Day 5 and our first adventure in Manuel Antonio

We started off our stay in Manuel Antonio with a bang…and a delicious breakfast. Crafted by Adrienne and Teddy, the meal consisted of: corn tortillas (a Costa Rican classic), chorizo, bacon, eggs, homemade salsa, pickled onions, perfectly roasted tomatoes. After filling our bellies with delicious food we started our trek to the Savangre River. Along the way we saw a palm oil plantation where workers were doing all stages of harvesting. We even had a pit stop to put rocks in the back of our “coach” bus, piloted by Freddy and Andres our new best friends, so the weight was distributed evenly for our downhill drive. Our traverse lasted about an hour driving through the gorgeous Costa Rican cliff side. Upon arriving we got to explore the area and see gorgeous views of the river on a suspension bridge. From there we suited up in our safety gear (helmets, lifejackets, and paddles) and enjoyed a nice protocol speech by our “rescue kayak” guide, Ronny. 

We were divided into three groups of five for the trip; Team NaeNae, Dream(ing) team, and AYE AYE AYE AYE. The rapids started immediately and we put our safety speech to use when we hit a rapid sideways that sent Ian tumbling into the water. His flip flops, paddle, and dignity were dispersed throughout the class III rapids. We quickly tag-teamed the rescue by grabbing the floating objects (including Ian). All was well as we continued on our trip down the river. Ian however was not the only swimmer today that went swimming; Xena, Michael, Kyle, Stuart, Travis, Cole, and their guide Ivan all took a tumble on the same rapid. Not to boast or brag but the Dream Team made it through this rapid unscathed. 

Just over halfway down the river we had the opportunity to stop at a majestic waterfall and swimming hole. On the wooded path one of our guides hid in a bush and as each of us walked by he rustled the nearby foliage and startled passersby with Javelina noises. Teddy, Annabelle, Cole, and Reed turn tailed and sprinted away which led to many laughs from those not fooled by the guide’s antics. While in the waterfall, Xena and Reed climbed slippery rocks falling victim to the growing algae. After enjoying our time in the waterfall we climbed back in our boats eager to take on upcoming rapids. During our journey we encountered a large Rainbow Boa napping on a branch in order to digest his food for the upcoming week. We got to see the snake up close as Andres guided us underneath and around the snake’s tree. 

Upon returning to base camp we enjoyed a Tico Costa Rican meal consisting of rice, beans, chicken, and vegetables. After a long day of adventure we headed back to the hotel to relax on the private beach. Some of us decided that the day of adventure was not over as we boogie boarded and body surfed our way to exhaustion. Our night was capped off by a delicious meal planned by Teddy and executed by a team of sous chefs (Kyle-sauté chef, Madeline-grill master, Hayley, Travis, and Gretchen-prep cooks). It was a great way to end such an awesome day. We are off to enjoy a Pazookie made by Annabelle. 

We hope your day was as adventure-filled as ours!

Sloth Watch 2014: Day 5

After getting excited about thinking that we had spotted one on the river, our guide informed us that we were actually seeing a termite nest…..what a disappointment.

Total: 1

-3 of the 5 Dream Team Members: Ian, Adrienne, and Gretchen

 

(we apologize for not having pictures, but the internet is not cooperating with us. We are all safe and sound and looking quite tan after our day on the water....besides Madeline)

Pura Vida Day 3 & 4

Yesterday in a nutshell = raining, hiking, laughing, PHUN. We began our morning with breakfast, but a another speed bump occurred. Unfortunately, the Safe House was double booked; however, our quick-minded chaperones pulled a “Peyton Manning Omaha!” and devised a “no questions asked” adventure (spoiler alert: questions were asked, and not answered). Ten minutes and 100 “what are we doing?!” questions later, we arrived at Arenal National Park where we would make our 457 step decline to admire the majestic 286 foot waterfall. We had a traditional CBS photo shoot by the waterfall and then explored and swam around the area. When it was time to leave we trekked back up the same 457 stairs, much harder than camp’s Ted Steps of course. Our legs were tired but our spirits were high!

For lunch we ate in town at Sol de Visquez and devoured another typical Costa Rican meal—this time it was a buffet. Big Eats (Kyle) once again did his thing…eat A LOT.  After lunch we headed back to our hotel and bid adios to our wonderful tour guide, Nuelvin – what guy. Luckily we had just enough time to sneak in a little siesta before our next expedition.

