Today was wonderful and full of familiar faces – everyone is excited to see one another and the energy level was through the roof! What a perfect atmosphere for starting a session. And the forest around us is participating in the glory of the community coming together with rhododendron and mountain laurel blossoms decking the valleys. We are so thankful for the place and the many faces that make this opening day such a tangible blessing. 5 weeks is a long time for most of us to be away from our kids: we are so thankful for our parents and families that make camp happen.
With no hesitation, the boys and girls literally dove into their activities (starting with the swim test at the docks!). These first couple of days are a little different for us than the standard schedule at camp: the kids rotate through camp’s major various disciplines in cabin groups to remind themselves (or learn if they are first timers) about the fundamentals of how to live comfortably in the woods. This also affords the perfect opportunity to get to know their cabinmates and lay the bedrock of friendship for the session.
Tonight at Campfire (Council Fire at Chosatonga) both camps will be considering the words of a favorite poem: the Hillborn. Many of you may remember it from your own time here at camp: “You who are born of the hills / Hill-bred, lover of hills / Though the world may not treat you aright / Though your soul be aweary with ills/ This will you know above other men / In the hills you will find your peace again”. Our campers are pondering this poem on their pillows as the sound of a mountain stream lulls them to sleep.
We are so thankful to share the peace of the mountains with your campers this session.
God bless!
