As promised, I present to you the second half of the Lodge Staff that will be working at Flying Cloud this summer. In this batch, I’ll introduce a couple of men who have come back to Flying Cloud after some time away, some returning staff from the last summer and a new staff member. Please join me in welcoming these five incredible men to the Flying Cloud Staff of Summer 2011!!! The introductions for these guys will look just like the last, I have asked all of them to let me know what they are most excited about this summer.
After being away for handful summers, Jared “Yarrow Heart” Curtin returns to Flying Cloud. I am very excited to have Yarrow Heart back at Flying Cloud and here is why he is thrilled to be back in that magical clearing:
“I am very excited to take a step back and get closer with the natural world. I would like to gain some more appreciation for the little, every day things we all take for granted, and I looking forward to spending time with my new and old friends this summer.”
Next, I would like to welcome back a face who has been in-and-out of Flying Cloud at various times over the last six summers – Zachary “Moon’s Embrace” Heyman. This summer, Moon’s Embrace is very excited about a number of things and but I think his quote sums up his sentiments quite nicely:
“My highest goal this year is to see those moments when a camper’s face lights up with sudden understanding and confidence, when the atmosphere we’ve built– one that’s both supportive and challenging, both safe and adventurous – is transformed into an instant that the young man will carry with him always.”
Next up, we have two staff members who are becoming strong, constant presences at Flying Cloud. Both of them are returning for their third consecutive summer as Lodge Staff. First, I would like to share what Ried “Forge Song” Meyer shared with me:
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work at Flying Cloud because it gives me chance to encourage positive values in young men. I also love spending my time working on leather crafts, and doing so with campers in the woods makes it even better. And aside from the excitement I have for the the big box of spoon blanks I just made up, I am excited for another summer with the amazing campers and greater community that Flying Cloud is.”
The other returning staff member I am excited to introduce to you is Daniel “Loon Dreamer” Blackman. Loon Dreamer has been a camper and a staff member for a number of years now:
“I am excited to be living in the Vermont woods again in a community small enough to support itself from day-to-day while learning more about the forest. I look forward to the personal growth and bonds that Flying Cloud cultivates in and between us all.”
Lastly (but most certainly not least!) please welcome Jack Sinclair to Flying Cloud and the greater Farm & Wilderness Community. Jack was introduced to me by Forge Song and I think he will make a great fit with our little family. Jack shared these sentiments about his first summer:
“I’m looking forward to refining my own outdoor skills while helping campers develop theirs in an atmosphere that supports a healthy and genuine sense of masculinity. I am also hoping to discover ways in which I can be a more effective teacher and leader as I work to help campers engage in nature.”
Alright! that’s the whole crew, all 16 of us (I know, I only introduced 15 people but I think you all know me well enough by now). Assembling this group of men has been quite an experience. I believe whole-heartedly that, not just as individuals, but as a working community, these men are going to craft a totally new and awesome experience for the campers and themselves this summer. After all, when has Flying Cloud ever been anything short of an absolutely incredible and unique journey!
Be well,
~FF~