Moose Tracks Blog
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November 12th, 2011: Anticipation and how to Slow Down Time
What is it about sitting down to a cup of strong coffee and a good book that can make it the highlight of our daily routine? What is it about strapping down a kayak skirt and plunging through the rapids that makes a kayaker count the hours until she can paddle again? We even plan vacations and tell ourselves that it’s important, “if only to have something look forward to.”
I think part of the answer lies in the fact that when we are enjoying ourselves we are not looking forward to anything. Our focus is neither behind us nor ahead of us. It’s on this chapter, this rapid, or this vacation day. No one loves to mountain bike because of how it helps their mind focus on the overflowing contents of their gmail inbox. We look forward to recreation because when we are enjoying that moment, there’s nowhere else we would rather be.
This single-minded focus is a key characteristic of fun. That kind of focus is harder to come by in the workplace, in school, or even in the midst of family life. My question for all of us is this: Could we bring more joy into our lives by focusing more on now and being less consumed with a perpetual desire to look forward?
Some of my longest days have come when I have been anticipating something: a day off, vacation, or even just dinner. Every moment slides by at a snail’s pace, and when I glance at my watch I am horrified to see that what felt like an hour in my mind was in fact only 7 minutes in reality. I am so focused on then that I am failing to immerse myself in the now. If we live for the weekend and our perspective at work or school is centered on some future event, then 80% of our lives may become just a “waiting room” for that 20% we’ve spent so many hours longing for.
Jesus called us to have our lives to the full (John 10:10). My guess is that He would be disappointed if we gave up 80% of our time simply as a labor to “get through” on the way to the 20% we anticipate.
It’s not wrong to look ahead – good plans render good results. But looking ahead at the expense of investing ourselves in the present is a mistake that can leave us feeling bored, drained, and frustrated.
We are designed, and even called by Christ to live life fully. This may mean getting to know friends at school instead of avoiding eye contact and walking by with our ear-buds in. This may mean more dreaming, more innovation, far more listening, and more laughing, crying, and working. It may mean deeper relationships and broader horizons. It will almost certainly be more complicated than the simplicity of isolation. It may mean a little less solitaire and a little less Angry Birds(R). However, in the end, I believe it means a more satisfied life.
I’ll never stop enjoying a day of kayaking or even 15 minutes of hard mountain biking. Maybe for you it’s a long run or a few minutes with the Sunday paper. Whatever it is, those things are a significant part of what makes life enjoyable. But let’s look for the opportunities to make each second, wherever we are, whoever we are with, a moment that is lived to the full.
August 5th, 2011: Rafting Day!
Rafting day is here again! First of all, I apologize that I did not get this blog entry up sooner – these are normally up on Thursdays.
As I write, our campers are eating an early breakfast, fortifying themselves for a day of hard paddling on one of the best rafting runs in New England. Our partner company, Windfall Rafting, will be hosting us today as we hit the rapids together for the grand finale of our camp session.
The river is, indeed, very safe. It is also a great challenge, and an exciting rush to paddle it. With the help of our guides, each camper will get to raft through the tightest cluster of class III+ rapids on the east coast. The day will be fun, full, and beautiful.
The weather is perfect, so the white water below will be coupled with blue sky above. For a tast of what our campers will experience, follow this link to a video on Windfall Rafting’s website.
http://www.windfallrafting.com/site/rivers/video--the-windfall-experience.html
August 2nd, 2011: Goals: Setting, Achieving, and Scoring.
Can it really be second week already? Magalloway, our last cabin to leave on a trip, departed this morning for a trek along the Appalachian Trail. The rest of us are in camp and preparing for tonight’s game of MRO soccer…
Perhaps you’ve got an image of tall socks, shin guards, and a small black and white ball in your head right now, but remember that this is MRO soccer and not your every-day, run-of-the-mill game. In our game you can use your hands… And in our game, the ball is 6 feet in diameter!
It will be a fun night.
Meanwhile the campers in WILD 1 are out on solo’s today – while their leaders are only a shout away and will check on them periodically, they are spending a day alone in the woods. They are putting their outdoor skills to work, and are occupying their time by making good shelters, reading their Bibles, and filling their journals with notes about the experience. While it is a challenge, the solo experience is always a source of great memories and long-lasting life lessons.
