this short half hour. As the Executive
Director, most of the kids have no idea who I am. I can walk
into a pavilion and ask to join them for lunch, and they wel-
come me. These lunch conversations can go many different
directions, but they always leave me with many laughs, a big
smile on my face, and a great appreciation for the “power” of
camp. The theme for our 75th Anniversary of camp is “Every
Summer Has a Story.” I hope you will share your story with
me the next time I see you.
Online registration available for all programs at www.windingtrails.org 9
TRAILS TALK
EVERY SUMMER HAS A STORY – SEASON 61
Empathetic, Resilient
Campers: That is Winding
Trails Summer Day Camp!
By Keith Garbart
W
inding Trails Summer Day Camp sure has come a
long way since 1947. After seventy-five years, camp
may look a little different, but we certainly have
not strayed far from our roots of providing a traditional
summer camp experience for all those that attend each sum-
mer. The camp has grown over the last thirteen years since
I have been the Camp Director, to 612 campers per day, but
we have not lost that feeling of one camp community. My
favorite part of the camp day is our morning openings in the
amphitheater with 612 campers, 200 counselors, CITs and
staff. It is the perfect way to start a camp day with the energy
that flows from each person ready for a new adventure.
Winding Trails has never been about the new shiny toy
each year that gets played with a couple times and then
gets forgotten about. Winding Trails is about the cardboard
box when friends get together and let their creative minds
wander. It doesn’t cost any money but always creates the a nervous excitement though with the thought of seeing him
most happiness and teaches creativity, problem solving and venture off to his first job. I could see his love for camp and
experimentation naturally. This can be likened to build- wanting to give back to the place that had given him so much
ing friendships at summer camp. It happens throughout and I wanted him to succeed. I was just hoping as a camp
your experiences with others as you are on your summer director I could find the balance of him being an employee,
adventure with your counselors and camp friends. Those but also my son.
friendships last a lifetime and I personally have experienced My nervousness was quickly turned to being a proud and
it firsthand as a counselor at summer camp and now seeing supportive parent as he embraced his new role at camp. This
my son and daughter attend camp. is where he blossomed and could see the true power of the
My son, Ethan, was a scout camper my first year at friendships he made at camp. He would constantly tell camp
Winding Trails in 2008. As a parent I was incredibly ner- stories on his ride home or on the weekends. As he got ready
vous for him to start this journey. I was not sure how he was for camp you could hear the excitement in his voice for the
going to handle attending camp with a bunch of preschoolers adventure of a new day. He truly engaged in everything camp
he did not know. He always went to a home-based day care had to offer, even to the point of wanting to “hang out” with
and outside of sports he had limited interactions with larger friends after camp at the lake or come back for staff social
groups of children. To have the pleasure and enjoyment to events that were held throughout the summer. His camp
see him interact each day at camp was amazing to watch. I connections have not come to a stop because of the school
was certainly lucky to be in that position as a parent to see year and he is constantly chatting with what he now calls his
him, each day, engage in fun and creative activities with his friends and not just his camp friends.
camp group. Each year he would come back and began to It was such a joy to see him blossom into the person he has
create his group of camp friends. We live in South Windsor, become and even though I had my doubts coming into it that
so it was hard for him to see his camp friends outside of the he could handle the job. I found myself taking off the “par-
summer season. However, each year he returned to Winding ent hat” at times to see the counselor he had become and be
Trails he would always reconnect very quickly and rekindle proud of him as a camp director and then remind myself with
those friendships. As he continued through his camp years the “parent hat” back on how proud I was of him as my son.
