Clear skies and mild temperatures set the tone for a packed day of in-camp activities and intercamp competitions. We were in our regular program throughout the morning, including team sports. Hobby classes were full as our boys enjoyed some downtime expressing their creativity. Many of our younger campers have enjoyed archery, scaling our 50-foot climbing wall, and learning how to build a proper campfire.
Our Junior Green campers (finished fifth grade) had a late morning surprise as they all had the opportunity to experience the thrill of a banana boat ride. These rubber inflatables are large enough to accommodate an entire bunk of campers. However, the entire bunk rarely remains on the banana boat after the ride begins.
The day was packed with intercamp for campers in multiple age groups. When I entered the dining room for lunch, our boys were all in Takajo uniforms, ready for action. Many were wearing face paint that resembled Gene Simmons at a Kiss concert. Our 15-year-old boys traveled to participate in an all-day volleyball tournament. We had two 14-and-under basketball teams compete in round-robin tournaments. One was hosted at Takajo. The other was on “the road.” Our 13-year-old boys competed in flag football while our 12-and-under lacrosse team hosted a tournament on our home field. Even our 10-year-olds got into the action as our younger boys traveled to compete in a head-to-head street hockey game.
Some of our golfers who elected not to compete in team competition had the opportunity to head to Point Sebago Golf Course, a beautiful 18-hole course only a few miles from camp, for a round on “the links.”
When the dust settled and everyone returned home from a day of intercamp and golf, our Junior Greys (finished 6th grade) traveled to Tripp Lake Camp for their first social. Our Intermediates (finished seventh grade) entertained the ladies from Tripp Lake at Takajo. The air reeked of cologne, and the hair gel was out in force as our boys tried their best to look like they were not trying their best.
Our messaging remains the same, whether our boys are competing in an Intercamp game or attending a social, we are Takajo gentlemen. We are representing our camp, our families, and ourselves. Our behavior is a direct reflection of those we love. Apart from Independence Day, our days are packed with trips, intercamp, and socials. The momentum continues to build. Our boys are busy, focused, and having a blast.
