When I arrived home this evening, my wife greeted me the same way she does every other day that I walk in after a long day at camp. “How was your day?” she asked. My normal response is short because I use every ounce of energy throughout my day, and I’m able to drop my guard and “take a knee” when I enter my home. But on this occasion, I turned to Joan and said, “Let me tell you what really transpires in one day for our campers.” I told her that our Okees returned from their Canadian Trip more exhilarated and yes, more tired than I’ve ever seen them. If these boys weren’t connected to one another after their years in camp, this trip clearly solidified an impenetrable bond that will last for many years; and hopefully, a lifetime.
I continued to describe that before boarding their bus for their drive back to camp, they took a trip down the mighty Lachine Rapids aboard a powerful jet boat on the swift St. Lawrence River. This one-hour ride is what many call Montreal’s most exhilarating activity. The excitement from this jet boat ride was still evident as our boys were beaming with pride recounting this final event that took place on this once-in-a-lifetime trip together.
In the meantime, our Subseniors (campers who finished eighth grade) completed their trip, which began paddling down the Saint Croix River for some. For others, they began by climbing Mount Katahdin or golfing on some of the greatest courses in Maine and ended when these trips came together for three days with a unique bonding experience that will only add to their illustrious camping careers. Before returning home, our Subseniors spent the morning on stand-up paddleboards on the north end of Great Long Pond. The water was calm but refreshing. Our boys enjoyed paddling and swimming before boarding their bus and returning home for dinner.
I continued by telling Joan that our Junior Grey campers boarded a bus and made their way north to the Kennebec River, where our boys who have finished sixth grade set up camp and had a playful but restful evening in preparation for an early wake-up, eagerly anticipating a day of white-water rafting tomorrow.
Our Warriors made their way to breakfast this morning a little groggy after all three age groups spent the night having the ultimate sleepover party in their own indoor facility for our movie extravaganza, which included late-night pizza. Our Warriors bounced back quickly and resumed the regular program, but all three groups are on pins and needles with excitement knowing that their Big Trips will depart tomorrow or Thursday.
Our Junior Greens enjoyed having the facilities all to themselves. While our Inters appreciated all of their Senior privileges knowing some would be relinquished the moment the bigger boys returned. It’s the time in the summer when we are juggling all the Big Trips and special events. Rumor has it that in the next few days our boys will be wearing war paint and Olympic bandanas. The best is still yet to come.
