16 Aug
Which Club has the Best Chant, in this last week of camp?
Was it Aquatics Club? Our two time winner?
Or how this one-two punch of power: Adventure and Survival Club?
What about Drama Club with their original Chant?
Or our newest edition, Social Media Club, with their version of Paparazzi?
Don’t forget, Equestrian and Pony Pals Club!
Vote NOW on the Facebook Fan Page! http://www.facebook.com/melwoodrecreation
11 Aug
“What was Matt wearing the last time you saw him?” Doria asks the campers.
While they try and remember the details of the last time they saw Head Counselor Matt, two bloodhounds rest peacefully in an Explorer parked outside of the dining hall. The back door is open and each has their own personal fan blowing into their kennel. They’re completely relaxed, lying in the sleek folds of their droopy ears, jowls and eyelids.
“Bloodhounds are run by their nose,” says Jim Buckingham of Bay K-9.
The pamphlet he brings with him says, “A bloodhound will cross a room by snuffling along the floor, detecting the scent trail only he can detect.
“His nose tells him the entire history of the floor; who passed by and when, and what brands of wax have been used.”
Bloodhounds are so good at tracking, their evidence is admissible in court in most jurisdictions, according to the pamphlet. “If a Bloodhound tracks an escaped criminal to a specific spot, it’s proof that he was there.”
But it’s no escaped criminal we’re looking for today. We’re looking for a misplaced counselor.
“If you ever get lost, do not run!” Jim tells the campers. “If you run, you could trip and hurt yourself. The best thing you can do is stay where you are.”
He pulls out a kit made of everyday things that he recommends every hiker or camper take with them on trips.
“Plastic garbage bags! How do you think you could use a plastic garbage bag to survive?”
Paul, a camper, comes forward and models the bag as a poncho. It will keep him dry and warm if he is lost.
Other things in the kit are a bandana, “to wave for attention or mark a trail,” and a mirror, “to reflect light as a signal for help.”
Christian, one of the overnight campers, volunteers to try on the tracker vest. Unknowingly, he also volunteered to follow behind the hound, Ellie.
“They think they’re playing a game,” explained Jim as he unlatched Ellies kennel door and led her out.
He lets Ellie sniff around before he presents her with an article of Matt’s clothing.
“SEEK!” he prompts.
And she’s off.
Nose to the ground she swerves back and forth around the Explorer.
Then she picks up his trail and makes a broad beeline toward the Nanjemoy cabin where Matt is hiding.
A few minutes later and she rounds the far corner of Nanjemoy and announces that she has found the prize.
Matt, sitting on the Nanjemoy porch, rewards her with a treat, then begins to tell the crowd of curious onlookers a tall story about how he ended up on the porch.
But most of the campers are more interested in meeting Ellie, who is now joined by her cohort, Edgar, and marveling at these amazing creatures, “noses with feet” .
Bay K-9 is participating in Project Far From Home, a seminar about understanding and managing the search for the missing at risk Alzheimer’s and Dementia Subject. It is September 17-18, and you can call 240-682-6921 or email team@bayk9sar.org for more information.
8 Aug
Who had the best club chant THIS week?
Animal Training Club?
or maybe Acrobat Club?
How ’bout the Pony Pals/Equestrian Club?
Or our two time winner, Aquatics Club?
Or ever creative, Art Club?
Vote at our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/melwoodrecreation
1 Aug
Who should win the “Internet Phenomenon” Award this week?
Should it be Sports Club?
Or last weeks winner, Aquatics Club?
Arts and Crafts Club?
Or maybe the unique club this week: Extreme Adventure!?
Melwood Recreation Center 