Camp Safety #1 with Staff

Camp Should Be Fun,

We make sure fun is safe!

There is more to camp safety than band aids and bee sting remedies.

         from simple signage to direct campers away from areas that are not open or staffed

challenge the sky with safety in mind

Swim Instruction for all levels

waterfront instructor training days

use of appropriate safety equipment

Thanks to everyone who adjusted their schedule when one of the buses had mechanical issues 

                                                                        

Transporting everyone safely to and from camp a priority

                                                        
The Most Important Safety Item at Camp?

                Great Staff Instruction in Safe Camp Activities!

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                                                   Have a Safe and Happy Summer,

      still sessions at Holiday Hill Day Camp in Mansfield, Connecticut available to sign up for!

                                        your friends at www.HolidayRecreation.com                        

Robin Hood the Next Generation

                                                                  ARCHERY

Robin Hood and his Merry  Men have nothing on the campers from Holiday Hill Day Camp in Mansfield Ct. the skills needed to join the merry band can be acquired while attending our day camp. Let our staff teach your children the timeless skill of  Archery!

                                                                                     
With precise safety skills built into the lesson archers learn step by step how to  load- draw- release and wait for the all bows down and all clear to retrieve the arrows.

                

                                Guidance from an instructor as a camper prepares

                                      
                    Closing in on the balloon, finding that calm that allows for good
                                                         aim a great skill                                            

                Take aim at a great summer with a session at Holiday Hill Day Camp Mansfield, CT.            www.holidayrecreation.com      

                                                            

Camp Colors - That's Tie-Dye at Holiday Hill Mansfield

Tie-Dye a fun project that is an anticipated part of camp.

                                                        Steps to tie dye a shirt

                                Start with 2 enthusiastic instructors and some Rit Dye Products

                     Kids learn how to fold and elastic the shirts they brought from home

                             Now all banded the shirts soak while the colors are mixed

                                                 Application of the colors to the wet shirt

                                          Can you wait for tomorrow to see what it became?

                                                                                

Post a Picture of your shirt on our Facebook Page! While there be sure to "like" us so you can follow our news all year long.

                                                                                   
You can learn more about Rit Dyes and techniques at the RIT website www.ritdye.com I was most intrigued by the Japanese Shibori technique and think I will have to try that one out this summer.

What's New?

What's New at Mansfield's Holiday Hill Day Camp?
                  New Kids, New Staff,  New Caterers and .......

Catering your corporate and family events

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FACEBOOK! Have you come over to visit us there?

www.facebook.com

This Blog; have you been catching it weekly? It comes out new 3 times a week like a little magazine all about Holiday Hill Day Camp and www.HolidayRecreation.com  visit regular for photos, ideas, games, pictures, videos,contests. If there is something else you would like to see let us know-

 leave a comment! Add us to your favorites or bookmark the page: www.mansfieldsholidayhillcamp.blogspot.com

Sometimes it is just the simple things!

improvements to parking being done for employees and parent drop off parking areas.

a fun selection at  the Camp Store

                                          frozen treats after lunch were popular on this day!
         While the kids are at camp try something new freeze them some nutritious pops at home a frozen fruit smoothie would be just the treat, whirl fresh berries and yogurt in the blender pour in tiny cups or pop form, add the stick of handle even a plastic spoon will work. By the time the kids are home from camp you have a nutritious snack waiting.
  

Crafts at Close Range

Crafts at Close Range

A cool summer activity at Holiday Hill Day Camp in Mansfield CT. is arts and crafts. There are always welcoming faces at the craft room. Located in the base of the big barn  in a cool quiet corner, the time to work on crafts is a time to socialize and pick up new skills.

This past week  when I stopped by arts and crafts there was a lot going on. Friendship bracelets

and tie dye in particular!

What color does your best friend love?

.

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Painting a colorful and cool activity! Paint me a summer day at Holiday Hill Day camp!

All age groups come to the craft room for a some fun and sharing of skills.

There is the craft room in the base of the barn with the porch roof providing extra shade and work area.

Here are two recipes for Homemade Paints- fun at home -after

camp hours

Milk Paint

2 tablespoons non-fat dry milk

put in small bowl

add enough warm water to make it paste consistency

add drops of food color

mix completely and have fun painting

store leftovers in fridge

Flour Finger Paint

1 cup flour

2 tablespoons salt

1 1/2 cups cold water

wire whisk together

add drops of food coloring

finger paint on paper

store the extra paint in the fridge!

Come back on  July 27 for a blog on Tie Dye

Want to get some arts and crafts time for your child?

www.holidayrecreation.com

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Canoe Can You? Holiday Hill Day Camp Takes to the Water

                                  Canoe

It sounds simple enough but requires balance, arm strength, cooperation and a sense of adventure. Trips to the  waterfront  with Holiday Hill Day Camp are always a summer memory.  Trained staff guide campers in proper use of equipment and safety so their canoe trip is the best!

