A week into camp, Planet Arowhon is starting to feel like home, and cabins like families units.

Campers have found their groove at activities and walking around camp I am impressed and inspired by their skills and dedication.

Yesterday at 6:45 am, as I was heading out for a gentle jog, I passed a group of 15 seniors coming back from a 5k run on their way to paddle and portage back and forth across camp to train for a marathon canoe trip at the end of the summer (completely self-initiated). Returning, I watched the end of Arowhon A (high class style swimming) practice, reflecting proudly on how the stereotype of post-covid youth inertia is certainly not playing out with Arowhon campers.

In order to keep campers engaged in learning, we need to balance it out with plenty of fun and freedom as well. Yesterday was our first “5th Period” of the summer, where all activities were open after dinner for goofing around (instead of our regular daytime skill-building lessons). Tonight was cookout, where the whole camp ate dinner outside, an opportunity to sit with friends from other sections and favourite instructors, and enjoy delicious bbq with a view of our pristine Algonquin lake (we were even treated to a some antics and tail slaps from two friendly beavers swimming by).

For evening activity, the Point Moose hosted us for a hilarious parody play (Buck Lake) that they wrote and performed, poking good natured fun of life at camp while dressing up as their favourite staff members. The whole camp was rollicking with laughter, and enjoyed a dance party after where each section formed a huge circle with arms around each other. The sense of camaraderie was palpable.