Greetings from ECOS Institute in Running Springs, CA!!

Thank you parents for the wonderful support, patience, and assistance this morning as we gathered the students early to verify temperatures, collect and load luggage, and all of the other last minute tasks that always arise despite careful planning. 

We had a smooth bus ride, void of traffic and need for vomit bags (that's the technical term--I looked it up). We actually got to camp by 10:00 AM on the dot and were the first ones to arrive. 

Immediately after exiting the bus, the students were wisked away by counselors and given a camp tour and emergency drill procedures.  

The teachers met with Lead Staff members to go over the week's schedule, procedures, and events. Shortly afterwards, we met for lunch (turkey croissant sandwiches, vegetable soup, and optional salad bar) and had a chance to connect with the students. 

After lunch, the students enjoyed team building games while the teachers met with all of the cabin counselors to review the needs of each and every student. They are THOROUGH and already "know" your kids. Please rest assured that your children are in very capable and loving hands at ECOS. 

Dinner (Teriyaki chicken, white rice, steamed broccoli, veggie egg rolls, optional salad bar, and ice cream sandwiches for dessert) was fun tonight. The students had dirty faces, messy hair, and were more than excited to tell us riddles, about the games they played, and about the trees they tasted. Yes, tasted. 

Dismissal from every meal is done with song: 

and the result . . .

with practice!!

Right now, as I write this to you, the students are on one of two hikes: Astrology Hike (mega-telescope finale) and The Night Hike (re: animal adaptation in the dark). Both are awesome hikes and have several fun activities for the students to truly experience the mountain life. 

This evening, the students will be in bed by 9:00 PM. The instructors will spend 20+ minutes telling the students bedtime stories, playing guitar, singing, and/or reading poems to get them sleepy. These instructors are PROS at bedtime and this ritual ends up being one of the students' favorite parts of camp.

Outdoor "watch" is 24/7. This means that there are shifts of instructors (hand radios on them) walking the camp throughout the entire night. There are 3 nurses on staff who are also available 24/7. 

Tomorrow morning, the students will rise with the sun, take 3 minute showers, tidy their beds/cabin, meet in group and be in the dining hall by 8:00 AM for a hot breakfast (that includes an optional cereal bar). 

Stay tuned for more tomorrow!! 

Sweet dreams from Mrs. Copeland & Mr. Gray