We woke up to a slightly overcast day at Takajo, but no one minded as it was Lazy Man’s Morning, which means Dunkin’ Donuts for breakfast. Our boys really appreciated the extra hour of sleep and relaxed pace to our morning, especially after three, packed weeks of activities. During rest hour, our seven registered nurses made their rounds and visited every bunk. They checked each of our boys from head to toe. We do this every week in order to make sure we are not missing any of your son’s medical needs. By mid-afternoon, the sun was shining bright and temperatures reached the low 80’s, similar to the forecast that is being predicted all week long.
In the evening, the entire camp came together in the MJG Playhouse, named after our camp’s founder, Morty J. Goldman. Takajo was founded in 1947, and Morty built this playhouse just a few years later in 1951. While Takajo was already considered by many as a premier sports camp, Morty felt it was important to build a camp that offered a wide range of activities. He decided to build the playhouse even before he built indoor rec. halls and sports complexes. Some of the most memorable evenings to ever take place in camp occurred on stage in the MJG Playhouse.
Tonight was no exception. Our Senior campers were in prime form as they entertained us with a Broadway favorite, The Lion King. This play had never been done before at camp, yet it was preformed to perfection by our Senior boys and featured wonderful cameos by some of our amazing staff. As I was watching the performance, I could not help but reflect on conversations I have had with one of our stars in the play.
This young man is as kind and gentle as anyone we have ever had at Takajo. Yet for some reason, he questioned whether he should have returned this summer. He loves his bunkmates and feels very much at home on Long Lake. Nevertheless, his summer started with deep contemplation. He commented to me at one point during our conversations that he admires those he watches shine on our athletic fields and how they receive such accolades for their talents. I responded by telling this young man that the playhouse stage is the only activity in camp where the whole community gets to witness a star performance.
This camper has never considered himself a star but was able to take a step back and recognize that his talents are admired and respected as much as any other person in this camp. As I watched this actor take his final bow to a roaring ovation, I could not help but think of Morty Goldman’s vision to recognize that there are many ways for a camp to build self-confidence and self-esteem. For our thespians this evening, you made our founder proud.
