It is hard to believe that we have been in camp almost a week already. Our program is in full swing. We’ve started our inter-camp competition. We have celebrated our traditions at the opening campfire.
Tonight, our counselors entertained us at the Counselor Talent Show. The Counselor Talent Show has a much greater purpose than entertaining our boys. It’s an opportunity for those on stage to show our campers that it is healthy to get outside one’s comfort zone and have fun. The end of the first week is also a time when a few boys come to my office to talk about small conflicts that come up, time to time, in the bunks. It’s not much different than the relationships we maintain as adults.
When we first meet people, we are on our best behavior. A firm handshake, a pleasant smile, and casual conversation are standard. But the more we spend time with others we start to notice those little idiosyncrasies that can sometimes be annoying. For campers, the concerns include, “Why is he always the last out of bed? He never helps when it’s time to sweep. His cubby is always messy. Why can’t he take his shoes off when he walks into the bunk?”
I’ve always believed that the most important element of camp is teaching children how to live with others. Teaching tolerance is often a lost art. As we come down to the end of week one, we pay careful attention to reinforcing the positive values that are taught in your home. Compassion, patience, and tolerance are important values of the Camp Takajo community.
