by Kaola Swanson, Program Director
In less than two weeks, I will load up my little truck with myself, my canine companion, and some choice possessions to drive cross country. It will be the second time in four months. It’s been a good winter and a wonderful visit home, but I know it is time to migrate. I have done all the work I can from a computer in North Carolina. I could not be more excited to be headed back towards Oregon and Opal Creek. I cannot wait to see the landscape expand & grow the farther west I get. Mostly, I cannot wait to wake up in my cabin, under the canopy of 200 foot trees, and walk to the Lodge for breakfast.
I know Rebekah, our wonderful, talented, and one-of-a-kind Food Service Director will be there smiling over a steaming cup of coffee. Who will I sit with at the staff table? Brian Campbell will be there as Facilities Director this year, so I can count on seeing him bright-eyed and bushy tailed in the morning. The rest of our staff, instructors and cooks, will be new but I know if they’re interested in working here, they must be extremely intelligent, humorous, and attractive people. I am sure we will be great friends and co-workers.
Yes, I am also excited to have our first school group in Jawbone, chattering away as they explore under rocks and in the streams. Our Workshops this year are already filling up, and we have fine tuned the itineraries to ensure maximum weekend fun is obtained. And Summer Expeditions! They really are my favorite- a week, in the wilderness, climbing mountains, and swimming in lakes- you really get to know the kids and it’s a great time. Speaking of all these programs, have you seen the 2010 Catalog yet? 
Did you notice the new look and feel of it? Smaller, lighter, and in full color, it should already be in your mail boxes. If you didn’t get it, you can download the PDF here or call 503-892-2782 to request one. Writing the program descriptions always makes me eager for the season to start. And it will, very soon- I better get to packing if I’m going to make it there on time….
Come see us in the woods this year- it’s going to be a great one!