"One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar." —Helen Keller

WELCOME TO GWYNN VALLEY

     THE OWL'S NEST - Welcome to B Session of Gwynn Valley and to the Tajar Times! We're so glad you are here!
     There is a lot to do at camp and the Tajar Times is here to help you. Looking for a laundry schedule? You'll find it at the bottom of this page. There it is! Would you like to read poetry written by other campers? We've got it!
     The Tajar Times is a source of information for all things happening here at camp and you can help. Plan to sign up in the afternoons with RB or you can write and draw during Rest Hour, too. Welcome to camp (and the Tajar Times!)

OPENING DAY AT GWYNN VALLEY

     THE ROCKWALL - by Ian Keane, Age 10, Possum Manor - Today we have met many new people and old campers who have come back for more.
     We are happy to welcome anyone who wants to come. Many people have come and we are happy that they came.

ENJOYING GWYNN VALLEY

     THE ROCKWALL - by Terrence Lonam, Age 8, Chipmunk Hut - When I got here, it was a great thing I did. I have never seen such a beautiful camp!
     The Tajar Rock is the most wonderful rock. The Waterwheel was there, to my surprise.     This is my first time here, so I hope you enjoyed this!

THE PIG

     ROCKWALL - by Cat Wallace, Age 10, Connestee Cove - The Pig of Gwynn Valley may have babies soon.
     I am interested in seeing the new baby piglets. Baby piglets are very cute to me. They look like a miniature version of their mothers with closed eyes.

YOUR NEWSPAPER

     OWL'S NEST - The Tajar Times is your camp newspaper. You will find us in your mailbox before Rest Hour each day (except Sunday).
     In order to make our newspaper as good as possible, we need your help. We need campers (and staff) to write articles, stories, jokes, riddles and poetry about camp. We also need artwork and drawings. Lots of them.
     You can Sign-Up to do the Tajar Times in the afternoon and sometimes as an Evening Activity. You can also do some writing or drawing during Rest Hour or anytime you get a few free moments.
     When you've finished your artwork or writing, you can put it in the Camp Mail Box or give it to RB. Be sure and put your NAME, AGE and CABIN name on it. For artwork, it is best to use a black pen on white paper. Sorry, pencil and colored pens don't show up very well in this newspaper.
     And thanks!

GWYNN VALLEY ADVICE

     THE ROCKWALL - article and artwork by Ben Ross, Age 11, Raines Cove - Many people are new here and from different counties. Even if they look or talk differently, you should still be their friend.

Our Blessings

     Before each meal, we sing a blessing. This tradition, which goes back many years, is a beautiful way to start our meals. The words are not difficult to learn. They are printed here to help you remember them:

      BREAKFAST

Lord, we thank Thee for the night,
And for the blessed morning light.
For rest and food and loving care,
And all that makes the world so fair.

Amen.

      LUNCH

For health and strength and daily food,
We praise Thy name, oh Lord.

      DINNER

Evening has come,
The board is spread.
Thanks be to God,
Who gives us bread.
Praise God for bread.

Special Blessings

      BACK OF THE BREAD

Back of the bread is the flour;
Back of the flour is the mill;
And back of the mill is the wind and rain
And the Father's will.

SIT's

by Jacquie Mateja, SIT, Island Ford

The 2 weeks are just beginning,
And the SIT's are already
hard at work, 

The table is set,
The floor is clean,
(especially under Table 14!)  

We work real hard everyday,
To help you enjoy your stay!

Gwynn Valley

by Margaret Avery, Age 8, Echo

There are lots of things
  to do at Gwynn Valley, like . . .
Ride horses,
Climb trees,
Kayaking,
Go to the Farm,
Sports,
and the Tajar Ball!

Go to the Mill,
Explore,
Find new things,
Make new friends,
Do skits,
Games,
Rest Hour.

There are lots of things
to do at Gwynn Valley.
Have fun!  

Welcome to Duke Valley

by RB and Duke

     You are in the right place! You are in Gwynn Valley and we're so glad you're here. The name of the camp is not Duke Valley, even if a certain mouse told you differently. Maybe I'd better explain.
     I have a pet mouse named Duke and he's a good pet mouse because I never have to take him for a walk, except when we walk down the street to the ice cream parlor. But that's another story.
     No, my pet mouse likes to sleep most of the time, except when he's busy getting into trouble—which is 90% of the time.
     Take yesterday for example. It was Opening Day and I was busy greeting parents and campers. As far as I knew, Duke was napping on a bookshelf somewhere. But in truth, Duke was a the Gatehouse wearing a tiny name tag and telling everyone the name of the camp was now Duke Valley.
     Whoa! Since where? Since Duke had a bunch T-shirts made up with the name Duke Valley on them. His idea was to sell them and make enough money to buy a huge bag of candy.
     Duke!
     I had to tell my pet mouse that he was now at Gwynn Valley and we don't have big bags of candy at this camp. Besides, it's not his camp and the name Gwynn Valley is just fine. Anyway, Duke Valley sounds like some kind of second-rate ski resort.
     And as soon as Grant and Anne heard of Duke's plans, they sent him down to the Farm to do a little weeding in the Garden. The last I heard, Counselor Chris from Raine's Cove sent Duke out to the far reaches of the Garden to pull those tiny, pesky weeds that nobody else can get.
     As far as Duke Valley is concerned, the camp isn't going to change its name. But Grant did agree to give the name Duke Valley to a small dip in the Green. You may not notice Duke Valley, but my pet mouse has set up a toll booth across it. Gimma a break, Duke!
     And that's the way it is with Duke.