Week Two

Week two of Durango Mountain Camp has been incredible. In outdoor pursuits, scuba training started and the kids learned various techniques like buddy breathing, how to flood their mask, and diving methods. Connor is in his second year of scuba training and is working on his open water certification. He says about the training, “It’s been difficult, we’ve only had one easy day and it keeps getting harder, but I will keep going so I can get that certification”.

Also during outdoor pursuits, the kids have continued to both ride horses and mountain climb. Grant rode last year, but this summer he is working towards a trail ride around Haviland Lake. This year he is riding Flag and says, “Horse back riding is great, we play games like capture the flag.”

Unfortunately, because of the fire-works ban in Silverton the students did not get to see the spectacle, but they did fill their Fourth-of-July night with games, like egg toss, balloon battle, and a water balloon launch. They ate burgers, hotdogs, corn on the cob, and topped it all off with apple pie and ice cream.

Academics are in full swing.  Camper Max M. writes, “In tutoring we play games and learn many interesting things. In study hall we do the work that our tutor gives us. If we get stuck, then there are adults that help us if we have questions. After study hall we have snack and free time to play Ping-Pong, pool, and foosball . After break, we go to writing. We are currently working on peer-editing essays and just started a creative story. The writing teacher Andrew is a phenomenal teacher. He likes to be funny and makes writing fun. Art is awesome as well; we made papier-mâché and created ping pong ball sculptures.”

This weekend students are going camping and to the lake for some boating and tubing.