Today marks the midway point of second session. The lodge is beginning to resonate with comments like “Really, the little campers are leaving tomorrow?” and “I can’t believe that Big Trips leave in the morning!”. Both these events serve as session mile stones – once the youngest campers head home and the oldest campers leave on trips time seems to accelerate. This week the 6 middle units will have the property and program to themselves, celebrating Nell Robinson Day as a highlight to the week. But before I get into this week I’ll give you some highlights from this past week.
As I mentioned last week, on Sunday we gather as a camp for Chapel. Last week the Pioneers hosted the gathering and lead us through a discussion on the topic of sharing. It was a thoughtful presentation, with just the right amount of humor. Monday night the oldest units participated in Older Unit Specials, where activities normally not offered at camp are hosted by staff and open to coed groups of campers.
Our second overnight on Thursday was very successful. The weather couldn’t have been better. Units spent the evening sharing stories and relaxing together, away from the rest of camp. The Wayfarers sailed Lightnings to Jones Island. This is the first Lightning overnight since we moved to Johns Island and it was very successful. Other units leaving the island included the Foresters going to Reid Harbor and the Islanders kayaking to Prevost Harbor, both on Stuart Island. Our youngest units enjoyed prime overnight locations on property – the Archers went to Magic Beach, the Explorers were at Eagle Rock and the Woodsmen chilled out at Cottonwood Cove. The attached may will give you an idea of the camp layout. Color Trail Map
Friday was Island Fair Day, an all-camp celebration when units bake pies, build milk-carton boats and host a carnival booth. The weather cooperated, kicking up a little wind in the afternoon, but otherwise remaining sunny. Booth topics included: Court House by the Islanders, Face Painting by the Wayfarers, Knock-Knock Jokes by the Explorers, and You-Tube ‘video’ by the Rangers. The Foresters took Best Pie for their Chocolate Oreo ice cream cake as well as winning the milk-carton boat race. The Islanders came in first in the kayak race against the 5 oldest units and the Pioneers came in first in the canoe race. The evening was brought to a close with the oldest units gathering in the lodge to watch the video from last year and the youngest units gathering for story-telling at the craftshop. A well deserved ’sleep-in’ breakfast was enjoyed by everyone Saturday morning. We serve a continental style breakfast from 8:30am – 9:30am. Attendance is optional and pajamas are welcome. A camp favorite , it is a very low key way to ease into the morning schedule.
This past week we had the first precipitation since June. Yesterday was definitely rainy and activities were adjusted accordingly. Most impressive was the positive attitude that permeated the camp. It was almost like people were relieved by the rain. It gave the property a fresh look and gave people a chance to unpack their rain gear.
Last night the Mountaineers hosted the all-camp campfire that was focused on saying goodbye to the youngest campers. Today is another Sunday, but not as laid back as our first. Older units will spend most of the day orienting and packing for their Big Trips, youngest units will spend the morning locating lost and found, packing trunks and saying goodbye to older campers. Chapel, hosted by the Rangers is about begin and we have another full line-up for Musicale. Unit clean-up is also on the schedule. For a quiet day it’s pretty busy!
Coming up this week: Nell Robinson Day on Wednesday, when we celebrate the life of Nell Robinson, the previous owner of our property. Campers will participate in an all-camp scavenger hunt and special activities. Thursday we will have the third overnight of the session, Friday the Big Trips return, and Visitor’s Weekend is Saturday/Sunday. Weather reports indicate that the rain is behind us and we are entering another week of sun and scattered clouds. I’ll check back with you in a week with an update.