he became a CIT for two summers and then in the summer Creating friendships is what Winding Trails has become for
of 2021 he became a counselor. Just as I was when he first so many. These friendships will continue to be a part of the
attended Winding Trails, I was nervous for him to be a child’s growth that will help them deal with the challenges
counselor and all that goes along with that new role. It was they face in an ever-changing world. The challenges we
10 SPRING/SUMMER NEWSLETTERTRAILS TALK have seen most recently with a global pandemic have made “And the ball goes up, like the moon so bright, Swings his camp more important than it ever has been. I feel too many bat with all his might, and the world’s so still as still can times kids today are constantly looking over their shoulder be, and the baseball falls, and that’s strike three.” or looking for confirmation that they are doing things right. “Little boy starts home with his bat and ball, Says I am Summer camp has always taught resiliency, compassion, and the greatest that is a fact. But even I didn’t know I could an appreciation for those around you. Most recently children pitch like that.” have become isolated and on screens more than any time in This song celebrates the resiliency of youth and if you our history. Camp can be the answer to reintroduce to chil- ask me the challenge of summer camp in the next 75 years dren the socialization skills needed in life. The challenge is to recapture the youthful dreams of the little boy who moving forward for Winding Trails is how to get children to just wants to be the greatest. The greatest Ga-Ga player, get back to making friends and meeting new people. Our goal camp song singer, friendship bracelet maker, four square is to help get children to not be as anxious and worried about champion, and most importantly the greatest friend. The what their future looks like and just be kids again. We want power of camp is, after all, the ability to teach resiliency, our children to be confident risk takers and that is what camp creative thinking, and compassion. The parent in me sees teaches them. It is a safe place for them to try new things and this as the true value of the summer camp experience. The not be judged, to meet new people and not be nervous, and to camp director in me see this as why we are here and why experience the outdoors as they were meant to be cherished. camp is that special place of growth for children of all ages. One of my favorite songs is by Kenny Rogers called, “The A camper should never have to look over their shoulder at Greatest” and it is about a little boy trying to throw a ball up camp for confirmation they are doing the right thing. They to himself and hit it. In his mind he is telling a story about should know that if they look over their shoulder they will being the greatest player of all. We have told that story to see their friend who always has their back. ourselves in our head many times and never doubted it. We The story never ends and each chapter continues the need to get back to the little boy or girl believing he or she legacy of summer camp at Winding Trails. The legacy of is the greatest and if they are not successful be resilient and summer camp at Winding Trails will continue with all its try again. To paraphrase, the song says: challenges and accomplishments for the next generation of “He makes no excuses. He shows no fears. He just closes campers and counselors. I look forward to seeing Winding his eyes and listens to the cheers. The little boy, in a baseball Trails Summer Day camp continue to be that vessel for all hat, picks up the ball, stares at his bat. Says I am the Greatest children to tell their story and meet their next best friend the game is on the line, and he gives his all, one last time.” for the next 75 years and beyond. Online registration available for all programs at www.windingtrails.org 11
TRAILS TALK
EVERY SUMMER HAS A STORY – SEASON 75
75 Years of Camping –
Let's Do It Again!
S
o, now we have all travelled down memory lane. and friendships often last a lifetime. That is the power and
Winding Trails Summer Day Camp has struggled, magic of Winding Trails Summer Day Camp.
bumped, hummed, accelerated, and thrived over time. If the camper is the key to a good community, the camp
Winding Trails has witnessed some gifted leadership counselor is the key to a great community. Winding Trails is
over the years. We reside in a beautiful and majestic piece both honored and lucky to have so many outstanding coun-
of property, and we have a solid infrastructure, organization, selors over the last 75 years. Camp counselors are experts at
and activities. However what really makes a camp a great forging, building, and facilitating relationships built on team-
camp is the campers and staff. work, mutual respect, and shared experiences. It is a gift and
Camp is all about community. The camper is the key to a a true labor of love. They take a group of campers and learn
good community. This is accomplished by gathering a set of who they are as individuals then teach, mentor, and facilitate
twelve to fifteen young people to form a group, unit, or cabin. how to make friends and build resiliency. Socialization and
The group size is ideal for maximizing socialization. Small resiliency are mandatory life lessons, especially in today’s
enough to provide individual attention and growth and large world, and no-one does it better than summer camps.
enough to demand compromise in order to build group cohe- Today, our campers come from 32 surrounding towns, and
sion. Camp is the shared experience and acts as a great equal- we are the third largest day camp in the State, serving 612
izer, often free of outside social or economic standing. This kids a day. Both Scott and Keith talked about the power
environment allows children to be accepted of camp opening ceremonies. Think about
for who they are, to know they have a place the amount of energy, voice, and community
in the group, and provides the space and time those campers and staff can generate! The
to grow. Then campers are expected to build, world might be in disarray, but there is joy,
form, and support the group. The group pro- laughter, and hope for the future when you
vides identity, community, and a deep sense witness a camp opening. Winding Trails
of belonging. Together they will confront has been part of 80,000 children’s lives over
new experiences, personal fears, competition, the last 75 years helped by over 4,000 staff
new ideas, success, and challenges. They are members. Thank you for the memories.
rewarded for getting up, trying again, and Winding Trails Summer Day Camp looks
overcoming those challenges which builds forward to serving young people for another
lifelong resiliency. These bonds, experiences, 75 years!