WILD 2 remains on the trail as well, completing the last of their trips together in the WILD program. They will end on Flagstaff Lake and will return to camp on Wednesday to end their time together and to bring closure to their amazing experience in WILD. Two years ago they were campers. They leave as leaders – capable of leading outdoor trips, and more aware of their own capacity to serve and to learn than ever.
July 31st, 2011: Coming and Going...
Moose River Outpost has been a busy hub of activity this weekend. Since Saturday morning, every camper – from the oldest WILD camper to our youngest first time Penobscotter – has been on a trip of some kind. WILD 1 has been trekking along the Appalachian Trail, WILD 2 has been Hiking in the Bigelow Mountain Range, and the rest of camp left and returned again yesterday on various day trips.
As beautiful as our own property is, it would be a shame to miss out on some of the other sights in the area. Slidedown Falls is a nearby set of waterfalls that are perfect for jumping in, swimming in, and sliding down like a waterslide. One of our daytrips made it there and returned soggy and smiling.
The Bigelow range, where our WILD 2 group is currently hiking, is known for spectacular views and rewarding climbs along bald-faced mountains. Just a few miles north, the WILD 1 group is making their way along one of the prettiest sections of the Appalachian trail in Maine. Just south of the desolate “100 mile Wilderness,” the WILD group is hiking in the Caratunk area and making their way with loaded packs along rolling hills and bubbling brooks.
It would be a mistake to leave out the mighty Kennebec river when talking about our trips. Not only does it feature class 3 and 4 rapids that make for thrilling white-knuckled trips in rafts, but its more peaceful sections are great for beginners who are honing their skills. Yesterday some of our kayakers from main camp took to a section with some class 1 rapids and learned important river skills like ferrying, eddying out, and rolling.
More campers went fishing on Bigwood Lake, others went rock climbing on beautiful Mt. Kineo’s 70 foot rock faces, and still others hiked to a little-known wild blueberry patch and came home with buckets of sweet blue fruit for pies and muffins.
Its been a busy week here at MRO, and our second week promises more of the same. What a joy it is to be immersed in God’s world, having life to the full.
July 28th, 2011: Peace and Competition at MRO
Moose River Outpost is a place of peace and beauty. Today the sun is shining, and the fair clouds are passing by the peak of boundary Bald as we gaze upward from the idyllic shores of Heald Pond. But this peace will not last forever. In less than 24 hours, the great Moose River Outpost Color Wars will begin. This weekend, like every middle weekend at Moose River Outpost, our cabins will divide into 4 teams and compete for thee days to win the honor of leaving their mark here at camp.
The trophy for the winner of Color Wars is a massive pair of moose antlers, which hang in the camp store/game room here at camp. Those antlers will be painted the color of the winning team. Red is our reigning champion, but going into this weekend, its anyone’s game.
The teams will compete in a wide variety of games, including a 4-way version of “Capture the Flag,” a cardboard boat regatta, and our always memorable mud games on mud night. Each night the teams will win points, and I have no doubt that the games will be close and hard fought to the end.
In the midst of that competition though, there is unity. 3 of our 6 cabins have now left on their overnight trips, with 2 of those three already back. Few things can unify a cabin group quite like a long paddle on the Moose River or a hike up Boundary Bald. Kennebec and Androscoggin have now returned safely, and Penobscot will return tomorrow morning. Each group that leaves comes back with powerful new bonds over their shared memories and stories from the trail.
As the weekend approaches, we are thankful for beautiful weather, for good friends, and for a schedule full of challenge and opportunity.
Eskimo Rolling Along...
Tuesday is here, and we’ve now gotten into the rhythm of camp life. Our first trip, featuring the Kennebec Cabin, left this morning for Boundary Bald. The rest of camp is actively engaged in everything from wakeboarding to rock climbing and from skeet shooting to archery.
It's amazing to watch the campers here at MRO learn new skills and try new things. No doubt many of our parents will hear about their children’s achievements and new skills when their sons and daughters return from camp, so here is an overview of what some of our campers are already working on:
1. This session’s fishing contest is now in full swing. Last session was a tightly contested event, with the largest fish coming in at a whopping 15.75 inches (for a brook trout, that’s very large). This session’s contestants were on the water already this morning and are hard at work on landing the biggest catch. The bar has been set already by a camper who landed a 12-incher yesterday afternoon.
