“Ah, the ball we dared to throw
Fills the hand differently on it’s return
It brings back the reality of it’s journey.
Rainer Maria Rilke
Deciding to come to Timberlake is a step outside of one’s comfort zone.The green woods, raindrops on the roof and boisterous dining hall are all wonderful and nothing like home. I scan the group and I see the comfort between young men, their smiles, their shared experiences. Currently our campers are engaged on every level from swimming lessons to barn chores. Campers are building our new multi-level deck (aka “The Ziggeraut”) at the pace of one platform a day. We have handed out our first ratings for Outdoor Living Skills and our Boat Squad is busy teaching canoeing and kayaking. In Barns and Gardens, campers are working on making a entirely locally sourced pizza dinner including making the mozzarella, grinding corn meal grown onsite and, of course, including lots of farm veggies. For “Interdependance Day we celebrated by performing a lively original camp song to the tune of Cher’s “Believe”. Want to bring back memories for them at home? Sync it up on your playlist! Upcoming events include our big game played in the evening – “S-39”, as well as our closing Banquet.
While this busy stream of activity at camp is happening, I was reminded today of what wasn’t happening. They are not on screens. I looked into a local coffee shop today and literally every person, every single person I could see was on a device. Entire families. Rest assured that is not the case.
We have had quite a few campers outside their comfort zone this summer, challenged by feelings of homesickness. By spending time in the cabins, I can see it is not for lack of attention from peers or staff. The feelings arise because simply it isn’t home, and that simple fact can be hard. As parents, I know you “dared to throw” the ball and took a chance on camp. Knowing you wanted your son to be in nature, away from screen, away from all the comforts of their life at home, and I truly believe you will see a difference, that they will feel different upon return, bringing back the reality of their journey.
Until next time,
Tulio Browning,
Timberlake Director