I can’t count the number of times I wanted to get to a computer and tell you about what’s happening at camp these last few days.. and then something else started happening.
GARDENING IN THE RAIN
Of course the weather has kept us on our toes, but we only let it slow us down, not get us down. Yesterday was scheduled a “work and play morning” with a beautifully orchestrated all-camp garden morning followed by a dip at the waterfront. Despite the wettest morning yet this session, Shawn, our fearless Barn and Gardens leader refused to be intimidated and in true Timberlake style we focused on how to stay dry, then went ahead and did it. We had a very productive and memorable morning with some boxer-shorts & poncho weeding sessions!
SILENT OPEN MIC LUNCH
I think I was proudest of this session of campers over Thursday’s lunch, when we all took a page out of Saltash Mountain camp’s book and had a meal with everyone silent except the people performing songs or readings. I knew it worked great a SAM camp, but how would a lodge full of more than triple the size, with younger kids and all boys respond? The answer is respectfully and joyfully. We had original compositions by campers and staff received in silence and appreciation by everyone. I’d like to share the whimsical lyrics to a song about life composed by two campers from Jerico Vermont.
The Little Things…
The dandelion looks nice
It’s yellow and it’s bright
With funny little blow off seeds
You’d never think that it’s actually a weed
Chorus:
But it’s kinda like life, if you think about it
It looks nice, but is it evil? Well I doubt it
The little things remind us of the big things
Every day in many ways, you know it’s true
The water in the ocean is fun to play in, it’s true
It provides a thirst quencher for me and you
75% of it, it’s all around
But now and then, people drown
Chorus:
But it’s kinda like life, if you think about it
It looks nice, but is it evil? Well I doubt it
The little things remind us of the big things
Every day in many ways, you know it’s true
This was written by a young teenager, on the threshold of discovering a whole new perspective on life, it’s wonderful to see both the acceptance that both good and bad, joyful and tragic things happen in life, yet the secrets are often in the details and in a positive outlook. Their other song was a parody to the tune of “Free Fallin” called “Free Samples”, so please imagine everyone waving their hands and singing along in harmony to “Free samples, yea they’re, free samples…”
CABIN OVERNIGHTS
That afternoon first lodge went out on cabin overnights which were a success despite the less than helpful weather. I’m often impressed how first lodgers enjoy that experience so much and roll right over experiences that might discourage older campers. A! campers are coming back this morning and we look forward to hearing about their time camping, hiking and visiting other Farm and Wilderness Camps.
COUNSELOR AUCTION
Thursday evening provided another TL tradition: Counselor Auctions. A pair or group of staff will offer up an activity with an enticing name, campers get to ask a few questions and then the bidding beginnings, culminating with the announcement of what specifically they have really won. Example of “prizes” included going to the sister camp of Indian Brook…. and alphabetizing their library! Another was a surprise wake up at dawn and a hike to Rainbow Rocks to watch the dawn and eat Rainbow Sherbet.
TRIPS NIGHT
Last night was trips night, with each group of trips leaders presenting their skit and promoting their trips, followed by a color-coded request sheet for each lodge. Spirits were high and we’re all ready now to tally those request up and get everyone on camp onto a great trip.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE
This morning we have more of our regular activity area work, followed by an all camp game with lots of little red devils and cherubic little angels. This evening is our first Council Fire, where there will be more songs and laughter and where staff and campers get the chance to give a special bead to each other as a symbol of appreciation.
Thanks so much for letting you son be part of all these special moments.