Price, Promise, Prize
Today we ran our final Stumblers and the girls received the prize that was promised to all that paid the price of running at least three of the four Sundays. Some of these girls have paid this price for this prize for 10 summers in a row. It has become a part of their identity… a collection of shirts that prove a strength of character and resolve. A great life lesson comes from the simple accomplishment of a simple goal.
The lessons of camp are indeed simple ones:
- Honor God (simple honest prayers and a little Scripture read every day).
- Honor Country (respect the flag and our heritage)
- Honor Friendship (unselfishly give of ourselves to make others happy).
These simple lessons are life transforming and very sweet indeed.
Today we will once again enjoy our Sunday routine of exercise, a slow paced morning of cabin cleaning and Church, a slow paced afternoon and finally our last Council Fire.
The day will hold such big moments as the Greystone Riflery tournament finals, Tennis tournament matches, the Great Day 5 K race, and lots of other free activities. Most of the girls (and counselors) will be busily writing “Plane Letters” to their friends and mentors. These letters are truly touching for they put voice to emotions that are seldom expressed.
There is something powerful about the hand written letter. I have said so previously in this blog, and many of you have been writing hand written letters to your campers all summer long. The campers know the power by your example. They have been touched by the hand written letters they have received and they now want to give that gift to those who are closest to them right now. Hopefully you have gotten some good letters… it is possible that you have not (I went for years before I got a really heart felt letter from a child). It is also possible that your camper will soon writing some really fabulous letters to her friends and to her favorite counselor. This is a good thing.
Plane letters are difficult to write, emotionally wrenching and requireing an artful command of language but also requiring transparency. Not easy, but possible at this point in the summer. Thousands of these letters will be written over the next few days… the work begins in earnest today.
It is a busy day for all of the Head Staff. We are working hard to finish up AND prepare for another opening. A curious process that makes the time just fly by yet does not impact our connection to the moment. We will tear up as much as the campers do this week. It is gut wrenching to say good bye, but also really satisfying.
Camp is an amazing place. Thank you for making it possible.
Jimboy