The Buses Are on the Way to Braintree!

Hi everyone! One last post to let you know that the buses have departed from Camp Cody with your amazing campers on them. We expect them to arrive at the Braintree High School parking lot around 1:40 p.m. Thank you for sharing your teens with us this week! Camp is such a great place because of each one of them.

Friday Camp Blog 2021

As we come to the end of the week, many traditional events take place in the life of our Camp Cody participants.

After a Morning Group that consisted of Strength Bombardment exercises where each member of the group receives positive comments from all, we began to contemplate the week we have just spent together.

We gathered on the field after lunch to hold our HUG LINE, where we all had a chance to shake hands, virtual hug and wish everyone well. It got extremely hot so the Hug line became a HIGH FIVE LINE to get out of the hot sun.

Later, our 2020 and 2021 Graduates were recognized for their achievements.

After dinner, we held our Consecration Service led by our Camp Seniors and CIT members, with a message from Rev Bill about taking Baby Steps that eventually add up to huge strides, knowing that God is always walking with you. We then held a silent candlelight walk around Camp, remembering where we have walked this week, the people we have met and all we have learned about Gods unconditional love. That was followed by messages from our Graduates about what they have learned during the Camp years. A memento was handled out, a Game Spinner, reminding us of our theme this week and containing special messages of encouragement in the years ahead. And of course, John's music set the mood that God is with us always.

Again, a Good Day!

RB

Thursday Camp Blog 2021

Well, it was bound to happen one day! We woke up this morning to a lake that was as smooth as a sheet of glass, but that was just a tease for what the weather would be like today.

It is Thursday, a great week of fun, conversations, worship and games, but we have not had to battle the elements of nature. The day began with Pancakes and Coffee cake at breakfast, with Sausages and Fruit, and then all gathered to read their Morning Watches in silence, a time to reflect and pry individually.

Tom spoke about today's schedule and to be ready for a few adjustments because of the weather, and we went off to Morning Groups based on the Game of Clue.

That game requires forward thinking, logic and speculation, to figure out where we want to be in our guesses get the end of the game. This morning we talked about our own future, where we think we may want to be, about what our vision is and our dreams. What fears do we share in common about the future? Hopes?  How will science and technology change our lives and where does faith fit in?

Our scripture today is from Romans 12:9-21 and we hear the writer telling people to not meet evil with evil, but answer with good and be in harmony with others when they are happy and when they are struggling. Those things will not change.

   

THEN THE RAIN CAME ! And in buckets!  Lunch was served, nice warm Pizza Panini Sandwiches were a HIT!

The afternoon program of Cabin Wars went on despite the weather, with the Sr High Boys team came out on top in various Field Games, wet soggy field games. Nothing dampened the spirit of the Games. The trophy rests in the Hands of the Sr High Boys until next year!

Dinner found us enjoying Hamburgers and Hot Dogs with fixings, Pasta Salad and Potato Salad. 

Chapel was led by an amazing 14 members of our Jr High Campers. So many volunteered that the script had to be re-written. We are in good hands with that generation stepping up to lead us in faith. Staff Member Mackenzie offered the message this evening. She spoke about living the future in the moment, that the future is now and we are called to be intentional in our living.

The evening program was the Semi Formal Candy Land Dance. Because of the weather, we held the dance masked inside the Rec Hall with the full light show and thumping music igniting the crowd. Spectacular dance with many dressed as Candy Land characters and in splendid semi formal attire.

Our final Vesper Service message after the dance was offered by John F, who has done a phenomenal job leading us in Song all week. He spoke and asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up, and then transitioned that questions from professions to feelings and inner happiness. The quest to grow does not change much over time, and the search for happiness and contentment means we need to be active and vocal in our searching. And we need to bring this camp spirit back to explain why we have enjoyed ourselves so much, as others have done for 63 years before us.

After Vespers, a tired Camp headed off to bed…

And yes….a wet….but very good day.

RB

Wednesday Camp Blog

Wednesday Hump Day! Traditionally on Wednesdays, campers are tired and a bit grumpy. This year, with fewer Campers and a bit lighter schedule, all seem to be in a very good frame of mind.

Breakfast this morning was French Toast Sticks, Bacon, Blueberry muffins and fruit.

Our Morning Group discussions were based upon the game OPERATION. We talked about health for our bodies and our minds, including how we care for ourselves when we are stressed. Some groups included talks about Body Shaming and how media and businesses market products that pose as ideals that are not real and set unrealistic image goals to make profits, not to make better people.

