End of Camp... NEXT YEAR'S DATES!!!

We had a great close to camp this morning with Capture the Fox and Speedball games, the whole camp vs the coaches.  Our special thanks to everyone and congratulations on all of our accomplishments this week!1

Next Year's Dates are already set.  We strongly encourage the two-week session to establish strong skill sets and then progress over the period of time. 

    WEEK 1:  Sunday July 28 - Saturday August 3
    WEEK 2:  Sunday August 4 - Saturday August 10

HOPE TO SEE YOU NEXT SUMMER!!!

Dance Party!

Good Morning,
    We are approaching our very last activity for SDSC. The last day is always bittersweet for campers and counselors. This 2nd session has completely flown by. It's hard to believe we're coming to a close.
    For our last night, we had a dance party after enjoying some Ben and Jerry's ice cream sundaes! We had to cancel our inflatable obstacle course, due to the weather, but this dance party wasn't like any other we've had at camp! After the DJ got here around 5:30, the campers and counselors danced all the way until 9pm. Everyone danced in unison to songs like the "Cupid Shuffle", "Cotton-Eyed Joe", with lights and strobes. We also had a limbo competition and a dance off! I'm not sure anyone has danced that much in a while!
    Here's a short glimpse of all of the fun we had last night!

  

Good Evening,

I would like to take a few minutes to explain our testing program, what all the information means, and what kind of impact we hope it will have on your young athlete.


While working at Stratton Mountain School I was introduced to a variety of testing protocols and screenings that we would use to help develop individualized conditioning programs for our athletes. We would take into account their age, stage of maturation, and the data to focus on specific systems to help with their development.

Over the past couple summers here at camp we have used some of these screening tests in a simpler form to help provide you and your camper with areas pay more attention to during the off-season. Each camper will receive in the mail a spreadsheet that looks like this:

Hip Mobility: Is a screening test that we use to see how mobile each athletes hips are. Hip mobility is very important in ski racing, and will be important as your young athlete begins a strength training program in the gym. The number shown is the last complete stage of the test.

7 Level Sit Up: This is a core function test that we use to help determine the strength of the campers core as well as their ability to properly engage it.We talk a lot about core strength at camp in our field session, a strong core is important to our foundation as athletes. We create the majority of our explosive power through the use of our hips and core.

Box Jumps: A 60 second test that we use to help the athletes learn to push their limits, and we observe visually during this time where the athlete changes systems from aerobic to anaerobic. 

Vertical Jump: We use this number to calculate the CMJ PP. Vertical is a great representation of an athletes ability to create power. 

5x1 Single Leg: This test helps us look at coordination from left to right foot. Also this can be helpful in case of injury. We would use the athletes data on this test for return to snow protocol. For a return to snow a number needs to be within 75% of their number and return to race was 95%.

Miller Test:The Miller Test is a aerobic capacity test. The athlete tries to complete the greatest number of 20 meter shuttles possible in 5 minutes. We look at this number compared to the campers CMJ PP. Aerobic capacity is important in ski racing because it allows the body to recover in between runs, especially during training.

I think that is awesome that the campers can be exposed to these tests at camp. They can learn a lot about their bodies, and how to take care of themselves. Ski racing is a very demanding sport on the body. It takes a lot of effort to maintain strength during the season.

I would be more then happy to answer any questions that you may have about conditioning or anything you may have. My email is: Matthew Maloney. 

Thanks, 

-Matt

Afternoon Adventure - Testing/Trip to Lacky's

While heavy rain and thunder prevented us from completing our original plan of sending the younger campers on their bikes to Lacky's General Store while their elders performed testing outside, the weather didn't stop us completely. The young ones took rides to Lacky's before returning to watch Alvin and the Chipminks: Chipwrecked at the Round Hearth. Those testing watched as our dining area transformed into a gym where they were screened for hip mobility, anaerobic capacity, core strength, explosion, and vertical jump. We coaches were extremely impressed at how the older campers pushed themselves tremendously in the unexpected circumstances and how they supported each other through the entire session.

