I had the joy of sitting with the First Lodge and Big Lodge campers as they settled back into their cabins after trips.Stories were bubbling out of them.They talked of canoeing “rapids,” baking cinnamon buns outdoors, climbing (“we loved it!”), and carrying heaving packs. But what was the most exciting was hearing their confidence and seeing the friendships that developed while they were away from camp.Two campers that went on the Big Lodge “wilderness” trip took turns telling a story of their trip as if they had been friends for years.They were finishing each other’s sentences as they told of beading, carving spoons and pumping water.
While it’s difficult to get trips out so close to the start of camp, seeing the effects it has on our youngest campers makes it totally worth it.They’ve forgotten their homesickness, they’ve accomplished something to be proud of,and they have meaningful experiences to share with new friends.