If you’re a camp parent who’s never been to Camp yourself, it’s worth taking a minute to try and imagine it: the positivity of the CKC environment lifts us up. It’s hard not to smile here as your peers and your counselors cheer you on – and that joy is contagious! To top it off, the natural setting of incredible beauty supports the mission and it’s easy to understand the words of Psalm 19: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork.” What’s more, there are skills to be learned and challenges to be undertaken and you are continually encouraged to begin the effort because you are capable of doing hard things!
In short, it’s important to try and imagine it because you can quickly see how impactful an environment like this can be for your son or daughter.
And for us, it is an honor to welcome them here, to their mountain home, and it is personally inspiring to see them grow. I learn so much each year from just watching them!
Yesterday, I hit the trail with the Chosatonga Junior Counselors and joined them for the first 24 hours of their JC retreat – a special time of bonding and also of training. A time where we’re able to set the tone for the summer and the expectations for their leadership with the younger campers. These guys are great! I’m so impressed with their depth and their fun loving natures. The day was beautiful and warm and we all enjoyed swimming at the base of a beautiful waterfall at the end of the hike. Somewhat unexpectedly, though, right after dinner the skies opened up in a downpour! I was so impressed at the wilderness skills they were already putting into practice: everyone stayed dry and comfortable beneath their tarps and slept well.
That moment reminded me of a story from one of our staff last year: he said that at his college graduation it had rained and his school moved everyone inside and everyone was terrified that the water would spoil the solemnity of the moment. The day after graduation he came to camp (a little late) and joined for our first co-ed day of the June Session. Guess what: it was a downpour! Everyone gathered in the gym for a moment – but then something magic happened: everyone ran out at once and began dancing in the rain.
There is a great lesson to be learned here, of course. Rain falls in each of our lives. At camp, it dampens our towels, but we don’t let it dampen our spirits! Community and a confidence in God’s love can help us wade through – and even to dance through – many of life’s storms.
Evening Program tonight at Kahdalea is a lively movie charades competition between the tribes and the boys are all out on their first cabin overnight of the session! They spent the afternoon learning (or re-learning) their camping skills and safety points and are out enjoying the evening.
These opening days have been a great time of connection. We have been sharing with the campers about our philosophy and core values; offering them an invitation to live them out and become Chos-men and Kahda-ladies. And of course, we have been having a blast! Activities are opening up and ground-schools are underway as we prepare to welcome the adventures of the summer. We are so thankful to have your campers with us!