It’s already the third day of First Session, and our campers are embracing all the routines and activities of this first week. Tuesday was program orientation day, when campers learned about the expectations and safety guidelines at all the program areas they’ll be using throughout the session. Wednesday marked the first day of regular camp programming, and camper units could be found across the property, enthusiastically gardening, sailing, balancing on the ropes course, and creating all sorts of artwork at the craft shop.
Campers take an active role in helping our garden grow – and in harvesting and sampling its bounty!
At lunchtime on Wednesday, campers experienced their first “Scramble Amble” of the session. (Although most meals are eaten with a camper’s unit leaders and unit mates, at “Scramble Amble” campers can sit at any table they’d like, which gives them the opportunity to spend time with siblings or friends who live in other units.)
The Nor’wester tradition of singing camp songs after lunch and dinner every day continues, with favorites like “The Mermaid” and “Lord Franklin” already capturing campers’ affection. (An extra special treat came at the end of lunch on Tuesday, when a pod of orcas swam past Johns Island! Everyone got up from their tables and gathered on the Lodge steps to watch the four beautiful whales swim by our shore.)
High ropes activities like the “Flying Squirrel” challenge campers’ balance and poise.
Tuesday was also memorable for the introductory campfire that took place on the campfire stage that evening. Hosted by the Waterfront staff, the intro campfire consisted of skits incorporating an outer space storyline and outlandish puns. Each unit was called on stage by the campfire hosts to present a brief skit that introduced every camper to the whole community. Many of the skits found ways to utilize unique and silly references to campers’ names and hometowns in their performances. Following a tradition that stretches back to camp’s founding in 1935, we closed out our campfire by wrapping our arms around one another and singing together “The Golden Day is Dying.”
Team-building on the low ropes course!
In their downtime from all these activities, campers have been settling into their tents and tipis and getting to know their unit mates. Many campers brought decorations or photos from home that they’ve been using to add their own unique flair to their living spaces. Others have been busy constructing shelves and nightstands from driftwood and other found objects. Unit staff have also been assisting campers to create hanging shelves and “closets” from which campers can hang their clothes. In addition to these efforts to feather their nests, campers have been learning about how to live safely and tidily in their tipis and tents, preparing for the inspections that will take place later in the week.
Also on deck for the second half of this week: more program activities, dances in the Lodge, another all-camp campfire, and the first Anchor Day of the session. Stay tuned for more updates from First Session!