Nature and kids, beautiful together!

by Amy Bondon

Now that we are full capacity at the Pine Grove Christian Camp, here in sunny or not so sunny Saratoga, the atmosphere is always full of brilliance despite some more or less constant dampness in the weather. Nothing dampens the spirits here with all that is planned and all the wonderful improvements that have been made for the families to enjoy!

Below, opening day newbies to daycare at the camp, teen helper Jessika in command, answers a chorus of " why did my Mommy leave me here?" first day inquiries, ( amidst smiles all the while). I tried to help with my great talent in dealing with little kids, telling them to look for a moose, which was NOT a lie, there was one at track last month..so got "when are we going to see a moose?" for about 30 seconds then back to the resounding, "why did my Mommy leave me?".

No doubt they will all be fully immersed in fun stuff here,and those questions will be only a memory shortly. We have a wonderful local artist, Daniele Ippoliti, coming to do art courses with the kids and families starting Saturday the 8th, at 11 AM. She incorporates teaching excellent moral character to the kids and concept of sustainability with a closing lesson of auctioning off the project they create to a charity of their choice. It is an immense blessing to have her so generously and selflessly come offer her time, talent and passion to our family here at Pine Grove.

Please check out here website at; http://www.characterofnature.com/ to see the beautiful work she does and read of her unique skills and lessons taught.

Life is good at Pine Grove Christian Camp! Come join us for some great art and see the kids in action, Amy

Lee-Butte wins Dogwood Dominion Award

Mary Lee-Butte has been named the 2009 winner of the Dogwood Dominion Award, which annually recognizes unsung heroes in the racing industry.
Lee-Butte, executive director of the Blue Grass Farm Chaplaincy, helps more than 1,500 Kentucky horse farm workers and their families each year by providing counseling, educational programs, health services, and financial assistance.
Lee-Butte will receive $5,000 and a bronze statue of Dominion, five time champion sire in England who inspired the creation of the award upon his death in 1993.
Lee-Butte is also the founder of the Chaplaincy’s Ladies Guild, the main fundraising arm of the BGFC.
The award will be presented to Lee-Butte on August 5 during a luncheon at the Reading Rooms in Saratoga Springs, New York.