Summer Camp BlogWe were out at camp this weekend, packing up some gear left from the summer and cleaning around the cabin a bit. It is always so different at camp after summer ends; the docks are now resting up on the shore, all the boats are gone, the lifejackets and beach towels are gone from the waterfront. Still, the biggest difference after summer camp ends is how quiet camp is without the laughter of the children and the staff. The energy they bring to the camp is infectious. I miss it all winter, and I look forward to when they all return in June.
There are two thoughts that jump right into my mind when someone mentions this summer; one is “it flew by too quickly” and two, “I was sad to see it end.” Our summer camp season was one of the most memorable on record. We were blessed with gorgeous weather, the lake warmed up very early, and my staff were just plain wonderful. I chatted with a ton of campers this summer, and on many occasions, when I asked how they enjoyed their week, the answer was a resounding, “Best week ever!” This is always good to hear, but it is not surprising with the fine group of counselors and directors we have at Daggett. Our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program gave us six wonderful and energetic new counselors this summer, and you could tell they had been waiting for the opportunity to finally be in charge of their own cabin. Kudos to all of them.
There were some notable changes we initiated this summer to our program. Our camper check-in was modified to allow more privacy for parents checking in medications for their child. Now the parents meet directly in the health cabin with the Camp Health Officer (CHO) to discuss their camper’s needs. In addition, all medications are now dispensed in the privacy of the health cabin. These measures are meant to uphold and respect the privacy of our campers. Another addition is our process of photographing each camper during check-in. These photos are saved only for the week to assist in proper identification of those campers receiving medications and also to provide fast identification of a camper in case of an emergency. We have also begun having the Charlevoix County Sheriff Marine division inspect all of our watercraft each summer. These new measures are all meant to protect the campers that come to our camp each summer. My assistant directors and I are already discussing other positive changes that may be implemented in the coming seasons that will help to ensure camp continues to provide a safe and meaningful experience for your children.
Every Sunday as I welcomed the campers by the fire circle, I made note of our eighty-fifth anniversary and the historical significance of being in camp during this “special” season. I’d like to think the campers noticed, but I don’t think they really reacted any differently; after all, that’s not the reason they came to camp. To a kid, summer camp is swimming, sailing, campfires, catching frogs, making new friends, kickball, night activities and polar bear swims; in other words, camp is FUN! While enjoying summer camp, children learn so much about their fellow human beings, themselves, and our environment. So as camp continues on to another eighty-five years, let’s not forget what camp is really for – having FUN.