There are many days during summer that are special and unique, but few hold the importance of this day. Since 1947, Camp Takajo has had an opening campfire, which is the first opportunity for the whole camp to come together. If you ask our alumni what memories resonate from their camping days, many will tell you that the most special times took place at our Indian Council Fires.
Tonight at 8 o’clock, Warren played a “call to council,” and the entire camp walked in silence into our Indian Council Ring. Under a star-lit sky, next to a roaring fire, twelve campers participated in our candle lighting ceremony, starting with our youngest crow camper, to our oldest senior camper. Each camper explained the meaning of one of the Takajo Arch Ideals. While most people assume that summer camps teach athletic skills, we believe it is far more important to help our boys grow into morally and ethically sound young men. The Indian Council Fire is a time when campers and counselors can reflect on the first few days of the summer and recognize that they are in control of their own success and happiness. As my eyes ascended from the youngest campers sitting on the bottom row, to our oldest campers sitting at the top, I was reminded of how quickly each summer passes. I have a unique perspective and the privilege of watching these young boys as they mature into fine men. Our traditions and core values allow our campers to have an experience that cannot be found anywhere else but Camp Takajo.
