Hi all!
We lucked out for our second time this summer sending out six-day trips and having wonderful weather and safe travels! Campers returned with reports of stunning views, amazing laughs, and feeling great connections and support with their group trips. After our entertaining trip skits, we take time to appreciate the things we were able to see and experience. So many campers now have a different idea about what they can do physically and how to be a supportive member of a group. Campers portaged canoes for miles, got up at 4 a.m. to hike to a mountain peak in time for the sunrise, stood together in a cloud, and hiked the most difficult mile of the Appalachian trail (working for hours over and under boulders).
During a time of reflection yesterday, I looked around the group to see faces that have been with us for just a few days and just took their first trips as well as those who have been at SAM for five years and are more accustomed to 10-20 days on trail. In the circle, were the five Questers who just returned from hiking the 280 mile Long Trail in 35 days. The beauty of the moment was realizing how campers used the differences in their experience levels to create a supportive group. I certainly commend our campers.
The last week of camp has begun, so every day is some sort of party! On Monday, we attended the Flying Cloud naming to recognize several FC’ers. This naming including our Ninevah Nurse, Kyla, who received her FC name, Summer Arrow. A true recognition of her welcoming joy. Have also begun our prepping for the F&W Fair. This is a massive undertaking that involves brewing 75 gallons of SAM Dew, dozens of loaves of bread, tie-dying hundreds of SAM-danas, and creating our Fair-opening SAM skit. Phew! It’s a big week and camp is buzzing with activity.
Many of you have witnessed and even been swept up in the past 20 years of Harry Potter craziness and the subsequent International Quidditch League. Two very important things happened in International Quidditch this summer. First the U.S. team, participated in and won the first Olympic sponsored Quidditch Tournament. Secondly, one team member, Allison Gillete, came to SAM Camp and taught us the amazing game. Last night, with Allison’s help, we had an amazing all camp game of Quidditch with tons of action and campers flying around on brooms.
As I write this our WA (Wilderness Adventure) group is out on on their 24-hour solo.We have ten 14-year-old doing this overnight experience in a designated spot (following after several activity blocks of skills training). They had a great night of weather so I’m eager to hear them reflect on their experience.
Tonight, we’ll welcome them back and host our second SAM contra dance of the summer! Over 100 folks will be playing music, eating and dancing here at SAM Camp tonight. The party continues!
I look forward to seeing you many of you at Fair. Please arrive before noon so you can watch the SAM skit, a guaranteed great show! After the Fair, all campers will return to SAM to be picked up on Sunday. I’d like to invite all of you picking up a SAM camper to join us for a Silent Meeting at 10 a.m. Hope to see you then!
Peace,
Jeff