On Saturday, the whole camp participated in our first Anchor Day of the session. Despite the rainy weather, it was a beautiful day of all-camp events and activities (and the sun did come out in the afternoon). But what exactly is Anchor Day?
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. Anchor Days also give campers the opportunity to participate in self-selected “open activities” in the afternoon and to spend the evening bonding with their unit leaders and unitmates.
Campers from the Mountaineer unit encouraged us to reflect on the importance of communication at the first Chapel service of the session.
For our first Anchor Day of the session, the Mountaineer unit led the camp community in a non-denominational service of reflection and sharing we call Chapel. Due to the rain, we all gathered in the Bighouse for Chapel, rather than walking out to Chapel Rock on camp’s north shore. Under the Mountaineers’ leadership, we all took time to think, discuss, and sing about the importance of communication in our relationships and community.
Following Chapel, we enjoyed a special mid-day “dinner,” complete with ham, mashed potatoes, salad, and birthday cake for dessert. (On Anchor Days we celebrate all the camper and staff birthdays that have occurred during the past week – and we sing “Happy Birthday” to all the honorees!)
Musicale gives campers a chance to share their talents with the whole camp.
Once the meal was finished, it was time to set up the Lodge for Musicale. Musicale is a chance for the whole camp to watch performances by both campers and staff. This sharing time is referred to as “Musicale,” although in addition to musical performances, participants can showcase skits, monologues, or special talents. Our campers wowed the audience with their musical and theatrical gifts this week, and there were many group acts as well as solos.
Performing in front of an audience can be intimidating, but campers cheer one another on and make sure every performer feels supported.
Campers spent the last portion of the afternoon participating in their chosen open activities. Afterwards, every unit gathered supplies for their “nosebags” – that is, sack dinners – and they walked together to their own private picnic spot. Nosebags give each unit the chance to check in after a long and full day, and the quiet, unstructured time allows the campers and unit leaders to reflect on the week and look ahead to the next one.
It’s been a wonderful first week with our campers, and Anchor Day was the perfect opportunity to express our gratitude for what has already happened and to anticipate all that’s still to come. We’re very excited to move into week two of First Session!
