Emotion
What makes a great picture?
Most of us do not really consider such a thing. It is the kind of question that is usually only asked by professional photographers, and those people have strong opinions on the subject. Composition, perspective, shutter speed, F Stop settings, lighting, and subject all factor into it… but for me the answer is emotion. A good photograph captures a moment of genuine emotion in a compelling way.
So I love the photographs from last night (particularly the “Scottish Ice Fishing” station). Such events lead to moments that are recounted for years afterwards. To have a photograph to commemorate the moment makes it even more valuable.
We often have surprise visits from old Greystone Girls during the year, and some of these women have not seen camp in over 50 years. They are always delighted to see their old tentalow, find their names on the plaques, and talk about how much camp has changed while “remaining the same”. Their comments quickly move past the facility to the stories of “when I was a camper”… and they bring out the pictures to aid in the telling. They recite the names of each friend and usually tell a story that still makes them laugh.
The Scottish Ice Fishing moment will be one that will be one of those moments remembered in old age. It is likely to be recounted a thousand times by the girls who chose it as an activity (even if it disgusted them at the time). It was a whimsical, silly, and totally unique experience… easy to remember! Chances are, pulling an iced down freshly caught red snapper through one’s shirt is a once in a lifetime experience. The pictures tell the tale… I bet they will be favorites with a bunch of girls!
The whole evening was really wonderful. Perfect weather, “comfort colors” t-shirts, faces painted “Braveheart style”, and dozens of activity stations from which to choose (Great Scott it’s hot, Scottish Ice Fishing, Jousting, Loch Nessie, Scottish Thistle Shoot, The Wee Wagon, and Haggis in my face were just some of the many events). Cabins participated as a group, members of a larger team (the Blue, Orange, Yellow, or Pink team). We began at dinner with a real Scottish meal, sang Scottish songs, I wore my formal Kilt and played the role of King, and we finished the evening by the lake eating Scottish treats (Pop Rocks are the most popular candy in Scottland… who knew).
Memories were made… and spirits are soaring this morning.
We slept late (8:30 instead of 7:30) and are now back on schedule after having bagles in our cabins for breakfast. Morning Assembly this morning was really good… AGAIN. Matt and Kathryn are really good camp people. They “get it” and that connection makes them very effective in relating with the girls. Today he asked the question “What are people for?”. Think about how you would answer that one, then listen to the message (set aside 8 minutes). When Matt talks, campers listen. I am thrilled that you can hear this part of camp life.
Tonight is our Opening Vespers EP, the first of our “quiet” EP’s that focus on “important things”. These EP’s are as old as camp and remain beloved by the campers because they whisper truth in a beautiful way. That a program designed 99 years ago for a much smaller group of campers in a much simpler time continues to resonate with the girls is remarkable. I will tell the Linsey Woolsey story, the girls will recite their verses by cabin groups, and we will light our candles. Simplicity itself, yet it remains one of the most beloved of Evening Programs. Such is the enigma of camp.
- Breakfast was Bagles and Cream Cheese
- Lunch is Roast Beef sandwiches
- Dinner is Cheesy Chicken (one of the top 5 meals at camp))
The rainy weather has passed, we now have warm days and scattered showers in the afternoons. It is a great setting for camp. We are grateful!
Thank you for supporting Main Camp. We continue to be humbled that so many families make the sacrifice to send their girls to camp for an entire month of the summer vacation. It is the best experience in the world (in our opinion) but we are aware of the other opportunities out there. Main Campers are only possible because of Main Parents. We do not take you for granted… thank you for appreciating camp.
Have a great weekend!