Nova Scotia - May Long Weekend

It’s Monday evening, we have survived our first long weekend. It was a great weekend. We were filled to capacity with many happy people; the weather was perfect. We heard many, many comments and compliments from people glad to have new owners, we felt well received. Of course, mistakes were made, but thru it all we have become a somewhat wiser. Many times this weekend I have reflected on how long we have dreamed, talked, dismissed, talk some more, planned, conspired with others, and now here we are, right in the middle of this dream become reality. It looks quite different than what had planned or imagined, but nonetheless our dream has become our reality.   

As I walked around this weekend, each time I would allow myself bask in this reality, it seemed another message would come my way reminding me of all the work this camp needs. I can remember listening to other camp owners last fall, talking about their 15-16 hour days, thinking there is no way; but experience is showing us otherwise. Tonight is the first night in a long time that I am done before ten, but even in all this, it is good. We have an awesome dedicated staff who have gone above and beyond in so many ways. Imagine having 750 people staying in your backyard – that is a huge task itself – now plan activities for them from dawn to dusk –that is what camping at “Yogi” is all about. This could only happen with the incredible and diverse staff we have.

 In all this, I can’t help think about what it would like, if what we were planning a year ago had become a reality. I can just imagine the talents of the different people were planning with, shining in this reality. The people, the networking, the business, the gardens etc. Being immersed in the reality of which we talked together so long about, these thoughts that are bound to happen.  But the reality has happened, the people are different, but the reality is still very sweet; in all fairness we could never have pulled it off without the expertise and the experience that this present staff brings with them.

Life continues to teach me to quit trying to figure out my future. My plans rarely look what God has planned for me – but in it all God is good. – HJK

P.S. Enjoy the pictures or go to our Facebook page for many more.

Dancing on the Yogi Stage

Glitter Tattoo's

Yogi's a chick magnet

Nova Scotia - A Week of Firsts

After 4 months of waiting, anticipating, fearing and preparing, opening day has finally come … and gone; it’s been a time of firsts.

Two weeks ago our first employees arrived. With them new challenges, joys and a flurry of activity that has transformed this tired camp into a renewed camp with lots of potential.  It has been good to get to know so many incredible people with so many gifts, talents and stories.

The next day we woke early to pick up Ashley at the airport. It was her first time in the Annapolis Valley. It is good to have her back in the nest, even if it is only for a little while. For some weird reason it makes me miss Tyler more. It is like having a puzzle almost done except for that one missing piece.

It was also in this time that I stepped on the bathroom scale and for the first time in a years and years there was not a “2” in the number. This has been 1½ year goal that started with eating better and ending with eating whatever I can between all the work that keeps me busier then I have been in years.

Last Wednesday we had our first campers; 9 days before opening day. They were two German couples in rental units touring Nova Scotia – Yogi is an international magnet J

Last weekend we had our first staff training weekend. This training gave us the remarkable opportunity to share some of our story, our faith and the vision we have for this our campground. A vision that includes enriching families by giving them a place where families can be families, and a vision that includes investing into the lives of each of our staff – it was a good weekend  

And Friday was our first opening day, a rehearsal for the long weekend. A chance to see what needs fixing, what needs improving and what is going well. It was good weekend, but most rehearsals are. They are usually relaxed, fun and not a whole lot of pressure and stress. The “big day” often comes with more stress as we try to do everything to make things just right. The trick – often hard to do – is to enjoy the big day when it does come. That is my hope for the Victoria (May) Long Weekend; to be as ready as we can and then enjoy the weekend.    

 Yesterday, was another first; one we would rather not have. Before we were even open for 24hrs, a young boy broke his arm on the playground. He will be fine and things were handled very well by all. Most likely it won’t be the only broken bone, but as much as boys will be boys, you hate to see it happen on your watch.

All in all it has been a good couple weeks. We continue to learn lots. We are busier then we have been in years and hopefully through it all we are blessing others.

HJK