Our Independence Day celebration was wonderful! Although the weather was less than ideal it didn’t dampen the festivities. The girls Units did a clean sweep – the Vagabond Unit won the Milk Carton Boat race and the Voyaguers won Best in Show for their Red, White and Blueberry pie.
The second overnight of the session was Thursday and was a great success. The weather was more cooperative, bringing clear skies for all and a beautiful sunset for those Units on the west side of the property. The Archer and Explorer Units enjoyed two prime locations – Cottonwood Cove and Read’s Point.
The Farewell Campfire, dedicated to the Archers and Explorers, was hosted by the Mountaineers, with contributions from the Troubadours and the Mariners. Mountaineers and Troubadours served as Big Brothers/Sisters to our youngest campers and both Units spoke about how that opportunity made their senior year at Camp more significant to them.
There was a wonderful crowd at the dock to see the departing units off at 7:00am Saturday morning. Many campers and staff gathered at the lodge at 6:30am to serve as an escort to the boats. Given the early, this is a voluntary activity and it is always nice to see it well attended.
All the 5-day trips got off on Sunday. Alpine, Baker, Kayaks and Bikes all left the property before breakfast and Sailing was on the water before noon. The weather is the biggest challenge they will face the first day or two – rains and winds in most areas. All the trips reported in Sunday night, having arrived safe and sound to their first night location.
While the big campers are out, the middle Units are our focus. As I write, the Rangers and Vagabonds are preparing for a day trip to Stuart Island. They will enjoy sack lunches and take a 7 mile round trip hike to the Turn Point Lighthouse. All Units have greater access to departments given the reduced numbers and the Foresters/Voyaguers will have some leadership opportunity tomorrow during our Nell Robinson Day activities. This day is dedicated to the woman who lived on the property for 50 years, raising a family and sheep. The whole camp is divided into 5 teams, with the Foresters and Voyaguers in the roles of Team Leaders. In the morning, individual campers sign up for Special Activities – things not normally offered through the departments, and in the afternoon, teams will participate in a property wide Treasure Hunt. The day will conclude with an evening campfire where each team presents a skit and then a showing of the Camp movie shot during the 2008 summer.
By Thursday evening we will be a larger community, with the Big Trip people back at camp. Friday night the Native Cultural Activites program will present examples of NW Coast Native Dances to the entire camp. This is a magical time for our community where we come together in the Bighouse, literally around a blazing fire, and enjoy many dances and songs typical of the NW Native tribes. Bill and Marty Holm introduced this aspect of the program back in the 50’s (Bill was first a counselor in 1942 and met Marty when she started on staff in 1948).
Saturday and Sunday we will be hosting families and friends attending our Visitor’s Weekend. Both days are run as usual so depending on when someone visits they will either see all departments running a typical day program (Saturday) or enjoy our more relaxed Sunday schedule with Musicale (open mike) after the mid-day meal. The Foresters and Voyageurs will be preparing for their Little Big Trips Saturday and will leave Sunday before any Visitors arrive.
That will bring us to the end of our third week! The final week is packed with activities . . . tune in next Monday for the highlights.