As the sun peaked over the mountain tops early this morning, twenty-five senior campers boarded our pontoon boats and took off from shore, making their way a mile and a half across the lake.
Counselors in canoes and kayaks made the paddle in anticipation of cheering on our campers as they embarked on the mighty challenge of swimming across Long Lake. Like with most things, one must commit to training to achieve. Our boys have spent the first four weeks of the summer swimming laps, building up their stamina and endurance to prepare for this event.
All twenty-five boys successfully met the challenge and were cheered on by counselors and campers who greeted them at our sailing dock upon their return. These are the moments we never forget. The opportunity to etch your name in the record books, a sense of pride, and bragging rights for a later time. Nevertheless, an incredible accomplishment.
Our camp shifted its attention as we hosted sisters and cousins from many neighboring camps and hosted Takajo’s carnival. Seeing the buses roll in and the girls running to their brothers warmed my heart. There was an immediate connection, a desire to share stories, and knowing that visiting day was just a few days away, the sight of family made the thought of seeing their parents feel a little more real.
The carnival ran through the afternoon, and when it was over, our boys transitioned to some afternoon fun. All the Crows had the opportunity to go for banana boat rides. Our little guys squealed with delight as they zipped across the lake.
Junior Camp completed its next league round with championship games in baseball and basketball. After a camp-wide cookout dinner, our twelve-year-old boys hosted Tripp Lake for a social in our playhouse. The lake swim and carnival created the perfect change in routine that our boys have craved leading up to visiting day.
