Today was the perfect camp day. Camp Takajo woke up to a magnificent blue sky, bright sunshine, and temperatures that climbed to the high seventies. After a delicious breakfast that consisted of egg and cheese on English muffins, our boys finishing fifth grade (Junior Green division) departed for Camp Winaukee for a full day of intercamp competitions.
In the meantime, our boys finishing sixth grade (Junior Grey division) stayed in camp to host Winaukee campers in various intercamp events. I am a big proponent of these all-day field competitions because they promote 100% participation. Today, every boy in Junior Camp was able to experience the thrill of competing against a friendly rival in three sports.
To pause our program and travel a great distance in order to compete in just one sport, I believe, is counterproductive. On the other hand, creating an entire day of competition when our boys get to put their skills and sportsmanship to the test provides great value.
Throughout the day at Takajo, both our older and younger campers took time out of their schedule to catch a glimpse of our twelve-year-olds competing. Their cheers and words of encouragement helped fuel our boys to victory.
After a full day in the hot sunshine, our camp families came together for their second cookout on the commons deck overlooking Long Lake. It was a perfect night for campers of all age levels to relax, unwind, and connect with boys in different age groups.
As the sun set below the horizon on Long Lake, the entire camp came together on the commons deck for an Independence Day ceremony. We heard from three speakers, a current senior camper (Okee), and a returning counselor from the U.S. as well as a counselor from overseas. Each speaker provided his perspective on our great country and how camp life is a microcosm of the values our country holds so dear. As the ceremony came to an end, the sky over Long Lake lit up with a magnificent display of fireworks. Our boys sat nestled closely together on the beach and enjoyed this magical moment.
