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What’s Happening at Camp Takajo: August 12, 2015

By August 11, 2015 January 4th, 2019 Tak Talk
Camp Takajo for Boys in Maine 08_11_2015_A_JR/SRBanquet - 071

 

So much for bright sunny skies! Today, the weather gods caught up with us after a lengthy string of magnificent days. We woke up to greys skies and by midmorning, a steady stream of rain was with us throughout the day. The good news is that our Senior boys were able to get in two rounds of Olympic competition this morning before the skies opened up, and the forecast for tomorrow and the remainder of the season calls for blue skies and with low humidity.

Camp Takajo for Boys in Maine 08_11_2015_A_JR/SRBanquet - 071
The weather did not dampen our spirits. As a matter of fact, today was one of the most meaningful days of the summer. As part of our Olympic competition this afternoon, the entire camp population came together for the Olympic Song Competition. Led by our Senior captains, the entire camp was divided into two large teams. Each team had to sing four camp songs in addition to an original song created by the campers to summarize their summer experience.

Camp Takajo for Boys in Maine 08_11_2015_A_JR/SRBanquet - 029
What I love most about the song competition is that it is one of the few activities that includes every camper. No matter their age, athletic ability, or whether they are sidelined by an injury, we come together to sing in “harmony.” There is something very spiritual about singing camp songs, shoulder-to-shoulder with your peers and those older campers that you admire. I love watching the youngest boys as they stand side-by-side with their big brothers in camp. I take great pride in watching the oldest campers as they welcome the youngest to the song competition.

This evening, we had our final camp banquet. In an effort to make this evening festive, we dine on white tablecloths in our magnificent dining hall and eat an amazing feast prepared by our exceptional kitchen staff. Unlike all of the other dinner meals we have during the summer, we all get dressed up in collared shirts and enjoy an evening of reminiscing about the experiences we have shared together throughout the summer.

Camp Takajo for Boys in Maine 08_11_2015_O_WR_DiningHall_33
We select campers and counselors to give speeches about what the Takajo experience has meant to them. The words were so carefully thought out and delivered proudly in front of our community, hundreds strong and listening intently. The speeches flowed about this cherished time and the genuine relationships that have formed. It gives me a great sense of pride and satisfaction. As the camp slowly transitions into the final days of the summer season, we build in time to celebrate our accomplishments and give thanks for this great opportunity, together.