Day 3 Hike Cookout
Yesterday we officially hit “the turn”, our nickname for the mid point of Camp. It’s hard to believe that there’s only two and a half days left of Camp. With the session progressing, we are beginning see camp growing closer together. Cabin mates that were strangers on Sunday are now becoming close friends. By Saturday, many of the kids won’t want to leave Camp. Why so? As the week rolls on, we try to set up the schedule so that campers have more freedom, more choice, and more time together. For instance, yesterday all of Camp took a hike to the Carving Trees, followed by a cookout, karaoke, storytelling, truckride, and Wild Woman hunt.
The Hike to the Carving Trees was again a hit. We hiked about 3/4 mile in to a wooded spot on the Pinson Creek. There’s a picturesque cliff with a pathway that rolls down into the creek bank below. Kids got muddy, threw mud (although we have a no throwing mud in the face rule), carved their names in the big beech trees overlooking the water, and indulged in ice-cold watermelon. It was a simple afternoon, and a perfect activity for some of campers who are still getting used to being away from home.
After everyone de-mudded themselves, we joined up on the Front Lawn for Cookout. Hot dogs were on the menu, and quite a few kids took the mic for our karaoke. It’s encouraging to see some of the campers who were shy on opening day cut loose at karaoke; sometimes you wonder, “Is that the same child?” We’re beginning to see these campers blossom, and that’s why we love Camp. Next, Mr. Mike told the three traditional stories of the Blue Wolf, Joe Shields, and the Wild Woman. We hopped on trailers after that and went searching for the Wild Woman. Low and behold…we saw her! We finished the evening under the stars and the big moon with a Sing Song at the pool. We sang “You Are My Sunshine”, “When I First Came To This Land”, “Wagon Wheel”, “Soldier”, “Shelby County Breeze”, “I Still Do”, “Summer”, and the Camp Song.
This morning we had blueberry muffins, kolaches, fresh fruit, cereal, and yogurt for breakfast. We also surprised the kids with Connect; we give each activity group “not so great” schedules, and then have their counselors “ditch” that schedule and replace it with what the campers want to do. They can choose ANY activity. Kids are having fun this morning. It’s a bit overcast, but no rain so far, which we will gladly take. This afternoon we’ll continue Connect and then tonight play soccer, swim, and eat some snow cones. We’re soaking up these last few days of Camp.