The access to the Lake at Mansfield Hollow State Park is at the boat launch of Bassett's Bridge Rd. In Mansfield, just a quick drive by van from camp. There are 16.1 Billion gallons of fun waiting! For more info on the Lake and the park see this link: www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325236

                                                                          
                                       Our fleet of canoes from www.oldtowncanoe.com

      Not near as fun as being there, but here is a glimpse of a canoe outing from Mansfield, CT., Holiday Hill Day Camp to Mansfield Hollow State Park.

                                                                         
                                                                             

                                                                         race to shore begins

Did your child know nature was this big?

                                                                                 

                                                                              
                            Another great day at Holiday Hill Day Camp Mansfield , CT.
 click here to sign up your child: www.holidayrecreation.com

Camp Transportation

Camp Transportation - When You Just Gotta Go!
We have made it so easy for you to give children summer memories to last a lifetime.
www.holidayrecreation.com is your connection to he transportation system that will transport your child, grandchild or young friend to new friends and wholesome summer play!

                       Look where you can catch one of our buses or vans to summer fun!

Ashford, St. Phillips Church                    8:30/4:30
Bolton, Bolton Commuter Lot                     8:20/4:40
Bolton, Bolton Methodist Church                 8:25/4:35
Chaplin, Chaplin Firehouse                      8:40/4:20
Colchester, Colchester Green                    8:10/4:50
Columbia, St. Columba Church                    8:40/4:20
Columbia, EASTCONN                              8:45/4:15
Coventry, Highland Park Market/Church           8:30/4:30
Coventry, Rte 31 between Rts. 44 & 275          8:35/4:25
Coventry, Old Village Pharmacy/Conv. Store      8:40/4:20
Ellington, Southfield Corners Plaza             7:50/5:10
Ellington, Town Hall                            8:00/5:00
Ellington, Ellington Pizza at Five Corners      8:05/4:55
Franklin, Quiet Corners/Old Franklin Creamery   8:20/4:40
Glastonbury Wellness Ctr.,  628 Hebron Ave      8:00/5:00
Glastonbury, Hebron Avenue School               8:05/4:55
Hartford, St. Joseph's Cathedral rear lot;      8:00/5/00
          839 Asylum Avenue, opposite Hartford Conservatory 

Hebron, Sunnyside Farms                         8:20/4:40
Hebron, Ted's Market                            8:30/4:25
Hebron, CDC Pendleton Drive                     8:35/4:20
Lebanon, Lebanon Town Hall                      8:15/4:45
Manchester, Henry & Summit                      8:05/4:55
Manchester, Main & Cambridge                    8:10/4:50
Manchester, So. Methodist Church                8:20/4:40
Manchester, St. Bartholomew's Church            8:15/4:45
Manchester, St. Bridget Church                  8:00/5:00




Marlborough, Marlborough Commons, Rte 2 & 66    8:20/4:40
Norwich, Norwichtown Mall Stop & Shop           8:15/4:45
Somers, Southfield Corners Plaza                7:50/5:10
South Windsor, Town Hall                        8:05/4:55
South Windsor, St. Francis of Assisi Church     8:00/5:00
South Windsor, Teddy's Pizza                    8:10/4:50
Tolland, Tolland Green                          8:25/4:35
UCONN, Infirmary                                8:45/4:15
UCONN, Jorgensen Auditorium                     8:45/4:15
UCONN, Gampel Pavilion                          8:50/4:10
UCONN, Nafe Katter Theater                      8:55/4:05Vernon, K-Mart Plaza                            8:25/4:35
Vernon, Center Road School                      8:30/4:30
Waterford, Waterford Recreation Department      8:00/5:00
Wethersfield, Shopping Plaza, #1061 Webster Bank8:00/5:00
Willington, Center School                       8:15/4:45
Willington, Hall School                         8:40/4:20
Windham Center School                           8:40/4:20
Windham, South Windham Diner                    8:35/4:25
Windham High School                             8:30/4:30
Windham, Old Professional Pharmacy              8:30/4:30

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Once here there is so much to do, swimming, hiking, ropes course, crafts, nature, archery, canoe trips in Mansfield Hollow State Park. I'm just getting warmed up on all the fun activities everyday at Holiday Hill Day Camp in Mansfield, Connecticut.

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                     At the end of a great day we take everyone home again, so easy for working parents!

                                                                There is still room!
Don't let this be a boring summer!  check out all the possibilities at www.holidayrecreation.com

Who's Been Walking in My Camp?

Who's Been Walking in My Camp?, said the little Sparrow.

If you came down to the Nature room you and Sue Craig could figure that out. She is the master of Nature's mysteries  at Holiday Hill Day Camp in Mansfield, Ct. www.HolidayRecreation.com

Welcome to the Nature Room, cool like a bears den it is inviting on a hot summer day. A small camper walked in while I was there to present Sue with a very tiny feather from a very tiny bird. It was lovingly laid aside the shiny black feather of a Crow. The inviting temperature was noted and our young friend lingered to figure out what was in the mystery box this day and place a carefully scripted guess, in the box.

