Christmas Reunion Closes the 2011 Season

Tarrah raises the angel to shine for yet another year.

Every year I am delighted by the enthusiasm and energy of my clinic helpers who come to enjoy yet another Christmas Reunion. What started years ago as an all camp reunion has evolved over time into an opportunity for closure to the weekend clinic season.

We say 'thank yous' to each other for the hard work and personal growth that was shared across the weekends with scouts. At the same time, we let loose to have plain, simple fun, spontaneously singing Christmas carols. Jokes are told. Funny stories are remembered. Horses are celebrated. There is chatter around the table like never before. With 19 of us here, you can imagine the noise level.

Of course we all share the barn chores and feeding. Most is run by the clinic helpers because now they are pros at the routines. I can step back and let them do their thing. In many ways, it is a proud moment for me because I realize these helpers have come a long way since last spring.

I love the growth that happens with my clinic helpers. Some who were nervous about asserting themselves as a leader have learned confidence. Many who had difficulty making decisions or taking initiative are now much more able to take the lead. Others have acquired horse information that they can easily share with others. Those who were too aggressive in their wishes to control everything have become tactful in their people skills. I love it.

You guys are so special. Thanks for being you.

So the clinic helper program is one leadership training option that works well at Sprucelands. As a fringe benefit, the kids become fast friends. They accept each other for the person they are, becoming a group that is bound by firm ties, silly stories and genuine feelings. Clinic helpers - from every year across time - have a connection that runs deep.

We of course did riding lessons. I marvel at how the growth in each helper is reflected in their riding. Perhaps the growth in their riding inspires their growth as a person. I don't know but the riding/teaching mix builds a willingness to try new things with their horses. The results are inspiring to watch.

This last week we were all amazed at how well our riders asserted themselves, jumping, cantering, even getting out on a short trail ride. How lucky we were with the weather! We rode in sweatshirts and in ring #1. Can you believe it? At the Christmas Reunion? Amazing!

Saturday afternoon we decorated Christmas cookies. That has become a tradition started by Liz Jones way back when. Now Yvonne makes the cookies. We decorate them and devour them all weekend. I have to fast for the week after because my calorie intake is off the charts at a Reunion.

Saturday evening we put up the Christmas tree. Our Red Ribbon Ceremony was once again meaningful and memorable. Each one of us tied 3-4 ribbons on the tree in honor of a loved one or someone who made a positive difference in our life during 2011.

Those red ribbons just make the tree!

At first, it's hard to stand up in front of others to explain who your ribbon is for. However, by the end of the experience, we're all looking for more ribbons because we realize there is a long list of people who supported us across the year. Saying 'thank you' starts to feel really good.

We finished the evening with a game of Yankee Swap. Lots of laughs over that one. And then I invited the kids into 'the blue room' where I played a video of the Polar Express and read the story as the video played. The video was actually photos I had taken from the Polar Express. With train sounds and music added, it was the background for the actual story. We felt as though we were actually there, riding a train and seeing Santa Claus.

So the weekend was another hit. I will never forget this one. It was very special, filled with warmth and caring. I was even surprised with an awesome gift. The kids joined together to purchase a gliding rocker with a gliding footstool to match. It's lovely. I was overwhelmed then and still feel a swelling of gratitude when I sit in my chair at day's end to feel a hug from everyone.

Comments always welcome.