Dear Families and Friends of Nor’wester Campers and Staff –
Greetings from Johns. We are finding ourselves in that sweet spot of summer, where units are thriving, program is challenging, singing is electric and friendships are heightened. We simultaneously sit in the present, savoring each moment, while also planning and preparing for a very inspiring and engaging next four days full of traditions, momentous events and fun that are going to fly by right before our eyes. We are on a fast moving train, yet we are still able to contemplate life and enjoy the scenery as each moment passes…
We were fortunate to have lovely weather for Visitor’s Weekend last weekend, though each day started out with fog and overcast skies. Our Nor’wester Board of Directors were also up for an annual on-site board meeting, so hopefully some of you were able to connect with them. The Board and Year-round Staff are always open to your comments, suggestions and feedback, so please keep that in mind – we’d love to talk with you.
Our Foresters and Voyageurs left on Monday for their four-day Little Big Trips – Alpine, Biking and Hunt Canoe – and will return today with stories and anticipation for the final four days of camp. The mountaineers hosted Coffee House, which is a coffee-house type setting with a theme where only the four oldest units attend. It’s like a Musicale, but with an evening atmosphere and snacks, emcee’d by the hosting unit. There is always a bountiful amount of sharing of talent and humor, and this one was right on par.
We also had a fantastic Nell Day – honoring Nell Robinson, the previous owner of the land we now call home. Campers are divided into teams by color and have open activities, a scavenger hunt to find a treasure (watermelon!) and then a fun campfire in the evening.
Our final overnight was last night, putting tarp shelter-building to the test with the light rain that graced our dry land right around dinner time. Plenty of smiles as they were returning this morning, though, which is always a testament to the ‘true grit’ experience. If dirty feet, tousled hair and laughter are an indication of a successful overnight, then I think we’re doing our job.
So as we all gather this evening for dinner, back together as a full camp for the first time in days, the dining room will indeed be alive with chatter, laughs, stories, and the comfort of being part of a nurturing community.
Thank you living vicariously through all of the newsy letters you’ve received (I’m writing that with a grin…), blog posts and your own memories of camp, wherever they may be from. Camp is such a gift in the lives of these campers – and we appreciate your willingness to send them on the ‘train ride’ of a lifetime. We are eager for these last few incredible days together…
All Aboard!
Sheila, Director
