I’m sure that there are times in life that we wished we had crystal ball so that we could see into the future. I am a firm believer that the Camp Takajo experience has far greater meaning than developing athletic skills over the course of one summer.
The other day, this was proven to me when a group of former campers returned to their summer home to relive their childhood memories. While I have lost track of some of these young men since they left the shores of Long Lake, their relationships have remained intact and intertwined through their college years. Some of these guys were roommates in college. Others have traveled extensively together during their summers off, but the one thing that was constant for all of these guys was the sheer joy and thrill when they drove through the Camp Takajo gate, again.
I am not here to make the statement that every child needs the camp experience to achieve happiness and a productive life; however, I am convinced that the Takajo experience can be “life-altering.” These fine, young men are now college graduates, and they attribute a significant part of who they are today to the years spent together at camp. They acknowledged rough moments away from home but felt their parents gave them the greatest gift by placing them in a healthy and safe environment, where they would have to navigate for themselves.
One former camper commented that camp helped him learn to problem solve, compromise, and to rely on his own instincts. Another commented that, beyond age-appropriate adversity, is an inner-strength that will fuel his personality for the rest of his life. As I hugged these guys goodbye at the end of a beautiful day, I took solace in knowing that the Takajo experience created friendships that will last a lifetime.
- Warriors- Tennis Tournament at Camp Cedar for ten-and-under campers
- Juniors- There are two soccer tournaments going on today for the Juniors; one team at Cedar, the other team at Takajo.
- Seniors- Senior fifteen-and-under campers played a basketball tournament at Camp Cedar this afternoon, making it all the way to finals.
