New Visitor Policy

I know that the new visitor policy that was announced yesterday (in a letter to our 2013 parents) caused some waves. Not with the majority of our campers (we only allowed visitors in June and Main camp and less than half of those campers actually had visitors), but with an important few.

I expect that the Main Camp Senior campers are the ones who took the news the hardest. These girls have been coming to camp for many years and over those years built up little traditions of their own based on a visit from home. I know that this change is a disappointment to those girls and so I write this update with them in mind. As with much of what we do at camp, the Senior group seasons the experience for the entire group… if I can help them understand the change the rest of camp will “get it” too. Stick with me, this is a long blog post but it is important.

Have you ever anticipated going on a cruise? Most of us have not had that experience, but all of us can paint a mental image of what such an experience would be like. The ship has been completely prepared for the trip and every detail is clear with the crew. The food is going to be over the top, there will be a wide variety of activities available for our enjoyment, the crew is standing by to meet our every need, and we know we will meet a lot of interesting new people. Camp is like this.

We work very hard to make camp perfect. Every detail of the summer is carefully considered with an eye toward what the cumulative effect will be. We are very keen to enhance “the bubble”.

You know what “the bubble” is… it is that alternate world that occurs when camp is in session. Away from the distractions of the world and surrounded by the love and friendship of this tight knit community of love, something magical happens. It is particularly strong here, because we do not “break up” the community with trips out of camp. Our group gathers on opening day and stays together till camp is over… and what a group it is!

Think of your camp friends. How much do you love them? Are they the most important friends in your life? For many of you, camp friends are this and more. We can not put in words how much we love each other. This is what we (the camp leadership team) see as the “jewel in the crown” of your camp experience. This is what we intend to enhance with this policy.

You might not agree… you might think that this will ruin camp. To you I ask: who has more to lose with this decision? Margaret and I have spent our lives in this work. My parents, grand parents, and great-grand parents did the same. Katie, Laura, Kelly, Sarah… all do the same. The weight of 93 years of tradition and the responsibility to each one of you campers is keenly felt by us all. We would never do anything to “ruin” camp.

Security might be what prompted this consideration, but your camp experience is what we are improving. Main Camp is too short. Senior campers are the ones who say this, and they say it every year. Think of this policy change as a way to make your camp time more intense; a way to get more time with your friends (which is what you really want). Think of the positive, don’t dwell on the negative… and give us your trust. We are building the foundations of your best summer ever, when you look back on it you will see the impact and will be grateful.

I have an open door. You can always email, call, or write me and I will always listen. This policy is a change for us that we are figuring out as we go… not all details are clear, but know that all details will be decided based on one goal: will this enhance the camp experience.

We know what we are doing and it is OK to trust us.

We love you.

Jimboy