Upon arrival at the Volcan Arenal, we split into two separate groups and hiked the base of the ACTIVE volcano (last eruption was in 2010, don’t worry—we survived). Along the trail, the tour guides pointed out all three of Costa Rica’s venomous snakes and a termite habitat—aka “dis lump of poop”, to quote the guide (yes, their humble abode is their very own poop). We reached the tree line, which was as high as we were permitted to hike, and had another photo shoot just for you lovely parentals! After taking in the views, we were ready for yet ANOTHER phun activity and headed back down the trail. Most walked, but some (some =  Monica) slipped down the muddy terrain. The journey back was made much easier through our excitement about what the night had in store: Costa Rica’s classy version of Schlitterbahn.

Our fun-packed day was topped off at Tabacon Hot Springs where we relaxed in pools heated by the volcano. There was lounging, there was slipping, and there was some Home Run Derby watching. We were amazed by the beauty of this natural outdoor sauna. A couple hours later, we again stuffed ourselves silly at dinner with an unexpected Asian buffet. Big Eats outdid himself and our expectations of his stomach capacity by piling his plate high with sushi, lo main, dumplings, fish, vegetables, spring rolls, fried rice, grilled chicken, beef teriyaki, barbeque pork ribs, and garlic bread. He made sure to try each of the mini desserts as well, “it’s okay because they are small, right?” We concluded the night back at the hotel writing this blog entry and reminiscing on our super happy fun fun times at Arenal Springs in La Fortuna.  

Today was spent entirely on the road as we headed towards our final destination in Manuel Antonio at the Buena Vistas Resort. We stopped once for lunch and to shop for souvenirs, and again to overlook a river where blood-thirsty crocodiles bathed in the mud. Six hours later, we finally made it to our hotel where we are staying in gorgeous bungalows with views of the beach.

We hoped you enjoyed the innovative, brilliant, and sophisticated voices of M&M (Michael & Monica) + Cole the Carpenter. PURA VIDA BABY!

Sloth Watch: 1!!!!!!!!!!! –we met our dearest Karl on our drive today; he was stereotypically hanging in the trees, just being a classic sloth.

Total: 1

Costa 2014 Day 2

After getting some much needed beauty rest, the group headed to Rancho Margot, a self-sustaining ranch. Once there, we toured the ranch which included learning about the plants, compost and water heating, pottery making, livestock handling, and gardening. All aspects of the ranch had a purpose and contributed to the circle of life (cue music). On the tour we had the chance to taste and smell a variety of plants, pet and feed cows, and participate in the pottery crafting process.  Following the tour we were treated to a lunch that was made from products of the ranch! From there, one of the ranch’s full time workers took us to educate us in the process of making the organic pesticides that the ranch uses to deter insects and animals from the gardens, as well as to reduce the compost odor. In order to teach us, the guide had us venture up the “Mud Mountain of Death” to collect decomposing foliage. Between sliding down the mud, singing Disney songs as we worked, being made fun of by our guide, and taking numerous wipe outs, we managed to collect enough leaves to begin the process of making the pesticide. We then trekked back down the mountain and back at the ranch we made the mixture of decomposing leaves, rice flour, water, and molasses which we put in a barrel that Monica climbed into to compress the mixture before fermentation. The pesticide making process lasts about three months, but we were able to partake in the first stage. By the end we were all covered in mud but we managed to head over to the restaurant at the ranch to watch part of the final world cup game with some of the natives!

We got back to the hotel mid-afternoon and had a chance to relax and hang out after an exhausting day. Some of us went to the hotel's spring fed pools while others napped or talked in our rooms. Once we had regained some of our energy, we headed into town for dinner. The highlight of the meal was definitely when Gretchen’s meal came out of the kitchen on a flaming platter! We ended the night relaxing in our rooms and on our double decker hammocks. Check back tomorrow for our last day in La Fortuna!

Sloth Watch 2014: Day 2

 0.5 (does a billboard count?)

Total:0

Ps: we saw our first monkey today!

Xoxo Madeline and The Warrior Princess (aka Xena)

COSTA 2014 Dia Primero!

Hola Parentals,

           We may have hit a few speed bumps along the way (literally and figuratively), but we finally made it to the hotel around 2  a.m. After waking from our Dramamine induced comas, we ate a traditional Costa Rican breakfast buffet. Apparently rice and beans is a trademark dish here. Once we finished eating, we boarded our shuttle bus and headed to go canyoning.

Canyoning is a mix of repelling and hiking across multiple terrains including natural rock terrains and rainforests. The first of the repelling obstacles was 168ft down a sheer faced rock wall that had a water fall flowing down it. The next three obstacles were smaller but just as fun due to our encouraging and comedic guides. In between the repels, we hiked through the rainforest with gorgeous views of both flora and fauna of which included a multitude of plantain trees and the most poisonous frog in the world (at a close distance, of course). After the canyoning adventure, we headed back to base camp and had another typical Costa Rican lunch of red beans and rice, chicken, plantains, and a delicious pineapple-papaya drink. Cheers to our awesome tour guides for serving us lunch after guiding us through the rainforest.

