Independence Day in Naples, Maine– there is nothing like celebrating this amazing holiday in a small town in our magnificent country. Because the roads are crowded with travelers, we take this opportunity at camp to stay close to home, avoid out of camp trips and inter-camp activities today.
We started our day taking our individual camper and bunk group photographs. A tradition that we have honored since I was a camper at Camp Takajo. There is something very special about having this keepsake and being able to look back at the friends with whom you shared your summer at camp.
I remember when Morty Goldman owned the camp. We would take an all-staff picture on the senior basketball court bleachers. I always wondered if Morty was concerned about what the campers were doing for the thirty minutes it took for the staff to assemble and for the picture to be taken. Packed in the bleachers, I always remember Morty’s way of getting everyone to smile just as the picture was being taken, “Smile everyone. Think of your salaries.” The entire staff would burst out laughing. Parents would always remark how happy his staff looked each summer. Camp is filled with these kinds of memories, and this is just one of the many memories I have of Morty.
After lunch, all of our campers and counselors who live in the Warrior Crow and Brave divisions of camp departed for Naples and marched in the towns Fourth of July Parade. It’s a wonderful tradition and a great slice of “Americana.” The entire community comes out and lines the road as the local merchants participate in the walk down Main Street. We have our own camp band that travels on the Camp Takajo float. The Okee’s, our oldest campers, lead the Crows and Braves singing songs and doing the Bump and Grind dance as the entire town cheers. As we reached the end of the parade, we took a detour and boarded the Songo River Queen II, a double-decker, river paddlewheel boat. Our campers and counselors enjoyed the scenic ride right back to our docks. The campers were treated to delicious ice cream.
Our fourth graders (Warrior Indians) stayed in camp to participate in the annual Dance Jam and Sand Castle Building Contest. The energy level was high as the music blasted, and each Indian bunk had an opportunity to take a banana boat ride around the beautiful lake.
Our older campers, who had experienced this Warrior Independence Day tradition of marching in the town parade and dancing on the beach, enjoyed a day filled with team games and sports clinics. Because we share the same pyrotechnic company that performs fireworks displays in the town of Naples, we are able to celebrate their display from afar tonight. But, we look forward to a spectacular evening tomorrow night, right in front of the Camp Takajo beach.