Tonight we look forward to an indoor dance party and ice cream sundays!
Eric Barthold

Jamie Kingsbury - Stratton Mountain School

This morning Jamie Kingsbury from Stratton Mountain School joined the camp to run an instructional session on explosive movements. Jamie is the Head U-16 Coach and Head Women's Strength and Conditioning coach at SMS. She has had a very long and successful career in ski racing as both an athlete and coach. Winning 2 NCAA GS National Titles and placing two young women on the USST in the past 3 winters.

Through the use of body weight exercises, which are great because they do not require the use of equipment, Jamie showed the young athletes how they can increase the ability to produce power. Ski racing is a power sport, and development of this power can come from off-season conditioning. The campers worked really hard and showed improvement throughout the session.

 

We finished off the morning with two games: Soccer and Quebec Ball. Thanks to Jamie for coming over both weeks, even this close to her wedding date, she is getting married September 1st! Congrats Jamie! It is amazing to have the opportunity to have such highly respected featured coaches join us during camp. It is a testimony of Danny's hard work and dedication to this camp. This afternoon we will be testing with the older campers while the younger ones go on a bike adventure!

Thanks,

-M

Scavenger Hunt and S'Mores!

Last night, the Stowe Dryland Camp held their first scavenger hunt! The teams were given a list of things to find, perform and take pictures of on the rec path. Each team had an hour and a half to complete the list given to them. Everyone hopped on their bikes and sped around the rec path in search for people, bumper stickers, corn and certain cars. Some also had to jump in the water with their bike helmets on! Along with tasks on the list, each team had to complete the "Spider Web" in Top Notch field. The Spider Web is a team initiative, low ropes course element. Each member of your team must go through the spider web holes, without touching the webbing.

 The teams came back pretty wet from the rain, but with lots of smiles.Afterwards, we were able to use the inside fireplace to dry off campers, and cook SMores.

This morning, the older kids will perform a aerobic capacity test (Miller Test), while the younger group will cheer them on. For this morning's instructional, we will be joined by Jamie Kingsbury, head U16 women's coach at Stratton Mountain School. We will be working on explosiveness as our last morning instructional. Check in later today for updates! Have an awesome day.

Alex Norden

Camp DVD and Photos

Good Evening,

While the campers are out with Alex and the rest of the staff scrambling around the Top Notch Field and Rec Path working an amazing scavenger hunt, I am back here at the Round Hearth working on testing results, and helping Tyler prepare a short promotional video for our camp.

Tyler is going to be senior at Strattton Mountain School in Vermont. He is competing at very high level and is one the top ranked juniors in the country. Beyond ski racing Tyler's other passion is filming and editing the sport of skiing. He has created his own production company www.revivedfilms.com with his friend Mac Fischer. This spring they released their first full length movie entitled Fact or Fiction which documented the life of a nordic ski racer.

We are very lucky to have Tyler here for both weeks of camp, he has been doing an amazing job documenting the memories that your young athletes have been making at camp, and capturing some amazing photos of them working with some very well respected coaches and athletes. Danny and I both cannot believe the passion and dedication Tyler has shown for a young individual at our camp this week.

That being said Tyler will be selling a full length DVD of our summer camp. There are a couple ways you can order a copy: He will have an order form here on Saturday that you can fill out, you can email myself - matthew.maloney@yahoo.com or dwnoyes@colby.edu and we will make sure to get you a copy. Even if it is past the final day of camp and you would like a copy please get in touch with me.

He has also uploaded a lot of photos to his SmugMug account: http://revivedfilms.smugmug.com/. All these photos are available for purchase through SmugMug. Don't miss the chance to take home a great photo from camp!

It has been great to have Tyler here these two weeks, but his position unfortunately does not have a weekly salary, but what we have done is allowed all the proceeds from the DVD's and Photos to go towards funding Tyler's upcoming competition season. As we know ski racing is a very expensive sport and every little bit helps!

