As Reville blew this morning and our boys went down for their morning dip, the air was still, and the lake was flat as glass. Not ideal if you are hosting a sailing regatta. Nevertheless, our sailors made their way down to the beach after breakfast and waited patiently for the wind to pick up, which it eventually did, and our boys were off to the races.
Throughout the day, you could see our green and white sails gliding across the lake as our boys handled whatever elements came their way. At the same time, we hosted the Takajo Tennis Invitational, another iconic sporting event that Takajo has hosted since our first season in 1947.
All seventeen courts were filled as our boys went to battle against several neighboring camps that looked forward to this well-run tournament. I witnessed the incredible skill, focus, and grit as matches lasted for hours, but one moment came to mind as two of our top eleven-year-olds battled in the singles final. These two players have different styles and have matched up against each other on numerous occasions with each tasting victory. This final drew the attention of many campers and staff. Our community lined the fences to witness this event. When the final point was made and the champion was declared, his opponent ran to the net and extended his hand in respect and admiration. It was evident to all that this young man was riddled with emotion, yet he had the composure and the presence to be a great sport and an incredible gentleman. The irony is that the final moment was talked about more than the victory throughout the day.
We ran several trips off-property today; our Hawks (finished third grade) made their way to Windham and enjoyed a day at Seacoast Adventure, where they played miniature golf, enjoyed a waterpark and a delicious lunch, and time with their age group. Our Junior Greens (finished fifth grade) boarded the yellow taxi and made their way to Ferry Beach State Park in Saco, Maine, for an afternoon of swimming, beach football, and a delicious picnic.
Late this afternoon, our Inters (finished seventh grade) grabbed a shower and went to Camp Vega to meet the ladies for dinner and dancing. Our eighth graders had more time to primp before hosting Vega at our home. Our fifteen-and-under roller hockey team grabbed an early dinner and went to a neighboring camp to participate in a twilight roller hockey tournament.
This evening the remainder of camp enjoyed our “Hot Stove,” organized free play, which allows our boys to participate in the activities of their choice. The incredibly talented Mike Turtle, the owner of Soccer Specific Training, arrived this evening to thunderous applause as Mike will spend the next week in camp running amazing soccer clinics for boys of all ages and ability levels. If that does not sound like a busy day, a few more Warrior bunks journeyed to our treehouses to experience glamping in the Maine woods. Another day in the books at Camp Takajo.
