Once a week, the entire camp gathers for a day of mutual reflection, engagement, and sharing. We call this special day “Anchor Day” because it offers us a consistent touchpoint for connecting to one another and to our values as a community.

For our first Anchor Day of the session, the day began with the Voyageur unit leading the camp community in a non-denominational service of reflection and sharing we call Chapel. Congregated on Chapel Rock, we discussed together the theme of “stress and anxiety” and how we can support one another. Spaces for silence and song rounded out our reflective experience.

Large group of campers gathered at Chapel Rock with the ocean in the background

Every week, one camper unit leads the rest of the camp in reflecting upon a chosen topic together at Chapel Rock.

Following Chapel, we gathered in the Lodge for our special Anchor Day “dinner” (mid-afternoon meal) complete with ham, mashed potatoes, salad, and birthday cake for dessert. (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!)

A group of people listens to three speakers and a few raise their hands to be called upon

Audience participation is encouraged at our Chapel gatherings, and many campers and staff choose to share their relevant experiences with the whole group.

Then it was time 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. This week at Musicale, campers and staff shared poetry, songs, and dramatic performances to the wild applause of the whole camp.

Three campers sing into a microphone while one plays guitar in front of an audience

There are always a few duets or trios featured in addition to solo acts at every week’s Musicale.

Anchor Day closes out with “nosebags,” or picnic suppers taken out to various points on the camp property where units can eat and relax as small groups. Nosebags give each unit the chance to check in after a long and full day, and the quiet, unstructured time allows the campers and unit leaders to reflect on the past week and look ahead to the next one.

A camper plays the ukelele and sings into a microphone in front of an audience

Music, poetry, dance, joke-telling, and even juggling – all sorts of talent are welcome at Musicale!

It’s been an exciting and fun two weeks here at camp, and there’s so much more in store as First Session continues!

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