Our Second Session campers have now arrived safely on Johns Island!
Unit leaders were thrilled to meet new campers and see returning ones – and campers were certainly excited to see their unit leaders!
Families and campers gathered at three drop-off spots this morning where they said their goodbyes, dropped off luggage, met with counselors, and loaded buses and boats for camp. Our travel staff met campers flying in to Sea-Tac airport, while other staff greeted campers and their families at Meridian Park Elementary School in North Seattle and Skyline Marina in Anacortes. Buses of campers and staff from both the airport and school sites then drove north to the marina, where all the campers and staff boarded charter boats bound for Johns Island.
The school drop-off point was bustling with campers, family members, and camp staff.
We couldn’t have asked for better weather for our campers’ arrival. Skies above the Salish Sea shone blue and clear, and bright sunshine and warm temperatures accompanied the boats on their one- to two-hour long journeys to camp.
The excitement was palpable on the buses heading to Skyline Marina!
Once the campers arrived at the dock, they disembarked to wild cheers from our awaiting staff, who beckoned them through the traditional arrival “welcome bridge” and onto shore. 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!
Following this jubilant welcome, campers made their way to the Lodge, where they completed their lice screenings and health check-ins with our nursing staff. Then there was just enough time before dinner for campers to gather in their units, where they received their tipi assignments and continued getting to know their counselors and their unitmates.
Campers jumped off the boats and headed straight for the welcome bridge amidst cheers of welcome!
At 6pm, everyone gathered at the Lodge for the first meal of the session. Our directors welcomed everyone, making sure that all campers knew where they were sitting and how our meal etiquette operates here at camp. Staff introductions and singing followed dinner; we sang several camp favorites, including “The Mermaid” and “Wild Mountain Thyme.”
After the meal, all the campers returned to their units to unpack and settle in. It’s been a long day for our travelers, and so after some group time with their counselors and unitmates, they’ll be heading to bed early tonight. Tomorrow will be a busy day full of program orientations, more unit bonding, and the opening campfire. We’re so excited to have our Second Session campers here, and we can’t wait to see what incredible adventures the next four weeks will hold!