What beautiful weather for the Opening Day of the first half of Saltash Mountain Camp 2010! Although a little on the cold side for the first few days, the weather has only continued to improve. For the first night at camp, everyone enjoyed delicious spaghetti and garlic bread for dinner. Then, the whole camp played an exciting game of “banana tag” in the soccer field. Once everyone made it back to the cabins, it was time for cabin discussions. Each cabin created a “Full Value Contract” during this time. These contracts set the tone for establishing a supportive and cooperative cabin group. The contracts are written down and then signed by each member of the cabin. They create some awesome decorations for the cabin walls!
In the morning, everyone started their first round of Asanas. Asanas is our name for chores. Each person plays an important role in ensuring that each chore gets done and that SAM camp is a functional, clean and beautiful place to be! Some of our Asana roles include the China Drones who set the table and prepare for meals and Tidy Teamsters who make sure that the lodge and areas are swept and neat. In addition, each cabin must pass a White Glove test which keeps everyone on their toes. This year at SAM, there are two goats named George and Prancer, plus a rabbit named Marlo. The No Goats, No Glory Asana is responsible for feeding, loving and caring for these animals. Soon Asanas were over and everyone found themselves moving towards the first Silent Meeting of the session.
Once Silent Meeting finished, it was time to begin packing out for the first cabin trip. Each cabin made its way through different tasks such as deciding menus, getting group gear, doing personal packing, taking canoe “tippy tests” and experiencing group-building games. Everyone did a great job of staying focused and becoming ready for the upcoming trip.
In the evening, hilarity ensued as campers made their way through the “Magical Mystery Tour” by following clues to different parts of camp where they had to complete various tasks such as singing to the animals, gargling the alphabet backwards or pulling weeds.
The next morning after breakfast, cabin groups did their final pack out checks and were wished “farewell” as they left on their first big adventure of the summer!