Camp has been a little smaller for the past few days, but for a wonderful reason: Big Trips are happening this week!
For five days each session, our four oldest units set out on a grand adventure. In small groups of 10 to 20 people total, campers embark on trips that are at once challenging and magical. Before Camp begins, campers in the Mountaineer, Troubadour, Islander, and Wayfarer units select their trip of choice. There are six incredible options to choose from, each unforgettable: There’s a sailing trip, a kayaking trip, a Hunt canoe trip, a biking trip, an alpine backpacking trip, and a mountaineering trip up to the summit of Mt. Baker. Our Big Trips set out last Sunday, and they will be returning to Camp throughout the day today.
Nell Day means color teams, costumes, and a dash of silliness!
Meanwhile, the week when Big Trips are out is one filled with special activities and events for our younger campers. 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.
Some of our campers got very creative when it came to finding accessories to display their team color!
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.
As they approached the finish line, the Pink Team proudly displayed their scavenger hunt prize: A beautiful watermelon!
To celebrate Nell Day, campers and staff go all out with skits, color teams, special open activities, costumes, face painting, an epic scavenger hunt, and watermelons. Yes, watermelons. Watermelons are key to Nell Day.
At the end of the scavenger hunt was the “finish bridge,” a portal of cheers leading to delicious melon slices!
With special activities in the morning and a watermelon scavenger hunt in the afternoon, this Nell Day was filled with color, excitement, and team spirit. A campfire full of silly and creative skits based on the themes of teamwork, cooperation, and watermelons (of course) capped off all the celebrations. The Purple Team won the day, but the prizes of watermelon, friendship, and fun were shared by one and all.
All the teams who completed the scavenger hunt banded together to expand the finish bridge for the other teams as they arrived with their watermelon prizes.
All in all, it was a wonderful Nell Day, 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!