Jul 23, 2014 by Jimboy

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The Finish Line

We have the finish line in sight and are running hard until that line is past. Banquet is the finish line… it is the favorite moment of the summer for most of us. Not so much for me (I am not a big one for “good bye’s”) but for almost all of the campers and counselors. The pictures this evening of everyone “skipping” down the road as they prepare to enter the banquet hall will show it all. This is a night of giddy enthusiasm and deeply felt gratitude. It is an evening that is marked by cheers and tears, one that forms a final exclamation point on a wonderful chapter of camp history.

This has been a lovely session. Soon you will pick up your girls and hear the details from a different perspective. I have given you my “rose colored” side of things, you have no doubt gotten some letters that give a separate glimpse… but that ride in the car provides the best persepctive. It is a golden hour that is meant to be nurtured and treasured as a valuable moment of life. ENJOY IT!!!

So here are my hints:

  • Turn off the cell phone and radio… at least for the first hour. I know they are keen to get caught up with the real world, but ask them to give you just a little bit of time to talk face to face without distraction. This means you turn your phone off as well!
  • Welcome the tears if they come… tears are a part of the adjustment process for some girls. My girls cry a lot at first… and for a man this can be quite uncomfortable. After 15 years, I can say that it is fine to just let them cry… the conversation comes in good time.
  • Don’t be disappointed if there are no tears… some girls are more prone to tears than others… some years are more emotionally charged than others. This year does not seem to be a SUPER emotional one, but it is quite literally the best year we have ever had. I do not “depend” on the emotion, am not disappointed if it is not on the surface. Deeply moving currents don’t always show!
  • Learn the lessons of camp… the simple lessons of unselfishness and thankfulness are worthy of all ages. Your girls have been working on these simple character traits, join with them and make them your family’s goal as well. Leadership on such things is welcomed by children of all ages!

So that’s it. I think we are done… just a bit of housekeeping for those of you driving in tomorrow:

  • Arrive early, but not too early… We will be waking up at 7:00, but it will take about an hour and a half to transport all the bags to the track and get them organized. If you were to between 8:00 and 9:30, it would be about perfect. Most of the campers are gone by 10:00… so if you are going to be late let us know the plans.
  • Don’t forget any bags… We make it easy to know that you got everything, for your bags are numbered on a tag that is attached to every bag. 1 of 4 bags means you need to have 4 tagged bags in your car before you leave. Bags collected at the cabin do not count, we tag only the bags at the track. Any bags left, we will contact you to find out what to do.
  • Earlybird… You know the deal… camp is very full and seems to get more full every year. The number of campers who reserve places for next summer during the earlybird enrollment period (from now till August 15) is overwelming. We essentially overbook next summer with this “deal”… counting on girls to cancel at some point before next summer arrives. This means that if you miss the earlybird deadline you will be put on a wait list no matter what. Sometimes we can work you back in off the wait list, but usually it means a year off from camp. This is very sad for EVERYONE, especially me. Take the time (about 3 minutes) save the spot when you get the reminder email.

It has been a pleasure. Thank you for your faithful consideration of this experience. I hope it has proven to meet all expectations.

Sincerely

Jimboy

PS TENNIS NEWS… Elizabeth Robertson defeated Wendy Harrison 6-2,6-3. Coach Vining tells me that it was the best played finals that he has ever seen. Excellent tennis… CONGRATULATIONS GIRLS!