The "Why" of June Camp
Why choose June Camp over a shorter session… what’s the difference?
We get this question a lot. If a shorter session is good, why do a longer one? Why spend all that extra money? Are those extra days really necessary? Is a longer session worth the cost?
When asked, we always say YES! The longer the session, the greater the impact. Shorter sessions have a big impact, but it is a different kind of impact. A camper leaving Junior or August Camp will have grown more confident, mature, resilient, and thankful. These are great experiences and a ton of fun… but June Camp is way better! There is no substitute for the growth that happens when given a “middle” week of camp.
The first week of camp is a rushing torrent of excitement and goodwill. We are on our best behavior, engaging without reservation in every class, savoring every bugle, and running at every bell. We are carried along by our emotions for a couple of days. Closing week is likewise jam packed and full of memorable moments. A middle week (or weeks) provides a venue for significant growth in the cabin and classes, it also allows good patterns of behavior to take root.
Three weeks of camp gives a more “real-life” growth experience. It is a more potent experience with a deeper impact.
- We experience the first days in a different way. The girls feel the challenge of the moment: three whole weeks away from home (which seems like several years to some of them!).
- We are “real” with each other, campers can’t maintain their “best face” for three weeks. They get on each other’s nerves from time to time and learn to be kind and gracious in difficult situations.
- We learn that we can make a day great even if we don’t feel great.
- We learn to do our very best even when tired.
- We learn to relax… To savor moments.
We have entered the sweet “center of the oreo” time of camp. Now is when we:
- Have our first DMC’s with newfound good friends.
- Relax into our daily routines which begin to feel as comfortable as old shoes.
- Celebrate little things like bread and honey, misters, a full moon, a good song.
For me, this is the best, most impactful time of camp. It touches on core emotions and foundational growth. It is the secret sauce that makes camp especially great!
The nice weather continues… sunny skies, warm temperatures (hot enough to turn on the misters), and afternoon showers. Camp is going great and we are thankful.
Last night’s movie was really good. There is something magical about watching a movie like “Enchanted” with hundreds of girls. They sang the songs, cheered, and squealed in increasing volume as the movie went on… the energy was amazing (and the FORT was a great theater, providing lots of room to spread out with friends).
Thank you for reading the blog. I hope you have a great day!
The Update:
- Breakfast waffles and sausage
- Lunch Shepherds Pie
- Dinner Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
- EP Team Fires… tomorrow is Challenge Day, so we get FIRED UP tonight!