Once a week, the entire Camp gathers together for a day of mutual reflection, engagement, and sharing. We call this special day “Anchor Day” because it offers us a consistent touchpoint for connecting to one another and to our values as a community. This past Sunday, we had our first Anchor Day of Second Session.
The Mountaineers led the first Chapel of Second Session with a reflection on the importance of patience.
Every Anchor Day includes a non-denominational Chapel service hosted by one of the units. This is a time for us to rest from the busyness and activity of the week, enjoy space for quiet introspection, come together as a whole Camp, and reflect on a common theme. The Mountaineers hosted our first Chapel of the session, encouraging us to think about the concept of patience. The presenters shared how patience is a core value in their unit’s code of living, and they urged us to consider how patience is an important piece of camp living for everyone.
Following Chapel, campers had field time, with the option to play sports on the soccer field, read, journal, or relax. Afterwards, everyone reconvened in the Lodge for a special Anchor Day dinner, complete with birthday cake (celebrating every camper who had a birthday during the past week) for dessert!
Campers shared songs, dances, recitations, and more at the first Musicale of the session.
Then we all pitched in to rearrange the tables and chairs in the Lodge for Musicale. Every week, the whole camp gathers to watch and cheer on performances by campers and staff alike. This sharing time is referred to as “Musicale,” although in addition to musical performances, participants can showcase skits, monologues, or special talents. Musicale is a great place to premiere a song or try out a new magic trick, even if you’ve never been on stage before, because the whole community is rooting for you to succeed. This past week’s Musicalers wowed the crowd with memorable musical selections, recitations, and audience participation numbers!
Commanding performances kept everyone engaged during Musicale.
All in all, this Anchor Day was a fantastic way to end our first week at Camp, offering us the opportunity to focus on what we’d like the rest of the session to hold for us as a community. We’re confident that great things are in store!