Gratitude: Bloom Where You Are Planted by Hanna Draddy
My mom always told me from a young age to “bloom where you are planted”. In other words, don’t focus on what could be or what may be if I were somewhere else or if I were someone else, rather focus on what is right in front of you. Recognize the real power you have…
For Parents: Inviting our children to become ‘dangerous to darkness’
A common thread to pick up in conversation among parents of young children is how to protect and preserve children from the influences of the world, and how to keep them safe in the midst of the melee of human existence. This, of course, is a natural and good desire. However, one must examine outcomes…
Seek Challenge - Grow Grit: 3 Ways To Teach Your Child How to Handle Hardship
“Life is not primarily a quest for pleasure, as Freud believed, or a quest for power, as Alfred Adler taught, but a quest for meaning. The greatest task for any person is to find meaning in his or her own life.“ Viktor E. Frankl It is difficult, to say the least, to observe your child…
Encounter Faith: Take the Time to Pray
Many of our campers and staff ask how they can grow in prayer away from Kahdalea and Chosatonga, so here I offer a few brief reflections on a sub-tenet of one of CKC’s core values, “Take the time to pray”. The author, monk, and mystic Thomas Merton was once asked what the single most important…
For Parents: Share the word about Camp and Save $200 :)
Understanding CKC’s new “Share and Save” policy It is no secret that our camp families are the best ambassadors of our programs and mission. No one spreads the word like those who love the place the most! As a small family business, we would like to thank and reward our camp families for sharing the…
For Parents: Reflections from our Parent Survey
Thank you so much to our camp family for the support of another incredible summer. We could not be more grateful for the trust of our camp families and the character of our wonderful staff! Our parent survey results are coming in, and we share our parents’ excitement with how this magical summer unfolded! Here…
Gratitude: Wedding Parties and Winning Combinations
Each summer is so different. Different counselors, different campers, different themes, different games. It’s a good sort of different, a different that makes it more comfortable to be uncomfortable. As someone who has been coming here to Kahdalea since I was eight years old, change can be difficult. Now, being in a position that encourages and welcomes…
Adventure: Real Adventure Takes Trust
When I finally had the opportunity to leave the office for a trip this summer I wasecstatic. I packed all my gear the night before; I woke up before dawn and eagerly awaitedputting on the river for the first time in months. After hopping in the van with the advancedpaddlers, everyone excitedly chatted about the…
For Parents: “Digital Hygiene” Why We Disconnect by Marianna Orth
Hi Camp Families! During our staff training in May, we reflected together on the value of time immersed in the beauty of the natural world, on the value of raw experiences in the wilderness, and the necessity of face-to-face interaction in real time. One of our senior staff members brilliantly produced these words to inspire…
We are a Family: The Magic is BACK!
I wish you could see it. A few short minutes ago, the entire Kahdalea dining hall was rippling with wild movement, songs, dancing, and the brand of folly that is truly only on offer in this marvelous place! It is SO GOOD to see the spark return to these halls in the ecstatic form of…