For our younger campers, the week when Big Trips are out is one filled with special activities and events. We strive to make the most of what we affectionately call “Small Camp” and offer unique opportunities for the younger units while their older counterparts are gone on outcamp trips. One of the most beloved Small Camp traditions is the celebration of Nell Day.
Nell Day began as a commemoration of the woman who previously owned the Johns Island property on which Camp is now located. Nell Robinson was a remarkable woman who shaped the history of Johns Island and left a lasting impression upon all who knew her. Nell Day pays tribute to her and allows us as a Camp community to reflect on our connection to the past and to the land.
To celebrate Nell Day, campers and staff go all out with skits, special open activities, costumes, face painting, an epic scavenger hunt, and watermelons. Yes, watermelons. Watermelons are key to Nell Day.
Can’t have Nell Day without watermelon!
The morning kicked off with the announcement of the Nell Day teams: Orange, yellow, pink, purple, and green teams were announced by staff members in color-coordinated costumes presenting skits to introduce themselves and their selected camper captains. Once the respective team rosters were read aloud, it was off to the drama shed and the craft shop to find color-specific attire and apply face paint so that everyone could boldly represent their team colors. The rest of the morning was filled with “Nell Day Specials,” during which campers could sign up for special activities like open crafts time or “Raptor Tag,” a camper favorite.
Face paint and costumes are essential for representing your color team.
After lunch, more skits launched the theme for the afternoon scavenger hunt: Find the watermelon! The teams spread out across the island to solve riddles and complete challenges posed by the staff members guarding clues at each station of the scavenger hunt. Once the final clue led the teams to their last location, campers had to find the hidden watermelon and race back to the finish line carrying their sweet prize. The Green Team finished the hunt first, but other teams were close on their heels.
Team spirit ran high among all our all our color teams!
We brought Nell Day to a close with a campfire full of silly and creative skits based on the themes of teamwork, cooperation, and watermelons (of course). Afterwards, everyone headed up to the Lodge to watch the 2016 camp movie and reminisce about wonderful experiences from last summer and this session so far.
The scavenger hunt was a colorful and energetic event!
A wonderful Nell Day was had by one and all, and we’re so grateful for the time we’ve gotten to spend with our younger campers this week. Big Trips return later today, and we’re looking forward to having all of our units back together once more. By dinnertime tonight, “Big Camp” will be back in session!