Opening day at camp. There’s just nothing like it.
I remember keenly my years as a camper. Opening day was only rivaled by Christmas in my mind, and when I awoke to the sounds of bustling vehicles and the early morning staff preparation bells, I could almost not contain my excitement.
I hear from many of our camp parents that my experiences are not isolated and that, even now, our campers are counting down the days until camp!
However, there is certainly a leap of faith required for your first opening day. Every one of us has had to get over the hump of uncertainty and unknowing. Will I make friends? Will I have fun? What will this experience require of me? Do I have what it takes? These questions are totally normal! I thought I would share a few things to help with those pre-opening day nerves that may just threaten to steal the joy of one of the GREATEST days of the year 🙂
In addition to other classic first day tips (like arrive early on opening day to select the bunk of your choice, or take the time to work through your swim check first so you can get in a canoe sooner), we felt
- Our counselors have been waiting for WEEKS to welcome you here – and there’s no question you can’t ask 🙂
- It is our joy to answer any questions you may have – we’re literally here to serve you and to create the most amazing experience possible for you. Do you think we wouldn’t want to answer your questions?? No way! We are just waiting to be with you and delight in your presence.
- And I am not sure who is more excited – you or them! These devoted staff members have poured out their efforts and their hearts to create an environment that will be such a joy for you.
- They have attended skills trainings, medical certification courses, sit down lectures, and hands on wilderness adventure, and they have done all of these things so that you can have MAXIMUM fun, all within the careful planning and intentionality of our staff and Program Directors.
- We have so many wonderful things planned for you!!!
- Speaking of careful planning, Dom and Hanna Pautler have been working up magical additions to our already magical world of Kahdalea and Chosatonga and we are SO pumped to share these developments.
- Everyone wants you to succeed 🙂
- Perhaps you have a sneaking suspicion that everyone will be watching how you perform in this new environment – as if they are waiting for you to misstep. Let me set the record straight. At CKC, we are a community that can’t wait to catch each other doing the right thing. We focus on the GOLD in one another and we aren’t too concerned with giving fuel to fears or failures. Part of a healthy growth environment is eagerly wanting the other to succeed, and, trust me, EVERYONE here is rooting for you!!
- This is not to say you will not be challenged. There is no growth without challenge, and we are you biggest supporters and encouragers as you enter this new world of Kahdalea and Chosatonga.
- There have been thousands of others who have stood in your shoes before… and LOVED it!
- Sometimes it helps to let the numbers do the talking. Over the decades, many thousands of CKC alumni have passed through our gates for the first time and not only lived to tell the tale but the have returned summer after summer. Often I find that a leap of faith is required to discover life’s greatest treasures, and maybe just maybe you’re about to walk right into one!
- We have prayed for you in every one of our staff devotions and meetings for nearly a year
- Prayer changes things, and we want you to know that we have been praying for you every time we gather as a staff in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. There is a purpose sown into your presence at camp, and it is our highest hope that God gives you every gift he has for you during your time at CKC.
If you have any questions at all before opening day, give us a call at (828)884-6834 or email us at office@twofuncamps.com!
Sincerely,
Adam and the CKC Team
