Golf, Sword-fighting and Cartwheels...
It may seem strange, but right now is the perfect time to be thinking about camp activities. We’ve already had great in-office discussions based on your feedback about the activities you loved, which ones you wanted to do more often, and your ideas to improve others. By working on our activity program now, we have lots of time to research new ideas and plan ahead. Katie has already been working away improving our already vast library of activity resources for staff. We’ve talked about plays and special programs. I’ve been working on reviewing schedules and strategizing improvements to things like MDOs, sport-specialties, and non-traditional activities like Dungeons & Dragons.
I think we already have a very strong program of activities and I get goosebumps thinking about how it will be even stronger next summer. We have so many great activities, some of which I have never tried! When I think that there are camp activities that I’ve never done, it really bothers me. Last summer, during one of my many conversations with Gabriella D, she told me about how she had never really done golf and decided that she going to seize the opportunity and try it at camp. She started out by signing up for golf skills a bunch of times until she was ready to sign up for advanced golf on our 9-hole golf course. Gabriella had a great time and Dri (one of our very talented golf counselors) told me that she did really well. Thinking about all of this has inspired this list of activities I really want to try next summer:
1. Fencing: I’ve never really gone to fencing and gotten a lesson. Despite my love of swashbuckling and sword and sorcery movies, I’ve only ever watched the activity a couple of times. This summer you will see me suit up and learned the art of sword-fighting! I bet it’s just like the Princess Bride.
2. Gymnastics: While I’m pretty sure I might be able to do a forward roll, I know nothing about gymnastics. It’s time to change that. I don’t think I’ll be doing back hand springs anytime soon, it would be neat to learn the basics and try out the mini-tramp.
3. Lacrosse: I have never in my life ever played a game of lacrosse. I think the only time I’ve ever even picked up a lacrosse stick was when we’ve packed and unpacked camp for the season.
4. Golf: Mini-golf is about the extent of my golf experience. I’ve never been out on a golf course or even a driving range. I’m feeling like I am going to have a lot to learn on this one and it’s probably going to take several visits to golf skills before I am ready to tackle the golf course.
5. Dance: I’ve never participated in dance at camp. I’m a pretty terrible dancer. Time to change that! Put on the music and sign me up!
Well, hopefully I will be able to get out of the office enough to try all these activities this summer. Until then, please keep sending us your feedback and suggestions. It may seem like camp is ages from now but it will be here sooner than you think. The earlier we start working on the camp program the better it will be. Also, some people have been asking about Weekend Adventures. We have been working on planning those as well. By the end of the month, we will be ready to announce the dates and trip itineraries.
As always, thanks for reading! I hope to see all of you at the reunion on November 15th!
Jeremy








