A huge day of Olympic competition today.
What makes the Olympics so special and meaningful in camp is not only that it marks the culmination of our athletics program during the summer, but that it also reflects the importance we place on teamwork, participation, and good sportsmanship.
Our Juniors competed in their tennis competition this morning, and all seventeen tennis courts were in use. Looking out over the span of our facility, one could see boys in green and grey headbands on opposite sides of the courts, competing against each other. Our counselors stood at the net posts, as they have all summer, coaching our boys. As each match came to an end, campers moved from court to court, cheering on their teammates and providing that extra bit of encouragement and motivation needed during Olympic play. It was less about each camper’s individual match once their outcome was decided, and more about embracing their role as a teammate— displaying incredible camaraderie.
When almost all the matches had ended, there were two boys left still competing. Both teams surrounded the court, doing everything they could to root their teammate on to victory.
This camp is about building a community, a family, a culture in which everybody feels welcomed and has a sense of purpose and belonging. While that was on full display during Junior tennis, it often manifests itself in a wide variety of moments throughout the day.
The other day, two teams were competing in a flag football game when two opponents collided, one requiring assistance to the Health Center for observation. Little did he know, the players from both teams had been waiting on the porch of the Health Center to provide moral and emotional support for their teammate and friend.
These bonds and connections are formed with each passing day and each passing week throughout the summer. While there are plenty of times when boys have disagreements or say things they may later regret— whether out of impulsivity or a desire to get a laugh— in the end, our boys respect and care for one another. That was clearly on display on our courts and fields today.
