I made my way to breakfast and was unexpectedly greeted by a state health inspector who was here to examine our kitchen and medical facilities, as well as to ensure we were up to code on safety procedures.
While many may see an inspection such as this one as a source of stress, I see it as an opportunity to be evaluated by a professional who can provide knowledge and positive feedback that will enhance the safety and wellness of our program. This inspector is tasked with visiting summer camps, restaurants, and hotels in the region to ensure safe practices. It’s comforting when a man with this level of experience leads with such positive feedback about our leadership in different areas and their standards of operation.
The weather has shifted and the sweatshirts are out. While the skies became grey in the afternoon and threatened some rain, we managed to get in another full day of activities. The highlight today, however, came in the evening when the entire camp came together for our Opening Council Fire.
Nestled in the back corner of camp, the campfire ring has sentimental value to the Takajo community. Twelve campers were selected for our candle lighting ceremony. They read the definitions of our Arch Ideals: Loyalty, Obedience, Courage, Faith, Love Honesty, Integrity, Tolerance, Sportsmanship, Friendliness, Self-Reliance, and Magnanimity.
The significance of this ceremony is to introduce first-year members to— and remind returning members of— the arch ideals and welcome new members into the Camp Takajo Family.
As we were seated in our amphitheatre-like structure, surrounded by tall pines under a star-lit sky, the campfire was lit by one of our older campers. Before lighting the fire, he took the ashes that were saved from the 2024 Closing Council Fire and spread them in the fire pit, symbolizing the continuity from year to year.
Before the ceremony came to an end, I took the opportunity to acknowledge our seven-, eight-, and nine-year campers, who have— over the years— embodied the values described by our twelve readers.
The opening campfire is filled with hope and promise that we all make our best faith effort to treat each other with kindness and respect, to not let obstacles prevent us from exploring all the incredible opportunities that are before us. As we left the campfire ring in silence, as is tradition, it was hard not to imagine the impact that this experience might have on our boys.
Photo from 2024.