12 SPRING/SUMMER NEWSLETTERai r Lin Campsites
e DIFFICULT
dPondTrail Trail
eokBrook
ss
Ma
MOST
StirneeSttreet
Pine Pi
N 5 Acre
l
Big Big Tra Tra
ing
Pond Tra
Bro Bro
dle Meadow DIFFICULT
Ro Ro
Bridge
SKATING TRAIL MAP
oks otkTs il
S co TROUT 5 Acre
e
ck ck
Main Street
Ne
Pine dle rve u POND Meadow Sk a LOOP
ScouSt cTrocoutt Tr
ide riade
SKATING
Big RBoicgkRock
u
C Restrooms
nwood
il
e
Turkey
Skater’s Loop
SkaPine
Ne e’s rve Great S LOOP
ter’ tero’ p op
Loop Sk a
ter’s
Lo u Skater’s Trot
CrowCrow
C
il il
s Lo s Lo
Ska
ter’s p
o
e’s Maloney’sTurkey White Snowshoe Area
a
ail
White I
MAP LEGEND
ro
i l
Trot Pine
p Tr
Lo op o Oak Mistake
op illtSWhite ture Tra White
a
Na MAP LEGEND
Garmany Hall includes the Ski Center,
i
s Lo
Campsites
l
hea i L i t tle BPine
H
S ka
Oak Scoure Ski Rentals & Lessons, Ski Shop,
ss
rook
cott
Litt
l
Sc Nat
hu
ter’
Tra
PondPTornad Tra
Snack Bar and Restrooms.
ter
le B
i roo Campsites
’s L
ut
Bridge
SatriengeeSt tTreaeil t s
at S
Ska
ill Fallaway
TROUT WALTON ko The Sports Complex includes areas for
M Sco Hill R o
l
Tra
Pondil Traiill
oo
softball, soccer, basketball, volleyball,
Loo’spLoopi n g H
CLIMBING
u POND POND
n’s Way
Gre
TOWER
p
Tra ok
il
Dee r tennis, Bridge
se n
bocci, pickle ball, street
ain
hockey,Restrooms
n w ooo ondw o o d
Phantom e Bro TROUT
TRAIL
t TrailtetTrail
S co Run and a playscape.
Wind
il
u POND
’s R
Str
Ch
il
Tra
Ed
un
MARKINGS
l
e
Litt
Marti
Restrooms
MainM
ADVENTURE
Snowshoe Area
nd
ap
COURSE Maloney’s I P
’s ter
el H
r
PHANTOM Mistake
POND
Pine Grove I SUGGESTED LOOPS
EASIEST
Snowshoe Area
Ska
Maloney’s un Garmany Hall includes the Ski Center,
ill
ro
rove
Pine G ’s R
Skater
Powe Mistake Big Ro oosen Bi Ski Rentals & Lessons, Ski Shop,
Loops are designated by colored arrows on the trails.
r Li Sco Bird
Fiel
Blind
nSPORTS ckR g Snack
GarmanyBarHall MORE
andincludes
Restrooms.the Ski Center,
Loop
e SKI SCHOOL
Pine RED& Lessons,
LOOP………3
DIFFICULT MILES
d
ut uMt
Sco Hollow
GARMANY HALL Ski
TheRentals
Sports Complex Ski Shop,
includes areas for
Rock n’s R n’ksaRt Big Roc
COMPLEX WALTON
BOATING
Little
Powe Roo Skater’s loop designated by
dle
Tra aTirna S
M /SKI LODGE
Cr
PondPTornadil Trail
Snack Bar and Restrooms.
