What’s better than a little extra sleep on a Sunday morning, meandering down to the dining room for a buffet breakfast with friends, and the opportunity to FaceTime with your parents. It was a beautiful morning at Camp Takajo. While everybody enjoyed the extra sleep and a delicious breakfast, our Junior and Intermediate campers had the opportunity to connect with their parents. Having witnessed this FaceTime call for the majority of our campers, I can’t help but feel that this is something we will incorporate in the future.
The great majority of our boys are truly happy and feel deeply connected to camp. Nevertheless, there are those who have “pop-up moments.” Whether it’s in the bunk or on a field or court, these are challenging experiences for children while they’re away from home. We do our best to help our boys manage these moments and appreciate the fact that you realize that camp is a place for children to learn how to self-advocate, develop self-reliance, and a sense of independence. I appreciate the feedback that I hear from parents and the spirit with which it’s intended. I need parents to share, which allows us to do our best for your child. I have never viewed my business as a transactional business. I take a deep personal interest in your family and your son’s journey. I believe in treating every child as if he were my son and talk to him and treat him accordingly. While I love all the activities that the camp offers, my true passion as a camp owner is in the quiet moments that I share with my boys, this is where I derive my greatest sense of happiness.
I’m reminded by something one of our outstanding basketball coaches, Brian Eagleson, said to me in a passing comment. Brian is a renowned basketball coach and once remarked that his greatest coaching moments occurred on those bus rides home after a painful loss.
He mentioned, “It’s so easy to celebrate after a win, to ride the momentum. But, it’s the teachable moments that come from understanding the loss that are most important.”
Learning how to process and keep things in perspective is our children’s greatest victory.
Our soccer players in camp have something to celebrate. Mike Turtle, owner and operator of Soccer Specific Training throughout New Jersey is here for the next week. Mike is a nationally renowned soccer coach who is running multiple clinics daily, for children of all ages and ability levels. If your son has a lack of experience in soccer and wants to improve, please email your son and encourage him to join one of Mike’s daily clinics. If your son plays at a high level and intends on trying out for a team this fall, there’s no better way for him to get in top shape than to train with Mike. Our boys will have the opportunity to opt-out of their normal, scheduled program, and focus on soccer all week long. The long-range forecast is for beautiful summer weather. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for our boys.
