There are days in camp that create those special moments that grown men reflect upon years after they leave camp. Today was one of those days. Takajo hosted a tennis tournament for thirteen and fifteen-year-olds, a fourteen-and-under hockey game and a fourteen-and-under lacrosse tournament.
As we enter the third week of camp, our boys have really had a chance to get to know each other on and off the fields. You can see the confidence our boys have when they step into a game, and they look around and see that they are surrounded by their camp brothers. They trust each other. Our boys know that their teammates are their bunkmates, the guys they sit with for three meals a day, the guys that keep them up telling funny stories after the lights go out, and the guys who give them a pat on the back, just at the right time.
As I walked into the dining room this morning for breakfast and looked at our boys in their Takajo uniforms preparing for this full day of intercamp, I could tell they were ready. They were not just excited to compete, but they were excited to compete together. When the competitions came to an end, our boys were victorious in every sport. We will have our share of highs and lows during the athletic competition against our friendly rivals this summer, but what makes these moments so iconic is the fact that it requires a true team effort.
Our boys were hot and sweaty as they walked off the fields and courts and made their way down to the waterfront for a refreshing dip in Long Lake. As their bodies hit the water, you could see the competition was now a distant memory, and the silly, playful campers reemerged. By the time our boys reached the dining room for dinner, you could see the sense of pride our boys have in each other and in representing their camp.
I surprised our older boys with a raffle at dinner, where new Takajo apparel was proudly on display. Boys stood on benches cheering, in hopes that their names would be pulled out of the raffle bag, and they would win one of the coveted items.
As the sun set on Long Lake, and taps echoed across the campus, our boys put their heads on their pillows knowing that they had one of those special days.