After a quick pit-stop at the hotel to dry off and change clothes, we made our way to the Safe House for another brand of adventure. Bringing with us the donated clothing and toys, we spent the afternoon chasing and being chased by twenty of the sweetest kids that we communicated with through hugs, smiles, and broken Spanish.  We kicked around the soccer ball, threw Frisbees, gave piggyback rides, and played in the sand for an hour and a half until the kids and the group played ourselves into a well-deserved time of relaxation. We left the kids with smiles and promise that we would return on Monday to continue our game of tag!

We returned to the hotel for a relaxing evening consisting of swimming in the natural hot spring pools that come straight from the volcano bringing along on its journey to the hotel many refreshing and moisturizing minerals. Science is cool. We capped off our evening at the hotel restaurant dining on a wide array of global cuisine. After stuffing ourselves with delicious food, we headed back to the rooms to hang out and talk as a big group.

We are looking forward to tomorrow’s adventure, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

Sloth Watch 2014: Day 1

The group remains devoid of sloth sightings.

Total: 0

-       Your favorite chaperone and camper duo/team/squad/pair/pack/junior suite living roomies/one less than a group/ones and onlys/alliance/sloth loving/twosome/platonic couples/buds/pals/friends/allegiance/fraternal twins (not really)/duplet/confidants/play fellow/alter ego/getting to the point where we finish each other’s sentences-sentences…

Teddy and Reed (Repping Room 611)

                   

Day at Camp Groupon Special Event!

Two weeks ago, Camp Balcones Springs launched its Day at Camp special through Groupon! On Friday, April 18, the Retreat at Balcones Springs opened its doors to children and families for a “taste of camp,” previewing our summer programs with a day packed full of camp activities! Our guests zip-lined across Lake Ted and took a dip in its cool waters, flying off of the Blob and down the slide to cool off. Guests also took a shot (or two) at the CBS riflery range, in addition to enjoying family-style camp meals in the Rio Grande dining hall. We were so glad to welcome all of our guests to camp—even if only for a day—and we hope we see more of you this summer! Visit the Camp Balcones Springs’ website to find out more about all of our summer programs, and join in the fun!

Day at Camp was coordinated by Tammy McKinney.

Father/Daughter Weekend at CBS!

This past weekend, the Retreat at Balcones Springs held our annual Father/Daughter Weekend! Tons of dads and their lovely little ladies joined us for games, fun, and most importantly—quality time together! Our visiting dads and daughters played volleyball, went fishing, soared up into the air on our Charlotte’s Web trampoline, flew through the sky on the Screamer—a rope’s course “ride” that lets participants securely soar back and forth after dropping from the top of our rock climbing wall--, handmade pizzas together, and finally, got dolled up for a fancy dinner party—very similar to our popular Girls’ Dinner event during summer camp.

Some comments left by our guests include:

“We love it here…it really is a special place.”

“This is my second trip to the Retreat. I am very impressed, Your staff always makes me feel welcome and special.”

“It was a great experience, and I can’t wait to come back.”

We loved hosting the Father/Daughter Retreat, not only because we had the pleasure of meeting so many fabulous dads and daughters, but also because it got us thinking about our summer camp program! Less than two months remain until our gates open for the first term of camp! If this weekend sounds fun to you, prepare to be blown away by how much we have to offer during camp season! Visit our Camp Balcones Springs website to sign up.

CBS Feeds the Poor in Austin

On January 31st , CBS high school campers, summer staff, and full time directors gathered in downtown Austin to set up the CBS “Mobile Soup Kitchen” to provide dinner to the hungry and homeless of Austin. CBS alumni set up tables of hot food, drinks, and snacks and served 100 people in fellowship until all of the food had run out.

During the summer, CBS Leadership Training campers (high schoolers who have completed the eleventh grade) complete a day of service by taking a field trip to Austin and setting up a lunch-time version of this soup kitchen, serving anyone in need until all food runs out. Campers even serve water to any pets that show up!

This night was especially fun, since Austin high school campers were able to reunite with each other, summer staff members, and full time Girls Camp Director, Adrienne Grissom, and share in the experience of giving back to their collective Austin community.

After serving dinner, the CBS crew retired to owner Christine Baskin’s Austin home to celebrate the birthday of Xena Pierce with cupcakes and a hang out. It was great to reunite with summer friends in the spirit of helping those in need!

If you are interested in summer camp or the CBS Mobile Soup Kitchen, please send us an e-mail at info@campbalconessprings.com