We have had the most magnificent day in camp! As quickly as the rain swept in yesterday, the bright sunshine and blue skies lifted our spirits the moment we opened our eyes. The last year and a half have challenged us in many ways. As offices and schools were closed, Zoom calls and remote learning became the norm.
In preparation for our first phone calls, we contemplated replacing the traditional call with a FaceTime call. Historically, parents would sign up for a call at a designated time, traditionally after a meal, and the group leader would announce those children’s names in the dining room and let them know they had a call. Those few would beam with excitement, the rest would shake their heads in disappointment. While every child knew he would have a phone call, the anticipation of waiting for your name to be called and the disappointment when it wasn’t, was always a dilemma.
I believe in the sanctity of traditional summer camp, waking up to the sounds of a live bugle, no PA systems in camp, reducing the pervasiveness of technology, and reading a paperback book as opposed to one’s Kindle. However, this morning we allowed every Warrior camper to make a FaceTime call to their parents at the same time. This created an “even playing field,” where every child knew he was going to have a call when we announced the phone calls.
We needed the help of our Senior campers, and they were kind, warm, and compassionate with our youngest boys. For all of those little guys who did not have a biological older brother in camp, we assigned our younger campers to a Takajo big brother, who assisted our little guys in making their FaceTime calls. Our Seniors stepped away and allowed our younger campers the privacy that they deserved but remained nearby, not just to collect their phone, but to make sure that their little brother was okay after his call. This was a selfless act. The average teenager might want to shirk this responsibility, take advantage of the beautiful weather and stay out on the fields and play. But our older boys remember what it was like the first time they spoke with their parents when they were away at camp, and they recognize the importance of a hug or a smile after that call ends.
By the time the boys entered the dining room for lunch, it was as if the phone calls had never happened. I personally walked from table to table and observed each bunk’s interactions. I looked in the eyes of every child to ascertain his level of comfort and happiness, and I was incredibly pleased to see that our boys came through that first shock of seeing their parents with flying colors.
The afternoon was filled with activities. We were back in our regular program making up for some lost time after yesterday’s rainy day. We squeezed in even more play after dinner before retiring by age group for a movie. We extended the evening for our Okees and CITs, who had requested to stay up late to watch live UFC on pay-per-view. Tomorrow morning, our Juniors will have a chance to reconnect with their parents. As we anticipate another Lazy Man’s Morning and our awaited Dunkin’ Donuts, our boys continue to thrive.
