Willsboro, NY

Volume XVII

July 9, 2006

EQUESTRIAN SEASON OPENER

Camp Hosts the “Mini-MacCready” and Gymkhanna Games

   A summer season of fierce equestrian competition began this morning with the emphasis not on winning, but on having a good time. The 40th annual Mini MacCready Horse Show and Gymkhanna Games featured 27 riders and as one rider put it: “It’s not the color of the ribbon that matters, it’s that you win a ribbon. No wait, it’s that you took part!”

   That sentiment was felt amongst all the campers who rode in the walk-trot classes and took part in the Gymkhanna Sponge Game, “Sit-a-Buck” and Halter Race.

   “It was not so much about competition as it was more about fun,” said Mackenzie Schade. Added Gykhanna winning team member Clara Bieck: “It was nice to have fun instead compete. All of the games were fun.”

   Things will get a bit more serious over the next few weeks as Pok-O-MacCready travels to two shows in Keeseville, New York, as well as playing host to a pair of Camp MacCready shows. (SEE FULL SHOW RESULTS HERE)

DEDICATED TALENT

   In equal displays of talent and courage, campers comprising 18 different acts took the stage Saturday night for the 102nd annual Pok-O-MacCready talent show. Performers were judged on their creativity, originality and presentation in solo, and live group acts. Top honors in the solo division went to Kylie Edwards and Jason Bahre, while the awards for ensemble went to the Pioneer and Lodge sections. Throughout the evening the stage was graced by trumpeters, singers, dancers, guitarists, trick artists and comedians. (CLICK HERE TO SEE SELECTED VIDEO EXCERPTS from the show)

STAGE DEDICATED

   In a sometimes funny, sometimes moving ceremony, the Robinson Hall stage- site of the talent show- was formally dedicated last night. The Nevin Whiteley Memorial Stage honors the former popular counselor, who passed away from cancer earlier this year. (Read full story here).  Guests of honor included some of Nevin’s close camp friends, his wife, daughter and sister (who traveled from England for the occasion). Speeches were made, a plaque was unveiled and the entire audience joined along for a verse of “Moonshine Mountain”, a song introduced to camp by Nevin.

THE BRITISH ARE COMING

   Following a five day cease fire, the inevitable war between Great Britain and the American Colonies is set to fire first shots today at 2:51pm. Pictures, descriptions and accounts will headline tomorrow’s edition of the Pok-O-Mac Times.

CAMP ASPIRES

   Only two weeks into the 2006 camp season, Pok-O-MacCready campers have scaled 30 of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks. An “Aspiring 46er” is an individual who has climbed 30 peaks. Check out the latest trip list, 46er checklist and updated trip reports and trip points in our WILDERNESS section.

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