Lunch had awesome Pulled Pork And Chicken Salad sandwiches, Chicken Teryiacki and Rice.

The 3x3 Basketball tournament was a big hit and on a very humid afternoon, lots of perspiration was left on the floor!

The afternoon program found the Morning Groups developing and practicing a Dance routine for tonight's Variety Show. Lots of practice over the two hours of practice time.

Dinner consisted of Chicken Fingers and Mac and Cheese! Lots of second helpings once the first wave went through.

Chapel was led by the 9th and 10th Graders and Aiden offered the evenings message.He spoke about growth as a person and being able to speak with confidence as the person you were born to be!

Our evening program Variety Show gives the Campers and Staff the opportunity to showcase their talents, comedy, dances, singing and instrumental skills. The Morning Group Dance Off was amazing for just 2 hours practice. The Variety Show, a long time Camp tradition included zings sent with love and affection towards Administration Staff members and Counselors, with the CIT's getting their share in. We have such an array of talent.

Vespers was held under a threatening rainy sky, tomorrow looks very wet…but the message offered by Kelsey was about her experiences of being judged by others as a singer and as a person. Her message from Scripture that brought her strength was from 2nd Corinthians 12:10 "…this is why I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, In persecutions , in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

After singing the Lords Prayer, all retired after a long day…another good day.

RB

Tuesday Camp Blog

Tuesday morning was bright and sunny and cool with slow cloud bank over the lake, but we were able to see the mountains above. A beautiful sight!

After a breakfast of Eggs, Sausage  and Bagels and Cinnamon Rolls, we broke for morning groups differently than before. Our Senior Campers went to lead Jr High Groups and our CITs formed a super-group. The discussions were based on the Game of TROUBLE. We talked about Conflict development and resolution, about being able to offer forgiveness and find peace, about how difficult that is at times, and also the  need to forgiveness of self. Most found it easier to forgive someone else than it is ourselves at times. But self-care and health starts with a healthy body and mind so it is important to cut yourself a break sometimes for mistakes made.

Lunch was a choice between Pastrami or Grilled Cheese sandwiches, Tater Tots and Soup before breaking for Spree Time and Free time. The  Afternoon program was  the game of BATTLESHIP where cabins competed in Mini Games to earn as many points as possible to then be able to place players on their "Battleships" on the Tennis courts as other teams lobbed "cannonballs" at them. A new Camp favorite!

Dinner was Tacos and the fixings, service was a little slow since COVID restrictions are still being practiced, but they were good!

Chapel tonight was led by our Juniors and our Message was delivered by Nez, who spoke of the importance of being genuine to who you have been created to be. Nez said that when they speak from the heart, the ones who love you will hear, and while some may choose not to hear, new places at the table will be filled by those who wish and want to be there. John continued his outstanding music ministry with songs like  "Washed By The Water" and the old favorite "Rise and Shine"

The evening program was NIGHTMARE AT CAMP, where teams competed in challenges to figure out which "Villain" broke into camp to take over and to figure out a way to stop them. Villains such as Jack Sparrow, Bowzer, the Queen of Hearts and the Joker stole each groups CIT and we had to figure out which villain did the deed. Great makeup and costuming added to the fun. Glow Sticks and sweatshirts were needed as the temps got a bit chilly and the clouds are starting to get a little moist. Rain is expected tomorrow, but tonight was fun!

Our Vesper speaker was Michael MacNeil and he asked the group two questions. Who are you and who is the person you want to be? He shared experiences as a 7th Grader at Camp who was unsure of himself until friends helped him gain confidence in being himself. And added that growth and understanding who you want to be as a person does not ever stop. Self-care and self-love surrounded by positive people helps.

After singing the Lord's Prayer, all retired for the night.

RB

Monday August 16 Camp Blog

What a beautiful night, in the 50's, and the morning sun greeted us to start a new day. At breakfast (French Toast and Bacon) we had a "goosebump God" moment as Tom made the announcement that the COVID tests were returned and all tested negatively, meaning while we are outside, we do not have to wear masks unless we choose to do so. All restrictions still apply when we are inside any building, but this was good news! An amazing cheer and applause filled the Breakfast tent when the news was announced.

That being said, we acknowledged our Executive Staff who worked tirelessly for the past two years following ever changing protocols and requirements that allowed this program to be held safely. A standing ovation was appropriate.

