In monumental news, the heatwave was said to have its hottest day today which means the coming days should bring some relief. But this weather has not stopped our campers from having the best time.
For one, our landsports instructors (field sports, volleyball, tennis, & basketball) created their own special “Wii Sports Day” where campers were programmed for a double period to have a full Wii Sports tournament around camp. Arena sports took to the sail beach to play underwater bocce ball. Up at the ropes course, Roga made its debut, a dashing display of yoga suspended from the high ropes course!
The real rose of the day thought was the senior long trip coming back. A feat of bravery, perseverance, and determination through the Canadian wilderness, relying on nothing but their own strength and skills and each other for 11 straight days. Watching them paddle in, triumphant and strong, reminded me of the power of challenging kids to do hard things, and how much they can accomplish when they set their minds to it. It was heartwarming to welcome these intrepid adventurers home. The whole camp (even staff on day off) ran down to the waterfront to welcome them in. Cheers of “My boys! My boys are home!” and “Senior Bears did it again!” echoed across the lake as the campers dumped their canoes and were tackled by all their friends and cabin-mates in a throng of pride and camaraderie.
A particularly special moment for me was walking away from the trip return with a couple Tadpoles (10 year old girls) who said to me “I think I’m going to go on long trip when I’m their age.” What an inspiring thing for these girls to look up to, and an example of how camp magic and values are passed on from one generation to the next. And of what kids can accomplish when they get off phones and social media and into the woods.
Now we look forward to a cooler day tomorrow, the upcoming senior play, and the return of our 21 day Missinaibi trip!
