Sleep Late Friday
Little things delight when at camp… I think it is because life is sweeter when life is simpler.
A good example is sleep late Friday, a much beloved tradition of Main Camp that we let the June campers experience today. Rather than wake up at our normal 7:30, we sleep in till 8:30 (then eat a “bag breakfast” in our cabins and starting classes at the normal time). It is a very simple thing, but one that the girls (and counselors) just love! The roar of delight when it was announced last night brought a smile to my face. It shows that our community is “in the groove” and loving the simple life of camp.
The groups spread out around camp for EP last night and enjoyed a spectacular clear warm summer evening doing things with their friends. Some played at the pool, others at waterpark, others at putt cove, and others on the mountain. The moon is almost full, so as we played we watched the moon slowly rise in the eastern sky. We stayed out a little late, basking in the fun of an early evening swim or talk. The beauty of the moment was notable that many girls fully appreciated while they played. Such are the memories of summer.
A photograph simply does not do justice to the beauty that permeates camp for the beauty of camp is deeper than the scenery and lighting… it is found in the many little moments of the day. Bright eyes stealing a joyous/mischevious glance across the room at a friend after a funny moment in the pavilion. Ten little girls bringing order from chaos in their cabin 10 minutes before lights out bugle blows. Our moments shared singing, dancing, talking, and playing together. Campers and counselors delight in this beauty and now settle into the remaining days with a warm cozy comfort shared in each other.
Tonight we will celebrate all the birthday girls of camp… any camper who has her birthday while camp is in session will get dressed in her Sunday Finest and given a seat at the head table with Dr. Margaret and me. The Head Staff serve them and we end the meal with a HUGE birthday cake. After dinner the birthday girls are the guests of honor at our nicest EP of the session… the Camper Talent Show. It will be a long show (it is a very talented camp) that will be a huge hit with the girls.
There is only one week left at camp, a fact that many girls do not yet realize. The girls still feel like there is a long time before they return home, but we “old timers” know that the remaining days will pass in the blink of an eye. These end of camp programs will build excitement in a progressive way over the next few days. By Tuesday, the reality will be fully felt and we will frantically grasp the remaining moments.
Thank you for providing us the time. It is so GREAT!