A Message from Nancyrose

They are coming already!

We like to think of this as a GOOD PROBLEM.

We have worked very hard over the past couple of years to build up some new, and interesting programs - especially outdoor environmental education. It is not surprising that schools are beginning to notice what we have to offer and have committed their classrooms to spring and fall experiences which complements classroom learning.

We have learned that the average public school OEE group numbers 75 to 90 students and we have said “YES”, and are still saying “YES” to schools for April/May dates. Sound View presently has sixty student beds appropriate for that time of the year so we did this knowing that we had to come up with at least forty new year-round beds.

They are coming - so we will build it! Please give to our 40-day Capital Campaign.

CLICK TO PLEDGE

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"Mini" or "Major" - an EASY answer

We are calling our #sv404040 capital campaign a “mini” fundraising event.

We are running a “mini” capital campaign from October 19 to November 27 (#GivingTuesday)

This is not about replacing dining halls, putting in major infrastructure, or constructing a new conference center. (Those are the things which could define a “major” capital campaign.) This campaign has smaller goals which will still affect Sound View in very big ways in tune with our mission to serve young people..

Right now, we are eager to work with what facilities we have - but to make them all mesh very well together.

• We want our lodging options for students and youth groups (presently 60) to match our dining hall capacity (140). Hence - the cabin conversions which will add 80 heated beds.

• If we raise a surplus, we would like to add more bathrooms onto the dining hall.

• If we raise EVEN MORE, we would like to add garage doors to the activity building to create an indoor play space for these 140 youth - even on the coolest, rainiest days.

Coming up with this plan was easy. We presently have schools - bringing up to 140 - eager to visit Sound View in the cooler months and we would like to serve them. #SV404040

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#SV404040 - There is nothing so permanent as that which is temporary

Let’s fix this …

For the entire history of Sound View Camp, the Board, staff, and countless volunteers have worked hard to define “capacity”. The summer program was the driving force for guest lodging, and hence, the platform tents were built and roofs later added on. Legend has it that the when the tents arrived, they were too small, but they “made do” knowing that this was a “temporary” solution.

At the same time, a number of “master plans” were formulated to address year-round lodging knowing that the unique property was ideal for retreat groups. Calvinwood Lodge was built as a part of one of these plans and the Longhouse has been remodeled a couple of times to address year-round beds, The dining hall was expanded and can now comfortably seat 140 guests. Recently, the chalets (also know as the “coops”) have been strengthened and weatherized and along with three Agape cabins, serve the growing family camp programs.

Yet, the platform tent area - with its new shower house - is still a temporary solution for camper lodging. The tents are in an ideal, beautiful, wooded location but:

• are dark with no windows,

• are in need of repair (especially the openings),

• have inadequate electricity,

• are damp and cold during the fall, winter and spring which affects bed frames and mattresses,

• are not wheelchair accessible.

We are running a small(ish) capital campaign to transform the platform tents into better cabins that will be dry, warm and welcoming for each season. We are doing this because we believe that our summer campers, outdoor environmental education students, and weekend youth groups can benefit from more “campy” lodging than from staying in a dorm style lodge. We come to camp to experience God’s wonders and nothing beats sleeping in a cabin surrounded by nature.

The #SV404040 Campaign goal is to -

• Raise at least $40,000

• in 40 days (ending on Giving Tuesday - November 27)

• To renovate at least 4 of the 8 tents to give us 40 more year-round beds.

This is an exciting time for Sound View Camp with increased participation in summer camp and resident outdoor education. We need your help to comfortably serve all out our young guests. Thank you in advance for your gifts and pledges!

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Sound View Totem Pole

CROSS: 10 ft down 13 ft across. The empty cross symbolizes the risen christ. The cross arm's reach out as christ’s love reaches out to all

GOD GIVES: “In the beginning, God created heaven and earth” Gen.

Hand of God reaches to many. Tri-radiant nimbus-diversity.

WE PRAISE: “Let the peoples praise you oh God let all the peoples praise you.” Psalms 67:5. God reaches to man

Man reaches to God

Man reaches to Man

Trinity

GOD GIVES: “You are my son, the Beloved, with whom i am well pleased.” Luke 3:22.

