I’m sitting at my desk enjoying a calm, peaceful moment. As I look out my window at our magnificent lake, I feel blessed to be in a position where you’ve entrusted us with providing an incredible summer camp experience for your boys.
During our opening orientation session with the staff earlier this week, our Associate Director, Warren Davis, used the perfect metaphor to impress upon everyone the enormous responsibility we are about to assume in caring for your boys. He said, “These parents are taking their hearts out of their chests and entrusting them to us for an entire camp season.” We understand there is no greater responsibility than caring for someone else’s child.
We’ve had an outstanding orientation. It began two weeks ago with the arrival of our swim and boating staff, who were trained by our Waterfront Director, Bob Lewis, who has been at the helm for the past 38 years. Everyone on our waterfront was trained in CPR, First Aid, and completed a rigorous lifeguard training course.
Our pioneering staff has also been here for the past two weeks, earning their Maine State Trip Leader certifications. They have also completed emergency rescue training. During the past week, in addition to preparing their activities to provide skill development, competition, and enjoyment for your boys, our entire staff has participated in a rigorous orientation that included meetings with their division leaders, and individual bunk meetings with me to discuss each child’s interests, personality, and goals for the summer.
I imagine many of you are either witnessing or feeling some anxiety as Opening Day approaches. I might suggest reminding your son of accomplishments that were once met with trepidation or fear. Perhaps it was heading off to school for the first time and coming home having made a best friend, joining a new team and returning from that first practice loving the coach and feeling part of a family, or trying out for a play and experiencing the exhilaration of taking a bow to a standing ovation.
Camp is a place where we step outside our comfort zones, where we stretch our emotional and physical muscles, and where we see challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. We recognize that transitions can be difficult, but structure and routine, combined with love and reassurance, are often the recipe for a smooth transition.
You’ll be hearing from me every day. Beginning Saturday, I’ll share my reflections on what I’m witnessing at camp and, hopefully, provide a glimpse into your son’s world while he is away from you. We have everything we need here to provide your son with an exhilarating summer filled with both physical and emotional growth.
Thank you for entrusting us with your hearts; we can’t wait to welcome them to camp.Here’s to an incredible summer.
