After three weeks of training on everything from the stages of child development, to social justice principles, to the best way to light whisperlite stove, our camp counselors couldn’t wait to meet the campers! Forty SAM campers and 16 Questers were greeted last Wednesday by smiling staff, big hugs and sunny weather.
After three weeks of rain, we had a feeling the sun came out just us. At our first circle before dinner we got in a big circle to sing songs, introduce ourselves and talk about what everyone was most excited about for the summer. Some campers shared their excitement for big hiking trips, and others expressed enthusiasm for the cook’s amazing food! After a hearty meal, the campers grabbed their flashlights and headed back to their cabins to settle in with their new camp mates. Nestled against the blue of Lake Ninevah, the rustic wood cabins at SAM camp glowed a little brighter with the faces of happy, well-fed campers.
In their cabins, the campers had their first opportunity to share their voices and make decisions together through the platform of “cabin contracts.” Within this space, the campers decide on the values and norms they need to see and feel in their living space to feel safe. These could include everything from “respect,” and “laughter,” to “words of support.” After signing, the campers can feel that their new cabin mates will take good care of them.
The sounds of the lake are beginning to stir in the morning- birds are chirping and the chickens are rustling. But that’s that you hear? Is that a three bell?! Campers learn right away that they will wake up to bells, which signify the amount of time until the next meal, or the next activity. Three bells mean 30 minutes until breakfast, and every camper must wake up and contribute to chores, or asanas. These asanas are an important time for the campers to give back to the place they love by sweeping, tending to the garden or hanging up the colorful costumes. The campers jumped right in, and we were immediately impressed by their initiative! We continued to get practice with our service day trips tomorrow (July 7). Indeed, at all Farm & Wilderness camps we operate from the idea that “work is love made visible,” and at SAM camp we believe that adolescence is an especially important time to contribute to a community.
The next day the campers began their trip prep. The whole camp was abuzz with testing stoves, planning s’more ingredients, testing packs and getting ready for the trail. On Friday, all our campers set off for the trail—today we can say they not only survived, but they THRIVED, arriving safely home with new stories and excitement for their adventures in the woods!
Today we’re looking forward to a week of fun programs, swimming, skit prep and getting ready for long trips!
We are so grateful for the chance to spend time in the Vermont forest with your camper!!
— Josie Nickum, SAM Staffer