Chi Rho- Greek symbol Christ

Star of Eternity 12 stars- 12 disciples

Sun- son. Jesus brings light and life into the world

WE REMEMBER: 5 loaves and two fish- Jesus feeds the body and the soul.

GOD GIVES: “You will receive the gift of the Holy Christ's, the promise is for you and everyone.” Acts 2:30-39

Descending dove- gift of the Holy Spirit. Swiftness and motion to the Holy Spirit is movement and life.

WE DO GOOD WORKS: “Now faith, hope, and love abide, these three, and the greatest of these is love.” 1Cor 13:13

Cross, heart, anchor. Faith, hope, love

GOD GIVES THE EARTH:  “The dawn will break upon us to give light to those who sit in darkness, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (paraphrased) Luke 1:78-79 

WE WALK IN THE PEACE AND LIGHT OF GOD: The sun rises and sets telling us to preserve and love our Earth.

.

Cedar tree is a symbol of

• Growth- Ps. 92;12
• Height- Amos 2:9
• And steadfast faith

Vertically carved on the other side of pole is the greatest commandment “Love one another.”

Pole is 69 ft long, each symbol is 5 ft long. 11 ft of the pole is underground.

Carving for Christ by Louis Summers. Member- Pine Lake Presbyterian Church Issaquah

Sure, we have a wish list!

Sure, we have a "wish list"

Here are some of the things that would make Sound View just a little bit more interesting.  These are things that we hope to buy - either really soon, or in the not-so-distant future that could easily be jump-started by a kind donor, or two, or three......

 

Bicycles for Expedition

One Speed - Coaster Brakes

Our summer Expedition trips take us to Anderson Island - just across Drayton Passage - the land that you see from our waterfront.  We like it there because the cars are few, the campsite is quiet and there are two freshwater lakes with great "swimming holes". 

In 2019, we want to explore the Island more once we get there so we need about 20 simple bicycles and helmets.  They don't need to be fancy - but in good, safe shape, geared towards ages 12 plus with room for us to install a back rack.

If you have one (or two or three) to donate - we will gladly come to pick them up.

---

 

Steel Drums

In 2017, we created a music lodge where campers learned to sing the camp songs while playing the ukulele.  In 2019, we want to add to the musical magic on the beach with easy-to-play steel drums.  Won't that sound wonderful?  Because ukulele players like to play in the key of C, we would like our steel drums to be in C also.

2019 - We expand to FOUR weeks!

Early Bird Registration begins on September 2.

Great news!  Sound View's summer program is growing and we are ready to add a 4th week in August for next year.  We are still keeping each session affordable with age-appropriate activities for all.  Stay tuned for the new things we are adding next summer.

Here are the dates for next year:

July 14-20

• Youth Camp 1 (ages 8-14)
• Expedition 1 (ages 12-15)
• Mini Camp 1 (ages 7-9)

July 21-27

• Youth Camp 2 (ages 8-14)
• Expedition 2 (ages 12-15)
• Mini Camp 2 (ages 7-9)

July 28 - August 3

• Youth Camp 3 (ages 8-14)
• Expedition 3 (ages 12-15)
• Mini Camp 3 (ages 7-9)

August 4-10

• Youth Camp 4 (ages 8-14)
• Expedition 4 (ages 12-15)
• Mini Camp 4 (ages 7-9)

When you sign up early you save.  Share with your friends and let's fill up all four weeks in 2019!

The tide rises ... the tide falls ... and our programs are in sync

With an amazing waterfront on a gently sloping sandy beach, along with a 15-foot tidal range, the Sound View staff learn to take advantage of the tides.  The tide tables help drive the program and keep the staff on its toes.

When the tide is in: 

When the tide is in, the entire focus of the Sound View staff is in the running of safe, structured, fun aquatic activities.  We kayak, corcl, swim, canoe, paddleboard, and play.  Staff members may lead mini-trips out to the channel buoy to see the sea lions.  Beach volleyball may be happening and often our homemade water slide is teeming with soap covered campers careening down the slippery plastic.  There may be corcl races and other silly games.  Campers will be learning how to work together to make a canoe go where it should.  (Bow stroke, "J" stoke, jam stroke, "C" stroke, and backwater). 

For those unwilling to get wet, there are craft projects, storytelling, and birdwatching.  EVERYONE finds something fun to do.

