Supposedly we've completed the first week of spring, yet the weather has made that doubtful. As we celebrate Passover and Easter, we're pretending that we're basking in the warmth of a bright sun and the soil is ready for turning over and planting. Baseball players are all bundled up for their pre-season practices. I'm still wearing my gloves on early morning walks.
Nevertheless, we know that it should feel like spring and we carry out the rituals and activities of the season. To do otherwise would throw us off the pace. At Campus Kids-NJ that pace has quickened with the beginning of spring because it seems like more and more people are realizing that summer is right around the corner and they'd' better finish up (or start!) their summer camp plans.
A sure sign of spring is the increase in phone calls and emails from families asking about camp. Every call is different and the variety of questions is endless, which makes these conversations a lot of fun. Also fun are the private tours we give to families on weekends, each one also unique and unpredictable.
Fun, too, are the staff inquiries and interviews, still taking place as we move closer to filling our staff. People who apply to work at camp are usually committed to making a positive difference in the lives of young people, so their enthusiasm, idealism and optimism are a joy. I really like interviewing staff applicants.
The fun continues as we hear from our enrolled campers, sending in their "introductions" for the newsletter, sharing what activities they are most excited about, and adding suggestions for bunk group names. The theme this summer is "Myths and Legends".
Today, while I worked mostly on staff hiring and training, Jeremy met with Ryan on the evening programs schedule for the summer. They've been collecting new ideas and are combining them with some old-time favorites and new twists. I haven't seen the plan yet, but I'm excited.
So even though spring has been trying to hide from us, we know what time of year it really is. Spring is in full bloom here and we can almost see summer around the next corner.
Tom
