The anticipation is building for visiting day. Hosting Rookie Day today for the first time in three years gave us the excitement of seeing cars roll down the camp road and parents looking around at the majestic pines and beautiful grounds with awe.
This is an incredible place for children to spend the summer, and one of our goals is to make sure our boys have an appreciation and do not take these special days for granted. Joining me today for Rookie Day were a number of our Okee campers who volunteered to spend the day with this incoming class of little boys who are stepping foot on our soil for the very first time, embarking on their Takajo careers. Our Okees volunteer to spend the day with these prospective campers because they see this as their rite of passage to orientate these boys into the Takajo family.
The day was filled with activities, and much time was spent on the waterfront taking banana boat rides, canoeing, and swimming. Our Okees sat with our guests during lunch, helped them navigate the dining room, and made every effort to make these boys feel happy and welcome. Some of our oldest boys were here during their own Rookie Day not long ago. It was a full-circle moment that carried on a wonderful tradition at camp.
Like you, I am watching Saturday’s weather forecast, which is very regional. I might suggest packing a small umbrella, but chances are you will not need it. When you arrive at camp and park, we ask that you head to our welcome arch in the center of camp. Our staff will greet you there, directing you to your son’s first activity. Do not head to your child’s bunk. All campers are told they will meet their parents at their activity. We do this intentionally so that we can start our program, recognizing if you meet in a bunk, you will likely stay there for a while.
If you have multiple children in camp, you might have moments during the day when each child wants you to see his activity. Juggling is not as hard as you think, and there will be significant time in the middle of the day during lunch and rest hour when you have quality time together. We have a no-tipping policy at camp, and I sure hope my staff does not read my blogs. Our staff is professional and is hired with the understanding they will not be receiving tips. We do our best for your children without the expectation of added compensation. Pack your bathing suit, wear your sneakers so you can break a sweat, and bring your appetite for a delicious lunch. Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday.
