I knew when I began planning for this summer back in October that there was something incredible on its way. After having so many of you join us for Visiting Day and experiencing Timberlake firsthand, I am confident that with all of the amazing adventures that we’ve had these past few weeks that this will be a summer to remember for years to come…and we still have five weeks left!
During Silent Meeting on Sunday, there were many voices speaking to the strength of community and the home that we all have at TL. Sitting under a very ominous sky, we sat as a family of 250 in stillness and in silence, sharing our space with new families and multi-generations of former Timberlakers. This was the tail end of a wonderful two days and of an excellent week, where after some long absences all of the trips returned and we were together again. As we move into the final week of the half, we are very aware of our time left together and our desire to hold on to every minute. But before we look forward we have reminded campers to take the time to reflect back on the last few weeks and to take advantage of every opportunity that they can.
As the second of two trip weeks, Week 3 was full of adventure. Campers once again stuffed their packs and headed for the peaks, cliffs, lakes and rivers of New England. We even sent out our two work trips, one to a local Vermont farm and another to clear trail in the Green Mountain National Forest, allowing campers to step forward as active stewards of the earth and of the larger community. I was able to head out with a group of First and Big Lodgers for an overnight visit to Flying Cloud as visitors in an FC Naming Ceremony. It has been a long time since I’ve been out on the trail and it was great to step away from my normal responsibilities and enjoy extended time with campers. Visiting Day of course capped off our week and by all accounts was a huge success. I want to again thank those of you who were able to join us. Singing songs with parents is always a highlight and I am still always tickled by the fan favorite, Psycho Killer by the Talking Heads, sung at the top of our lungs. As always our guitars are a little out of tune and our percussion, “slightly” offbeat but man do we have a good time. We’ve also loved welcoming the J2 campers and watching them discover Timberlake for the first time. While they have spent most of their time engaged in regular programming they have had the chance to enjoy some special activities of their own, including a visit to Saltash Mountain for a square dance and celebration. They also spent Visiting Day off at Buttermilk Falls, with a sweet stop for Maple Cremees!
I asked the staff to offer some of their favorite memories from the week:
Please know that you are enthusiastically invited to return for The Fair on Saturday August 9th. It is an incredible day when all six of the F&W camps come together to celebrate the summer and visit with old as well as new friends. Starting at 1:00 pm, the festivities include people-powered carnival rides, a diverse assortment of tasty eats, fresh organic produce from our gardens and crafts made by campers and staff. The day concludes with a presentation from Flying Cloud, a huge Contra Dance in the soccer field and an amazing bonfire. All of the profits earned go towards supporting the F&W Campership Fund. All camp families are invited and it is a wonderful opportunity to re-connect with friends from 1st half.
I want to again thank you again for the gift that is your boys. At Silent Meeting, I spoke of the magic that is TL and I have finally come to the realization that the magic that gets spoken of so often is without a doubt the campers. While each member of the staff has traveled their own path to Timberlake, we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for your boys and that is ultimately why we come. We thank you for the trust that you place in us and know the great responsibility we carry as well as the role we play in their growth as young men.
Over the next few days there will be elaborate games, hard work, goals attained, fabulous laughter, as many tears, spectacular feasts, a community to celebrate and lots of hugs. We know that those of us staying on for the second half of the summer will greatly miss those campers and staff heading home, but are anxiously awaiting the long time friends and new friends to be arriving Sunday. At Staff Meeting last evening we spent time reflecting on the first three weeks and were frequently struck by all that we have achieved together in such a short time. We are thankful for the time we have had and are excited for the days ahead.