Independence

July 30, 2013 by Don Gentle

July 30th Pictures

Today everyone headed off to their first day of activities.  While it would seem like nothing to us, today marks a big part of where camp begins to create independence.  While most of their discovery is fairly guided, the boys still have to get from place to place on their own.  These first few days we have a number of posted “centuries” to help guide those in need during our activity change over, but for the most part these guys get to each activity without assistance.  Again, not a huge deal for a twelve year-old, but the little guys take a sense of pride in “being in charge of their own destiny.”  Of course, we have a list of where everyone needs to be, and we take role in each activity to be sure all are accounted for.  Once the afternoon roles around they also have a guided “choice period” where the boys can choose to do a number of different activities for their last period of the day. It sure is fun watching these guys make decisions, find new friends, and try new activities.

Today the boys started the foundations and introductions in each of their activities. For many it will be the first time they learn how to put on a harness, tip over a canoe, or even nock an arrow.  This is a journey we hope will last for many years with continued success through proper progression. Our vision is that these beginner paddlers may see class III and IV whitewater someday; that climbers might finish a 250 foot muli-pitch climb on Looking Glass Rock, or even watch archers earn the level of “Golden Arrow,” where a camper has to reach a certain score multiple times from over 40 yards.  These progressions continue for many years before we see this kind of skill level. It all started today!  The beauty is, that after leading these young men for almost twenty years, I have witnessed this success time and time again.  Your son is starting that journey right now!  I am thrilled about being here to watch him enjoy each year and tell me it was the best one yet.

Last night, the boys and their counselors thought up age-group nicknames. Rather than just calling them “group 1,” or “juniors,” we have the age groups come up with a fun name that usually precedes a chant or song. You’ll have to wait and hear the chants from your boys on parents’ day, but the group names are listed below.

After a busy day in activities we enjoyed a tasty meal of chicken, rice, warm yeast rolls, peas, and a loaded salad bar.  There was even home-made honey butter for the rolls! Heaven!  After dinner the guys headed out with their cabin mates to enjoy some quality run-around time.  Tonight’s after-dinner activities for each of the age groups:

• “Questions that don’t need answering” (Hillside & Connestee) are at the water slide.
• “Green” (Lakeside & Foxhollow) are playing Danish Rounders on the Activity Field.
• “Purple Rainbow Unicorns” (Flattop & Chalet) are playing a game on the Cabin Field.
• “Bottom Feeders” (Windswept & Outpost) are in the Gym playing Chum Ball.
• “Red Robin” (Lookout & Holiday) are playing a game on the Soccer Field.
• “Channel 4 News Team” (Halfway & Pinnacle) will be on the tennis courts.

Tomorrow we start our cabin overnights with Halfway, Pinnacle, Holiday & Lookout cabins. The fun never ends…

Have a wonderful evening and enjoy the pictures!!!

Take care,

Don Gentle