It’s almost impossible to keep up with everything that’s happening. Buses are heading out of camp in every direction this week.
This morning, duffel bags were being packed, golf clubs were being loaded, counselors were checking trip lists one final time, and boys could hardly contain their excitement as another chapter of the summer is about to begin.
Our Sub Seniors departed on three very different adventures. One group left for the iconic Mount Katahdin, preparing to climb Maine’s highest peak. Another began their canoeing expedition down the beautiful St. Croix River, where they’ll spend the coming days paddling, camping, and living together in the wilderness. A third group headed off on our Maine Adventure Golf Trip, where they’ll spend the week playing some of New England’s finest courses while enjoying all the experiences that come with traveling together.
Meanwhile, our Intermediates boarded buses for Boston, where they’ll spend the next few days exploring one of America’s great cities.
Our Okees are only a couple days away from departing for their much-anticipated Canada trip. While they’re still in camp today, you can already sense the anticipation. They’ve spent years hearing stories from older campers about this experience, and now it’s finally their turn.
The excitement isn’t limited to Senior Camp. Some of our Warriors enjoyed a beautiful day on the golf course today, with another round scheduled this week. Tomorrow, it will be time for some of our Juniors to tee up. Watching our younger boys learn the game reminds me how many opportunities they receive throughout the summer to try activities they may never experience at home.
Our Junior Greys also had a terrific day on the athletic fields, sending two teams to a neighboring camp for a round-robin football tournament. Splitting into two squads allowed more boys to pull on a Takajo jersey, compete alongside their friends, and enjoy the excitement of intercamp.
Our Eagles returned this morning from a wonderful pioneering overnight. Sleeping under the stars, cooking together, and spending time around a campfire creates a different kind of memory than a day spent on the athletic fields. Experiences like these help boys discover confidence in themselves while strengthening the friendships they’re building with one another.
Our Hawks gathered at my house for one of my favorite traditions of the summer: movie night. They sprawled across the couches, settled in with plenty of snacks, and enjoyed a relaxed evening together— a simple but memorable way to unwind after another busy day before heading back to their bunks.
Our youngest campers received a wonderful surprise during their instructional swim period today when the ski boats pulled up and the Crows discovered they were going banana boating instead.
Tonight, a few of our Crow bunks are in for a special treat as they trade their cabins for an overnight in our treehouses. For our youngest campers, sleeping high among the trees with their bunkmates and counselors is the kind of adventure they’ll talk about for the rest of the summer.
While some boys are climbing mountains, others are paddling rivers. Some are exploring Boston, while others are learning to play golf. Some are sleeping under the stars, while others are competing in football games, building projects on Hobby Lane, waterskiing on Long Lake, or simply enjoying another beautiful day with their best friends.
Every camper’s experience is different, yet every experience is equally valuable. As we head into the final stretch of the summer, the pace only continues to accelerate. Things are happening everywhere, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
