You can tell the Takajo program is clicking on all cylinders by the number of school buses that drove in and out of camp today. Our intercamp program is underway, and our boys in junior and senior camps enjoyed competing in basketball, lacrosse, and volleyball. Whenever possible, we try to compete in round robin tournaments so that our boys get a chance to play in at least two competitive games. Seeing our boys competing side-by-side in their Takajo uniforms is a sight that brings enormous pride to our community.
While the intercamp games were thrilling and competitive, the most iconic moment of the summer so far was a game that took place last night between our fourteen and fifteen year old boys. In what started out as normal banter between boys, a few of our fourteen-year-old Sub-Seniors called out their older counterparts (the Okees) and challenged them in the dining room to a game immediately after dinner. If the Okees were to lose, they would relinquish their privileges to the newly renovated senior rec. hall to their younger opponents. If the Sub-Seniors were to lose, they would lose their own privileges to the senior rec. hall and would have to retire to bed thirty minutes earlier for three consecutive nights.
The word quickly spread throughout camp of this challenge, and hundreds of campers and counselors lined the court to witness the event. Both teams played with great heart and teamwork. By the end of the first half, the score was tied. The cheers and screams echoed throughout campus, and more onlookers continued pouring in as the second half began. After a hard-fought battle, the Sub-Seniors eventually squeaked out a victory, beating the Okees by four points.
While the skill, determination, and competitive style of play was exciting to watch, it gave me great satisfaction to witness our youngest campers cheering on these older boys who they look up to every single day. When the game came to an end and the Sub-Seniors ran off in jubilation, the most dominant player remained on the court and graciously greeted the youngest campers, who were clearly awestruck by his presence. Without mentioning a word, his kindness and humility acted as an incredible teaching moment for our younger boys in camp.
