A Great Session to Start Off the Summer!
Dear Parents and Friends,
It is just after our Friendship Campfire which is always on the last night of the session. Several cabins are out on the Gatehouse Green watching the sun go down and catching fireflies as they capture the remaining time here with us in the Valley. It’s been a beautiful last day at camp with sign-ups in the morning and packing along with water fun in the afternoon.
Tonight’s campfire allowed our campers to put on a play about the Tajar as well as a couple of skits and from some of the cabins. We also recognized those who have attended camp for more than one year and especially those who have been here 4 years or more. Those attending for 4 years receive a blanket from camp. Five-year campers get a plaque and we also recognize 8 years and 10-year attendees. Most of these children come to our longer sessions. Many of our staff are old campers who have been here 10 to 15 years. At the end of campfire, we celebrated by showing many of the pictures that you all have been viewing this week as well as a short video. Our camp photographers Liv, Jacob, and Clair have done a great job of capturing your children over the past 6 days.
Backing up a bit in the day, Mountainside left for their adventures this morning and will be out for two more days returning on Saturday. This afternoon everyone in Main Camp went to the pool. It’s a festive affair and lots of fun on a hot sunny day like today. Tonight’s dinner was our traditional pizza night with salad from the garden and pasta for those who were really hungry. All this was topped off with brownies to die for.
It’s been a great session and the children have made lots of new friends, explored the world around them, and lived in our small intentional community that provides a good bit of nurturing. As I circulate through camp each day I witness the magic that is played out by those who are experiencing new things for the first time. I’ve seen children turn from shy to talkative with our table family, show resilience in tackling new challenges, and push themselves in ways that help to raise the bar for future endeavors. Camp is a stepping stone for life skills and building a sense of confidence in an outdoor world. All of this has happened without the aid of screens or other distractions in this short session that will end tomorrow. In an environment created just for them, they’ve learned real life skills, developed self-esteem, and gained a sense of independence and community. By playing, exploring nature, conquering new heights, and becoming part of a camp family, they have created some memorable moments this week. I call it creating camp DNA.
Tomorrow when you arrive you may go straight to the cabins. At 10:30 there will be a friendship circle in your child’s cabin. We’ll ring a bell at 11:00 for everyone to gather in the Lodge for our final campfire of the session. After that you are welcome to stay and have lunch with us around noon or just before. Safe travels and stay tuned!
