There is clearly no correlation between sunshine and happiness at Camp Takajo. This morning we woke up to a misty rain, but that did not dampen our spirits. The entire camp assembled in our playhouse for the “Counselor Talent Show.” Truth be told, in past years some of us have considered it the “lack of talent show,” but in fairness, these acts are patched together during preseason orientation with very little rehearsal time. This morning, the Playhouse came alive as our campers were entertained by singing, dancing, and an amazing Chinese yo-yo juggling act. 
At the end of the show, I surprised our boys with the ‘Green Bag’ which signals a “Raffle.” Periodically, we raffle some unique Takajo items that cannot be purchased through our camp outfitter. Each camper’s name is entered into the raffle and everyone sits on pins and needles hoping his name is called. Today’s items included Takajo shooting sleeves, hats, socks, and a one of a kind sweatshirt. Rain or shine, Takajo is in Full Swing! In the afternoon, each age group broke a sweat in one of our two indoor sports complexes, spent some time on Hobby Lane, and watched a movie before retiring to bed.
Since today was one of those days where we had to be resourceful and make the most of a rainy, lousy day, I’m going to take the opportunity to write about something that is a little uncharacteristic for me because I know it applies to a small percentage of our camp families. Each year, I request that you refrain from allowing your son to bring a cell phone to camp. I know that none of you will make the claim that you’re giving your son a phone “in case of emergency” because I’m confident that you trust me and my staff wholeheartedly. However, one of the most important aspects of summer camp is to teach a child a sense of independence, self-reliance, and how to self-advocate. Equally as important is teaching your child that rules apply to all and should be respected. It is very disheartening to look a camper in the eye and have him say he does not have a cell phone only to find out afterwards that he is not being truthful and, in fact, is communicating with his parents.
It is unhealthy to put a child in a predicament where he is forced to lie to authority. Furthermore, it is terribly unfair to his friends in the bunk who follow the rules and who feel there are no consequences for those who don’t. You are not hurting the camp when you put your child in this situation. You are hurting your child.
I am making a passionate plea. If you know your child has a cell phone at camp, please email him and instruct him to turn the phone into the office. There will be no repercussions. As parents, we are all guilty of acting emotionally and occasionally making misguided decisions. Please help me teach your child that rules matter and that being a member of a community requires honesty, trust and faith. I apologize to those of you to whom this does not apply, but I hope you can appreciate that I am sending this message to reflect the values we are trying to teach at Camp Takajo.