When the tide is really in, we jump off the end of the pier into the always exhilarating Puget Sound.   If the really high tides are during the dinner hour then no problem - the meal travels to the beach and becomes a barbecue.

Tides for Session 1 - July 15-21

Tides for Session 2 - July 22-28

Tides for Session 3 - July 29-August 4

When the tide is out:

When the water recedes off into the distance, and the swim area becomes sand and pebbles,  and the sand dollars are showing, we respect our precious waterfront resource and campers can choose to study its wonders.  They can discover and learn to identify the organisms which comprise our beach ecosystem while learning to "walk gently" amidst creation.

Of course, when the tide is out, the rest of camp opens up and the staff moves into running archery, paintball, ropes course, music, drama, sports, camp craft, farm. garden - you know - all the fun camp stuff not happening on the waterfront.

I call them "Camperships"

We kicked off our "campership" drive on March 17.  The opening event was the super-fun Mud Run.  Everything that follows will be somewhat low key - a few emails - some letters - more blog posts - and a lot of thank-you cards.  Sound View is blessed with a wonderful donor base of individuals (friends and alumni) as well as churches who lovingly find ways to send kids to camp with kind gifts.

About a year ago, I started using the term "campership" instead of "scholarship" for designated funds which help families send their kids to Sound View.  We can ascertain that "school" comes from - Old English "scol" derived from  Latin "schola".  So with that that in mind, and camp being entirely different from school,  I wanted the institutions somewhat separated.  So camperships came to be. 

But - it is just a name.   The main point is that we all look forward to saying, "YES - we would love having your child at camp and we can help you if you cannot afford to pay the full fee."  The Sound View Board has directed me, and the staff, to ensure that "no child is turned away for inability to pay," and every spring, we respond to requests for financial assistance with the hope that we have enough funds to serve all.

The campership drive helps raise these funds.  Churches help by creating sponsorship funds of their own.  Youth-serving agencies also assist with their own funds as well as identifying kids who really could use a life-changing experience at a Christian camp.  I am always blown away by the level of support from all these partners.

A week of camp only costs $375.  To sponsor a kid for a week of camp, with all the  "fixings" is not a huge financial commitment.  Studies abound as to the benefits of resident camping and you can read even more if you have the time.  But for something as simple and yet profound to have existed for so many years - the experience of getting away and outside in God's creation with new friends - we certainly know that this is something quite precious and worth investing in.

Please consider a gift to our 2018 campership drive.  Camp makes childhood that much better! 

The Spring Lineup

You don't have to wait for summer to enjoy fun, learning, and fellowship at Camp Sound View! Here is our Spring lineup:

MARCH 17 - MUD RUN Come get filthy running our soggy trails and overcoming challenges and obstacles. Guaranteed laughs and you will be helping to send kids to summer camp.

APRIL 1 - EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE Worship (weather permitting) on the waterfront and a pancake breakfast in the dining hall.

APRIL 18-20 - OEE CAMP For kids (10-14) who may have that week off from school. Totally affordable! Come check out our outdoor environmental education curriculum.

MAY 11-12 - MOM & ME CAMP This is Mothers' Day Weekend so this one-night campout for moms and kids to spend some awesome time together ends Saturday afternoon.

MAY 18-20 - SPRING RETREAT Our annual spring retreat for middle- and high schoolers. Come learn, worship, meet new friends, have fun, and plant pumpkins so we have them for the fall retreat.

MAY 25-28 - MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FAMILY CAMP. Come for all, or part of the weekend and help us get all of the summer "stuff" out and tested.

In a Nutshell

Some thoughts to share at the Olympia "State of the Presbytery" meeting.

Early Bird Registration - is happening until March. Because of this, we are way-ahead of last year with camper enrollment.  Please encourage your families to take advantage of the 15% discount!

Family Camp Programs are scheduled for Mother’s Day Weekend (Mom & Me), Memorial Day Weekend (really inexpensive because we have volunteer projects), TAFFY Week (July 8-13) and Labor Day Weekend.

Our Outdoor Education Director starts in April and is returning from two years of service in Chile.  Her name is Nancyrose Houston and is an alumni of both Camp Sound View and Buck Creek.

We are partnering with Longbranch Community Church to host an Easter Sunrise Service.