There is so much Nature to be enjoyed at Holiday Hill Day Camp. If you are missing the opportunity to get out and enjoy the great outdoors Holiday Recreation has an escape to nature for you! Camp, Corporate or family, our programs are sure to accommodate your need to get back in touch with

 Mother Earth.

Now has anyone seen my guide to Animal Tracks? Who has been walking around Holiday Hill Day Camp?

You Promised You Wouldn't Complain IF........

You Promised You Wouldn't Complain IF.......... it was warm and sunny. Now don't whine and say you don't remember that, let me remind you what day it was!


Are you thinking about it?



We were sure it would never be this HOT again!

                                                                                
Ok so now you need to smile and take the HEAT! Besides a day at Holiday Hill Day Camp in Mansfield, CT. is so much fun you can hardly feel the mercury rising. There are lots of ways to keep your cool and have fun!

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                                          All Aboard For Holiday Hill Day Camp Fun!

                                                               
        All the kids are having fun and chillin at Holiday Hill Day Camp, you can too, just check out the family pool membership. www.HolidayRecreation.com  or   860-423-1375

                                                                        
                                                                            

                                                                                

Camp On!

 New week is right around the corner and our summer is just getting warmed up!Recent rain ( plenty too!) will raise the water level at the Hollow a bit. Canoe groups will be forming, swim lessons up at the pool will progress. Grudge matches of basketball will play out on the court.

in action

                                            Maybe your ball game of choice is Four Square   
           Hey Mom and Dad / Grandma and Grandpa you can make this in your drive way with chalk! Need rules here they are in the link below:
  www.kidzworld.com/article/4776-four-square-game-rules 

tree hugger? landlubber, puddle jumper

Ecology loving, green energy loving, Mother Earth News tree huggers. We have a lot at Holiday Hill Day Camp and I'm challenging campers to find one, ( but leave them where they are after looking, here is a picture:

                                                                                       

At this National Geographic site ( and who else would we ask?) you can get a tree frog wallpaper for your computer. Can you hear Mom when she logs on early in the morning to the grinning face of froggy!

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/wallpaper/red-eyed-tree-frog_image.html

Here is another interesting link:
www.CTAMPHIBIANS.COM    be sure to look at the tree frog and here the audio  of his call.

Want to see some really tiny frogs?
<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5MDZNdMJLYs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

There is even a song that originated some time between 1530-1548 ( Now that's OLD!)  Froggy Went a Courtin and He Did Ride... rode up to Miss Mousie's door ( he was looking for a date and intended to marry!)  He had sword and pistol by his side, bet he was expecting the cat along the way!  Ask to sing this at camp one day.


All sizes, all colors, woods, stream, pond, Mansfield Hollow Lake, on your adventures as a Holiday Hill Day Camp Kid or Counselor look around for  our Froggy Friends!

                                                                www.HolidayRecreation.com
                                                                                  

                                                                         
                                                        

Here Comes the Bride

                   Here Comes The Bride - A Wedding at Holiday Hill

                                                 


   If you are looking for a family friendly, easy going, everyone have fun wedding, Holiday Hill is the place. Rain or shine on your special day we offer all the amenities to keep the youngest to oldest wedding guest happy. July 3, 2011 we hosted a beautiful wedding. Although rain made the move from out under the canopy of the Maple tree to the big room in the barn it didn't seem to dampen any of the guests enjoyment.

                                                                                     

www.HolidayRecreation.com

This is your connection to  a wedding your guests will talk about for years. We want to make your day a memorable one.  Holiday Hill offers all its amenities from pool and mini golf to, ball fields, the big tent, the building and more. Browse our website to see what would  make your day a one of a kind wedding. We also have D&D Caterers ready to bring you a delicious selection of  foods for your guests.

  

                                                                          
                                               Start Your Happily Ever After With Us!
               The family and staff at www.HolidayRecreation.com wish the very best to
                                                                     
                                          Alicia & Ken

Congratulations!    

Down In Camp Back Packs

"Down in the Backpack",used with permission of artist Bill Harley www.billharley.com who has performed at Mansfield Schools in the past,  where I first learned "Down in the Backpack".

                                                                               
So what could be lurking behind the closed zippers of a Holiday Hill Day Camp backpack?

                                                                           
So heavy it weighs down a small camper?


Squished tubes of sunscreen, acorns and leaves.
 Leftover lunch wrapped in a shirt with long sleeves.

 A blue stripe soggy pool towel 
a thing from the craft shed that makes your dog growl!

                                                                           

Is there one missing sock crouched in the crease,
Words and music to the movie Grease.

One pair of sun glasses smeared with grape jelly?
Yesterdays spare clothes now all smelly!


 An inch worm perhaps, out to see the world,
When you touched him his green body all curled.


and a cool looking rock from the hike in the Hollow,
a last bite of smores made with marshmallow.

                                                                           

What else there could be? Only kids can imagine,
 for only they know what lurks behind Eagle's green cabin.
                                                                           

 So put your hand in carefully, look if you dare,
Down in the Backpack, campers beware.

                                                         www.HolidayRecreation.com
                                                              Mansfield, Connecticut