If today was any indication of the kind of weather you can anticipate for Takajo’s visiting day, then you are in for a treat. We had one of the most spectacular days to date for our annual carnival. Temperatures reached the 80’s, and there was a cool breeze coming across the camp with no humidity in the air. Carnival is the perfect activity that transitions us from the hustle and bustle of our program and reconnects many of us with sisters and cousins, as the campers await seeing their parents for the first time in four weeks.
The connections that I witnessed between your children were loving, genuine and sincere. Throughout the day, I witnessed brothers and sisters arm in arm, embracing the love they have for one another. As a dad, I take great pride in stressing the importance of family and fostering the relationship my children have with each other. Admittedly, it is a constant struggle at home to get my children to spend quality time together when they have their cellphones in their hands or computers on their laps. They are too easily distracted, and I find my children to be more connected when they are at camp and away from their electronics. I believe you will experience a similar feeling when you reconnect with your son this weekend.
I have a few tips for you to consider as you prepare for your visit. Your son has been in a routine for the last four weeks. He knows exactly where to be during the day. With the best of intentions, parents may give their son the opportunity to opt out of his normally scheduled program. This could cause some stress for your child because he knows where he is supposed to be, and it may also create too much down time that often leads to boredom and sadness. The recipe for a successful day is to follow your son from activity to activity, keeping him engaged while you witness all that your son has been doing during the course of the summer. We will be serving a delicious lunch followed by a rest hour, which will provide a wonderful break in the middle of the day to sit and relax with your son.
A camper can sometimes become emotional in the afternoon because he senses that the end of the day is near. You will be much better served by spending your afternoon watching your son participate in his activities than remaining idle under a tree. Visiting day ends at 5 pm, and our Warrior campers and parents will meet at the Warrior basketball court for a lineup before the dinner meal. Group Leader Hank Fortin will announce to parents that it is time for hugs, kisses, and goodbyes. Your son’s counselors will be with you to take your son down to the dinner meal. Do your best to not delay the goodbye because it only makes it more difficult for your child.
On Friday and Saturday evening, we have special events planned as well as a laser tag extravaganza scheduled for Sunday. Visiting day is a chance for you to reconnect with your child and celebrate the accomplishments he has achieved over the last four weeks. We are excited for you to meet our staff, who is here to assist you during your visit.
