Session 3 Begins!
Session 3 is underway! We are so happy to have your Session 3 kiddos. From all reports yesterday was our smoothest Opening Day of the summer. I unfortunately was sick yesterday and did not get to do the Boys Bathhouse Tour as planned. I hated not seeing all the familiar faces and meeting our new Huawni Families. Hopefully over the next two weeks we can connect via the blog. I am so grateful for our staff and counselors who made yesterday a success. It was a great reminder for me personally that I am not that important and that Camp can run well, and actually better, when I get out of the way. I would love to hear from each of you how Opening Day was for you (please comment below where it says What are you gonna say?).
Last night campers got extended free time after supper. It was encouraging to see how a lot of campers just picked up where they left off. It’s like they had never left. Some campers played pick up games at the Skillet and soccer field while others just sat and caught up on their last 50 weeks. Our NA (night activity) was the famous, famous, MOST FAMOUS Opening Night Show. Our counselors brought a boat load of energy last night as they put on a handful of funny and interactive skits. ONS is a helpful way to get campers into the flow of camp.
You’re like 1/2 my best friend and 1/2 my older sister! – Camper to her counselor during Cabin Time last night
Running Deer Program
Yesterday our 10th and 11th graders arrived early to begin their Running Deer summer as they helped volunteer with trunk duty. This is our second summer to do the Running Deer Program, which is specifically for 10th and 11th grade campers. The program is a way to give our oldest campers more responsibilities, special experiences, and begin to tackle the question “who am I ?” as they get closer to college. The RD Program is also a great resume builder and gives campers service hour credits that they may need leading up to college.
Homesickness
For 18 of you, it was your first time to drop your child off at sleepaway camp. This can understandably be a very nerve racking and emotional event. As hard as it is, we believe that homesickness is great opportunity for growth. Why is this so? I encourage you to read these two blogs I’ve written based upon the book Homesick & Happy by Michael Thompson.
Homesick & Happy Intro
Homesick & Happy Chapter 1 – Off They Go
Staying in touch with your camper and camp pics
We highly encourage you to utilize letter writing as well as sending your camper emails through your CampInTouch login. Camp is a great opportunity to communicate with your child in a whole new way, and if you happen to write and/or receive a letter from your child, you will likely be blown away, laugh, and cry all at the same time. Also, be sure to log into your CampInTouch account to see the photos we will be posting daily. And finally, be sure and subscribe to our blog page by going here and clicking on the subscribe via email blue button.
Parent Book Club
One of the biggest benefits to camp for your campers is unplugging from the busyness of life and connecting with mother nature. Again this summer for our Huawni Parent Book Club I will be blogging on the the book Last Child in the Woods. This book has great research about the benefits to our kids being in nature. To get a free copy of the book, go here and reply at the bottom of the blog. I look forward to learning together.
We are so excited and honored to spend the next two weeks with your children. Our desire is that they will leave our gates in two weeks better knowing their true significance and purpose. Here we go!
-Travis
