Camp Arowhon
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The two happiest days of a camp director’s year are
the day the campers arrive and the day they leave. The first is obvious – We would never do this job if we didn’t love it. The second is less obvious. The joy we feel when it’s over is tinged with sadness at saying goodbye to our beloved campers. But mostly we feel profound relief. […]
ContinueIt’s over….
All the buses have arrived in Toronto, the airport bus is at Toronto airport and campers are being checked in for their flights; all the campers being picked up at camp are gone, the staff are mostly gone… And camp seems a sad place without its people. Minus the smiles and laughter of the children, […]
ContinueParting is sweet sorrow
Tonight was so bittersweet. The sweetness of the final banquet (sushi and smoked salmon mousse, BBQ steaks, Greek salad, curly fries, stuffed green peppers, home made chocolate truffles and mini chocolate eclairs for dessert). And afterwards, many many awards presented to campers for stuff like “most dedicated” and “most improved” at every activity…. Then we […]
ContinueBrent boys are back!
At 7:45 pm they paddled up to the trip dock. The entire camp cheered to welcome them! Hurrah! Busy night at camp. Now we’re off to the annual staff talent show, after that there’s a torch paddle…
ContinueWhat price dedication to learning at camp?
Last night after dinner I was at the canoe dock testing two kids on their 1st class award in canoeing. For those who don’t know about the Arowhon awards, let’s just say that kids work two or three summers on their 1st class award, and that to be that good, you can hold your own […]
ContinueAcross the Universe
our usual theatrical extravaganza just ended – the Inter Senior play, a musical homage to the Beatles, with great singing and sets…. Many. 1st and 2nd class tests today, two Whitney trips got back, never mind the rain…and speaking of rain, our Survival Trip got back today and reported triumphantly that they stayed completely dry last […]
ContinueWarming up
Another great day…. TWO Brent trips got home within 12 minutes of each other to wild cheering by the whole camp. 170 km of paddling and portaging in less than 35 hours! Tonight was a lovely campfire with six moving 10-year jacket ceremonies. Hilarity and dance parties at lunch and dinner… Lots of 1st class […]
ContinueAfter the Kayak Glowstick routine last night
I read the whole camp our favourite bedtime story…. Good Night Moon, Goodnight Loon. Good Night Canoe Dock, Goodnight Gibralter Rock. Good Night Point & Goodnight Curve. Good Night Green Leach, Goodnight Surfing Beach. Good Night Kybos, Goodnight funky Fro’s. Good Night Tripopolis & Goodnight Moose Caboose. Good Night Bunk Beds, Goodnight ADHD Meds. Good […]
ContinueCold and drizzly but still a great day at camp
The juniors got back from their canoe trips and had a blast… Hiking, survival,gourmet and meditation trips left today, as did two Brent trips. After evening activity today the whole camp gathered at the Main Lodge to watch the first ever Glowstick Kayak routine. The kayak instructor attached glowsticks to the outlines of four kayaks […]
ContinueLand and Sea Game, Day 2 of Colour War
Yesterday morning was my favourite game: The Land and Sea Game. This is the 2nd biggest event of Colour War….. The goal is simple: Each team must find (hidden on land) wooden blocks in their team’s colour. To get points, those blocks need to get to the Voyageur canoe. Sounds simple. But the Voyageur canoe […]
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