Ski Trip and Other Fun
Camp is in the business of making memories. This afternoon Mandy, Glick and our Head Caretaker Todd took Pine Manor on a ski trip over to another lake, where skiing is allowed until sunset. The boys spent the afternoon and evening waterskiing, wakeboarding, wakeskating, and trying out Cam S’s foil board. I gave it a go too, not very successfully, but it’s always fun to try something new. On the beach, the rest of the group was tossing footballs and frisbees, building sand castles, and swimming. We had a picnic dinner and enjoyed a calm evening by the lake. It was an day those guys will be talking about for years to come.
Back at camp, Charlie stood at center stage with a saxophone in hand and gave his best shot at Frank Sinatra at a spontaneous Ridge/Villa talent show. It was nothing too polished, but it was full of heart. The first notes of “Fly Me to the Moon” rang through the Lodge and the room settled down, then broke into applause before he even finished. A few acts later, AJ, Petey, and Milo played a Post Malone cover on guitar that had everyone swaying along. The rest of the night was a mix of quick skits, goofy bits, and unexpected talent. It was fun to see campers jump in, cheer each other on, and enjoy the laid-back vibe.
Meanwhile, the Junior Village was busy with a different kind of evening. They decided to secede from the Great and Glorious North Star Party, came up with a new form of government, and gave speeches to elect leaders. By the time we checked in, their new system was up and running, complete with campaign signs and spirited debate. The boys were having a great time and throwing themselves into the idea. These are the kinds of nights that stick, when the counselors lean into a fun evening and the campers can’t help but join in.
I also wish parents could see how resilient their kids are at camp. They can have an argument with a cabinmate and bounce back. They can struggle at an activity and keep at it until they improve. We’ve seen campers take feedback from counselors, try, fail, and succeed the next time around to implement a new social skill or strategy that they’ve learned. Even our campers staying in the Health Center have found ways to turn it into fun, watching movies, doing activities, and keeping things light. On trips, boys have navigated all kinds of obstacles. One group had their gear switched with another and just made it work. Another canoe trip found campsite after campsite already taken and kept paddling until they landed one just in time for dinner. Through it all, they’ve stayed proud, flexible, and upbeat. And they’re more confident because of it. There’s nothing these kids can’t do!
