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Tak Talk Blog- Camp Takajo – July 18, 2025

By July 17, 2025 Tak Talk

We had a great dry run for visiting day today as we welcomed a record number of families on our annual Rookie Day. Prospective campers who are considering Takajo came and spent part of the day with us playing on our fields, swimming in our lake, and eating in our dining room.

What makes Rookie Day so special is that it’s run by our Okees, our oldest campers, who see the opportunity to welcome a new generation of campers into the Takajo family. It was heartwarming to see our 15-year-old boys playing gaga and beach Newcomb, cruising around the lake on our banana boat, and frolicking on the AquaGlide water park. Many parents commented on how incredibly welcoming and nurturing our Okees were to these little boys, most of whom had never set foot onto our campus before today.

A brief thunderstorm in the middle of the day was the first sign that this weather pattern is changing; cool and fresh Maine air is on the horizon.

One of the things I observed today was the emotional setback that a few of our current campers experienced when they saw their parents— for the first time in four weeks— as they arrived with their younger brothers.

Our boys are in a terrific routine and are feeling very much at home. Yet, it’s only natural that reconnection with one’s parents is challenging. Some of you might experience a similar reaction from your sons on Saturday. As a father, I am often guilty of trying to be a problem-solver with my own children, sometimes to their detriment. Moments of struggle are difficult to witness. Seeing those who we love more than life itself in moments of sadness breaks our hearts.

The feeling of driving away at the end of a long, emotional day can be gut-wrenching. However, my hope is that the trust and the confidence that you’ve placed in me and my staff will give you comfort at the end of a wonderful but long day.