"The Perfect Summertime Remedy"

Here's an excerpt from an essay written by Caroline, a longtime YMCA Camp camper:

"I’m not really sure why I returned to camp each summer, or why I feel that it has shaped so much of who I am, but I do know that without those magical summers, I would not be who I am today.  ... After being a part of a culture outside of my norm, I was able to fully realize the necessity of being a gentle mannered and accepting human being."

Read Caroline's full essay HERE.

Ben's "Most Valuable Lesson"

All I really need to know I learned at Y camp. The only place where you can show your true self.  The only place where you can pour out your emotions to anyone no matter how you feel, and they will listen. The only place where everyone is sad because they have to wait another whole year to come back, because it means so much to them. The only place where people, no matter their background or past experiences, will feel at home.

This is what I have learned: 

• Be yourself.  

• Don’t be afraid to get dirty.  

• Real men do cry.  

• Speak your mind.  

• You have the power to change the world. 

• Caring, Respect, Responsibility and Honesty are four of the greatest values to live by.

• A night at campfire is a night to remember. 

• Friendship is everlasting.

• One tin soldier rides away… 

• Everyone is a winner. 

• Setting inner goals will truly help you succeed and progress in life. 

• Getting thrown in the lake isn’t so bad after all. 

• Get your sleep, you’ll need it.

• Look on the bright side.

• HAVE FUN!!! 

A while ago, I went up to a friend and asked him how he does it, always being so happy and cheerful. Here is what he told me. He said that when he wakes up in the morning, he has two options: He can either be in a good mood, or be in a bad mood; he chooses to be in a good mood. He said that when someone comes to him with a problem, he looks at it two ways: He can either agree with the person and complain with them, or look on the bright side and find ways to solve the problem; he looks on the bright side. Ever since I talked to him, I’ve chosen to live just like him, and always look at the bright side of things. If everyone were just like this friend of mine, the world would be a much happier place. 

How Horsethief got its name

There are graves near Cascade Dam of pioneers who were chasing some Indians from Indian Valley who had stolen some horses. 

These horses belonged to a rancher named Bill Monday. Three friends volunteered to help Monday recover these horses; they were Sylvester "Three Finger" Smith, Tom Healy and Jake Grosclose. They followed the trail of the Indians and the horses to the Payette River by Cascade Falls. There they were ambushed by the Indians on August 20, 1878.

All the men were killed except Smith, who after being wounded hid in a beaver dam until the Indians moved on. He stayed hidden for a couple of days before hiking toward Payette Lake, which was 26 miles away. He met up with the mail carrier, who took him on to Meadows Valley, where he could get some medical help.

Word was sent to a U.S. Cavalry unit under the command of Major Drum who were camped about thirteen miles down the Little Weiser River from Meadows. When the soldiers arrived at Cascade Falls, they buried the bodies of the men and marked the graves. They followed the trail to the east and found two miners killed at the Pearsol diggings and also buried them. They then followed the trail into what is now called Scott Valley and turned south following the creek.

They found a lone Indian boy guarding the horses. When the boy saw the soldiers, he took off on his horse to warn the Indian camp near by. The Indians scattered and the soldiers recovered the horses, plus others the Indians had. This is where we get the name of Horsethief Basin. This area today is the site of the Idaho Fish and Game Horsethief Reservoir, a very popular fishing and camping area.

The graves at Cascade were along the river. When the first railroad tracks were built up the valley, the graves were just above the tracks. Later on, when Cascade Dam was built, the railroad’s new grade came close to covering up the site, so a rock retaining wall was built to protect it. The old railroad grade has been changed into a road by Valley County and the grave site is below the road. Above the road is a flag pole and plaque telling the history and names of the pioneers buried here. You have to hike up the hill just a little ways to see the flag pole and plaque mounted on a big boulder.

Quotes from a camper

No one knows the YMCA Camp experience better than our campers. Here's what one camper told his aunt after returning from a week at Horsethief Reservoir last year:

"The first thing he said to my sister when she picked him up was, 'Can I go again next year?' He had a blast and has talked nonstop about his experience at camp. It has left more of an impression on him than even Disneyland. He can’t wait to go back and I’m so thankful for this great experience for him, and so very thankful for his counselors and all those up at Horsethief who are making camp such a great experience. I cannot say thanks enough. Keep up the great work."

YMCA Camp Mom: "A great experience for our youth"

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what one YMCA Camp mom said about her son's experience at Horsethief Reservoir:

"I want to let you know that Brian and my nephew, Max, had a great experience this year at camp. Brian has been a camper before (but never at Horsethief) and this was Max’s first time as a camper. It was a real comfort to both boys that our request to have them in the same cabin was honored … it added to the experience in a very positive way. 

"In addition, the activities and personal goal-setting was extremely valuable for Brian (I’m sure the same is true for Max as well). Both boys are looking forward to a return experience next year, and we felt very fortunate they were able to have such a great experience. Their counselors (Ben and Brandon) were outstanding and need to be commended.

"Most importantly, I thank you for another great Y experience for Brian, and for Max as a first time camper (word of mouth is the best advertisement). Thanks for all you do and for coordinating such a great experience for our youth, especially in a tough economy like we’re experiencing today. You and your staff are awesome … keep up the great work!"

Welcome to YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir!

June 12, 2010. That's the date of the grand opening of YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir!

It's a big day for the Treasure Valley Family YMCA and our campers and staff, and though we're still a few months away from that big day, we want to invite you to follow our new blog for YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir.

Here you will read stories from campers and staff, view photographs of our camp facilities, and learn how to register your child for an unforgettable week at Horsethief during this historical year.

Check back often, or better yet, subscribe to this blog (see sidebar) and receive an email every time we post something new!

We also invite you to visit ycampidaho.com, where you can find online registration forms and in-depth information on YMCA Camp: Horsethief Reservoir!

YMCA Camp: Positively the best way to change someone's life.