It doesn’t take much to bring a smile to hundreds of faces. We woke up to bright sunshine and clear skies. Temperatures approached the eighties, and a warm and balmy breeze flowed across the campus. It finally felt like summertime at Camp Takajo. I’m incredibly proud of our staff and campers, especially those first-timers who stepped off the bus not knowing what to expect yet made the most of a week with overcast skies. It was a gorgeous day, and we took advantage of it.
Three more bunks of Warrior Crows went on their first pioneering trip. We returned to the Saco District Ranger Station and hiked the lower falls because the reviews were so great yesterday. Before returning to camp, our little guys hiked, explored nature, and enjoyed lunch on the mountain.
Our program was in full swing. At any moment, one could see campers in canoes and kayaks, and sailboats gliding across the lake. Waterskiiers, wakeboarders, and wake surfers took advantage of our magnificent lake, which is a mile and a half wide by eleven miles long. Cheers can be heard as league sports were played on every field.
We are witnessing our boys get into mid-season form with each passing day. We could offer no greater dessert at the dinner meal than when I came out with the iconic raffle bag. Tonight to the sounds of cheers, we raffled off one-of-a-kind Takajo swag: bucket hats, shooting sleeves, monogrammed football gloves, and sweatshirts– just some of the items won by those so fortunate to hear their names called.
Our incredible tennis staff was active on all seventeen tennis courts, but without a doubt, the highlight of the day was when we came together for the first time in our council ring for the camp’s opening campfire, led by our big chief, Neil Minsky. It’s incredible to see our boys lined up in single file from the youngest camper to the oldest as they entered the campfire ring in total silence to the sound of a beating drum. We welcomed first-time campers and counselors as they were initiated into the Takajo Family. A candle-lighting ceremony took place as twelve campers and counselors read the meanings of each of our twelve camp Arch Ideals. The message of the evening was how important it is to treat each other with kindness and humility. Words like integrity and honesty are mere words posted on the Arch unless we choose as a community to implement them in our daily lives. Kindness, respect, and fair play are essential to living a life of purpose.
I recognize that camp, for so many, is perceived as a place for recreation. Still, in this age of technology and instant gratification, it’s so important that we reinforce the lost art of handshakes and eye contact during conversations, decency, and humility. As with every camp-wide event, we sang the camp alma mater, followed by the sound of Tatoo. As we filed out of the council ring in silence, I knew this would set the tone for an incredible summer.
