It is difficult to imagine what takes place on any given day at Camp Takajo. As I made my way to the office this morning, some of our older campers were already dressed in Takajo uniforms, heading into the dining room for an early breakfast, as they prepared for a day of inter-camp tennis at a neighboring camp. Minutes later, a group of boys arrived with backpacks in hand, sun screen, bug spray and water bottles in tow, as they prepared to set off for their journey, hiking in the White Mountains.
A chef and three line cooks, dressed in white, were hard at work, preparing the morning’s breakfast. Our maintenance crew was emptying trash cans and sweeping the deck around the office, in preparation for this glorious day. By mid-morning, we were in full-swing, hosting an inter-camp tennis tournament, a round robin basketball tournament, and roller hockey games against a neighboring foe. As I walked across campus, I could hear cheers coming from the basketball court. The younger campers missed hobbies, so they could support our oldest boys at play.
The best way to make life-long friends and fall in love with camp is to jump right in and get busy. This is the time of year when campers begin to pick up momentum, where opportunities are plentiful and encouragement to join is contagious. I can sense during this time of year how campers and counselors, who were complete strangers, are now becoming a part of the Takajo family. As staff members we can recognize your son’s expression, tell by the look in his eyes whether he is happy and content, or in need of an encouraging word or hug. This is the time of year where counselors have earned their campers trust so that even our little ones speak up and know their voices will be heard. As I write this blog, I sit at my desk looking out over Long Lake as the sun sets, watching boys with fishing poles and hoping for the last catch of the day. Sail boats return to their moorings, and the last skiers hang up their life jackets. I feel great pride knowing what is taking place here at Takajo, and the best is still yet to come.