2. Kayaking has been a very popular activity this session, and several campers are hard at work on perfecting their Eskimo Roll. Campers can earn a basic, advanced, or masters rating in Kayaking, and for those that complete their advanced before Trip Day, we have a special kayak trip available only to our most experienced boaters.
3. In Skeet Shooting and Archery, accuracy is the name of the game, and that takes practice. If your son or daughter comes home with an award in either of these categories, it means they put a lot of time and effort into developing proper shooting form, good anchor points, and great timing.
These events have seen a lot of interest already this session, but whatever your son or daughter is interested in, they can build their skills here at camp and come home confident and proud of their accomplishments. The session is underway, and already our campers are dialing in their interests and trying out new things.
The Past and the Future...
Moose River Outpost just finished one of the most beautiful sessions we have ever had here at camp. Not once – literally never – did we have a rain storm that caused us to miss more than 15 minutes of our scheduled activities. With fond memories of our last session and its brilliant array of activities, trips, and friendships, we now turn to second session with eager anticipation for what the next two weeks will bring our way.
For a closer look at last session, check out the slideshow below.
For those of you with a keener interest in what’s happening right here and right now, our camp session is off to an thrilling start with a concert from the band Unspoken, and wild activity demos from our team of skilled instructors. Now, armed with the knowledge of everything camp has to offer, our campers will wake up tomorrow and choose activities for the first time.
For those of you who may not have had a chance to come up and greet our staff members in person, here is a quick review of our team. For those who did, thanks for making the trip. Thanks to all for checking in, and for entrusting your sons and daughters to Moose River Outpost. Check in again on Tuesday for our next update!
Can it Really be Thursday?
Rafting day here at Moose River Outpost is nearly here! Everyone is back in camp from their trips, and today we are all together enjoying the place during our last “normal” day of camp. The one abnormal thing about today is that for once we are getting a little rain. It’s just starting now though, and has hardly interrupted our morning activities at all.
Rain today means better water tomorrow as we hit the Kennebec River for rafting day! Most days the river runs at least 5000 cubic feet of water per second. Imagine 5000 basketballs floating by every second and you are beginning to get an idea of what it is like to spend a day rafting here at MRO.
Our trained guides are ready and able to take each crew safely to the end of the river, though we cannot guarantee they won’t instigate a splash fight or two along the way.
As if rafting were not enough, tomorrow is special for a few other reasons as well. First of all, Unspoken, a Christian band from Nashville, will be giving a concert for us right here at MRO tomorrow night. For a sample of their music, click HERE.
Finally, we will end our night with a talent show and the presentation of this session’s awards. We will be giving out an award for the largest fish caught, as well as basic, advanced, and master’s ratings in each of our different activity areas. We will be giving out our first ever masters award tomorrow night, and a standing ovation is very much in order for the accomplishment.
Meanwhile, WILD has been hard at work on other tasks. WILD II is busy preparing for their apprenticeship week, which begins on Sunday morning. They will be shadowing MRO counselors and learning what it means to serve campers 24 hours a day for the next week. They are excited and anxious for the opportunity.
WILD I has been serving in their own way, leaving their mark here at camp and in town. They have been visiting our local nursing home, delivering cookies and the like. Also, they painted a local church in need of some care and maintenance. Finally, they have spent time working right here in camp, finishing a new single-track mountain bike trail. Next week, they take to the waters again, on an extended canoe trip that begins on the Moose River, continues past Brassua Lake, and ends with some rock climbing on Mt. Kineo on Moosehead Lake.
As always, we’re all busy here at MRO. We’re sad to see this session nearing its end, but eager for all the excitement the next day holds.
What Fine Weather We're Having...
This is a camp blog, so of course you’re supposed to hear that the weather here has been great. But really, great hardly even says it. The weather has been nothing short of spectacular: Warm, sunny days with cool, comfortable nights. Not just that, but its been like that every day this summer! Since the beginning of this camp session, we have probably totaled about 1 hour of rain during daylight hours, and that is something that bears mentioning.
