It was another day packed with intercamp, trips, and socials. Our little guys who have finished fourth grade had their first chance to get in the action. Our Eagles were pumped as they went to a neighboring camp to participate in a ten-and-under basketball tournament.
Two ex-campers who grew up learning to play basketball on the Takajo courts coached our teams. It was a full circle moment for these young men who had flashbacks of putting on the Takajo uniform for the first time and representing their camp in competition. The memories of competing with your bunkmates and best friends for the first time are an excitement that can stay with you for a lifetime. When our boys returned home, their smiles and enthusiasm were electrifying, but the thrill our coaches felt representing this camp was a joy to witness.
Our twelve-and-under roller hockey and street hockey teams were in action, and the hot, humid temperatures created challenging moments as the sun hovered over the rink. Nevertheless, our boys played passionately and gave 100% to their team. Our fourteen-and-under boys competed in soccer intercamp, and I marvel at the poise and skill these young men displayed on the soccer pitch. Our eleven-and-under boys traveled to a local camp for a tennis tournament while Takajo entertained neighboring camps at home for a fifteen-and-under tennis tournament. While we take great pride in our league competition, there is something very exciting for those participating in the intercamp games.
We welcomed an incredible baseball coach from Empire Baseball in New York City who will offer our boys high-level instruction during the week. These clinics will run throughout the day and evening. I encourage you to write to your sons and suggest they take advantage of this unique opportunity to hone their skills.
This evening, our Okees departed for their “mega social” and joined fourteen other camps from around the state for mingling and standing around looking cool. For the boys who stayed home, we opened our facility for hot stove– our organized free play. The pickleball courts were packed. There was fishing off the T dock, banana boat rides on the lake, and the wind kicked up just in time for an evening sail.
After showers, our boys made their way to the Snack Shack, where they enjoyed hanging out on our picnic tables and recapping the day. As I made my rounds to say goodnight to the boys, one of our youngest campers looked up at me from under the covers, nestled in bed, and said, “How is this the end of week two? It is going too fast.”
