Hello Dear Families and Friends,

We’ve had another energized week of activities and adventures here on Johns Island. The weather has been gorgeous, with chilly nights and mornings turning to warm and sunny days. We are using lots of sunscreen, eating three full and bountiful meals per day, and working through all of the group dynamics that come with living closely with a group of people for weeks at a time. Friendships are strengthening and shared experiences are helping all of us to grow closer with each passing day.

Our four oldest units headed out on their Big Trips last Sunday, participating in one of the following: Kayaking, Alpine Backpacking, Sailing, Mountain Biking, Mount Baker, or Canoeing/Tern. We are eager to see them back at camp tomorrow and hear all about their adventures outside of our home base here on Johns.

In the meantime, the remaining units at camp – Voyageurs, Foresters, Vagabonds, Pioneers, Mariners – have had the run of the place, taking advantage of all of our wonderful programs, and most recently, participating in the all-day event we call Nell Robinson Day. All campers are divided into teams and assigned a color to be for the day. They then have activities, challenges, scavenger hunts, chants, and skits to perform. We ended the day by watching the 2011 camp movie, then went to bed, knowing that sleep-in morning was coming up (no wake-up bells and open buffet-style breakfast). We had a great day getting to know campers from other units and building team pride over the course of 12 hours.

This coming weekend holds many things to look forward to – including our Indian Dances, Visitor’s Weekend, where we will get a chance to see and meet some of you, our annual on-site Board of Director’s Meeting, Campfire, Chapel, Musicale, and Coffee House.

We miss our youngest campers – the Archers and Explorers – but know they are all safe at home now, singing lively songs, showing you how they learned to set the dinner table, and telling great tales of their adventures at camp. They were all honored on their final night at a Campfire especially for them, with songs, skits and awards. We look forward to having them back at camp next summer.

Stay tuned for an upcoming post on the status of the canoe carving…as well as a Big Trip Overview and a Little Big Trip preview!

All the Best,

Sheila