Today was the best day of our camp season so far. I’m sure there will be other days where I feel the same way. However, this was the first day that felt like we were truly firing on all cylinders. Temperatures dropped through the eighties, the humidity has left the air. I can sense a happier vibe as our campers and counselors move throughout camp.
As I made my rounds through camp, every field was occupied. The boys were playing hard, counselors were coaching and teaching, and the enthusiasm during league play was palpable. Every hobby was occupied throughout the day; boys sat in small groups and worked on projects while they chatted about their favorite sports teams or experiences they had shared at home during the last year. There was a great breeze coming across Long Lake that allowed our boys to enjoy a great sail. Two banana boats whizzed across the lake carrying laughing, smiling campers. Within the last day, every Warrior and Junior camper has had the opportunity to jump on board and feel the thrill of being pulled behind one of our Ski Nautique towboats.
As boys settled into their bunks and either reacquainted with friends from prior years or established new connections with first-time bunk mates, I spent time talking to them about the importance of being respectful and learning how to live with others. This helped them understand that tolerance for one another, appreciating another person’s point of view, and recognizing that compromising will lead to healthy bunk relationships (and a happy marriage someday).
So much of what we do at camp focuses on life skills. This includes learning how to live with others, showing compassion and empathy for your fellow man, and recognizing that your needs do not always supersede the needs of others. This is the true essence of the camp experience. What’s most rewarding for me is when I have the opportunity to witness that moment when a child is able to stop thinking about his needs and recognizes the perspective of others. These teachable moments bring me the greatest joy in my role as camp director.
Today was the first day I really felt like Camp Takajo was back. There’s been so much thought and preparation needed in order to open camp. Seeing so many happy faces and the energy levels rising has made it all worth it.
