Gratitude: “Privileged Seats” by Emily Kasper
You have such privileged seats- well earned- where you can watch from the front row these young ones become themselves. For these fleeing days and weeks, we too join that privilege. A brief moment earlier this week showed a beautiful example- the lightning flash of becoming. A counselor listens, ponders- during chapel she yields the…
Gratitude: Learning about Thanksgiving from Abe Lincoln
Isn’t it a great thing that the United States of America has dedicated an entire day to dwelling in gratitude? President Abraham Lincoln, the American President who established the Thanksgiving tradition as a day of national permanence, could have opted for a more cynical view as he led a divided country in the midst of…
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…
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…
Gratitude: “What we do and Why we do it” JC Retreat Trip Report by Adam Trufant
It’s important to reconnect every so often. To touch back to the important people and the important places – the people and places that you love, friends and family. It’s necessary to return to the source of your inspiration and remember why you’ve pursued your life’s path. As one of the directors and administrators of…
Gratitude: “Delighting in the Human Race” by Emily Heyne
I do see the creative life of the Trinity at play in them, at the exuberant young voices raised in delight and affection for one another and for the role each individual holds in her place here. Camp life reminds me that I don’t need a special occasion to raise my voice in song, I simply need to run out of dinner rolls.
For Campers: Your First Opening Day: 5 Things New Campers Should Know
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…