The Middle

Week 2 has begun… the midde part of camp which in many ways is the best part! I sometimes use the analogy of an oreo cookie to describe the progression of the camp experience. We start off with a bang: the first week of camp is full of adrenaline and excitement, good will toward all. We are on our best behavior and working hard to make friends… it is the “crunchy cookie” start of camp. Then comes the “Sweet Center” part of camp… very productive in our classes, fully engaged in the routine of camp, learning how to be a good friend (even if it is hard), able to enjoy occasional surprises with good effect. Then comes closing week… another crunchy cookie of big events that culminate with the banquet. It is fun to see it unfold!

This is not to say that it is easy. The cabins begin to have little arguments and disagreements. The cabins learn how to work through conflict in a healthy way, and the friendships grow because of it. Girls will take a few minutes to sit in the white chairs by the lake with a few friends and have a really great conversation (we call these Deep Meaningful Conversations or DMC). They will be very productive in their classes, passing levels with a keen eye toward earning some patches at the next Council Fire. This week is what makes June Camp special.

The weather continues to be perfect. It is breezy and warm, the little rain shower yesterday morning was very local (it did not rain in the town right next to us, only here) and short lived (the sun came out by Sunday School). The North Carolina mountains are wonderful… what a great place to spend the summer!

Tonight’s EP is going to be a big Movie night. I can’t tell you what we are watching, but it will be a ton of fun. We will serve popcorn, shasta’s, and candy at three venues (outside movie on top of Apple Hill, the Pavilion, and White Hall).

Thanks for checking in, your support is most appreciated!

Jimboy