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

3rd Instructional Session - Agility

This morning we were joined by Stever Bartlett of Middlebury College.  As most of you reading this know, Stever coached on the US Ski Team from Development Team all the way up to World Cup A Team, including helping Julia Mancuso win Gold at the 2006 Turin Olympic Games in GS.  This past winter, his Middlebury men's team won the NCAA Div I SL Championship, beating perennial powerhouses like UVM, Utah, Colorado, and Dartmouth. 




 Stever's agility session incorporated a lot of different movements, but all movements had to be done fast and at 110%.  Effort is the cornerstone for getting better at anything, and our group displayed plenty this morning.





Heading to the Bike Park and Lackey's this afternoon... as long as the thunderstorms skirt us.

Danny Noyes