We have a tradition at Camp Takajo called the Lake Swim. Since 1947, campers and counselors have trained throughout the summer to attempt this impressive feat. In order to qualify to swim the lake, one must train under the supervision of our waterfront staff. During the Lake Swim, there is a counselor in a canoe assigned to each swimmer, while other lifeguards swim alongside our campers. Campers, who have qualified through training, attempt to swim the entire width of Long Lake. As one might imagine, supervision must be focused and vigilant. We continue this tradition because we are confident that we run this event in a safe and responsible way.
Back when I was a camper, a child of any age who qualified was allowed to swim the lake. I remember having a great sense of pride when I accomplished this marathon swim at the age of nine with my bunkmate, Andy Levine. The two of us swam side by side the entire way until we reached the sailboats on their moorings back at camp. Andy still teases me for swimming ahead of him so that I was able to claim that I was the first Warrior camper to make it to the dock. It’s funny that I still have a vivid memory of the iconic event. Today, twenty-five of our Senior campers put their names in the record book by swimming shore to shore before Reveille even sounded to wake up the remaining campers.
As the last swimmers made their way to the camp docks, light rain fell, and we made a quick decision to move all of our Takajo Carnival events into our indoor sports complexes.
By ten o’clock in the morning, buses rolled in from a number of neighboring girls’ camps, delivering sisters and cousins to our boys for a mid-summer reunion. Witnessing the hugs and the affection is the tip of the iceberg for what I will see this weekend.
The reconnection of a family is a beautiful sight to witness, and today was no exception. We made it through the rest of the day with a comfortable air mass and clear skies. We resumed our normal program in the afternoon and took advantage of everything Camp Takajo has to offer. The hobbies were in full swing. Campers worked feverishly to finish projects so they can share them with their parents over the weekend, while other boys waterskied, sailed and enjoyed the afternoon on the lake. We had team games at all age levels, and everybody had the opportunity to get plenty of playing time.
With just two days to go before visiting day, I can sense a little nervous anticipation. Our little guys are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to reconnect with their parents. Yet for our Okees, it means one day closer to the end of their camp “careers.” As I made my rounds and said goodnight to the boys at the end of the day, the campers were busy cleaning shelves, tidying up their areas, and getting their bunks ready for visitors. The countdown has begun, and we look forward to an awesome weekend.