How have we been using this spectacular weather? The Saco, Narraguagas, and Magalloway cabins have been on trips in the nearby wilderness. Magalloway left just this morning for a trip up Boundary Bald – the mountain which overshadows our lake and features prominently in many camp photos. With the clear weather we have today, no doubt they can see far into Canada and equally far back into Maine, from the summit.
Narraguagas and Saco, our oldest cabins, are out on the Moose River Bow. They took different paddling routes, but tonight they will meet up and share a meal together at a beautiful sandy beach campsite on Attean Lake.
The rest of camp has been right here on site – keeping the ski boat driver busy, and enjoying everything from skeet shooting, to archery, to mountain biking and climbing. This is outside weather, and what a pleasure it is to be outside.
WILD has benefitted from the weather as well. WILD 1 spent the weekend on white water canoe training. Even those who had never paddled a canoe before have now experienced the rush of paddling an open boat through class 1 and 2 rapids. The skills are not hard and learning them makes white-water paddling safe, fun, and exhilarating.
WILD 2 has been doing some paddling of their own. They just returned from a week of kayaking on the Maine coast. Their trip took them island-hopping in some of the most beautiful bays in Maine. Along the way they learned to read nautical charts and make basic navigational decisions as trip leaders. Next week begins their apprenticeship week, when they will shadow an MRO counselor, and learn about servant leadership in a hands on way.
We are all busy and happy here at MRO, and we couldn’t as for better weather or better company.
July 14th: Taking in the view on Moose River Outpost Trips
It’s Thursday already, and already Androscoggin and Kennebec have returned from their trips. The Kennebec boys left Tuesday for a paddling trip on Attean lake that also included a short hike with some beautiful views. 4 miles of hard paddling made the boys thankful for good meals, and great times at the campsite. They returned with big smiles and great stories.
Yesterday, Androscoggin left for a backpacking trip to Enchanted Mountain. 40 years ago, this mountain was a local ski resort. Now, the buildings and lifts are gone, and all that remains is a narrow trail and a beautiful view from the top. The girls backpacked in to the site of the old base lodge and made camp. From there they proceeded to the top of the mountain with lighter packs and enjoyed a trail lunch on the summit. The views were great, and the girls really bonded over the challenge they had shared. Like the boys before them, the Androscoggin girls returned with heavy packs and light hearts.
Today, the Penobscott boys departed for their trip to Holeb Pond. After a relatively short paddle, they will arrive at one of the better wilderness swimming areas in our part of the state. Not only will the boys camp at a beautiful sandy beach, but they’ll also have it all to themselves.
We look forward to their return tomorrow, and anticipate a great weekend with all of our cabins in camp. Meanwhile, the campers here from Saco, Narraguagas, and Magalloway have been enjoying camp in its fullness. We’ve eaten well, played some new games, and built our skills in everything from kayaking to climbing, and from wakeboarding to crafts.
July 12th: "Let Us Run The Race..."
Even as I write, the Amazing Race is under way here at MRO. Yes, the metaphorical pace of camp is fast, but this particular race is very, very real. Each of our beloved cabins is working together to solve team-oriented puzzles as they move from station to station around camp, with the goal of transporting a watermelon safely to the finish line. At one stop, the goal is to balance the group on a log while moving through some tricky team maneuvers. At another, campers wear life-jackets and blindfolds as their bunkmates give them verbal directions to find their floating watermelon in the swimming area. These stations, and many others are all timed and the teams are racing against the clock. At the end of the race, a refreshing treat awaits (provided your watermelon survived to the finish line).
Yes, camp is very much under way. The weather has been hot – perfect for swimming, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and just about anything else at the waterfront. With the arrival of evening, a cool breeze is blowing in now, and the air is comfortable. I know we’ll all sleep well tonight.
Each cabin is quickly forming a group connection, and its fun to see those relationships grow as campers compete together in the race. Likewise, I know that tonight’s Bible Study discussions will be a welcome time of rest, and peaceful way to end the day together. God is good. Camp is good. And we’re blessed to be here.
July 10th, 2011: Lets get it started!
God is good, and this is His place. Over the last three days, we have experienced some of the most beautiful weather I’ve ever seen here at MRO. Over the last two weeks, our staff members have bonded over long days of paddling, hard hours of trail-blazing, and many a hot meal at the Dinning Hall. This staff is ready.
