I woke up this morning at 4:00 AM to the unfamiliar sound of rain beating down on the roof of my home. It’s been a dry, warm summer— our fields could use the water. As luck would have it, the rain let up in time for our dippies to take their morning plunge and for the rest of our campers and staff to take their leisurely stroll down to breakfast without the need for a rain jacket.
I was trying to think today… if I could be a camper again, what age would I like to be? As I reflect on all the things that were taking place at every age level, it would be hard to choose.
Our Okees, who finished ninth grade, got to sleep a little more this morning and enjoyed some competitive sports to get their muscles loose before they board the bus and head to Canada tomorrow morning. Their Group Leader, Neil Minsky, surprised the 15-year-olds and took them into town this afternoon to enjoy a delicious meal at Pat’s Pizza, the boys’ favorite.
Our Sub-Seniors, who finished eighth grade, are living their best life… Our golfers played their second round of 18 in Kennebunk Port and then enjoyed a relaxing evening going for a delicious dinner and taking in a movie. Our boys paddling down the St. Croix River enjoyed the magnificent scenic views before pulling out along the shoreline for their campsite where they pitched their tents, explored the scenery, and cooked dinner over an open fire. Our final group of 14-year-olds made their way to the Big Moose Inn Campsite at the base of Mt. Katahdin where they set up camp, cooked dinner, and had a relaxing evening as they prepared to hike Chimney Pond in the morning.
Our Intermediates, who finished seventh grade, started their day at Fenway Park in Boston where they enjoyed a behind-the-scenes private tour of America’s oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. After their tour, they enjoyed some time at Quincy Market where they grabbed lunch before making their way to the New England Aquarium and iMax Theater. Our Inters ended their day boarding the “Spirit of Boston” cruise, a luxury boat tour that explores the sights of Boston while letting our 13-year-olds enjoy a delicious buffet dinner aboard.
Our Junior Greys, who finished sixth grade, had a full day of activities and were surprised when school buses pulled up later in the afternoon to take the boys into Windham for dinner and a movie. It was completely unexpected and very appreciated by our 12-year-olds.
Our Junior Greens, who finished fifth grade, suited up in their Takajo uniforms and participated in a flag football tournament with a number of camps in our area. The fields were still damp, the air was moist— it was perfect football weather.
Our Eagles, finishing fourth grade, returned home from their overnight camping trip in time for breakfast and had barely enough time to change and get ready for a lacrosse intercamp round-robin hosted by another camp in the area. Our 10-year-olds dominated the competition and ended their day coming down to my house for a movie night where they enjoyed the creature comforts of home.
Our Hawks and Crows, who finished first, second, or third grades, had an awesome day of regular program. Surrounded by their counselors, they were coached, nurtured, and loved.
George Bernard Shaw once said, “Youth is wasted on the young.”
It’s our goal to teach the boys to appreciate every day and every opportunity.
