First & Second

Today is the Second day of classes but interestingly, the campers will be taking classes for the first time. This is because we run an every other day program during June and Main camp, thus giving the girls a total of 14 possible classes in their schedule. While some classes meet for two class periods and some classes meet every day, no matter what the schedule our campers always enjoy a huge variety of really interesting classes

This was abundantly clear in the classes yesterday. I stopped by Dog Camp, Glass Fusion, Tennis, Canoeing, and Aerial Yoga… all I can say is WOW! Each area was AMAZING… the campers were quickly engaged in the activity, the counselors were calling the girls out by name and enthusiastically encouraging the learning process, and when the bell rang to end classes the girls were giddy with excitement about what they did in the class.

To make over 70 classes GREAT is not something that any one person can do. It is the very definition of a team effort. Ellen Anne Skelton (our Program Director) deserves a big chunk of the credit but truth be told, the counselors are the real hero’s of the day. To see the campers so deeply engaged in so many activities ALL DAY LONG was a testimony to the commitment of the counselors. They never took the easy way out. They were enthusiastic and attentive, paying attention to the girls and being rewarded with spectacular moments of connection.

I continue to delight in the millennial generation, for they are amazingly committed and capable people. This generation of counselors assume the responsibilities of a very hard job in a deeply connected community with diligence and enthusiasm. It is breathtaking to see how well they do their jobs. They are a delight to work with: intelligent, interested, and excited about the mission of camp… and Glorify God daily in a community of love. I depend on these counselors every day and I am blown away by how they respond to the challenges of the “bubble”.

The weather today is glorious: Perfectly Amazing! Not a cloud in the sky, low humidity, light breeze (5 mph from the West), and high temperatures of just 75 degrees.

Tonight we will enjoy the Cabin Lip Syncs (Bungalow 2-Cabin 12) and we will delight in seeing our older campers performing acts they have practiced since Opening Day. The Pavilion Stage is a remarkable venue for a young performer… bright lights, special effects, microphones, speakers, and an adoring audience of almost 700 screaming fans. It is a magical moment for the cabin groups and a great time for us all.

We started our morning with a camper favorite breakfast: Pancakes and Sausage. The pancakes are home made (of course) and feature a recipe with two kinds of flour and a hint of maple syrup. They are really, really good! The sausages are much larger than you would expect, about double the size of the sausages I serve my family in the winter. They are plump and amazingly tasty… the best sausages I know of. Lunch is also a “Pork Fest” that is one of my favorites: BLT’s. Thick cut bacon, local tomatoes, local lettuce, home made bread still warm from the oven. YUM. Dinner is smoked chicken, rice and gravy.

Thank you for sharing your girls. They are doing very well adjusting to camp and I hope they are writing you some really wonderful letters that will arrive soon. Please take time to write them back! Hand written letters are the Gold Standard of warm fuzzy feelings at camp, but emails are a close second. Hearing from you is a delight and I hope you will write lots and take the time to compose some great letters. I always included little drawings in my letters, often showing scenes of what I imagined them to be doing at camp. Focus on their wonderful opportunity as a camper, not on the fun things you are doing at home! Mail is delivered after lunch each day and the girls love to read letters as they settle into rest hour.

One last thing… today we had our first morning assembly and Simon (our minister this session) was amazing. I encourage you to check out the devotions that we post every day, it is another great connection to your camper!