AE Newsletter 2010

NYS Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

This summer we had the privilege of working with some very outstanding and wonderful kids. We hosted three separate 10 day programs.

Sometimes it’s hard to express all the fun that one can have here at AE. As a counselor life can be difficult and at times, even uncomfortable. Like the night that some of the kids decided they wanted to duct tape me to a chair. They didn’t say that their goal was to take me outside and give me a shower with the garden hose when I was totally incapacitated! Lisa I am holding you responsible!
We also had some great games of Lions and Zebras out in the field. Dashawn almost fell on top of a yellow jackets nest but I was able to save him in the nick of time. Few! We had some great music this summer too. Blaize brought his violin and serenaded us with Irish airs, and rock and roll. He is the only person I have ever seen play violin and sing at the same time.

EA Golf Tournament 2010

August 16th, 2010 marked our 3rd annual golf tournament. The participation was great and we raised $7,377. We had 15 foursomes and some wonderful raffle prizes (donated by local businesses and individuals.)
Some of these included: two one day passes to Whiteface Mountain, an Adirondack chair, and a $300 Gortex parka! Everyone seemed to have a great time. I must say that I sort of wonder at the motive behind some of the shots people took. A few landed mighty close to where I was relaxing on my golf cart! Oh well I guess I will never know…

July 26th Caseworker Day

On July 26, 29 Caseworkers came to AE for a day of fun in the great outdoors. When they arrived one could tell that they were unsure what they were in for. The furtive glances and nervous laughs told the tale. Clinton, Essex, Saratoga, St. Lawrence and Washington counties were represented. After gathering in a large circle on the front lawn to introduce ourselves, we divided into two groups and commenced with activities.



While Team A endeavored to cross The Corporate Pastures without falling into the Sea of Consequences…



Bob’s Team B followed Tarzan across a jungle river taking much needed medicine to the sick and dying natives.



Everyone survived although a few fell in.



Meanwhile the Sea of Consequences was having its effect on members from Team A. One poor soul stepped in and lost her sight. The hand motions and sounds that she made were very entertaining though. The rest of the group was mute through the activity expect this man who was given a special role as a negative leader.



They team kept a stiff upper lip and pressed on in the face of adversity.



Bob’s Team B finished swinging on things and began preparations for crossing The Three Islands.





When everyone was finished with the low ropes, the adventurous attempted the climbing wall,



The Leap of Faith,



And the Zip line.



A great day was had by all.

Summer Update

This summer has been great! July 25, was a day of lots of blood, sweat and tears as Rachel Butler, Dan Giblin, Joseph McMahon and Karen Champagne, swam, biked and ran the Ironman triathlon. Months before the big day these four saints began fundraising for Adirondack Experience to help make it possible for NYS youth to come to this wonderful program. When all the funds were in, they had raised over $120,000. Our program couldn’t continue without the funds our runners bring in every year. Our heartfelt thanks to each person who gave their time and money.