Pinson Creek Mud
Part of slowing things down this weekend means that we do things that are real simple. These activities, oddly enough, are many times campers’ favorite activities. Today we got to do that by hiking down the camp road about a half mile to the Carving Trees. This location is home of towering beech trees that hang over the Pinson Creek. We actually have been carving in these trees since the 1960s, and you can still go there today and see carvings from long ago. Today, as campers and counselors meandered down the camp road and eventually down the path to this sacred place, it was once again apparent that simple fun is not out of style. As I ate ice-cold watermelon alongside our campers, I found myself being reminded of why I love this day so much. I love that Huawni is a summer camp for girls and boys to enjoy this kind of tradition and laid back fun. Laughter, the peacefulness of just being in nature, and getting muddy were all elements that made this day special.
We’ve been taking this hike for decades. It’s also interesting how we do so many things here at Huawni that researchers are continuing to find out prove healthy for kids. For instance, it turns out that unstructured play as a child is healthy for your brain. Check out this NPR article that elaborates on this finding. At Huawni we believe that simple fun really is the most fun, and that was fully enjoyed today.
Tonight we hosted our Cookout, Storytelling, Truckride & Wild Woman Hunt. Campers enjoyed hot dogs, chips, beans, and cookies. This year we went with a more brat style dog— they were delicious! Afterwards I told 4 stories at Storytelling. Storytelling is a long-standing Saturday Night tradition started by my grandfather Earl Adams. Here’s a quick inside peak a few of the stories I shared and the lessons behind each one.
Blue Wolf
The Blue Wolf is a true story that my grandfather actually witnessed. One day he heard dogs barking out at Camp while he was checking on his cows. He snuck up on three hound dogs that had chased down a steely gray colored wolf— Daddy Earl said he was so gray he was almost blue, hence the name. The Blue Wolf stood his ground and beat all three dogs. The moral of the story is that life is hard, and we will face challenges in life, sometimes one after another. If we will persevere, it will lead to character, which leads to hope, and that’s a good thing.
Joe Shields
This is another true and tragic story that happened in the surrounding community of Shelby County, just down the road. Joe Shield moved to Texas to help run the farm of his widowed grandmother Grandma Pinson. He was popular with the girls in the community, being handsome and new and all, and pretty soon the other young men in the community became jealous. One night Joe came home after a party and was jumped by six men, who later dragged him away and hung him. As tragic as this story is, it’s a good reminder of how jealousy can ruin us once it fills our heart. The barn from 1890 is still erect today occasionally we’ll hike to it on Sunday.
Seven Blind Campers
This story is one I’ve tried out this summer that’s been fun to do with campers. I pick 7 campers, all with different colored shirts with one of those colors being white. We blindfold all the campers (except for the white shirted camper) and have them feel different objects that we’ve found at the pond. All the objects are different, like a rope, bungi chord, hook, plastic material, and rubber hose. Each camper has a different perspective on what the object is. Finally, the white shirted camper looks at all the objects, and then realizes that they are all parts of the Critter. The moral of the story is— seeing in part makes for a fine tail, but wisdom comes from knowing the whole.
We wrapped up tonight with a Sing Song by the pool. Here’s the lineup of songs we sang.
- You Are My Sunshine
- When I First Camp To This Land
- Salty Dog
- Preacher and the Bear
- Long Black Veil
- Suit & Jacket
- Camp Song
Soccer Finals
Last evening we had to pause our soccer game because of inclement weather. This morning we finished the soccer rounds and I am excited to announce that Caddo pulled away with the victory! Our next event will be Round 1 of the Wiffleball World Series (WWS) on Sunday night. In the counselor round of soccer (which won’t count for points) Tejas beat Caddo in a shootout after tying 4-4.
Homesick Update
I am happy to report that most of our kids who were homesick are growing up and experiencing less and less homesickness. A lot of our kids are actually no longer homesick at all. We will continue to work with those of you who still may have a homesick child. Again, we commend you for putting them in a environment where they can grow in ways that only can happen away from you. For those who haven’t read it, please go to our Homesick and Happy blogs to learn more about why summer camp for girls and boys is a huge growing opportunity for your child.
Sunday
I will be taking a break from blogging tomorrow (Sunday) as we will concentrate on resting. Tomorrow we’ll let your kids sleep in and then we’ll gather for our Little Red Church service. I’ll share more on Monday, but Sunday is a great opportunity for us all to rest and relax before we turn up the volume later this week. We are loving your kiddos!
We would love to hear from you below about what you’re experiencing as a parent at home!
