It is difficult to believe that a week has passed since our first visiting day. It feels like the days are flying by, yet there is so much more we want to do before the season comes to an end.
It was great to see our Senior Intermediates at breakfast this morning after they returned from an incredible week in Boston. The boys were all smiles as they recounted so many happy moments that they experienced throughout the week. What was most meaningful to me, were the boys who came to my office to look me in the eye, shake my hand, and thank me for the opportunity. It made me wonder whether my own boys would do that unprompted. I tend to think not, which is why this gesture was even more meaningful.
I am aware that some of the boys on the trip had their cellphones. While they did their best to conceal them from my staff, we know they have them. What is troubling is that I do not know if their parents are co-conspirators, or whether these campers took their phones to camp without their parents’ permission. I find it most disappointing that while this doesn’t seem like a very important rule to some, it teaches children that breaking rules is acceptable. It is also unfortunate because the great majority of parents who follow the rules have to explain to their children why it is important to do the right thing even when you believe you are not being closely watched. I believe that we are all creatures of habit. When we learn to cheat and break rules, it becomes much easier to do it the next time.
Today, we welcomed a group of young boys who arrived before lunchtime to join us for the weekend. We run a Rookie Weekend for those families who feel that Takajo is the right fit but want to give their sons the opportunity to experience camp before taking the plunge. It is difficult to believe that just five weeks ago some of your boys stepped foot into camp for the first time to experience their first taste of Takajo. Seeing the relationships they have created, witnessing their growth and self-confidence, and a sense of pride with their accomplishments is a great indication that these little boys visiting can expect to experience the same growth next year.
Today saw a full day of activities, our Inters were thrilled to get back on the fields and play, and our Warriors loved ending their day with a big campfire.
After taps sounded and our boys were tired from the day’s fun, we hosted a staff party to pay tribute for our hard-working men and women who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to provide your son with a safe and enriching summer.
Our Subseniors arrived back in camp from their trips to Acadia National Park, golfing, and canoeing the Saint Croix River. I slept a little more peacefully knowing our boys were back safe and sound. The weekend forecast is for bright sunshine and increasingly warm temperatures, and we plan on making the most of each and every day.
