Summer Tree Quotes

The final full day of Session 3 is upon us and campers wasted no time this morning in sharing their hearts. After breakfast we took the short hike down to the tennis courts where a freshly mown spot awaited. The gentle breeze and singing birds set up the perfect setting for Summer Tree. The Summer Tree tradition started I believe back in the early 1990s. As usual, I read the the Summer Tree poem and then cabin by cabin, campers and staff expressed their deepest feelings to each other.

Summer tree is hard to communicate for a couple a reasons. First of all, it’s a super intimate moment. Secondly, there are so many genuine feelings expressed that it’s hard to remember everything that was said. Today, as I did last session, I took a pen and paper to write down some of the memorable quotes from the morning (leaving out names of course). So, here is a snap shot of what was shared this morning.

I loved how everyone had something different to bring to the cabin. Each person is so unique.

Our counselors helped us through our problems.

This is my 1st year and I met a lot of friends…my best friends.

This is the best camp I’ve ever been to.

Camp Huawni you’ve been the funnest thing in my whole entire life.

You amaze me…you’re not afraid to be yourself.

They showed how to control campers that were out of control. – Boy Camper about his counselor

I don’t know what I’d do without Camp, and I’ve only been here for 7 weeks. – Huawni Counselor

Camp is a legit second home for me.

Thank you to our counselors for loving us unconditionally.”

This has been my favorite year out of the 5 years I’ve been here.

Everyone is genuine and loves you so much.

This is a place where we bond and grow closer. – camper about their younger sibling

Camp means the world to me and I wish I had found it sooner. – last year camper

This place changes you and shapes you.

I was reminded of two things this morning.

1. Camp puts kids in a cabin with other kids that are different from themselves and with kids they’d otherwise never meet. This gets kids out of their comfort zones and makes them realize that you can become best friends with the most unlikely of people.

2. Campers come to camp their first summer either because they know someone or they find us online. They come back to camp their 2nd, 3rd, and 11th summer because of the friendships they make with camper and staff. Life truly is meaningful relationships, and that was evident this morning.

Other things I observed this morning that were touching included a first year camper weeping continuously (tears of joy) and a first time two-week camper blossoming and getting over the hump of not being a camp girl. Summer Tree was special to say the least.

This afternoon your kiddos are celebrating the session at our Critter Pond Mixer. Face paint, Trolley, Slide, and Critter will be the activities of choice.

Last night we celebrated with the famous, famous, MOST FAMOUS Celebration. After a quick rain that cooled things down drastically, we set up multiple inflatables on the Front Lawn, erected our brand new game carnival booths, and strung up lights on the Skillet to set the stage for our dance floor. I’m really proud of our directors and staff who put a lot of extra effort this year in making Celebration our best ever. Your campers loved it!

Initiation

Tonight we will be hosting Initiation. All alumni parents are invited to tonight’s Initiation. Please arrive at 6:30pm and leave no later than 9:30pm. Please sign in at the office upon arrival (located at Flagpole Hill). If you have at least 8 years in the Tribe, you may join us at 6pm in the Main Cabin for our 8th Fire meeting. We are excited to officially welcome in our new Huawni Campers!