There is something incredibly special about opening day at Camp Takajo. We spend the entire year meeting with families, discussing the needs of their children, hiring staff, and maintaining the facility. Then, all of a sudden, this magnificent property that lays dormant ten months out of the year, comes alive.
Throughout the morning, and into the early afternoon, busloads of children arrived to their summer home. As each camper stepped off the bus, he was greeted by his counselors with a handshake, a high-five, a hug, or all three. A trip to his bunk to become familiar with his bed location and the whereabouts of his personal belongings followed.
We could not have asked for better weather– bright sunshine and temperatures that reached the low 80’s– perfect weather for our opening day. The afternoon was filled with impromptu games, tours of the facility, and an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, or establish new ones.
During the first few days, it is so important for us to create a routine so the boys are constantly busy and engaged with fun and stimulating activities. After dinner, our boys met with their division leaders and counselors, so they could hear about what was in store for them this summer.
Before lights went out, I made my way to each and every Warrior bunk so I could personally say goodnight to our youngest campers. I have always believed that I can tell a lot about a child by looking into his eyes. I find this bedtime ritual to be a wonderful opportunity to connect with my boys. As the sound of “Taps” echoed throughout the camp, I smiled thinking that the best was yet to come.
