One of the greatest thrills for a camper is when Olympics begin at camp. This is called the Camp Takajo “Olympic Break.” It is a time when the entire age group comes together and competes in every land sport, water sport, and skill that the camp offers.
Each age group– Warrior, Junior, and Senior, is divided into two teams. Unlike traditional color wars, when counselors participate (lieutenants, generals) in our Olympics, counselors remain neutral and only officiate. Philosophically, we want your son’s bunk counselors to remain neutral so that the focus remains on healthy competition.
Part of the fun in breaking Olympics is the element of surprise. Last night, after an ice cream Sunday party, the Junior campers were moved from their cabins in silence and were marched into the Indian Council Fire Ring, surrounded by the entire Junior staff and a roaring camp fire. As each camper entered the ring, a green or grey bandana was placed on the camper’s head symbolizing his team. The Junior group leader, Neil Minsky, spoke to the boys about the tradition of the Junior Olympics and the importance of sportsmanship, fairness, and keeping the games in proper perspective.
This morning, while the Warrior campers were still asleep, the Songo River Queen, a two-story paddle boat that tours Long Lake, made its way from Naples to our docks. At the sound of reveille, a Warrior counselor dressed in a toga, torch in hand, ran through the quad waking up all of the Warrior campers, announcing the Olympics. All Warrior campers, dressed in pajamas, followed the counselor down to the docks, where they boarded the Songo River Queen for a breakfast cruise. While on the boat, munching on Dunkin Donuts, Warrior group leader Hank Fortin announced the Olympic teams for Warrior camp. For the next four days, camp spirit will be at an all-time high. With our Sub-Seniors, campers finishing eighth grade, due back from Canada tonight, one can only imagine that the Senior Olympic break is not far behind.
