Camp Champions Blog

This year, we have counselors from every continent in the world except Antarctica. They come from 15 different countries and speak at least 8 languages.

I have come to revel in the small pleasures at camp.

On Sunday evenings, we have Vespers. Vespers is not a religious event, but it is a time when we slow down, talk about our values and appreciate each other. On the guys’ side, we thank each other for acts of kindness (called “Grateful Deeds”) and share stories. Susie Ma’am also tell tales.

Last last week, a member of our Leadership Team offered to share some thoughts about what he loves about his 14 years at camp.  I said I would love to see it.  I was quite surprised when he delivered the article below.  For a generation that often thinks in 140 characters, this is quite a lovely essay.  I hope you enjoy it.  [The picture shows Jeffrey Sir (right) with our Rookie Division Leader Alex Chibante.]

Earlier this year, we got a call from a woman who writes for Texas Highway magazine. She wanted to write an article about summer camp and asked Susie Ma’am and me for an interview.

The campers who were watching me thought I was crazy. Here is what they saw:

Yesterday, I told you about Friendship Games and Man Cave: the times that we invite each cabin into our home for some quality get-to-know-you time.

One of my favorite camp activities is Friendship Games/Man Cave.

They said it was three blurs. Or, more accurately, two blurs and a bassett.

At the end of each session, 8-10 campers ages 13-14 write letters to the camp. They are the nominees for Spirit of the Torch and Bearer of the Torch – the highest honor for a girl or boy camper. The Spirit and the Bearer are not better than anyone else, but is instead simply the persons that our camp community feels best represents our community.