My father has many “pearls of wisdom.” Some I can’t share publicly, but one that comes to mind that I can share is, “When you give 100% and feel like there is nothing left to give, find another 10% because it’s in you.” Everywhere I turned today, I witnessed campers and staff giving that extra effort.
I started my day before reveille watching two waterfront counselors take one camper who missed the Lake Swim a few weeks ago across the lake to give him his long-awaited opportunity.
I saw one of our baseball counselors behind home plate, working with one camper on his pitching motion knowing this boy’s goal is to play fall travel ball when he returns home.
These are moments in time that make a difference in a child’s life. They don’t receive the accolades of our bigger, more publicized events. However, to the one child who receives the extra effort from a counselor, it has an enormous impact.
After our morning Facetime calls, the campers and staff assembled on the Commons Deck for a brief discussion with Matt Hoidal, founder of World of Change, a nonprofit organization that collects loose change and provides financial assistance to impoverished children by providing meals, housing, and education. Matt enlightened our campers about the number of children in our country who are food insecure, sleeping on floors, and going to school without essentials. He spoke about the importance of engaging youth in philanthropy and shared that there is an estimated $10 billion dollars in loose change sitting idle in American households.
Our campers were enthralled, and many committed to continuing to assist Matt with his efforts after the camp season comes to an end. For information on World of Change, please e-mail Matt Hoidal at mhoidal@worldofchange.world
We had the conclusion of our Olympic sporting events today culminating with our Senior boys playing their final baseball game before dinner and competing in a classic basketball matchup after dinner in front of a packed crowd. The game featured two of our standout players going head-to-head. However like in most big games, it’s often another teammate who rises to the moment. This was the case this evening. To the delight of onlookers, the game was physical, hard-fought, and exciting to watch.
While the last week has focused on Olympic competition, we came together this evening after the Senior basketball game and made our way to Hobby Lane for our annual Art Show. On display for all to view were works of art created throughout the summer. Under the leadership of our Hobby Director, Tara Girouard, the Hobby staff highlighted the incredible talent among us. We marveled at beautiful ceramic bowls and figurines, were captivated by the colors popping off the canvas in art, and were in awe of what was built in our wood shop.
Tomorrow, the camp comes together for the Olympic Song Competition and our Whacked-Up Relays. There’s no slowing down until we pass the finish line.
