It is almost comical how oblivious the boys have been to the weather. We woke up to gray, gloomy skies, yet over 150 campers darted out of their bunks and made their way to the lake for a morning dip. While there was a threat of rain throughout the morning, we were able to run regular activities without disruption. The wind picked up over Long Lake which made it an ideal opportunity for our sailors.
Our Nautique tow boats were lined up at the Takajo waterski dock as our boys put on their lifejackets for a morning ski. The fields have come alive with the sounds of cheers. At any given moment, you can witness basketball, flag football, soccer, and lacrosse being played within close proximity of each other. The sounds of nails being pounded into wood in our woodshop and clay being manipulated on the ceramics wheel are just a few examples of creativity on display on Hobby Lane.
The most meaningful moment of my day was this evening during Tattoo. As most of you are aware, Takajo does not have a PA system. Our boys wake up to a live bugle, head to the dining room at mess call, and turn their bunk lights off at Taps. There is an authentic feel to camp, hearing a live bugle echo over the campus. Last night at a camp-wide assembly, I expressed to our campers the importance of Tattoo. It does not only represent a notice as we near bedtime; but, more importantly, Tattoo is a time to have a moment of reflection– to think about loved ones at home, accomplishments that occurred during the day, and giving thanks for the opportunity to be at camp.
Were you the kind of person that would make your family proud?
Were you being thoughtful and considerate to your bunkmates?
Did you give the day your best effort?
Were you compassionate to those around you?
Were you a good teammate and friend?
The beauty of Tattoo is it forces us to stop and take a moment of silence to think about who we are, this incredible opportunity that has been given to us, and regardless of our age and our stage of life, to feel grateful to be here at this moment. What was most meaningful to me is that I asked everyone to stop what they are doing when they hear the bugle playing Tattoo regardless of where they are in camp. Whether they are shooting baskets, heading to the shower, or waiting in line at the Snack Shack, Tattoo is a moment of reflection that requires everyone to be in the moment. Tonight, I witnessed the entire community come together in a unified manner to listen to this beautiful bugle call and reflect upon the day. As the last note was played, I could feel what we experienced tonight as a family.
