One of the many wonderful traditions here at Camp Takajo is our carnival. Scheduled just days before our visiting day weekend, we invite sisters and cousins from neighboring girls’ camps to spend the afternoon with us and to allow the siblings to have a fun and relaxing day together. It’s a perfect time in the season to deviate from our routine, and allow for fun activities and family bonding.
As a parent, I take great joy in watching your children interact with one another. Their genuine caring and concern for each another speaks volumes about the loving environment they live in when they are not here with us in camp. I know, as a dad, that my children might frustrate me from time-to-time, but I always appreciate hearing compliments about how my children behave when they are outside my home. Those compliments give my wife and me the validation that we are doing the right things. I am here to give you that validation.
Your children are remarkably well-behaved and treat others with great kindness and compassion. While everyone was eager to jump in the bouncy castles and enjoy the games, cotton candy and snow cones, the entire group of children waited for their turn with great respect and patience.
When the carnival came to a close, we turned our attention to this evening’s Senior Big Show, Damn Yankees. What always marvels me is how our boys, who are so involved in our program (participating in inter-camp events and trips), manage to find the time to learn their lines and rehearse for this one spectacular event.
Camp Takajo’s founder, Morty Goldman, built the playhouse in 1951. Morty always called the playhouse the “hub of the camp” because it was the only facility at the time that could house the entire camp community. Before he built indoor sports complexes, he built the playhouse because he wanted to promote the arts. Morty would be very proud tonight. Our senior actors entertained us with their magnificent voices and incredible stage presence.
While the purpose of this blog is to share with you “A Day in the Life at Camp,” I can tell you that it’s bittersweet to see our older boys on the Takajo stage, some for their final time. Camp is about creating memories, and I am thankful that tonight’s performance will leave an indelible mark for me to always remember.
