A Wonderful Day
How to describe what is going on at camp today… I find it difficult, for it is a savory cauldron of good things.
- Joy— the girls are literally bouncing off the walls with excitement. The dining hall is painfully loud and appears more like a cocktail party with all the girls walking about visiting friends. Free time finds every cabin full, the bluetooth speaker at full volume playing favorite songs that inspire non-stop dancing by camper and counselor alike. Even seventeen year olds are giddy about the banquet theme… playfully discussing theories with each other. This is a joyful day, a vibrant embodiment of our summer theme.
- Sadness— no getting around it, the girls are sad. To imagine life apart from each other is heart breaking. Tears rise quickly if given opportunity (and there are many opportunities); the tears are met with an immediate hug that often lasts a long time. The wave of sadness passes and is replaced with embarrassed laughter as both girls wipe away the tears with serious eyes. We acknowledge what is happening in our hearts and welcome the pangs as a good thing.
- Appreciation— with less than 24 hours left to enjoy a place, a person, a sight, a smell… every person in camp (me included) notices each detail is grateful. This is a huge gift. Imagine a day spent in deep appreciation for every little thing. Life should always be lived in this way, today gives us practice.
- Anticipation— the girls can’t wait to see you again. As much as we wish camp could go on and on, there is no place like home.
Some thoughts/suggestions for tomorrow’s pick up:
- Come early, but not too early. 8:00 to 9:00 AM is perfect. We will have the luggage waiting at the track and will help you carry things to the car, but if you come before 8:00 it is likely to be a bit confusing as the bags make their way from the cabin.
- Double Check your bags… we tag each bag with camper name and the number of bags she has. Many bags look the same, the name is the only way you are sure. Often you will have more bags on closing day than opening day… you think you got everything, but there is more. Counting bags before you close the hatch is a smart move.
- Don’t forget the laundry bag… this is the biggest luggage issue we have on closing day. Nothing like getting a box of dirty laundry delivered a week after camp closed. Yuck.
- Cell Phones… I don’t know what to tell you. I wish the girls would wait, giving time for you to talk without distraction… but that is perhaps not reasonable. Their phones are missed, they will love getting them back… but know that they will also miss the simplicity of life without them. The peace that comes from a quiet mind, the pleasure from a good story told face to face, the satisfaction of a DMC. If possible, I suggest making a deal… ask for 30 minutes of undistracted time. Absent that, chat away with the hope that she will be drawn into a real conversation. She is good at talking, once she gets started the stories will come in a torrent. These drives home are precious. ENJOY!
- Tears… we have been crying a lot. We will cry a lot. My daughters each went into a kind of depression for several days after camp. They would be on the edge of tears all the time, and it was good. This is a cathartic release that is necessary and healthy. It is possible you will not get that DMC until a few days after camp ends… give her time to process the feelings. Soon the tears will end and be replaced by huge smiles and confusing stories that make you laugh even though you don’t know exactly what she is saying. In time, you will understand more fully. When there is a cabin reunion, try to have it at your house… so much fun.
Thank you for sharing your girls.
Thank you for reading the blog.
Thank you for “getting” camp.
Thanks to you Main Camp is still going strong. It would not have been surprising to find that families could no longer send their teenagers away for the summer… that SAT, ACT, School Leadership, Internships, Work/Study programs, Mandarin Tutoring, or something else took priority. Allowing your girls to choose camp is a blessing to the world. I believe that camp makes them better people, equips them with 21st century skills, builds confidence, inspires patience, kindness, and developes resilience. Such a woman will be a blessing to the world.
We are honored to be a part of your family.