Summer Camp 2009!
June 17, 2009 by Don Gentle
Summer is here! We are just ten days into our June Session and everything is in full swing! Every camper has already been out on an overnight on the property. There is a climbing, paddling, hiking, and mountain biking trip about every day the rest of the session. It sure is a lot of fun!
Fishing on our 11 acre lake!
As we embark on our fifty-second summer, it is fun to see how many things have changed but what is compelling is how much it has stayed the same. We still focus on the same philosophies that started camp over a half-century ago. Our mission still focuses on the individual, independence, and encouraging teamwork. Even though we have added some new activities, many of them are still the same just a little better with changes in technology and the advent of risk management.
A little "Capture the Flag" with a cabin group!
It is still amazing to me to see how much these boys get out of camp. These guys learn so much. They are aware of a lot of it, but it’s fun to see the little things. For example, I don’t think there is one camper here that says “gee, I sure am excited to share a room with five other guys.” Nearly all of our boys here have their own bedroom at home. Learning to live with five other guys is such a great experience. They all have to clean up, share, and even “put-up” with one another; but they also get to enjoy, learn, and respect one another. Some of these guys come back year after year and request to be in the same cabin. One of the first things they ask is “who is in my cabin this year?” Of course, with boys, they are best friends for a few weeks, and then they will not talk again for 11 months until they see each other at camp again!
A lifetime of friendships!
I can’t wait to see what this summer has in store for all of us. I am certain we will all learn something and have a whole lot of fun!