Here is the promotional video so enjoy! and please make sure and order your copy of the 2012 Camp DVD!  

Stowe Dryland Ski Camp Promo from Revived Films on Vimeo.
Thanks for all your support of our camp! We have enjoyed working with all your young athletes and hope to see them again next summer!!

-Matthew Maloney

Afternoon Adventure - Waterbury State Park

This afternoon we traveled to the beach in Waterbury State Park for an afternoon of fun in the sun. Although the sun did not cooperate as we had hoped, that didn't stop us from having fun jumping in the pond, playing monkey-in-the-middle as well as an intense game of water speedball, a new sport inspired by the olympic water polo and adapted to SDSC's favorite game of speedball. While thunder halted our session early, we are hoping that the rain will hold of for tonight's camp-wide scavenger hunt!

Eric Barthold

Storm Coming in... Hopefully we're able to stay on track for this afternoon.  

What time is it Aidan (8yro)???

 

INSTRUCTIONAL SESSION - Matt Maloney USST

This morning Matt led the instructional session on skates in the Mt. Mansfield parking lot.  Building off Monday's session on skates, the camp returned to athletic stance in lanes drilling home the stance, balance, and comfort level.  Add in a few bamboo poles and low hurdles to jump, we increased our comfort level and confidence as our ability improved.



For the second half of the session, Matt had the coaches set three courses mimicking a SL course, a GS course, and a Super-G course.  As the kids moved from one to the next, it was clear that the connection with what we do here at SDSC for preparation has a particular link to ski racing.  The SL and Super-G courses were timed, and it was really cool for us coaches to be able to give technical feedback after a run and see the adjustments implemented right away on the next run.  Having the clock as an extra coach always helps too. 

Off to the BEACH this afternoon!  The kids deserve it.  Well... I think we all deserve it!

Danny Noyes

Relax/Movie Night

Yesterday evening, the campers had a restful and relaxing time. After our awesome Skype session with USST member, Nick Daniels, the camp enjoyed a movie on the big screen projector outside! Everyone watched "The Adventures of Tintin" on the lawn with popcorn while sitting on comfortable cushions and blankets.

   
  This morning USST technician Matt Maloney will be hosting a Skate session that focuses on our SPEED component of camp. This will be our second session on skates this week. We are excited to continue our progression! Check in this afternoon for an update on this morning's instructional.

Skype with NIck Daniels - USST

Nick Daniels of the US Ski Team dropped into camp tonight via Skype to talk  to the campers about his career in ski racing, overcoming obstacles, and why he loves to ski so much. Nick has been a part of the Ski Team for 5 years, growing up in Squaw Valley, California he learned from a young age how fun skiing can be. With many of his young days skiing back country and powder with friends, Nick saw his racing career take off as he became a better all around skier. Check out his full biography here to learn more: http://usskiteam.com/athletes/nick-daniels.

The campers asked questions about his favorite place to ski, what event he likes most, and his best memories as a ski racer. Nick shared with the kids his bib from 2011 World Junior Championships, as well as some medals from the Nor-AM circuit (2 steps below World Cup). He left the campers with some good advice "have fun, work hard, and you will be able to achieve your goals in skiing and life." From someone who has overcome two serious injuries they were very strong words.

I feel very fortunate to be able to expose your young athletes to people like Nick Daniels, as the reward of working for the US Ski Team goes far beyond what I had imagined. Seeing the looks on the kids faces as Nick introduced himself makes me proud of my accomplishments as well as how far our camp has come in the past 6 years I have been a part of if. SDSC is a special place to all of us and especially Danny and I, thank you for giving your child the opportunity to come participate in our camp.

-Matt

Afternoon Adventure - Bingham Falls

This afternoon we bused to Bingham Falls for a great afternoon session. Campers jumped from many different heights, and we even saw some flips. The Falls were very popular with locals and other camps today, as the weather once again cooperated with plenty of sunshine. We even had a small impromptu aerobics class led by one of the campers for those who were done jumping and needed to stay warm!

