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Update on our venture
Topic Started: Sep 8 2012, 01:19 PM (7,374 Views)
Trialbyfire
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FlashGordon
Oct 4 2012, 08:50 AM
TBF, we talked about going all-girls but ultimately decided against it, at least for now.

We will most likely offer two co-ed sessions, and two all-girls sessions. The advanced riders' week will also be co-ed.

OK, glad I asked! I don't know any boy riders but our good friends have two girls and a boy. The brother *might* be interested in a camp but maybe not riding...I have no idea but didn't want to even suggest it if he totally wanted to do it and then wasn't able to participate. But seems like if he was interested it might be possible so I will mention it to them.

So exciting!!

Oh, meant to respond above about the marketing materials - I'd love to see them and give feedback from a camp-shopping-mom's perspective!
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Reynard Ridge
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Drivin' The Short Bus
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:clap:

COOL!! Now, add three hours of German a day, and both of mine will come. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Sorry, couldn't help that.

Seriously, if we are back in the states, my daughter would LOVE to spend two weeks in the willy-wags hanging out with horses. My son is allergic to horses, so getting him there would involve dangling a kayak in front of him.
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JanM
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How about a reunion week? Or maybe two? Adults only, and they can do the same stuff as the kids. It would be really fun for everyone to see the camp again, and to have a carefree week in the great outdoors.

And maybe some of the instructors on here could do one week specialty camp for adults like yoga?
Edited by JanM, Oct 4 2012, 02:08 PM.
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Boston
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It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure!
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I just have to say that I admire you guys SO much. I wouldn't even know where to start and I'm in awe that you guys really know what you're doing and how everything will work.
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FlashGordon
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Thanks Boston. :) We are lucky in that we are a really good team, have the background and experience, and have skills that compliment each other. When we started this, I was like geez how do I break this down into a business plan?? 60 pages later... I couldn't believe how much knowledge we had stored in our heads about "camp." ;) I am glad we are finally able to utilize it!

The camp is currently not accredited by the American Camping Association, which isn't a huge deal... there are a lot of camps that are not.... However, the ACA is the governing body of camps in the US and it would be nice to be a part of that. We will be pursuing accreditation over the next year or two, so that will be quite the project. Hubby achieved ACA accreditation for the first time with the other camp, so at least we have experience getting that accomplished.
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JanM
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Don't forget social networking sites too. The camp needs a facebook page, and reviews on sites like Yelp are very widely read. Of course, on yelp and other review sites I've noticed the first reviews are probably by insiders.

It sounds like you have a great plan, and with your experience know exactly what will make it a success. It's so exciting to watch the entire process from beginning to the first campers arriving.
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smorse
Shunnnnn the unbeliever. Shunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.
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WOW
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FlashGordon
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Today I am kind of overwhelmed with the legal aspects of this whole project. I feel like the attorneys are overcomplicating things. I realize that it is their job to think worse case scenario on pretty much everything, but it is a little overboard at the moment.

On a happier note, if anyone wants to see some really stunning photos of the property, feel free to stalk out the facebook page... the camp's name is Sprucelands. Just don't make any comments about the sale or anything.... The current owner obviously controls/owns the page and is starting to offer some info about the sale and the transition, and I feel like right now it is her space to work through this whole thing, kwim? I check the page daily just cause the pics are truly beautiful and it helps me stay positive that maybe in a few months this will all be wrapped up....!
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Twiceshy
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Flashy - it's just *beautiful*!
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Kikki
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Oh wow... it is amazing! We need adult camp next fall!!!!!
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MayaTy02
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wow FG those pictures are STUNNING. Will you be able to use some in your literature?
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FlashGordon
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MT, part of the sale agreement is that we receive photographic material to utilize in our marketing. The current owner dabbles in photography and has some really stunning images of the property, so the nerdy graphic designer in me is really excited to work with them!
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Trialbyfire
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FlashGordon
Oct 7 2012, 06:08 PM
MT, part of the sale agreement is that we receive photographic material to utilize in our marketing. The current owner dabbles in photography and has some really stunning images of the property, so the nerdy graphic designer in me is really excited to work with them!
And I will bet that she will love being part of that arrangement. They are fantastic photos, for sure - I was going to ask if the photographer was the former owner.

I will admit that the "scenes I don't want to forget" part is a bit sad. I hope the former owner will feel like the ecstatic grandparent when new owners come through and take control.... that sort of "I can love it and then go home and not have to deal" thing that grandparents do as well. :)
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FlashGordon
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Trialbyfire
Oct 7 2012, 07:17 PM
FlashGordon
Oct 7 2012, 06:08 PM
MT, part of the sale agreement is that we receive photographic material to utilize in our marketing. The current owner dabbles in photography and has some really stunning images of the property, so the nerdy graphic designer in me is really excited to work with them!
And I will bet that she will love being part of that arrangement. They are fantastic photos, for sure - I was going to ask if the photographer was the former owner.

I will admit that the "scenes I don't want to forget" part is a bit sad. I hope the former owner will feel like the ecstatic grandparent when new owners come through and take control.... that sort of "I can love it and then go home and not have to deal" thing that grandparents do as well. :)
I know TBF, it is very bittersweet. I feel for the current owner so very much.... she has lived here most of her adult life, raised her children here, built a program and touched so many lives. In that regard, we have big shoes to fill. She is leaving behind quite the legacy, and has a reputation for being a very upstanding person, kind-hearted, and a good horsewoman. She has taken good care of her campers, good care of her staff, and good care of her horses. It is important to me that we uphold the values she lived and operated by.

We welcome her involvement and are hoping we can have an ongoing relationship with her.
Edited by FlashGordon, Oct 7 2012, 07:34 PM.
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Boston
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Sorry if I missed this initially, but why are they selling?
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