Finish Strong

One of the things I like most about this time of the summer is the way everything “comes together” at the last minute. All of the big end of camp programs are put on by the campers and they always end with a strong sense of accomplishment and affirmation… that just barely is done in time for the show. Last night was just such a night, it was delightful and required a huge push by about 200 campers to pull off. It was magnificent!

From the great dance presentations (each of which was very innovative and showed considerable skill… I think it was the best dance program in 5 years), to Stage Combat (yes, we have a stage combat class and it is very good)- each act was good. The 90 minute show was quality from first to last act. We ended with the “beginner” guitar class playing Taps as we sang along then hummed it through softly… the best ending to Production Night ever! I am SO PROUD of the campers and counselors. They are doing a GREAT job.

Today we will change pace with team competition for one last time. Watersports Day always comes at the end of the session and is a most appreciated laid back schedule. We skip our morning classes and rotate in groups to four different stations (all of which feature water fun). We get wet, we cheer, we read, we talk, and we play… not a bad recipe for a good day at camp. It will all end with the Water Show at the pool.

When we did our big million dollar renovation of the pool we centered the improvements around this event. We built in stadium seating for the entire camp so that all would have a good view of the water ballet show (I think we are the only camp that has a water ballet program). The pool is very deep to allow the girls to do their full maneuvers without touching the bottom and we put diving boards at both ends to allow for a regulation diving program. The divers begin the evening with exhibition diving, then the water show is watched with the backdrop of a setting sun on a glittering lake. It is always a beautiful night… the swimming department is VERY nervous as they do their final preparations (remember, it only comes together at the last minute). So much fun!

Many of you are wondering “Where’s Libby?”. You missed her on opening day and have not seen any pictures… well let me assure you that Libby is GREAT.

After her bad summer last year, she just decided she wanted to step back and slow down. Camp is a very intense community, to engage in it meaningfully one must invest a great deal of energy to the effort (Libby knows this better than anyone). It is important to be present (camp is defined by community) and it is important to enjoy chaos (camp events can be pretty loud and are always hectic before and after the event). While Libby feels good, she does not have the energy to go to all the events that consume the camp world. While she likes the energy of camp, she does not enjoy the noise (most adults would feel the same way). So she made the decision to only do one thing every day: eat lunch! She comes to lunch every day and sits with us at the Head Table. We have a nice conversation, eat a nice meal, and she slips out once the singing begins. With this simple schedule she has become a familiar face to the girls, a fact for which I am very thankful.

Libby’s health is excellent… but she has congestive heart failure (under control with medication). Her mind is sharp but her memory is fading (she has excellent insights but poor short term memory). She loves life and loves camp and those emotions are a comfort to us all. She is currently enjoying the warm weather (sitting on her porch reading a good book is how she spends most afternoons). She is also looking forward to a fun beach vacation with the family after August Camp (the extended Miller Clan enjoys this tradition every year). Libby is blessed and continues to be a blessing to us all.