The heat wave that has settled over Maine was certainly felt around camp today, but it was nothing we couldn’t handle.
Days like this are a good reminder that running a camp requires constant awareness. While the schedule gives structure to our day, we are always prepared to adjust when the weather calls for it. The boys still moved through their activities with great energy, and our counselors did a wonderful job encouraging campers to stay hydrated throughout the day. Water bottles were never far away, sunscreen was reapplied throughout the day, frequent water breaks became part of every activity, and plenty of time in the lake helped everyone stay cool. By making a few thoughtful adjustments, the boys were able to enjoy another full day of camp safely and comfortably.
At five o’clock, our Okees, our oldest campers and leaders of camp, began making their way across the campus. Each Okee was given the names of boys who would become part of his camp family. They started with the older campers, then moved from bunk to bunk, picking up boys from each age group until the family stretched all the way down to our youngest campers, our Crows. For our little guys, there is something very exciting about seeing an older camper walk up to the bunk and invite them into his family. Suddenly, an older boy they may have only seen from a distance becomes someone who knows their name, includes them, and will look out for them throughout the summer.
Once the families were complete, everyone made their way to the Senior Baseball Field. Looking out over the field, it was wonderful to see boys of every age sitting together in small groups, Okees introducing themselves, younger campers answering icebreaker questions, and laughter spreading across the grass. Moments like these have a way of making our camp feel a little more intimate: our boys are not simply living with their own age group, they are part of a larger community. The youngest campers get to look up to the boys who have grown up here, and our oldest campers are given the opportunity to lead, mentor, and build character through example.
After the introductions, our Takajo Families made their way down to the beach for a cookout dinner. Sitting on our Commons Deck and around picnic tables on our beach, looking over Long Lake is the perfect setting to relax with friends and enjoy a delicious cookout meal, a burger off the grill.
After a brief free play after dinner, the boys showered up and each age group made their way to their respective rec halls and cheered on the United States in the World Cup.
Tonight was only the beginning. Each week, our Takajo Families will continue gathering for cookouts and other special events, giving these relationships time to grow.
Takajo Families is one of the many traditions that makes Camp Takajo feel like home. At a point in the summer when boys are settling into life with their bunks and counselors, this tradition expands their world. Suddenly, they have older boys looking out for them, younger boys looking up to them, and a community that begins to feel more like family.
