For the second time this summer, we are thrilled to welcome 170 campers to Johns Island!
Everyone arrived safe and sound this afternoon after a long day of travel. Some campers began their journeys via planes, and others via cars and buses. A few even came by seaplane! But everyone made it safely to our mutual destination.
Campers were all smiles as the boats docked at Camp.
The last leg of the trip, the boat ride to Camp, lasted between one and two hours, depending on the boat, and campers eagerly counted down the minutes until arrival. Checking in with staff members repeatedly to ask the time, and peering out the windows and over the bow of the boat for their first sight of Camp, they couldn’t wait to get to Johns. Returners and first-time campers alike lit up as soon as the Camp dock came into view!
Running under the “welcome bridge” signals the official start of Camp!
Upon arrival at the dock, the campers disembarked to wild applause from our gathered staff. Everyone took a turn running under our “welcome bridge” of upheld staff arms. A Nor’wester tradition, the welcome bridge encourages campers to make a quick dash under the bridge of staff arms, accompanied by the staff clapping and cheering them on. It’s a loud and joyful experience!
Every camper got a personal welcome from Camp Director Sheila as they disembarked!
Now the campers are meeting in their units with their unit leaders and other staff, continuing to get to know one another. Soon everyone will be gathering in the Lodge for the first meal of the session, complete with introductions and orientations and singing. And then campers will be off to their units again to unpack luggage and settle into their tipis. The first night of the session is always memorable, with the initial unit campfire setting the tone for the upcoming month at Camp.
Tomorrow is a big day of program orientations and our opening campfire, so everyone will heading to bed early tonight. We are so excited to have our Second Session campers here, and we’re looking forward to all that the next four weeks have in store!