Fullsizeoutput 3172.jpeg?ixlib=rails 2.1

Camp is nearing an end for 2017. Our hearts are full and as I look back on this summer I am grateful for all that has happened, both the ups and the downs. Friday here at Camp was a special day. We started our day off at Staff Meeting one last time. We surprised the staff by having alumnus Coach David McGinnis, assistant head coach of the LA Rams, give a pep talk to all our counselors. It was both memorable and touching. Coach Mac got to share his heart for Huawni, which resonated with our staff in a big way. Thank you Coach Mac for coming back to Huawni to love on our counselors and kids.

Friday morning we hiked down to the big pine trees near the tennis court to have one last Summer Tree. It did not disappoint. In the midst of a gentle summer breeze, laughter, and tears campers poured out their hearts. As I’ve done in prior sessions, here are a handful of memorable quotes which I believe describe the moment much better than I ever could.

I can’t believe I’m leaving my 2nd Home. – counselor

My sister is the best one you could ever have.

I’ve struggled in my life with accepting people who care for me…and you’ve cared for me so well.

Thank you for showing me love for the last two weeks and trusting me. – Huawni Counselor

I love you a lot, and that’s why I’m crying. – counselor

I don’t remember who I was before [meeting my best friend] because she’s impacted me so much.

I was having a rough night and she made me happy again. – camper to their counselor

I want to come back…it’s only eleven and a half months away.

She’s unique in so many ways.

You are so unafraid to be yourselves….don’t lose that. – counselor to their campers

The past few summers have been the best summers of my life. – counselor

People here have accepted me for who I am.

This is the best two weeks of my summer.

It’s okay to not be okay.

This is my 4th year and it’s been my best….counselors you wake up every day loving us.

Staff, I’ve been going to camp for a long time and y’all have made it new and refreshing and so special to me. – counselor

You’re like my big brother.

I love my cabin. They loved me and accepted me for who I am.

This place has changed my life in the best way possible. – counselor

Counselors, y’all change peoples’ lives more than you think.

Love is only a word until someone or something gives it meaning. – Coach McGinnis

It really is cool to see our campers and staff really lay it on the line with their words at Summer Tree. I reiterated what Coach Mac said at Summer Tree….love really doesn’t mean much until we experience it through someone else or something. In fact, we describe love as accepting where one is currently and fighting for who one is truly. I think we got to see this play out at Summer Tree. I also got to share with camp that I believe that God truly is love, and that this session they have experienced His love through this amazing staff and through their one-of-a-kind cabin mates.

After summer tree we celebrated the summer at the Critter Pond mixer. Face paint and the famous, famous, MOST FAMOUS football for distance competition were part of this fun afternoon at the Critter Pond. Last evening we hosted Initiation for 29 of our first-year campers. We love them so much. AND, after Initiation, we crowned Caddo Tribal Competition Champs!! Congratulations to Caddo as their flag will fly over Flagpole Hill until Summer 2018. We ended the evening with a Sing Song by the pool underneath a sky full of stars. Again, our hearts were full.

Closing Day

We are very excited to see all our parents today at Closing Day. Parents please head directly to your cabin as we have carved out from 9am to 10:30am to meet and greet your cabin counselors. Please feel free to spend time with them and ask them about your child’s experience and how you’ve seen them grow this session. Also, please remember to get all of your child’s belongings before leaving camp! Closing Ceremony will be in the Dining Hall at 10:30am. See you at 9am!

Read More
Back to the Blog