I know our campers our ready too. Already we have had parents and campers arrive to tour the grounds in anticipation of what this afternoon will bring. The next two (or four) weeks will packed full to the brim with fun, and will be one of the most memorable times in their lives.
A lot is different at MRO this year. Magalloway, our newest cabin, stands proudly on the northern end of the cabin section and will be inhabited for the first time tonight. Our new soccer field is ready to be used for the first time, and we’ve added new games, and new activities to all the old favorites on the schedule.
One thing remains the same though. Our counselors are just as good as they come. I am proud of them. I’m excited for parents and campers to meet them, because I think they will share in my pride. Each one has proven their commitment to camp, and eagerly awaits the opportunity to now show their campers just how much they care. To learn more about our summer staff this year, click HERE to read about them in their own words as they introduce themselves.
Summer 2011 is here. We couldn’t be more ready, and we couldn’t be more excited. Check back here every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday for updates.
March 11th, 2011: Getting Better All the Time
Like a fine wine, Moose River Outpost is getting better all the time. Take a look below to see four ways in which we have significantly improved camp this year. Then, email Craig with your best ideas for how we could make MRO a better place. A zip-line? A better waterfront? A better system of mountain bike trails? Your big idea could be the next big thing at MRO!
The new ball field – Varsity athletes rejoice! This year we can take to a full size athletic field when our games call for more space. Speaking of games, maybe its time we challenged the guides over at Windfall Rafting to a friendly soccer match…
The Pavilion at the Back 40 Campground – Anyone who has spent a week in the WILD program knows the value of dry space. Anyone who stays this 
next summer at the campground will love the new pavilion. This beautiful open sided structure is literally the size of the eating space in the dining hall and represents a true labor of love on the part of Dale Forrester and a skilled team of volunteers from Trout Lake in Minnesota. WILD program members and other guests at the campground will never eat another meal in the rain.
A new floor in the coffee shop – What was our primary consideration when we decided to fix up that ratty coffee shop floor? It should come as no surprise to you that our biggest concern was polish ping pong performance. The next time you dive for a low ball on the coffee shop floor, you’ll be diving on shiny new tile. Not only does it look great, but it offers a true bounce. Only the officials at Wimbledon take their playing surface this seriously.
Magalloway – A lucky few of you will be among the first to spend a night in the new Magalloway cabin this summer. It sits out next to Androscroggin on the hill and is a welcome addition to the MRO village. Magalloway will feature all the same amenities as our other cabins, but when its finished it will also boast a bouldering gym in its basement!
What's your idea for a better MRO? Email Craig with your ideas and help us continue to improve this great ministry! craig@christiancamps.net
March 2nd, 2011: Introducing the Magalloway Cabin
The next time you are at Moose River Outpost, you will notice a new cabin on the hill behind Moose Hall. I am pleased to announce that this spring we will be opening up the Magalloway cabin for use by summer camp and conference groups. Magalloway, like our other cabins, gets its name from one of Maine’s many unique waterways.
The Magalloway river is known for all kinds of reasons. Hikers and sight-seers enjoy its simple beauty. Paddlers know it for its challenging white water that includes class II and III rapids interrupted by technical turns and rock beds. Fishing enthusiasts know it’s waters to team with potential catches and stories of the one that got away.
Starting soon, vistors to MRO will know Magalloway for long talks on its covered porch, devotions on its clean hardwood floors, and impromptu wrestling matches on its soft mattresses. Magalloway is sized and situated similarly to our other hill cabins and will feature two hot showers, two bathroom stalls, and plenty of warm bunk beds.
One thing that will set it apart from our other cabins will be the addition of the Hardscrabble Climbing Cavern. In Magalloway’s walk-in basement, we will be installing a rock climbing cave where our climbers can practice their bouldering routes. Routes will incorporate features on all four walls and will continue right on across the ceiling! The floor will be covered with a generous amount of padding so that climbers can reach out for the toughest moves without fear of injury.
The Magalloway river runs into the Androscoggin and then flows into the Kennebec, completing its incorporation into the Maine waterway system. Just like the river, the new Magalloway cabin will fit in perfectly with its neighbors here at camp.
