We have been having so much fun at camp; please take a look at what we have been up to for the last week up here at camp.
Wednesday, July 19 was a pretty standard day, which means we had a great morning of activities followed by a free period. After lunch we had a rest period and then 2 more periods of activities and another free period, this time offering a different set of options. This year we changed how free period activities are offered, and made each one different. The campers really seem to be liking the new infusion of variety into the day.
By dinnertime, the weather turned on us and storms moved through the area. We offered some indoor rainy-day type activities: board games, indoor recreation like ping-ping, shuffleboard, ga-ga, or arts & crafts projects. By bedtime, things had mellowed again and by the next morning, the skies were clear and the campers and staff were ready for more action outdoors.
So Thursday was another of our “typical days”, as described above. The staff and campers were fully into the groove of 2nd session, and it was a great day. That evening we had another brand-new evening program developed by several of our hard-working staff members. The “Timber Cup” program was a series of 15 activities the campers had to compete as teams, with each member having multiple opportunities to contribute to the team’s success. A “Best of 51” game of rock-paper-scissors and some pool noodle duels were some highlights of the evening. They had a fire-building competition planned as the finale, but time ran out. We’ll make sure we get into next summer’s version!
Fridays are for campfires, and this first one was a really lovely night. Our campfires start with a sing-along section of traditional (to us) camp classics. We were treated to a campfire story by our assistant director Rick Jones, and then our guitar players treated us to a number of songs. After the music we “shift gears” a bit to some more serious topics and assistant director gave a “sermonette” about the root values of camp and how we carry our own experiences as well as give experiences to others to carry. The end of our campfires are our keylog ceremony, where campers can throw a small piece of wood, called a “keylog” into the fire and express gratitude or friendship to someone who made a difference to the camper. (Parents are very often mentioned, by the way!)
On Saturday, our CITs went to Hayward for a day off and to view the annual Lumberjack World Championships, and it was another typical day in camp. The PAs also enjoyed a night off in Minocqua, and the campers enjoyed our first round of Blue and White games. Blue and White games are a set of traditional sports contests that are part of a session-long Blue vs White competition. Capture the Flag, Counselor Hunt, and other evening programs will also contribute to the team score.
Sunday, we started with our Lazy Breakfast morning. The admin team gives the kitchen a break and comes in to cook breakfast for the camp. Omelets made to order, bacon and toast, and bullseyes (toast with an egg in the middle of it) are all on offer for an hour, and if campers want to sleep in, they have that option as well. Cabin cleanup starts at 9:30, and from there, we have activities, and the remainder of the day proceeded pretty close to a normal day.
EXCEPT we had one of the most popular evening programs. The Casino Night! This night brings out the best fashion statements the campers can make from what they packed for camp. The CA tables become blackjack, poker, roulette, and many other games of chance. The cabin works together to win as much as luck allows, and at the end the Timberbucks they earned go towards a cabin auction prize. Everyone ends up a winner!
Last night we welcomed Camp Marimeta for Girls to Timberlane. We had music, snacks and a very fun time.
Stay tuned for more about the summer.
Benches Up,
Sam