The Mud Run Fundraiser for Camperships is March 17.  Challenge yourself, have fun, and get dirty to send deserving kids to summer camp.

The 8 cabins in the Shire (Agape cabins and chalets) are being renovated to serve as family-friendly housing for various programs.  

We are slowly making the dining hall the center of camp by displaying all things historical, informational, important, and “campy” in it.  Check out the repurposed round table with OlyPres pics.

We are hanging very cool looking, iron pendant lights in the dining hall. These came out of the sanctuary at Lakewood Presbyterian Church.  Eventually, the fluorescent fixtures that are not “warm and fuzzy” will be replaced.

Ukuleles were a hit this summer.  It was very cool to have campers leading the songs because during the day they learned the chords. We are hoping to add a few steel drums this summer so we can add a Caribbean flavor to our South Sea Island beach campfires.  Check out our wish list if you would like to donate a drum.

We have lots of winter projects -  including splitting wood, organizing the shop, light electrical,and carpentry.  If your church wants to organize a work weekend - we would love to have you.  

We are applying for an Americorps NCCC team to come, spend six to eight weeks this spring, clearing trails and connecting Max’s garden to the mini farm.  Asking for prayers that we will be chosen as a work site.

Got a member of your congregation who likes to tinker with vehicles and farm equipment?  We have some equipment that needs to be fixed or gotten rid of.  Please point him/her our way.

We are hiring staff.  Working at camp is fun and we hire 11 individuals for the season.  Besides being leaders for our own summer camps, they run activities for those who rent the camp.

16 and 17-year-olds can volunteer to work at camp.  We call them ROVERS and they assist the “over 18” staff during the three weeks of our summer camps.  It sure beats sitting around at home.

We need a volunteer nurse for each of our three weeks of summer camp.  Primarily, the nurse administers camper/staff medications, keeps accurate records, and follows a local physician’s standing orders.  The

nurses kids get to come to camp for free.

We love it when a church sends several of their youth to camp AND they send adults to “keep an eye on them”.  Adults coming to camp can stay in Calvinwood Lodge for free  and help out  - wherever.

A message from Nancyrose

We need your help!! The new outdoor environmental education program at Sound View is starting in April and we are in need of your donations. We are looking for binoculars, microscopes, tripods, magnifying glasses, nets, waders, field guides of the local flora and fauna, other books related to nature or environmental education activities, and anything else that you think might be of use. We are also looking for clipboards that students can use to draw and write during outdoor activities. This is the time to clean out your bookshelves, closets, and garages and donate those books and boots that you haven’t used in years.

Please contact Nancyrose Houston by personal message if you have any
materials you think might be useful. She will direct you to a person
with whom you can drop off your donations in Seattle, Tacoma, or
Olympia. You can also drop them off personally at Sound View Camp!
Thank you so much for your generosity…the supplies will be put to good
use!

Nancyrose comes to Sound View after two years coordinating the environmental education program at Parque Omora, a conservation project in Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the world! She is excited to share the things she learned there while working alongside researchers in many different fields: birds, freshwater macroinvertebrates, mosses and lichens, invasive species, climate change, and more. Nancyrose is a Seattle native and is thrilled to be returning to the Pacific Northwest after seven years away, studying in Boston and then migrating to Chile.

She looks forward to the rain, the smell of pine needles, and the delicious Sound View food. Since she has been speaking Spanish almost exclusively for the past two years, be patient with her if she accidentally responds to you en español!

Earn your way to camp LITs!

Sound View LOVES its Leaders in Training (LITs).

LITs have finished 9th grade (going into 10th) and spend two weeks at camp learning how to be camp leaders and putting what they learned into practical use. 

The first week is a lot of fun, still being campers (somewhat), while learning counseling and program leading skills. 

The second week, the LITs help out with the mini-campers (ages 6-9). The six-year age difference allows the LITs to be effective leaders for some totally excited campers.

The two-week experience costs $400.  Even though this program is already quite a bargain (for a two-week camp), here are ways that it can be even less.

