Taco Tuesday with a few Tie Dyes

I think the first full day of camp is one of my favorites.  The boys have had a little time to be comfortable, but there is still a lot of excitement in the air.  They typically wake up early. As in WAY before the wake-up bell.  The first cabin clean-up takes a little longer as they try to work through the orientation process. The youngest boys are super excited but have very little skill or even a plan of how this whole cabin clan-up thing works. There are mornings these guys just wake up and start sweeping. Great attitude, but we need to get dressed first and make our bed. The oldest guys know a little more about what to do and even have some coordination to make it happen, but they are less excited about waking up in the morning.

I queried the guys about the first night’s sleep. Many had stories of others talking in their sleep or waking up and being surprised because they were in a new place. Some took a little more to fall asleep, others said they fell asleep as soon as the counselor started reading. After a long camp day, everyone will be tired tonight.

I really enjoy hearing these small stories of independence.  Little victories here and there that is all part of the growing process.  I mean, spending the night out in a cabin sounds like a ton of fun, but it can also make you nervous once all the lights go out.  Don’t sweat it! I saw all sorts of night lights and bathroom lights on with the door cracked.  The counselors were all well-prepared for these events. But, this is a big deal for a lot of these guys!

I also like hearing so many of our counselors reading to the boys at night. It’s such a fun tradition.  It doesn’t always happen in the older cabins, but I heard boys talking about it out there.

The boys hit all five of their selected activities today. Our first day of activities set a baseline that will springboard into some real learning through the session. The boys were eager to get started.  I saw the first glimpses of the model rockets coming together in crafts.  Others were making their first shots at archery.  Speaking of activities, you should have received an email with your son’s schedule and a few details this afternoon. I hope that is helpful.  The boys will typically keep those for the session, but they can change if they want.  The first couple of days has a little movement.

there were a few tie dyes out there today.  And, of course, Tacos for lunch was a huge hit!  It really was a great day out there.