August 6th, 2010: The Last Day of Camp
I can hardly believe I’m writing this, but the last day of camp is here! Our sadness that camp has to end is mixed with excitement because of the nature of its finale: Today the entire camp is white water rafting! Conditions are perfect for a great run on the Kennebec River. The water is flowing at 5,000 cubic feet per second. For a reference point, imagine 5,000 basketballs bouncing by in one second. That is the kind of power that propels our rafts down the river.
By now, our able MRO boat crews have arrived at their lunch site and are probably still laughing/panting from their paddle through the upper Kennebec gorge. The upper gorge features two class two rapids, 5 class threes, and one class four in the space of less than 3 miles. Suffice it to say, it’s a great ride. Our skilled guides look forward to this day almost as much as the campers, and everyone’s enthusiasm was evident this morning before they embarked.
Once the group has returned from the water, even more great times await. Tonight, our closing camp ceremonies will begin with a banquet dinner and will continue on to include an awards ceremony and several side-splitting skits. After all of that is finished and the MRO skies once again fill with stars, we’ll pack our bags, say our goodbyes and get ready for bed.
The campers at MRO this session have been the most enthusiastic group I can ever recall hosting. Their joy was contagious, and I have no doubt that our memories of camp will still be making us smile long after fall and winter have replaced summer. Thank you everyone who has been keeping Moose River Outpost and our campers in your prayers this summer. Your prayers have been felt, and God’s Spirit has done a great work here again this summer. Remember to keep checking in on the Moose Tracks Blog for news throughout the rest of the year and for the occasional sneak peak at what summer 2011 will bring.
August 3rd, 2010: Perfect Weather; Even the Rain
Camp was blanketed by a timely rainstorm last night. Within minutes of finishing our evening games, the sky opened up and provided a dramatic backdrop of raindrops audibly striking the rooftop of Moose Hall as we worshiped and did our evening Bible study together. The rain was much needed. In fact, this past month has been the driest July here in Jackman since 1970.
Just as conveniently as it arrived, the rain has now moved on. We woke up this morning to a misty lake and soggy ground – a wet morning, but another beautiful day for camp activities. Even as I write, the lake is again active with kayaks out paddling, wakeboarders carving through the still water, and a group of campers fishing near the inlet.
We are at the point in the session now when all of our hike groups begin returning and, one by one, each set of campers returns to home base for their final days at camp. Today WILD 1 comes off the trail for the last time. They have canoed through white water and high winds, they have backpacked along that Appalachian Trail, and they have camped all around the area on their way. Tonight they return, tired but satisfied, to their base camp. We eagerly await their arrival and will greet them with lots of hot food – their first indoor meal in well over a week. Tomorrow all the rest of our trips will return. WILD 2 will paddle in from Flagstaff Lake. They too have been on the trail for over a week now.
Saco and Narraguagas will be returning tomorrow as well. Saco will be fresh off a trip around the Moose River Bow and will have had their first experience of white water during their 3-day journey. The ladies of Narraguagas will be coming back from the Bigelow mountain range and will no doubt be toting heavy packs and light hearts after their trip. The views from the Bigelow mountains are spectacular and feature views so far north as to reach into Canada and so far south as to reach into the White Mountains in New Hampshire.
By Wednesday night, all of our campers will be with us here in base camp. It’s amazing to think that by that time only our white water rafting trip will remain. In the mean time, there is so much more to experience right here in camp. We are all looking forward to the myriad activities still on the schedule. Beach night is still ahead, as well as the return of our annual “Polish Ping-Pong” tournament. Not all of our activities will be in the evening either. Thursday morning, we will all don our flannel and long underwear for a hearty, outdoor Lumberjack Breakfast! There is lots to do here at MRO, just like always.
A beautiful day on camp beckons, so this blogger has to get out from behind his desk and into the saddle of a mountain bike to lead a quick, on-site ride. Camp is going great, and nothing but 5 days of fun stands between us and our return trips home on Saturday.
August 1st, 2010: Guest Blogger, Mark Connor
This Sunday, Mark Connor, our camp program director, took the wheel of the blog and shared about camp from his perspective. Mark is a 3rd year staff member and is an Resident Assistant at Gordon College.
Hello from Moose River! My name is Mark “Cuatro” Connor and I am serving as the head counselor and program director. This summer has been awesome so far and it seems crazy to think that we only have a little over a week left of camp.
Camp has been busy with all sorts of activities.
