Tending the Fire
We awoke to another perfect mountain morning with blue skies, cool temperatures, and the promise of a Great Day. High temperature of 80 degrees, no chance of rain, and a fun “Encanto Theme Breakfast” (we played music from the movie, decorated the dining hall, and anyone who was particularly inspired dressed in character). It was a great way to start the day!
We are still basking in the warmth of the Opening Vespers EP last night. I continue to marvel at the impact of this simple program. It is really surprising. If you were given the job of organizing a neighborhood summer camp experience, what Evening Programs would you include? S’mores, camp outs, active games, quiet games, Movie nights, Talent Shows… there are lots of good ideas out there, but I bet none of you would do the program we enjoyed last night.
Opening Vespers is a counterintuitive program. Gather in silence, sit quietly for more than an hour listening to a story and quoting a verse with your friends. All capped off with lighting a candle and blowing it out 30 seconds later. I can imagine your response to that proposal… no way! But to miss this program is to miss a lot! Campers and counselors alike embrace the simple message and are sometimes even touched in a meaningful way.
The story is a story of love that endured generations. A young couple get married and settle in Saluda (5 miles from camp), keep a fire burning continually for their entire life (this was in the 18th century, not uncommon), and that fire was kept burning for subsequent generations all the way till 1937 when William Morris became famous as the “Keeper of the Flame”. Mr. Morris was invited to be interviewed at Radio City Music Hall in NYC and his story was featured in the local paper. We have told the story ever since. The light and inspiration of that old story of love continue to spread many years after Dr. Sevier incorporated it into our lives.
The girls were absolutely silent throughout the program. They sang the praise songs with heart, they recited the scripture loudly, and they lit their candles carefully, blowing them out at exactly the same time. It was a perfect Vespers and I think the girls were touched at the beauty of it all.
Tonight will be a SUPER fun, super active “Group EP”, where we divide camp into 3 different groups and head out to do a rotation of games and challenges.
- T1 - T6: Bananarama Wrestling Federation - playing fun banana-themed games in a competition style with other cabins - this is our active station with fun kick-off games; ending with the largest banana split in Tuxedo (gutter sundaes!); no wrestling actually involved!
- T7 - B5: Taco Cat Bonanza - competing in cat and taco-themed activities to earn coins throughout the night; the cabin with the most earns the big prize in the end; all make campfire cones over an open fire.
- B6, Wests, C1 - C12: Water Fun - swimming with cabin groups at the pool, waterpark, slip and slide, and (of course) water guns - a treat! There will be s’mores treats! If anyone doesn’t want to get wet, they can enjoy making friendship bracelets with their friends.
It is going to be a lot of fun and will go a little later than normal, allowing the majesty of the rising moon and fireflies on a perfect summer evening to be fully appreciated. Tomorrow we will sleep late, enjoy a break in the routine with Stumblers, breakfast buffet, Church and free activities. It will be a great way to set our sails for a big week to come!
- Breakfast Cheese Bagles and ham
- Lunch Chicken Fingers, Fries, and Salad
- Dinner Flank Steak and Polenta
Thank you for checking in!