1. Enroll in a lifeguard class.  LITs with a current lifeguard certification get 50% off of their fee!   We cannot have too many lifeguards at camp. 
2. Register NOW.  The 15% early-bird discount expires in March.
3. Help out with the Mud Run Fundraiser.  We need teens to assist in many ways with this event and we will reward your help with a $50 credit towards your LIT session.  Email Goody if interested.
4. Help out Memorial Day Weekend.  This is a combination work-weekend and family camp.  Besides receiving some awesome, advance program training (and dish washing experience), you will get $75 credit towards your LIT session.  Email Kurt if interested.

We are looking forward to an awesome summer and training future camp leaders!

OEE Letter - please share with your child's school.

12/11/2017

Greetings from Sound View Camp!

We know you are getting ready for the holiday break - as are we. We do want you to know that although the chilly winter is upon us, spring is not too far off and we are gearing up for our FIRST EVER outdoor environmental education season.  We are hoping that you will be one of the inaugural schools which takes advantage of prime spring (or fall) days/evenings at an amazing outdoor facility committed to Earth Care.. 

Camp Sound View is a very remarkable 108 acre site which beckons exploration.  We have woods, fields, farm, garden, and a quarter mile of sandy, tidal beachfront (the 'sandiness' is very rare for Puget Sound).  It is very quiet at Sound View - we are not encroached in any way.  We are hiring staff, developing programs, tweaking facilities and purchasing equipment to best share our unique ecosystems with excited students.  Our OEE manual is nearly complete and we will send you a copy in early January.

Our goal is to serve one school at a time (you will have the place to yourself), housing up to 60 students in two warm lodges.  Bathrooms and showers are located in each lodge.  Teachers and those chaperons not staying with students can have separate cabins.

We believe that are rates are very affordable:

1 Night/4 Meals - $45 per student - $35 per adult - one adult free for every 8 students
2 Nights/7 Meals - $80 per student - $65 per adult - one adult free for every 8 students

We will have staff at camp during the holiday break and they would love to give you a tour if you call ahead. 

More than ever, it is important that kids learn early of taking care of EARTH.  We hope that we can partner with you in the spring, or fall to make this happen.

Happy Holidays!

-The Sound View Staff-

The 10, the 10, the 4, and the 1

No, this is not a Lord of the Rings referral..  that would be the 3, the 7, the 9 and the 1.  This is about summer staffing and getting excited about college students returning home for the holidays and them thinking about an amazing summer job.

The 10
Ten college-age staff that can run all of our summer programs for all our guests - PLUS, be awesome camp counselors for our own summer campers.

The 10
Ten volunteer Rovers (going into 11th/12th grade) who will learn to do what the other 10 can do and be just as amazing.

The 4
Four kitchen staff (two cooks and two helpers) who will run a super-important aspect of camp... the dining hall.

The 1
The waterfront director.  We are Camp Sound View and safely-run beachfront activities require a special person. 

Do you know a wonderful person who would be a perfect addition to Sound View's 2018 team? Are YOU that perfect person?

CHECK OUT OUR EMPLOYMENT PAGE

The Deal with Discounts Explained

I have been fielding a few friendly questions about discounts.  Cool!  That means folks are interested in camp but want to get the best "deal" when they register.  Over the years, there have been quite a number of discounts offered with great reasons for doing so.  This year, however, we are taking a different approach.

First, we believe that our camp fees are quite reasonable already.  Perform a search of ACA accredited camps in the region, and you will find no others even close to our camp rates.  We are inexpensive because Sound View has a low overhead, a small, talented staff, and a board and Presbytery committed to keeping camp within reach of all.

Our discounts this year are based on two things:

1. Registering early, and/or
2. Taking the time to host, or come to an open house or camp information event.

REGISTERING EARLY
Until March 1st, those who register for a summer session receive the 15% "early bird" discount. This discount will drop down to 10% for the month of March.  We would love to fill summer camp early because it is way easier to plan ahead than to "scramble" when families sign up at the last minute.

OPEN HOUSE EVENTS
In April, May, and June we will hold an occasional open house at Sound View or be the guest at a camp night, worship service, or a camp family's home to promote summer.  Those who attend these events will get a discount code to apply to their session.  Families willing to host a camp night at their home or church can contact me. (director@soundviewcamp.com)

So, please take advantage of discounts - but even better - spread the word to your friends with camp-aged kids.  Help us keep camp affordable by helping us fill it.

We try new stuff because...

