There is one word that comes to mind when I think about today. That word is spirit. It is very special to witness when a camp becomes family. When the camp takes on an identity, a fraternity in which everybody is vested in the experience.
Two and a half weeks ago, campers from all over the country stepped off a bus full of hope, optimism, and enthusiasm. The boys met their counselors, their bunkmates, and a week later, their Camp Takajo families. Now, our program is in full-swing, and we root for each other and share in the excitement of a win. We comfort each other and show compassion at the time of a disappointment.
Today, our fourth graders hosted another camp in a series of sporting events. These field days allow every child in this age level to participate in three sporting events throughout the day. Our campers played basketball, football, baseball, tennis, and gaga. As one game would end, the entire age level would run to the next court or field to cheer on their friends. The love and support demonstrated today was heartwarming to witness.
One of the basketball games ended up going into double overtime. With the stands packed and campers standing on all sides of the court, I couldn’t help but draw my attention away from the game to witness the excitement and enthusiasm on the faces of our campers and counselors watching this incredibly fun event. As a camp director, I was far more proud of our community and the loyalty and support demonstrated by our campers and staff, than I was by the outcome of the game. (We won.)
The joy of camp is about collecting amazing experiences, and at this time in the season, they are happening everywhere, everyday. There are three or four pioneering trips that take place everyday. Campers on these trips see magnificent sights as they hike and canoe majestic Maine.
A dozen boys participated in a golf tournament today in Naples. These boys are in different grades and do not participate with each other in sports on a daily basis, yet today they came together as one. These golfers returned victorious not only because they won the tournament, but because they learned to rely on one another. As the day came to an end, campers came together to watch the MLB All-Star game. It was an amazing day at Camp Takajo.
