The hot, humid, oppressive weather was short-lived in Maine as temperatures were more seasonal today. We still enjoyed bright sunshine and temperatures in the mid-eighties, but the humidity dissipated— making it easier for our boys to play.
We’re in full swing, and every activity in camp is operating as if your boys have been here for weeks.
Our younger boys, in Warrior Camp, have a program that consists of six activities each day. The boys participate in two team sports as part of a structured league where boys compete by grade level. There are also two swim periods each day. One is instructional, the other is optional— when boys can take a refreshing dip after competing in a land sport competition. Campers also go to one hobby every day, which include woodworking, ceramics, art, pioneering, and radio & electronics. Lastly, they have one skill period, which consists of activities like waterskiing, sailing, and canoeing.
Our older boys have more flexibility in their schedule. While they compete in two landsports each day as well, elective time is built into their schedule so that they can specialize in the activities of their choice.
We launched our camp families today. Many camps have “Big Brother” and “Big Sister” programs. We, however, take a unique approach to cultivating a sense of home over the summer. Our Okees (finished ninth grade) are the leaders of what we call Takajo Families.
This afternoon, each Okee was given a list of campers that he would be tasked with mentoring. At five o’clock this evening, the Okees went to the bunks of our Sub-Seniors, knocking on their doors, welcoming the next-oldest age group into the family. Two boys in each family then made their ways to Intermediate bunks, where they welcomed another camper into their families. The families grew as boys walked across campus until they made their ways to our Crow campers’ bunks— the youngest boys in camp.
Our little guys waited with bated breath, eyes peering out their bunk windows, waiting to see which family they would be joining.
Each family made their way out to the Senior Baseball Field, where the Okee camper shared his experiences at camp, discussed camp traditions and special events, and organized fun ice-breakers. They then walked down to the beach to enjoy a delicious cookout dinner.
It is our hope that, by creating these Takajo Families, boys of all age groups will feel a connection— both to each other and to this camp. This is one of the many wonderful traditions we have at Camp Takajo.
