Today was an amazing day at Camp Takajo. It was a warm, sunny, and breezy day, and our program was in full swing at all age levels. We have managed to escape the intense heat and humidity that has invaded the East Coast. However, we are bracing ourselves for what is expected over the next few days.
Our 12-year-old boys participated in a tennis tournament in New Hampshire as well as in a lacrosse tournament in Maine. Our 13-year-olds represented us in a football tournament at a nearby camp. We also participated in two 14-and-under basketball tournaments. One was hosted at Takajo and one at a nearby camp, giving our boys more of an opportunity to compete in round ball. In addition, our 15-year-old boys took part in a beach volleyball tournament. In all events, our Takajo boys showed amazing effort and great sportsmanship.
Some of our boys took advantage of this beautiful day and went to Point Sebago Golf Course to play 18 holes. Point Sebago, which is located just 5 miles from camp, was the home of the Maine Open just a few years ago and is considered one of the best courses in the state.
After a well-deserved shower, our 12-year-old boys headed over to Tripp Lake Camp for the first social of this season. Meanwhile our 13-year-old boys met the ladies of Tripp Lake at Spare Time Bowling for some co-ed fun on the lanes. As one would expect, our waterfront was overflowing with campers, who could not wait to take a refreshing dip in our magnificent lake.
I cannot end this blog without reflecting on a great conversation I had with a really wonderful camp mom earlier this afternoon. She credited our camp tutors for helping her child with his writing skills and then proceeded to tell me she was able to read for the first time his legible letter, which indicated he was not having fun. We chuckled over the fact that she actually enjoyed when her son’s letters were illegible because she never worried about his happiness at camp. However, this one line made her go into detective mode. She searched through every camp photo looking to see who her son was standing next to, what activities he was taking part in, and whether he was smiling.
We discussed the bunk, counselors and a host of other things. This mom is an awesome lady, and our conversation was admittedly tongue in cheek. She hated feeling like she was one of “those” moms, but she needed to make the call. I promised to check on her son and report back as soon as possible. Because he was out on a trip with his bunkmates to the natural water slides, I would not be able to investigate his unhappiness until he returned gleefully and enthusiastically from this amazing trip. These moments in time are going to happen at camp, in school, and even in our homes.
Unhappiness at camp is like the weather in Florida. You might experience a brief shower but it’s always followed by bright sunshine and clear skies.
