Rain Again

Some of my fondest memories of camp took place during rain days. There is something wonderful about cool misty mornings in the mountains. Snuggling under blankets enveloped by the sound of rain on a tin roof. Wearing rain boots which give the power to walk through puddles without effect. Doing different things in familiar activities… I love the rain, it is refreshing and soothing… good for the soul.

I think the campers are with me on this. The Dining Hall was subdued this morning, everyone chatting quietly as they munched on fresh baked biscuits. Almost everyone is wearing sweat shirts, a few people came prepared with rain jackets (some people are good at anticipating the weather). They are comfortable and taking a breather for these “middle days” of camp.

The Corn Roast was a hit… as I said in the last news article. I think that the Gym worked amazingly well as a dance venue; Kat drew energy from the crowd and the crowd drew energy from each other. When we do the concert by the lake, the campers divide into “dancers” and “watchers”… in the Gym, every camper is a dancer! It really was a nice party. This too added to the atmosphere of the Dining Hall, the afterglow of a successful party coloring our experience of breakfast.

Rafting trips end today… three trips on the river again, which leads to a very quiet camp. Classes, meals, and assemblies all feel different without those rafters. This too adds to the feeling of the day.

Basically, this is a good re-grouping of our spirits before a big weekend. This is going to be a memorable day for the girls… not for the things we have planned, but for the things that happen. Quiet things that just naturally occur in a deeply connected community at this point in the summer.

Tonight will be “Cabin Night”; an evening planned by the counselors for their particular cabin. Some will take over program areas in camp (Gymnastics, Water Park, Pool, Ropes Course, Etc.). Some will do “Spa” night, some will do games, some will challenge other cabins to big team activities… lots of possibilities. None will watch movies. This is a night about relating and relationship. It is perfect for this point in the summer.

Lunch is a Tater Tot Casserole from Sam Cudd. Sam is our Maintenance Director, he was in my wedding 21 years ago, his wife is our Travel Director, and he is a GREAT cook. We share a love of “slow cooked” foods and this is Sam’s signature comfort food dish. We have never served this to the campers before… perhaps a new tradition is born! Lell Harboe (Services Director) brought us “Cheesy Chicken” from her kitchen about 15 years ago and we cheer whenever it is on the menu to this day. We served my famous “Vaca Frite” last week, a Cuban dish of sublime splendor. Nice that our kitchen is able to take favorites from our family and share with everyone.

Dinner is Chicken Wings… I don’t know if we have done Chicken Wings before… I love wings, it will be fun to see what the kitchen does with the challenge.

Have a GREAT day… hope you can enjoy the rain!

Jimboy