On July 8th we came together with the other F&W camps to celebrate Interdependence Day. Traditionally, SAM camp kicks off the celebration with our Interdependence Day skit, which is a collaborative effort among all of our campers and staff. The campers began the skit-writing process with a brainstorming session, and in the days leading up to the performance we saw all of their ideas come to fruition. Whether campers were acting, playing music, writing songs, making props, or helping direct, everyone’s contribution was essential to the success of the finished production.
Shortly after Interdependence Day, campers began to prepare for their five nights, six day trips. After discovering which trip they would embark on, the trip groups met to plan the meals for their six-day adventure. The following day was a frenzy of pack-out excitement as each group gathered their personal and group gear, reviewed their trip itinerary, packed out their food, and worked together to create a trip flag, which included a patch from each camper. By the end of the day, everyone was full of anticipation and excitement for the next morning’s departure.
Campers were challenged as they put their backcountry skills to the test. After arriving at their campsites on the first day of their adventure, campers took the initiative to set up tents, collect water, cook dinner, and eventually bear-bagged their remaining food in a tree to keep it safe from unwanted guests. Over the remainder of the trip, campers continued to take responsibility for setting up and breaking down camp, and each camper had the opportunity to learn new skills and hone their existing ones. The rewards for long days of hiking and canoeing included beautiful mountain-top views, encounters with wildlife, and new bonds that will last far beyond the end of camp. SAM camp was abuzz with excitement as campers returned from their trips, each group eager to share their stories from the trail with the friends they hadn’t seen in nearly a week.
After dinner, each group prepared a skit that they would later perform as a way to share with the rest of the community all of their adventures (and some of the funny misadventures) from the trail. Campers expressed great gratitude for the support of their peers during the more difficult parts of their trips, feeling more bonded after both the fun times and the challenges they faced together.
The last week of camp is a time of celebration filled with special events. On Monday we travelled to the neighboring camp Flying Cloud for dinner, games, and a naming ceremony. The following day, campers and families from several other F&W camps came to SAM for our annual Square Dance. The Sam Camp Band, made up of both campers and staff, provided the music for guests. In between special events, campers are working hard to create a small token of their appreciation for another member of our community. These appreciations will be shared on the last night of camp as we gather together to celebrate the best qualities in each other and acknowledge each member’s contribution to the community we have created together.
–Miles Crabtree, program director
–Erik Biornstad, assistant director
