Talent Show Tribal Comp Fire Pics
I thought it would be encouraging today to share with everyone some really good photos from Thursday night.
Talent Show
The Talent Show shots really give a good glimpse into those moments when your kiddos are literally growing up in the moment. It’s courage, confidence, facing fears, and sharing what campers are passionate about that make this night special. I especially love the picture of the crowd going wild and encouraging their fellow campers. One of my favorite stories from Thursday night was our camper Graham singing a song that he learned this very week. His parents were surprised that he’d get up and do a skit…they didn’t even know what it was that he was going to do. Kids surprise us, and it’s so encouraging to see kids get up on stage and go for it! Way to go Graham! Who knew?!?
Tribal Fire
In the late 80’s and 90’s I remember as a camper a new ceremony- the Tribal Competition Tribal Fire. I still remember it being dark, walking out on the soccer field, and listening to Chris Watlington and Rob Payne narrate this ceremony. It was solemn, and a big deal because we all found out what Tribe we would be competing on. That ceremony still lives on today, and Thursday night campers were initiated onto both Caddo and Tejas tribes. One of the neater moments of this ceremony are depicted in the feature picture of this blog- the fire lights up the sky, and staff ascend from behind the Snake Pond dam, like out of a fog in a movie. This begins the ceremony, and campers are welcomed onto their tribe as their names are called out over the PA system. We play background Native American music…the same track that was played back in the 90’s. This sets the tone for the weekend as campers are bonded together. This is yet another experience where Huawni Campers experience the consistency of summer camp.
I know a lot of parents were nervous about which tribe their child would be placed on. I had multiple conversations with parents and definitely understand the anticipation and whether or not they’d be with their siblings who had already been initiated onto a tribe. Which is better— to have siblings together or on different tribes?? My answer— yes. As I mentioned to our parents, Camp affords our children multiple growing opportunities that we can’t control. Tribe placements is a prime example. I think the biggest thing we have to learn as parents is two fold- 1)We are not in control and 2)We don’t know what is good or bad. Maybe the best thing for our kids is being on a different tribe than a sibling, even though we can’t see it currently. It’s hard to let go (and as a parent I’m learning this more and more). But, Thursday night was probably one of a handful opportunities to let our children take a safe risk in the environment that is Camp. I’m proud of all you parents who I spoke with…we are here for the purpose of your child’s growth and hopefully this was a step forward.
Saturday at Camp
This morning we had some of Ms. Ada’s scrambled eggs and bacon. Campers are enjoying regular activities (some of which are for tribal competition individual points) and this afternoon we’ll hike down the Camp Road to the Carving Trees. It’s name carving, mud, and watermelon from there! Keep an eye on our social media posts…we can’t wait to get muddy!
Parents- what has encouraged you most thus far this session as you see pictures of your child at camp this session?
