As I sit down to write the last blog of the summer season, I’m reminded of a question that was asked of me not too long ago. I was asked, what profession I would have selected had I not had the opportunity to go into camping.
The answer is quite simple. Since 1970, I have spent my summers on the shore of Long Lake at Camp Takajo. The life lessons I’ve learned at camp have guided me throughout my entire life. Many children today are afforded special opportunities, and there are more choices for one to spend his summer than there were back in my day. However, the Takajo experience is one that I believe in and can honestly say from experience that it has made me into the person I am today.
Every morning when I wake up at camp, my complete focus is on the safety and well-being of every child at camp. I know what it feels like when I see my child hurt or dejected, and I am honored to be able to stand in your absence as a surrogate parent helping your child through these life experiences. So, when I am asked what I would do if I wasn’t running Camp Takajo, my answer has always remained the same. I could not imagine being anywhere else but Camp Takajo. I feel like I am the luckiest man on Earth to have this job, and I thank you for your confidence and the trust that you place in me each and every day of the summer. Enjoy the last few weeks of summer, and I look forward to seeing you back here next year.