...we should!  What is most enjoyable is how we come up with ideas to fill in the empty days with new programs.  We like having people at camp so we are not afraid to think and plan.

For instance:

• Hmmm - we have no groups December 16th
• That's not good.  Any suggestions?
• Well, it is close to Christmas!
• But, not too close.
• And people are doing their decorating.
• And baking.
• Cookies.  I love Christmas cookies.
• And kids are getting antsy and need to run around.
• To get their wiggles out.
• Yeah - to get their wiggles out.
• Camp is good for that - running around and stuff.
• The dining hall is good for baking - we do it all the time.
• Baking for LOTS of people.
• LOTS of cookies.
• While kids are running around...
• Getting their wiggles out
• Yeah, that too.
• Or sitting quietly doing crafts sometimes.
• After the wiggles are gone, that is.
• Maybe we can have parents and kids at camp that Saturday.
• Good Idea! What can they do?
• Bake and craft, silly!  And kids can run and play games.
• To get their wiggles out?
• Sure!
• What could we call it?  It should have a descriptive name.
• Ummmm - how about Cookies, Crafts and Games?
• Awesome - Let's put it on the calendar.

Giving Tuesday

Hello Camp Supporters! 

The end of the year is getting close, the holidays are here. This day, Giving Tuesday, is a great time to remember what camp has meant to you and your family. We would love to have your continued support; both prayer and financial.

Many changes have taken place in this last year - a result of prayers and gifts from people who understand the importance of our outdoor ministry.  From the new mini-farm (with the adorable, rescued animals) to the updated waterfront and all that lies in-between, Sound View has undergone some amazing changes with an exciting new energy.  Already, campers are signed up for next summer!  Until then, we are creatively transforming camp into a place with youth/family events that span the entire year.  These you can discover on our website

If you would like to make an end of the year donation online, we would very much appreciate it. or... 

if you would prefer to send a check it can be sent to: 
Sound View Camp
PO Box 296
Milton, WA  98354

Blessings to you and your family this Christmas Season and we hope to see you at Camp very soon!

The Sound View Staff
Kurt Sample, James Goodman, & Natalie Castle

Season's Chill and Early Bird Warmth

Greetings from Sound View Camp!

Well, it's here.  After a wonderful start to fall, the weather is now as it usually is .... chilly and wet.  We took advantage of the sunny, dry days at camp with some much needed renovation projects to better transform Sound View for year-round groups as well as summer camp. Now, we are in 'button up' mode and appreciating our warm, cozy spaces to get some marketing done.

15% Early Bird Discount
is NOW until March 1st.

We really want families to sign up early this year.  This helps us plan more thoroughly and provides a huge discount for those who do.  Rates have not gone up from last year (YAY) but the only discount we offer is for signing up early - a whopping 15%!  To take advantage of the discount, only the deposit is required.

For early, early birds:   A Sound View knit hat will be mailed to those who sign up before January 1st.  What a great 'stocking (hat) stuffer' for campers longing in the chill of winter for the summer magic of camp!

This summer, packed into three weeks,  we are offering:

• Two sessions of Mini-Camp for ages 6 to 9
• Three sessions of Youth Camp for ages 8 to 14
• Three sessions of Expedition for ages 12 to 15.
• One NEW Construction Camp for ages 12 to 15
• Two 2-week LIT sessions.  During week two, they assist with the mini-camp program and gain great leadership skills.
• Volunteer staff positions for those ages 16 and 17.

FIND OUT MORE AND REGISTER HERE

Sound View Camp is truly a remarkable place.  We hope that you will make it a part of your plans for next summer.

Please, Like Us on Facebook.
We are getting close to 1,000 likes, and are curious to see what happens.

Picture Section of Website

I created a new section to the website. "History in Pictures".  We have all sorts of photos in all sorts of form lying around camp - from scrapbooks, to photo albums, to CDs, to images on hard drives and Facebook and I think it would be great to archive these by year on the website.  Many will have to be scanned, resized, and cropped.  Hopefully, the 30+ years of Soundview can be gleaned with photos as well as twenty or so years of Wakoma.

Feel free to send me any pictures (and the year) that should be included.  

Right now I just added some great pictures taken by one of our rovers this summer.  Of course we have more from the summer of '17 and these will be added also.  Enjoy!