Tomorrow marks the end of First Session, but the last few days have been filled with the excitement of Olympic Games! Campers split into Red and Blue teams and spent two full days fanning the flames of team spirit. With team cheers, team songs, team mascots, team song leaders, and team captains, there were plenty of opportunities to demonstrate enthusiasm for your team!
The Red team displayed their team spirit via cheers, songs, face paint, and of course, team colors!
Highlights from the two days included the team challenges scored by various department areas; the ridiculous, multi-part, raccoon-themed skit presented by staff; a delicious salmon bake on the beach; and the end-of-session “Night at the Marina” Art Night put on by our Craft Shop staff and displaying the artwork of many of our creative campers. Red and Blue captains and other leaders also teamed up together to host a meaningful final Chapel on the second day of the Games. Their thoughtful and thought-provoking program invited us all to reflect on the identity of our authentic selves and how we can make the transition from camp life to home while retaining that same authenticity.
The Blue campers showed up in full force to support their team!
Olympic Games culminated on the second evening with Banquet, Musicale, captains’ speeches, and team songs. Everyone came to Banquet wearing their very best, and the Islanders and Wayfarers gallantly served the meal to all the tables. After a delicious and festive feast, campers and staff alike took part in the Banquet tradition of writing and passing notes throughout the Lodge. We then transitioned into Musicale, where the presentations of lovely music, amusing skits, and unusual skills reminded us of how many talented campers we have among us!
The team captains’ speeches at the end of the Games were heartfelt and inspiring.
Finally, it was time for the team captains of the Red and Blue teams to make their speeches. One Troubadour and one Mountaineer from each team stepped up to the mic to talk about how much Camp has meant to them personally and what they will carry away with them from this place. Several wiped away tears as they reflected on how dear to their hearts Camp has become. The speeches were followed by the presentation and judging of the team songs; plenty of hand motions, creative choreography, and spirited singing filled the Lodge as the teams sang their hearts out!
At the end of the day, ties of friendship still won out over team assignments.
In the end, the Red team was declared the winner of the Olympic Games by a narrow margin. There will be opportunities for another spirited competition next summer, but for now, everyone is focused on savoring the time we have left together at Camp. Temporary rivals left the Lodge as friends once more, and thoughts turned to the last day of Camp: There’s still packing and cleaning to be done before the All Camp Dance and final campfires this evening.
It’s hard to believe that the last night of First Session is here, but all our campers are determined to make the most out of every remaining second here at Camp!