Singing in the Rain
The drizzle started this morning and lingered all day. It was the kind of rain that never made much of a scene but didn’t let up either. Still, the campers and staff got out for the first day of our second week of activities. Rain jackets came out, projects pressed on, and kids made the most of the day.
And the day was a good one. With only minor adjustments to the schedule, the boys were out sailing, climbing, throwing, building, shooting, and learning. They’re hitting their stride in activities now—tweaking technique, setting goals, helping one another improve. It’s rewarding to see them growing in patience and perseverance. And it’s equally rewarding to see that, despite the wet socks, the fun never faded.
By dinner, the drizzle hadn’t stopped, and neither had the energy. When the music started in the Lodge, something clicked. “Sweet Caroline” came on, and suddenly the whole place was singing, shouting, and swaying together. Then it was the Backstreet Boys, the Killers, “Call Me Maybe,” and Justin Bieber. Every camper, no matter the age, was dancing and grinning ear to ear. There were conga lines and mosh pits, and a lot of silly moves. It didn’t matter that they were a little damp or a little cold. The Lodge was loud, warm, and full of joy.
We capped off the day with three birthday celebrations: Camper Noah S, Counselor Jack S, and Tripper Brad each got a proper North Star birthday, complete with song, cake, and cheers from every direction. And tonight’s evening program ended an all-Ridge pizza party—a surprise that started with a whispered rumor about a bear sighting near the Ridge. As the boys crept toward the Lodge, they instead found pizza, soda, and a room full of laughter.
At camp, the weather is never really the story. It’s how the boys respond to it that tells you what matters. Today they chose to embrace the rain, to dance in wet clothes, and to turn a gray day into a great one. That’s the kind of resilience we hope they take with them.
