Silence and Simplicity of Camp
Summer camp, by design, fuels boisterous and happy energy in children. In only one day, the quiet mornings of staff training cede to the thunder of running children, to the roar of laughter from the Dining Hall. White squirrels, small black bears, and deer ebb a bit farther into the forest. These watchful animal denizens seem to realize that, for a brief ten weeks, the beautiful grounds of Gwynn Valley must be shared. Children reign for a short time.
The frenetic movement and noise of children in activity is not the only evidence summer camp is in session. Rather, an observant stroll through the paths and fields reveals the subtle power of quiet activity.
Early morning, the horses are enveloped in morning fog. Now only shadows with indistinct movements in the pasture. Some equine murmuring is heard.
A glance toward the Lake reveals shadows of large drifting carp. A snapping turtle lounges in grass at water’s edge; neck extended slightly forward like a periscope…alert to vibration in water or ground. These aquatic creatures seem prescient to the approaching bustle of children in activity. The Lake will become a refuge.
Quiet laughter and disorganized movement can be heard in nearby Possum Manor Cabin. Both are evidence campers have awoken before their counselors. Their anticipation of the oncoming day overwhelms the need for further sleep.
Then the bells start to ring. Wake up bell, breakfast bell, and multiple activity bells. The day stampedes forward in an avalanche of activities and movement. Campers practice maneuvers in kayaks, causing episodic splashes of water from the Lake. Laughter dances on the air. A soccer match has started on the sports field, children with stares of intensity. Children on bikes weave through camp on a journey to the shadows under the hemlocks, which is also the “peak” of the trail. A prelude to the fast cruise down the bumpy driveway…one of their favorite rides at camp.
Quiet, focused attention is evident in many areas. The shadows inside the Pottery Shop reveal small hands molding clay forms. Imagination is the substrate for each creation. Metallic fragments glow in the blacksmithing forge as campers listen to instruction. The air is thick with concentration. As dusk settles over camp, elegant sounds of “Sheep
May Safely Graze” on piano are heard from the Lodge. It is played beautifully by Debbie…as it has been for decades.
As night settles, children and counselors are huddled around the glow of a campfire. Conversation, stories, and reflections of the day occur here. Experiences solidify to memory. Counselors and campers alike stare into the warm embers of the fire. The sounds of the night press in…the call of
the eastern screech owl, the rustle and crack of embracing trees. Enduring friendships are cemented in this simple space of community. Years from now, the quiet and reflective moments of Gwynn Valley will create the most enduring of memories.
– By David Adams
