The sky was a clear, bright blue this morning after a rainy couple of days at IB. The sun warmed the leaves on the tops of the trees surrounding the lawn as campers and staff joined hands in our circle before breakfast. The first two weeks here at camp have fairly flown by. I am struck by the strength of the community that has been built and cultivated here in such a short time; we are on a journey together, making an adventure out of everything and making many discoveries, building deep relationships and taking bold risks along the way!
Campers have been testing, trying, connecting and growing in Work Projects, Outdoor Living Skills, Creative Arts and Waterfront. Some of our apprentices have been exploring their skills in the kitchen, some have been honing their musical talents. Soon after they arrived, many of our campers set off to challenge themselves on hiking, canoeing and rock climbing trips. Afterwards, each trip had a chance to share their experiences back at camp through funny, creative skits that they devised. We also began camper affirmations, a tradition that allows counselors to honor the gifts and strengths of each camper in front of the whole camp community.
Though refreshingly unplugged in many ways, these sad current events were discussed in our community in conversations and while reflecting in silence. A Winnie-the-Pooh quote came to mind as I was reflecting on the week’s events, and also preparing to say farewell to our J1 campers who left yesterday:
“You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”
Yesterday, we introduced a twist on afternoon activities with social-justice oriented activities like poetry and art as activism, learning about women and trans folk in sports, tackling food justice issues, and writing our own protest songs. We continue to reflect on how our spirits and commitment to justice fit into the larger community and world.
The goats are chomping away near the rock on our main lodge as their new grazing area these days, and we have added a lovely new bunny, Peter Rabbit, to our farm family. Our J1 Crickets cabin sadly left us yesterday, after a lovely banquet visited from some friends from the Hundred Acre Wood. As we enter our last two weeks of the first session, friends and community continue to uplift and bring solace. We hope you all reading are finding peace in your own journeys.
— Rosie McInnes, First Lodge IB Director
