It’s a time of transition here on Johns Island. Tipis are coming down, twilight is arriving earlier every evening, and shades of orange and red are starting to appear on the deciduous trees. Even as bright sunshine still warms the shore, our minds are shifting towards the coming autumn season.
Families participated in several program activities, including the ropes course, during Family Camp.
However, the last week of August holds one final gem before the summer ends. After our Second Session campers leave and before camp closes for the fall, we welcome prospective campers and their families to a short, four-day session known officially as “Explore Nor’wester” and affectionately as “Family Camp.” Family Campers have the opportunity to live in tipis and platform tents, participate in activities at the waterfront, craft shop, garden, ropes course, and outdoor cooking, eat and sing together in the Lodge, partake in campfire skits, dances, and Musicale, and get a sense of what being a Nor’wester camper is like.
Adults and kids alike took turns learning how to be “jumpers” at every meal in the Lodge.
This year, 22 families joined us for Family Camp. It was a fun and memorable time for all of us, staff and families alike, as we got to know one another, share camp traditions, and live in community. By the end of the four days, several of our young campers were eager to sign up for a full session of camp!
Family Camp provides opportunities for plenty of downtime as well as activity time – families can be as busy or as relaxed as they choose!
Despite its brevity, we’re thankful for the time we got to share with our Family Camp families. The experience of introducing newcomers and reacquainting old friends with Johns Island and camp traditions was truly special. It also offered us many opportunities to reflect with gratitude on all the remarkable things that have happened at camp this summer and all of the wonderful people who have played a part in it.
We are very grateful to everyone who has contributed to the Summer 2019 experience and helped to make another magical Nor’wester summer. Thank you all!