Tonight we relax with an outdoor showing of The Adventures of Tintin!

Eric Barthold

Wednesday AM AGILITY SESSION - Stever Bartlett

Stever joined us this morning from Middlebury College.  He is gearing up for his own camp for college-aged athletes at Mt Hood later this week, so we really appreciate his time.  Stever brought new agility games, keeping the camp on our toes... literally.  110% effort for a short amount of time, short break, and then right back at it.  We ended with a two-ball speedball session, and another session went by like the blink of an eye. 

Hike in to Bingham Falls this afternoon.  The water is going to be awesome. 

Danny Noyes

THE Swimming Hole

This evening we all went to the local indoor pool known as the "Swimming Hole". The camp had a blast going down the water slide, doing tricks off the diving boards, and competing in swim races. I'm pretty sure the majority of the camp completed a front flip off of the diving board by the end of the evening! On the bus ride back, everyone agreed they had a lot of fun, and sang songs the whole way back to the round hearth.
   The campers are asleep for the time being. Tomorrow morning, we'll be joined by the head coach of Middlebury College, Stever Bartlett, for a session on Agility. Check in tomorrow to see pictures from the morning session. Have a great night!

Alex Norden

Even BUS Rides Crush at SDSC

 Afternoon Adventure - Johnson Skate Park


This afternoon we bused around notch to Johnson, VT to visit the skate park. Once again in the bright sunshine, the campers had a blast skating around, trying ramps, rollers, and even the half pipe and spine. We saw many firsts this afternoon as campers tried things they had never done before, followed by smiles and cheers from other campers. It was really fun to watch and be a part of.

Tonight we head to the Swimming Hole in Stowe for a dip and water slide to finish on a great day!

Eric Barthold

MORNING SESSION - HIKE!

This morning we took to the notch for a hike adventure.  Last week we hiked the Mt. Mansfield side, and this week we opted for Spruce Peak, the Smugglers Notch side.  The terrain was a little more forgiving... at first, but the views from the top were killer.

The two older groups (Sweden and Norway) went a little further and made it to the peak of Smugglers Notch Ski Area, where we found Sterling Pond. 

Great weather, a great workout, and a lot of fun, we're back to the Round Hearth for a little recovery before heading to the Skate Park this afternoon.

Danny

Percy Corn Maze / Swimming!

This evening, we switched up the night activities and took advantage of the percy corn maze off of the bike rec path! This 10 acre maze was made by a local family. Each team went in and spent between 30 to 45 minutes through the twists and turns.  When they exited, they were greeted by the  two baby cows, "Huckleberry" and "Finn".

   After exiting the maze, the teams cooled off in the swimming holes beside the bike rec path. The water felt refreshing after a long day of skating and biking.
   Tomorrow morning, we're heading up to Mt. Mansfield for a hike. Stay tuned for pics from the summit! Have a wonderful evening.

  
   Alex Norden

Afternoon Adventure - Mountain Biking

This afternoon we ascended the single track mountain biking trail Stowe Bike Trail System. After powering over roots and launching off rocks (safely) on our way back down, we enjoyed nature in the river just off the Stowe Rec Path. In addition to appreciating the beautiful scenery, we were also sure to respect elements of nature, such as the large white hornet's nest we came across and were sure to avoid.

Corn Maze tonight!

Eric Barthold

Demonstrating Balance and Athletic Stance... over Hurdles - Dylan Roussel (10yro)

 

Ripping GS Turns Mon AM - Bella Amico (10yro)

SLEEPY CAMPERS

After lunch, a few of our veteran campers took advantage of down time to get some Z's they perhaps missed out on last night. 











SLEEPY COUNSELORS

Weston

Craig

They weren't the only ones!

Session 1 - Balance

This morning I led the camp in a balance session on skates.  We were up in the Mt. Mansfield parking lot, with a great surface and a nice slight slope.  We started with Basic Athletic Stance in kicks, soon moving to skates to go through our progression.  Basic Athletic Stance is so important that we would spend days on it if we could... and also if we could keep their attention.  Feet, ankle flexion, rolled hips, tight core, spine angle, and relaxed hands come together to provide the ultimate position for all of sports.