Trail
softball, soccer, basketball, volleyball,
Skate
POND r Lin
r ’s
CLIMBING
os
red arrows. Ski skating only,
Nee
TOWER
il il treet
e NATURE’S
se se S
tennis, bocci, pickle ball,
MOST street
kate
The Sports Complex includes areas for
sin
WALTON
Pond
ain ain
SKATING PORCH
Brook
M HUT Pond Roo no diagonal stride.
hockey,
softball,and a playscape.
soccer, basketball, volleyball,
POND DIFFICULT
g
Pine
CLIMBING
Str Str
C tennis, BLUE LOOP...........3
ball, street MILES
r ’s Loo
PARKING
PARKING
LO THE
TOWER
un
S
h
E
DG
5 Acre bocci, pickle
ee ee
Big
B
dle PARKING
ADVENTURE
Meadow hockey,Diagonal stride loop designated
and a playscape.
roo
t
ap ap
Ro
SKATING
COURSE
Ch
Trail
eunr by blue arrows. Intermediate.
el HS el H
e
ck
ksid
’s
ai l SUGGESTED LOOPS
Ne
LOOP
p
Pine ADVENTURE e Sk a
ur v GREEN LOOP.…1.7 MILES
t
COURSE
u n
cilol ut Tirlla
C
eT
’s R
Trai l
Turkey
Trail Trail C a n a l Tr
e’s
Loop
Ska
Trot oosen
Diagonal stride loop designated
ter’
SUGGESTED
by green arrows. LOOPS
Loops are designated by colored arrows on the trails.
rai
ter’s PA
R
Lo KIN
R n Beginner.
Crow
White ’s Ru
s Loop katerk’ater ’
l
opSPORTS G SKI SCHOOL
RED LOOP………3 MILES
k
White n MAP LEGEND
il
e
l
Loops are designated by colored arrows on the trails.
oos
na
COMPLEX GARMANY HALL BOATING
OakCa Pine Everyoneloop
Skater’s mustdesignated
be off trails
byby 5pm.
/SKI LODGE
PA R
ture Tra R
S S
SKI SCHOOL
SPORTS
COMPLEX
KIN
G
GARMANY HALL Na
BOATING
SKATING i NATURE’S
PORCH RED LOOP………3
red arrows.
Campsites MILES
Ski skating only,
B
HO ATH /SKI LODGE
Pond no diagonal
Skater’s loopstride.
designated by
l
HUT
Pond Tra
US
E
BLUE
red LOOP...........3
arrows. MILES
Ski skating only,
PARKING PARKING
PARKING PARKING
LO THE
PLEASE NOTE:
NATURE’S
E
Bridge
DG
s LoospLoop
SKATING PA R PORCH
TROUT
PPOND no diagonal stride.
ScHUT oKINnGd
Main Street
Diagonal stride loop designated
S k il S k
ou
er BLUE
blue LOOP...........3 MILES
LO THE
PARKING
by
ofarrows. Intermediate.
E
BOAT
at at
DG
C In case emergency dial 911.
DiagonalRestrooms
nwood
’s
t Trail
HOUSE
ai lanal T
Skater’s Loop
stride loop designated
PARKING
rail er GREEN
Trails are LOOP.…1.7
open 9am and MILES
Trai l Trai l
by blue arrows. Intermediate.
r
L o o pL o o p
C a n aCl aTn a l T
DiagonalSnowshoe Area
I’s
PA Maloney’sai l stride loop designated
close at sunset.
ro
GREEN LOOP.…1.7 Beginner.MILES
RK
IN
G Mistake by green arrows.
r
Diagonal
No pets stride
allowed loop
on designated
premises
l
Garmany Hall includes the Ski Center,
na
PA
C a Sco Everyone must beBeginner.
off Ski
trails by 5pm.
RK
IN
G PA R
KIN
bySki
at any green
Rentals
time. arrows.
& Lessons, Shop,
G Snack Bar and Restrooms.
l
na
Ca PleaseThe be protective of all
ut
Everyone must be off trails by 5pm.
