The second week of Second Session is fast approaching, and campers marked their first Anchor Day of the session on Sunday. We call this weekly occurrence “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 unit mates.
The Mountaineer unit led the first Chapel of the session on Chapel Rock.
On Sunday morning, the Mountaineer unit led the camp community in a non-denominational service of reflection and sharing that we refer to as “Chapel.” This week’s Chapel centered around the themes of self-acceptance and body positivity, and the Mountaineers encouraged the whole camp to take time to think about and discuss the experiences and questions that these topics raised for us. Spaces for silence and song rounded out our reflective experience together.
Campers shared their musical talents with the entire camp during Musicale.
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!)
After the meal, everyone jumped in to set up the Lodge for Musicale, another special Anchor Day event. Musicale is a time for staff and campers to share their talents with the rest of camp. This sharing time is referred to as “Musicale,” although in addition to musical performances, participants can showcase skits, monologues, or other special talents. This week, our Musicale performers shared songs, poems, and even a juggling act!
Poetry readings also took center stage during Musicale this week!
The afternoon and evening of Anchor Day focus on allowing campers and units to select meaningful activities for themselves. Open activities time allows campers the chance to participate in programs like craft shop, climbing wall, and waterfront based on their personal preferences. Campers from various units mingle at all of the activities, since Anchor Day represents one of the few times during the week when campers can choose their activities individually, rather than attend them with their unit.
A few Rangers practiced their kendama skills during open activities.
Campers can also choose to return to their units and enjoy some downtime during open activities. Units then reconvene to 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.
It was a wonderful first Anchor Day of the session, and we look forward to continuing these special traditions in the three weeks ahead!