Last night, our Warrior campers were surprised with one of our favorite traditions of the summer: a make-your-own ice cream sundae party. The toppings seemed endless, and it wasn’t long before chocolate syrup found its way onto more than a few smiling faces. Sometimes, the simplest traditions become the ones boys remember most. Our Juniors and Seniors will get the same surprise on their own nights this week.
Today, our Hawks departed for their long-awaited Big Trip to Funtown Splashtown USA. Under bright sunshine, they spent the day racing down water slides, hopping from ride to ride, and enjoying every minute together. Whether the boys are waiting in line for a roller coaster or laughing together on the bus ride home, the memories they’re creating become part of the fabric of their camp experience.
Tomorrow, it will be our youngest campers’ turn to go on their Big Trip. The Crows will head to Storyland, where fairy tales come to life and every attraction seems perfectly designed for seven- and eight-year-old boys. I have little doubt they’ll return with stories they’ll be eager to share.
Back in camp, our Eagles enjoyed what may have been one of the best afternoons of the summer. The entire division gathered for a beach party that had a little bit of everything. After grabbing their lunch, they got to enjoy it on the picnic tables on the beach while music played throughout the afternoon. Each bunk worked together in a sandcastle-building competition, putting creativity and teamwork on full display before moving over to our beach volleyball courts for a spirited Newcombe tournament. And after spending the afternoon under the warm Maine sun, there was only one fitting way to finish the day– a refreshing swim in Long Lake before dinner.
Our Junior campers continue to make incredible memories as well. The Junior Greens returned from a terrific overnight that included a visit to Canobie Lake Park (an amusement park in New Hampshire that featured over 85 rides, games, and attractions) and a night spent together staying at Saint Anselm College. Meanwhile, our Junior Greys departed today for one of the signature trips of their summer, whitewater rafting. There are few experiences that build camaraderie quite like sharing a raft, navigating rapids together, and celebrating every successful run downstream.
With all of our Senior campers now back from their Big Trips, there is a wonderful feeling of completeness around camp once again. Every meal seems to include another tale from Canada, the St. Croix River, Bar Harbor, or Boston.
Despite everything we’ve already packed into this week, everyone knows there’s still something bigger on the horizon. You can feel it in the conversations between campers. You notice it in the sideways glances toward counselors, searching for clues. Every unexpected announcement is met with hopeful anticipation.
The Takajo Olympics are in the air. No one knows exactly when the bugle will sound, but everyone knows it’s coming. And when it does, the energy that has been building all summer will erupt across camp, ushering in the culmination of Takajo competition.