We moved into turns, introducing terms such as parallel position, transition, and initiation, and added a few obstacles to maneuver.

Great weather helped us all have a good session, as ALL of the kids worked hard, focused, and learned something about skiing and about their own limits.  I had a blast.

Off to bike single tracks this afternoon!

Danny Noyes
SDSC Director

First Night Actvities! Swimming and Speedball

This evening we started off our night activity tradition with multiple games of speedball and jumping into Foster Falls. Once everyone became orientated with the games, the different teams competed against each other in fun matches at Top Notch Fields. During the evening, each team got a chance to jump in the cold falls down the road. The thunder storms rolled in just in time as we were leaving the fields and falls. We could use a break from this humidity! Everyone is in their rooms now getting ready for bed.
    Tomorrow, Danny will be running a sweet balance workout session on roller blades in the Stowe parking lot. Stay tuned for tomorrow morning's blog update.

    

END of Week 1... Beginning of Week 2

Yesterday marked the final day of Week 1 at SDSC.  Thank you to all of the campers who participated this week and to all of the parents who support them.  Everyone accomplished a ton, tried new things, and had so much fun.

WEEK 2 began this afternoon with orientation, games, and dinner.  We will look to skirt the forecast of thunderstorms tonight for speedball and a night swim at Foster's Swimming Hole.

Here's to a FUN week!


Danny

Cookout, DJ, and Inflatables!

Tonight we had evening full of fun. All the campers were out on the front lawn racing through the inflatable obstacle course and dancing to great music. It was a great way to wrap up our last full day of camp as everyone danced together, played soccer and taps together, helped each other balance on physio balls, and laughed together. Even Jan and Mauricio from the Round Hearth Staff joined in the fun.

Tomorrow we look forward to completing camp with games in the morning followed by the awards ceremony at 11:00 and departure at 12:00. Parents are welcome to join for the awards at 11:00, but we ask you to wait until 12:00 to start taking things out of your children's rooms. It is important that we keep an organized camp until closing, and we thank you all for your cooperation with this. 

See you all tomorrow!
Eric Barthold

SDSC CAMP VIDEO!!!

As in year's past, we are going to have a camp video available for purchase.  The final edition will be ready for mailing Friday August 17 (one week after the completion of the second week of SDSC).  There will be a few different options available for purchase (one week only, or two weeks), and there will be a sign-up sheet at the awards ceremony tomorrow.  We ask that you pay upon sign-up, and we dont have a credit card machine, so we can only accept cash.  All proceeds go to our videographer Tyler Foulkes (Stratton Mountain School) who is competing on the Eastern junior circuit in Nordic Skiing.  Here is a trailer of a day in the life of a SDSC Camper...


Tyler also set up a smugmug account with ALL of the pictures from the week.  Please view the link below.

Click here for photos

Thanks,
Danny

Afternoon Adventure - Physical Testing/Foster's Swimming Hole

Our last afternoon signaled physical testing for many campers, while others traveled to Foster's swimming hole before returning for Capture the Fox in the field. Danny and I saw some great physical strength during testing, as the campers tested their vertical jump, hip mobility, explosion, core strength, and lactic acid threshold.  However, we were even more impressed with the campers' mental toughness as they pushed themselves past what they originally thought possible. Capture the Fox was exciting and fast-paced, and tonight we celebrate a great week of camp with a cookout, DJ, and inflatables!

Eric Barthold

My Heroes 

Left to Right: Danny, Jeanne, Eric, Becca, Craig, Katy

I just wanted to give special recognition to our counselors.  They are doing an amazing job interacting, teaching, playing, supervising... and I am very proud of the energy and effort they have put in day after day.  Our campers, parents, and myself as Director are all very fortunate that we have them as role models this week.

