July 17, 2023
The temperatures were a bit low for our first full day of 2nd session but the energy was high! We started the day off gathering around the flagpole and continued to introduce many of our important values and expectations. We headed into the dining hall for a delicious pancake breakfast and then it was time for the cabins to get all nice and clean.
During the day, the campers had swim tests, health checks, and village activities. For the village activity, all three villages played a fun game called continuous dodgeball. It’s every man for himself out on the athletic fields. If someone throws a ball at you and you get hit, you’re out. But if you catch the ball, the person who threw it is out instead. If someone who threw you out gets out themselves, you can jump back in. The way that we do it on the first day, when you get somebody out, you have to introduce yourself!
Our awesome 8-week campers, who have already done their swim tests and health checks, got a special treat. They were able to choose between a hiking trip, a whitewater canoe trip, or a disc golf trip. There were great reports from all of the excursions.
Dinner was our banquet with a scrumptious pasta dinner after the campers all entered through the tunnel of costumed counselors singing and dancing. After dinner we played a game of all-camp game of Capture the Flag. We split into temporary green and white teams and based one team behind the Junior Village and the other on the athletic fields. It was a hectic game with a lot of energy and great commentary coming from the hill.
In addition, the campers also were introduced to some of our systems and expectations throughout the day. We talked to them about our models for conflict resolution and group living. We had a great campfire with our oldest campers about the importance of their leadership and they reiterated their commitment to getting to know the younger campers and being a positive example. We’re excited to see that continue to play out throughout the session.
Tomorrow the campers will begin their normal program, and we’re turning the heat back up for that. The campers will get their schedules at breakfast and then they’re off and running!
Today’s Grace:
– Nelson Mandela
“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.”
