I woke up this morning and was greeted by a beautiful sight. Our Okees returned from their trip out west. Fifty-five strong, our oldest boys were beaming with enthusiasm and could not wait to share the details of this amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity.
As happy as they were to travel together, I could see there was joy and comfort in being back home in camp. This is a very nostalgic time for our oldest boys in camp. Historically, there is a realization that their camping days are coming to an end, and all the things they looked forward to at the beginning of this summer are slowly becoming memories. Very often I find these boys creating their own bucket lists and doing things they have not done in camp for many years knowing that these opportunities are fleeting.
Our younger campers and staff missed our oldest boys. We missed their energy and their leadership, and we welcome them back to assume their role as leaders in camp. We are a day away from the return of the Subseniors, who have had an outstanding time in Canada, but as much as I enjoy knowing that my boys are happy away from home, just like any camp parent, I am at my happiest when they are here with me.
The campus is buzzing because everyone knows the Takajo Olympics is about to begin. There is an excitement in the air because no one knows when or how it is going to break. They only know that once the break happens, the next four days will be filled with amazing competition and unequaled spirit.
After breakfast, our Warrior Braves and Indians boarded buses and made their way to their big trips. Our Braves headed to Funtown Splashtown USA, while the Indians made their way to Water Country Water Park. With temperatures in the low eighties and bright sunshine, our nine- and ten-year-olds could not have had a more perfect day to be at waterparks. The boys returned to camp after dinner tired, but fulfilled. These were the perfect trips to cap off an amazing summer.
With just one week to go, we will all remain in camp for the end of summer festivities: Olympics, banquets, and final campfires. All of these events are integral for the completion of the adventure that began on June 22. We have an expression here in camp that we don’t coast to the finish line, rather we sprint, and there is no doubt in my mind that we have the energy and the enthusiasm to make this the most exciting week of the summer.
