Today is a truly full day of chaos and fun.

All day, the campers had free activity choice, so every camper got a chance to savor his or her favorite activity one last time.

At treat time, Susie Ma’am and I invited the youngest campers for “Cookies for Rookies” and “Cookies for Minis”. This is a tradition that started about 6 years ago. Susie Ma’am was looking out her window and saw the little campers amusing themselves without the benefit of climbing walls or ski boats. The boys were playing tag and the girls were singing and playing “Little Sally Walker”.

“I love watching them play. That just makes me happy. We should do something special for them.”

Cookies seemed like a great idea.

After cookies, we had about 1 hour to dress for a banquet with our graduating Senior Campers. These individuals returned yesterday from a 3 day retreat where they each wrote a personal mission statement. Tonight, we feed them and they will share their statements. It is one of the high points of the term.

After the banquet, we will watch skits, see fireworks and have cabin pizza parties.

In short, it is a full day.

Before I conclude, please let me share an email we received today that made this awesome day even better:

Susie & Steve,

I’ve been thinking about Camp quite a bit the past few months. I realized that [our oldest daughter] is now a “Golden Oldie.” I look at pictures from her first session, there she is in a Hello Kitty swim suit and next year she will participate in T Bone Club. And, Senior Camper isn’t too far behind! How did that happen? In the past 6 years, she has pushed herself beyond limits, taken responsibility-learned what happens when she fails to take responsibility, she has learned to deal with difficult cabin mates, acted as a helper/leader for younger campers, and made friends for life. Camp really does give each kid what they need. Looking back over the past 6 years, it’s remarkable to see the impact the Camp has had on both of my children. Obviously Camp has been a place of fun, new friends, and activities, but, it really is so much more than that. You both know that we are a Camp Champions family. So, we are keen to see the impact and pick out the benefits. And, we really do. We want to thank you and your amazing team. Champions has taken such great care of our children year after year. It’s the first “extra” thing we plan for every year. While one daughter is now a “Golden Oldie,” I have no doubt that you will see her for at least another ten years-if she is selected as a Counselor like she desperately wants to be!

I told an acquaintance that the girls were at Camp for three weeks again this Summer. He responded, ‘They are going to be really well prepared for college. And, so will you.” Indeed.

Yep. A great day indeed.

Steve Sir