It was a beautiful Maine day. Temperatures reached 85 degrees, and the sun was shining bright on Camp Takajo, yet the humidity levels were low, creating the perfect environment for our boys to play. We had a few prospective families tour camp today, and they marveled at how our boys transitioned from activity to activity with such ease and enthusiasm. It was hard for them to fathom that this was only our second day of regular programs.
Our younger campers are thriving in a more structured routine. Each day, our Warrior campers who have finished first, second, third, and fourth grades participate in two team sports, two swim periods, a hobby (such as Woodworking, Ceramics, or Crafts), and a Skill (which ranges from Waterskiing, Sailing, Canoeing, to extra Tennis and Golf, and Archery).
Our Junior boys who have finished fifth and sixth grades have a program that has structure, allowing the boys to play in two organized team sports each day, but they are allowed the flexibility to choose their electives, providing them the opportunity to focus on their personal interests.
Our Senior Camp is a camp of specialization. Our oldest boys enjoy the traditional aspects of camp, but they also crave the opportunity to focus on the activities of their choice. There are two elective periods per day designed for our boys to get specialized instruction in all land sports and water sports. And for those who are interested in the arts, our hobbies provide the perfect atmosphere for one to explore their creative side.
While our program is robust and meets the needs of all age levels and ability levels, there’s nothing that brings a camp community together more than an opening campfire. Since 1947, Takajo campers and staff have assembled at our Council Ring during the first week of camp to welcome all the new campers and counselors and unite as one family. Under a starlit sky and beside a roaring campfire, twelve members of our camp community participate in a candle-lighting ceremony where they read the meanings of each of our Arch Ideals.
I addressed the camp after the ceremony and tried to impress upon our boys that words like Honesty and Integrity are merely words displayed on an arch unless we choose to implement them in our daily lives.