B
HO ATH
WALTON Sports Complex includes areas for
Roo
US P
Tra
E AR
M
Pond Trail
K I NCLIMBING
POND softball, soccer, basketball, volleyball,
vegetation and wildlife.
PLEASE NOTE:
GTOWER
il
DUNNING LAKE
se n
PA R tennis, bocci, pickle ball, street
ain
B
HO ATH KIN
US G
E
Pleasehockey, and a playscape.
respect the rights and
’s R
Str
C
PLEASE NOTE:
un
OFFICE
BOAT
h
MAIN
Can In case of of emergency dial 911.
ee
HOUSE
ADVENTURE
P ARK
privacy abutting landowners.
ING
al T
t
ap
COURSE
rail Trails
In caseare of open 9am and
el H
BOAT
Can emergency dial 911.
closeSUGGESTED LOOPS
HOUSE
al T un at sunset.
ill
rail R
en’s Trails are open 9am and
Loops are designated by colored arrows on the trails.
oos No pets
SPORTS
SKI SCHOOL R close at allowed
sunset. on premises
RED LOOP………3 MILES
COMPLEX GARMANY HALL BOATING at any time. Skater’s loop ondesignated by
/SKI LODGE
No pets allowed premises
Trail
Skate
SKATING
NATURE’S
PORCH Please be
at any time. protective
red of
arrows. Ski skating allonly,
Pond no diagonal stride.
vegetation and wildlife.
HUT
DUNNING LAKE Please beBLUE LOOP...........3
of all MILES
r ’s Loo
PARKING
PARKING
LO THE
protective
E
DG
Please respect
Diagonalthe striderights and
loop designated
Sk
vegetation and wildlife.
OFFICE
MAIN
PARKING
DUNNING LAKE er privacy ofbyabutting
blue arrows. Intermediate.
at
’s landowners.
ai l
p
Please respectGREENthe LOOP.…1.7
rights and MILES
OFFICE
Trai l
MAIN
r
Loop
Canal T
PA
RK privacy ofDiagonal
abutting stridelandowners.
loop designated
IN
G by green arrows. Beginner.
l
na
PA R
KIN
G
Ca Everyone must be off trails by 5pm.
B
HO ATH
US
E
BOAT
PA R
K IN
G PLEASE NOTE:
HOUSE
Can In case of emergency dial 911.
al T
rail Trails are open 9am and
close at sunset.
No pets allowed on premises
at any time.
Please be protective of all
DUNNING LAKE
vegetation and wildlife.
Please respect the rights and
OFFICE
MAIN
privacy of abutting landowners.
Online registration available for all programs at www.windingtrails.org 13FAMILY PROGRAMS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
75th ANNUAL CHILDREN’S FISHING DERBY
Children ages 5 to 15 can test their fishing skills and are
eligible to participate in this long-standing event for prizes.
We will have prizes in two different age categories as well as
prizes for heaviest fish not a trout, first fish caught, and of
course a cash prize for catching the elusive “Golden Trout.”
So come on down and enjoy the morning fishing at Dunning
Lake! Participation is limited to members, their guests, and
Farmington residents only. Preregistration is not required.
Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturday, April 9th
Time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00am – 10:00am
Ages: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 – 15 years old FAMILY EGG HUNT
Where: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dunning Lake FEATURING PETER RABBIT
Fee: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No Charge Join Peter Rabbit and your entire family
(Food and worms will be available for a nominal fee) as they scramble for all the holiday goodies
scattered along the trails in an egg hunt! We
have plenty of treasures and treats for all. In
CELEBRATE EARTH DAY LEARNING ABOUT addition to the candy and toys, every fam-
WINDING TRAILS… LECTURE & WALKING TOUR ily will receive one golden egg with a special
prize inside! Don't forget your goodie bag/basket to hold all
Join the Winding Trails staff as they share the organization’s your findings. The Egg Hunt will take place in a quarter
efforts to manage our forest, waterways, and recreational use mile loop on the trails ending with a continental breakfast at
of the park. We will share some of our history, successes, and the Hiawatha Pavilion. Space is limited, register early! This
failures around sustainability, land use, and green initiatives. program fills up fast. This program is for members only.