For Morning program we did a switch-a-roo by having our Evening program first. The "Keepers of the Agreement" game found Jr High and Sr High groups combined  in new and different ways, allowing all to get to know each other better and share thoughts and discussions based on the book "The Four Agreements: A Practical  Guide to Personal Freedom" by Don Miguel Ruiz. The four agreements are: Be Impeccable with your words, Don't take anything personally, Don't make assumptions and Always do your best.

Following discussions, team competitions were held with three challenges as we got ready for lunch and CHICKEN PATTIES!

Afternoon Spree and Free Time were spent under an amazing cloudless sky with a cool breeze! All found something to do before our afternoon program entitled "House Cup" a cabin challenge game divided into Harry Potter Houses fighting challenges to participate in the final Quidditch Match.

Dinner time Chicken Teriyaki with Rice and Veggies was awesome. We then broke out into our Morning Groups at Night program under a brilliant moon filled sky to speak about the ups and downs of Relationships using the game Chutes and Ladders as a guide. We learned that there are values in those chutes that move us back at times, to learn or correct things that we didn't do in the first place.

Vespers tonight was led by Bob following a song from John, and Bob continued to speak about the value of learning from the past with the help of friends, family and making the best of what God has placed in front of us.

Another successful day……

RB

Sunday Camp Blog 2021

We woke up this morning to an absolutely gorgeous day! Mid seventies expected this afternoon. We gathered for our first Camp breakfast of Pancakes, sausage, Hard boiled eggs, and choice of cereals. The younger staff showed their preference for Keurig Coffee with a long line, while more savvy veterans Staff went for the good stuff!

After breakfast, cabin cleanup and Staff meeting, we split into out our Morning groups to discuss the topics of Good and Evil, making moral choices and what the challenges are in the world of Social Media, Peer Pressure and sometimes, indifference.

An amazing lunch choice of Steak and Cheese subs or Chicken BLT's brought another dilemma, but either choice was found to be outstanding!

Following Lunch, we broke up into "Spree time" activities, with choices ranging from Swimming and Boating, Card games, Arts and Crafts, Basketball, Volleyball and Yoga among the many choices, followed by Free Time until 3, when we gathered for a rousing Challenge Game called "Settlers of Cody".

To say this challenge game was intense insults the word, Intense! First teams faced individual challenges to collect pieces to be used in a Counsel-manned gauntlet to win the game. Not sure who won, but all were exhausted when it was over!

An evening meal of Spaghetti and Meatballs, rolls etc was a big hit. Chapel this evening was led by our CIT's and Carissa who spoke of the challenges of choice between God and Evil. A rousing mixture of songs led buy John had all up and dancing and singing…even the newbies!

The evening program was a Trivia Game show that had tremendous participation of all the Camp, from Jr High to Sr High and CITs. 

Vespers tonight found us reflecting on the presence of good and evil in the world and the ways we can change the bad to good. The God we believe in has created us to act as agents of good in the presence of evil, and we can, each one of us, be agents of change by choosing to do good. And the God who knows us better than the number of stars in the sky has created us to do good in both small and large ways.

It was…a good day!

RB

Camp 2021 Daily Post

"Everyday is a good day. There is something to learn, care, and celebrate." Amit Ry

Saturday was indeed a day to celebrate. After a year of not being able to hold Camp in person, Staff gathered at Braintree High School at 10:00 to await the arrival of our Campers!

 

Parents dropped them off with hugs and some tears, and the truck was loaded quickly with enough luggage to support a small town!

 

After final goodbyes and Covid temp checks, all  set off for the three hour ride to Ossipee!

The Nurses were waiting for us upon arrival and quickly performed the Covid tests to be sent out for results in the morning. Tom and Steve then welcomed all to Camp 2021!

 

Morning groups met after Cabin assignments were given, and good discussions about the GAME OF LIFE as it relates to our past year and current situation were amazing.

   

Dinner was served by the amazing Cody Staff: Baked Chicken, Rice and asparagus, Ice Cream and salad were delicious choices.

Rev Bill opened our evening Chapel time with the question about understanding the purpose of rules in life. He told the group that even Jesus got questions about what the most important rules in life were, and Jesus responded with two: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, strength and mind, and love your neighbor as much as you love yourself. John F led us in rousing Camp Songs and the enthusiasm was evident!

The evening program was led by our Staff highlighting their talents of music, song, dance and comedy. Such a talented bunch!

Steve led us in our evening Vespers, talking about the ability to be ourselves at Camp and using what we practice here at home, learning about being able to be happy in life, confident and successful with a strong faith in God and good people all around us.

All in all...a Good Day!

Rev Bill