Dance 1

Dear Families and Friends –

Our 2nd Session campers are having a wonderful time and are swiftly getting in the ‘flow’ of camp – from the wake-up bell at 7:20am to the curfew bell at 9:45 – they’ve been busy learning about all we offer here at camp, settling into their tents and tipis and creating new friendships every day.

Adobe

Each unit went through Orientation Day on Thursday, checking in with the nurse, learning about our recycling and trash system at camp, and visiting most of our program areas to learn about safety and all of the potential each activity has to offer. They have also spent some good time in their unit getting to know each other, going over policies and boundaries, and creating their Code of Living, which is a guiding and living document that helps the community live up to their fullest potential with each other. These codes vary, depending on the input of each camper, and include a diverse set of characteristics and tenets that each member strives to live up to throughout the session, such as teamwork, respecting each others opinions and and belongings, being a good listener, sense of humor, and many others.

Archers Explorers

We’ve had two evening campfires so far where the units get to take part in skits and show off their improvisational talent. We also sing songs, tell jokes and get to look at an amazing view while watching everyone perform.

Pioneer Opening Campfire Mountaineer Opening Campfire Wayfarer Opening Campfire

Regular program activities kicked-off on Thursday afternoon, so campers have been busy in Drama, Archery, Craft Shop, Waterfront, Ropes Course, Adobe, Nature, Garden and NCA (Native Cultural Activities). Archers and Explorers had their first overnight on Friday, getting the opportunity to sleep outside and cook their meals over the fire. All other units will be heading out on their first overnight in the next couple of days.

Mariners Drama 2 - 25.07.14 Explorers Archery 9 25.07.14Adobe 2

And then there’s the camp dance, where we clear the lodge of all tables and chairs and get to do folk dances and square dances led by live callers and our talented staff band. Every unit will get to do this twice throughout the session, culminating in an all-camp dance on the last night of camp.

Dance 2

Sunday is kind of like our ‘anchor day’, where we clean up our units (tipi inspection day!), come together as a community for some reflection and dialogue at Chapel, then enjoy a delicious mid-day ‘dinner’ followed by Musicale, which is like a talent show where any camper/staff can share any level of talent they choose – and feel supported for doing so! We then have open activities where campers pick what they’d like to do (beach time, games, special craft time, etc) and close the day with Nosebags (picnic on property) and focused unit time.

So as you can tell, we’ve had a great first five days together and are eagerly looking forward to more program time, unit time, singing time and hang-out time with new friends. I will keep you posted a couple of times a week with new pictures and updates on our adventures as they happen. We are grateful for the community of people we get to interact with and thank you for your support as we journey down this path together.

Wishing you the best and brightest of summer days –

Sheila

Troubador Wall 2