The program will be a combination of lecture and 1.5-mile
walking tour. Please dress accordingly. Registration is required Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturday, April 2nd
by Tuesday, April 19th. This is a members only event. Session I
Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Friday, April 22nd Time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00am
Time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:00pm – 7:30pm Session II
Where: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Garmany Hall Time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:45am
Ages: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adults Session III
Fee: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Free Time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:30am
Minimum: 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maximum: 40
Session IV
Time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:15am
QUOTE Session V
FROM ONE Time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:00am
OF OUR Session VI
CAMPERS: Time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:45am
Ages: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 and under
“I will always remember climbing Where: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meet at the Amphitheater
on my counselors and will really Member Fee: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20.00 per family
Minimum: 30 per session . . . . . . . . . . Maximum: 150 per session
miss walking on the trails”
– Greg Calusine, 8-year-old
14 SPRING/SUMMER NEWSLETTERFAMILY PROGRAMS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
LITTLE KIDS EXPLORING NATURE FAMILIES EXPLORING NATURE
This spring and summer young children 6-years-old and This spring and summer families with older children will
under with their families will join Miss Judy for a fun Saturday join Miss Judy for a fun Saturday afternoon of learning some-
morning of learning something new about the great outdoors. thing new about the great outdoors. The program format is
The program format is an introduction about the day's topic an introduction about the day’s topic followed by a hands-on
followed by a hands-on outdoor activity to try out what you outdoor activity to try out what you learned. Dress for the
learned. Dress for the weather with appropriate shoes or boots weather with appropriate shoes or boots so you can be com-
so you can be comfortable during all activities. fortable during all activities.
Each month, we will be exploring different locations as we Each month, we will be exploring different locations as we
discover the many animals and plants that make up Winding discover the many animals and plants that make up Winding
Trails’ fields, forests, and waterbodies. Look and listen for early Trails’ fields, forests, and waterbodies. Look and listen for early
spring season finds. Learn about animal families and how they spring season finds. Learn about animal families and how they
take care of their young. Discover how animals use the plants take care of their young. Discover how animals use the plants
that are all around us for food and shelter. Explore water in that are all around us for food and shelter. Explore water in
nature from the animals living in the brook to the pond and nature from the animals living in the brook to the pond and
how water works in Nature. All of these activities and more are how water works in Nature. All of these activities and more are
out there to explore! Looking forward to spending an exciting out there to explore! Looking forward to spending an exciting
spring and summer season with you. spring and summer season with you.
Registration is required 3 days before the date of the event. Registration is required 3 days before the date of the event
Session I: Early Spring Finds Session I: Early Spring Finds
Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturday, April 2nd Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturday, April 2nd
Session II: What Are Animal Families Doing? Session II: What Are Animal Families Doing?
Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturday, June 4th Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturday, June 4th
Session III: How Do Animals Use Plants? Session III: How Are Animals Using Plants?
Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturday, July 16th Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturday, July 16th
Session IV: Let’s Get Wet Exploring Water! Session IV: Let's Get Wet Exploring Water!
Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturday, August 6th Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturday, August 6th
Time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:30 am – 11:30 am Time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Where: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nature's Porch Where: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nature's Porch
Ages: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All Ages: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All
Fee: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00 per Family Fee: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00 per Family
Member Discount Fee: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.00 per Family Member Discount Fee: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.00 per Family
Minimum: 3 Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maximum: 5 Families Minimum: 3 Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maximum: 5 Families
BIRDWATCHING: SEASONAL EVENTS
Join Blair Wlochowski, Winding Trails’ bird volunteer, as we
explore the Winding Trails’ property to discover what birds are
found here during the changing seasons. Learn tips on how to
enhance your birding skills and work on your Bird Life List.
The walks will travel through many habitat areas, so a good
variety of birds are expected to be seen. Always dress for the
weather and wear a good pair of walking shoes. Registration is
required by three days prior to the start of the program.
Session I: Spring Migration
Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday, April 10th
Time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00am – 10:00am
Session II: Summer Breeding
Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturday, June 11th
Time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Ages: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adults and Older Children
Where: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boathouse Pavilion
Fee: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.00
Member Discount Fee: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FREE
Minimum: 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maximum: 16
Online registration available for all programs at www.windingtrails.org 15You can also read