Danny Noyes

Johnson Skate Park

 This morning we bused our way over to nearby Johnson where we took to the Skate Park.  We've been going here for years, and it is a favorite of our campers.  There are ramps, table tops, spines, and several different levels of half pipes and rails that cater to all ages and abilities.

With 37 campers in the park, this marks the first time in my experience with the camp that we had 100% activity from start to finish.  This speaks a lot to the ability level of our athletes, but it speaks even stronger to their willingness to try something new and push themselves out of their comfort zone.  I was proud of everyone, and I personally had a blast watching, helping, and supervising all morning.

Its a beautiful day once again in Stowe, and we are looking forward to some biking, swimming, and games this afternoon!

Danny Noyes

Restful Evening

As our fun and busy week comes to a close, we treated ourselves to a restful evening last night. After our dinner of enchiladas and quesadillas, the camp watched a movie. We had to wait to view until it became dark, so that we could watch the film on the big screen, on the front lawn! The campers grabbed their blankets, chairs and sleeping bags, so they could be comfortable watching Mr. Popper's Penguins outside. Everyone chilled while viewing and enjoying popcorn.

 
    Because of our rest and recovery, the campers are fully charged for our explosive session this morning. This includes pushing limits in the Johnson Skate Park! Stay tuned for morning session info. Have a great day.

    Alex Norden

Afternoon Adventure - Mountain Biking/Bingham Falls 

In a reversal of the adventures from Tuesday, United States and Austria hiked to Bingham Falls while Canada and Switzerland rode into the woods on their mountain bikes.

The bikers rode through snowshoe trails and a brief stint of single track, a ride that was "pretty hard, but really fun going through the woods" according to one camper. 

At a crowded Bingham Falls, we saw campers challenging themselves, jumping off multiple different heights and performing many flips and tricks. Many even made their way behind the waterfall!

Tonight we take a well deserved rest night, with a movie and popcorn.

Eric Barthold

4th Instructional Session

I led the morning session today with a focus on athletic stance and balance, into parallel position... on skates.  We added an element of movement and speed to Matt's Monday session, and continued to drill home the importance of basic athletic stance.  Without a good, strong position, it would be extremely difficult to jump the bamboo poles and low hurdles we had set up.  Near the end of the session, we entered the parallel position zone, talking about body position at the initiation, apex, and completion of the turn.  Large radius turned to short radius and eventually into our Annual SLALOM CHALLENGE.  A high percentage of the camp attempted, and attempted, and attempted to complete the 20 cone super-tight Slalom course, with the highest number succeeding than in any other year. 

We all had fun, counselors included. 


The younger guys and gals are going on a Mountain Bike Adventure this afternoon, while the older groups get to hike in to Bingham Falls.  Beautiful day here in Stowe!

Danny Noyes

Skit Night and S'mores

Tonight we had our annual skit night in the Round Hearth! The campers showed off their various talents with skits, singing and playing the piano. The opening act was team Canada, who graced us with the whole Canadian National Anthem. By the end, we had most of the camp singing the popular song "Call Me Maybe" with their fists pumping the air. Even the counselors performed a rockin' skit at the end.

  
   Afterwards, the campers were treated to roasting marshmellows and enjoying S'mores by the camp fire.
   Tomorrow, Danny will be leading the camp in a speed workout on roller blades. The athletes will be working on their skate fundamentals tomorrow morning in the parking lot. Check tomorrow's blog for the morning instructional update. Have a great night!

   Alex

Afternoon Adventure - Bike Park/Lackey's

All the teams once again made their way down the rec path this afternoon, this time for a cruise to the Stowe Bike Park and Lackey's General Store. We saw some great air at the park as campers hit the jumps and pump track, and recharged at Lackey's with some tasty snacks. After riding in the hot sun, we took a well deserved dip in the river on our return trip, and were treated to a great dinner of beef stir fry and stuffed zucchini when we reached the Round Hearth. Can't wait for the entertainment tonight during skit night!

Eric Barthold