We’re feeling bittersweet tonight as we prepare to say goodbye to the 2 and 6 week campers who are leaving tomorrow morning.
As I walked around camp today, I had no doubt that campers were making the most of every minute they have here. I saw cabins doing validation circles on the mega SUPs, warm and fuzzies at the top of the high tower, dressing up in cabin costumes for dinner, and doing photo scavenger hunts around camp. But what I noticed the most was the ease and joy I saw in campers and staff just hanging out with each other, in hammocks, around campfires, and on cabin porches and docks. It was a perfect illustration of the community and friendships that have developed here in the last 2 to 6 weeks, and will now stick with them for years to come.
Evening activities tonight included crowd favourites of Capture the Fire (Bears vs. Moose), a wacky talent show for the Jinters, and Sinter Survival.
At our awards banquet tonight, applause rang out across the lake as campers were recognized for their dedication, determination, positivity, and leadership at activities. Afterwards we were treated to a magical torch paddle and a particularly touching pair of 10 year speeches from best friends Mel (Grasshoppers Section Head) and Jojo (Head Canoe Instructor) whose parents grew up at Arowhon together. Watching the campers listen to them speak, I had a flashback to my own camper years decades ago, watching their parents stand up in front of the camp and thinking how cool and inspiring they were. It was so special to see this moment of Arowhon legacy getting passed down generation to generation.
As we enter into our final weeks of the summer, we’re looking forward to all the special events at the end of camp, and we’ll be cherishing every precious moment we have together.
