Hardly a secret, there has been a lot of rain and, as a result, all our trips got rained on. And all our Big and First lodgers were out there in the rain. Some of them hiked 16 miles. Some more, some less. Tonight we ended this cycle with our council fire full of Trips Skits. Earlier in the day I had been briefed on all the trials and tribulations of each trip – the reversals of fortune, extra miles hiked and the tears of frustration. But tonight, all that energy was channeled into brilliant skits and songs where they could laugh about every mishap and even themselves. “Our trip just started… and we’re complaining… and it’s still raining (to the tune of “Call Me Maybe). Some trips hiked at the slowest member’s pace but could share in their pride of making it through. Our J1 campers had great two-night trips that involved a stop at the Adventure Course and a hike that included bush wacking their way back down to camp. This group of J1 campers will be leaving on Sunday, and we’re sorry to see them go because they have been incredible. Tonight, we heard their talent ranging from reciting all of the U.S. Presidents to a recital of an entire Sherlock Holmes tale from memory. This tale was cut short by the sound of the thunder and rain on the roof, but at one point the entire camp was outside looking up in awe at the post-storm golden sky. We shared a remarkable evening.
During these past days there have been some great Senior Lodge projects: A primitive kiln, canoeing and kayaking, orienteering and building a bonfire for Interdependance Day. One of the most remarkable projects is a new spiral herb garden by the back porch of the kitchen. Every day as we go to Silent Meeting we will see the herbs growing.
What’s Next: All Camp Reset Cycle. This is when we have a Town Meeting, as well as”Guy Night” Interdependance Day. We also slow down as a whole community and make sure we are all on the same page, our cabins are clean and we know where our personal items are before we enter another cycle of trips for Senior Lodge.