As the first few days of Second Session have turned into a week, campers have been getting into the swing of camp rhythms and experiencing some special once-a-week occurrences for the first time this summer. One of those special times is Anchor Day.
Once a week, the entire camp gathers together for a day of mutual reflection, engagement, and sharing. We call this 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.
The Troubadours led the first Chapel of the session, inviting the entire camp to reflect on the role of the individual within community.
One of the highlights of every Anchor Day is something we call Chapel. This week for Chapel, the Troubadour unit led the camp community in a non-denominational service of reflection and sharing centered around the theme of the individual in community. As a group and in pairs, we discussed how the different strengths, identities, and experiences we have as individuals add value to a better, more vibrant community than if we were all the same.
Following Chapel, campers enjoyed field games and then the special Anchor Day mid-day meal, complete with birthday cake. (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!)
Lots of camper talent was shared at our first Musicale!
After the meal, we 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.
The afternoon and evening of Anchor Day focus on allowing campers and units to select meaningful activities for themselves. Campers can participate in open activities in the afternoon, where they can take part in available program offerings as they choose. They can also return to their units and enjoy some down-time. Units eat the evening meal together picnic-style at various sites across the island, which gives the group a chance to check in with one another, reflect on the past week, and make plans for coming activities.
Campers fine-tune their trip skills (including bike skills for biking trips) with trip leaders before they leave camp.
This week, one of those coming activities is the first overnight trip of the session! All of our camper units will be embarking on an overnight this week, with some campers staying at camping spots around the camp property and others leaving for outcamp trips. However, our eldest units left a day ahead of the others to spend two nights away from camp. The Troubadours and Mountaineers departed on Monday for these trips, with the Troubadours heading to Mount Erie on the mainland for some rock climbing and the Mountaineers traveling to Lopez Island to perform community service projects. We’re looking forward to hearing all about their adventures – along with the overnight experiences of our other campers – when all the units return to camp on Tuesday afternoon!
