Good evening, friends! I write this with tired feet but a full heart. Today was packed with fun, games, and making memories. The theme for today was action and adventure, and we certainly had lots of both of those.
The day started a bit slow as campers and staff arrived at breakfast a little more tired than usual. Spirits lifted quickly when word spread that we would be enjoying waffles, bacon, lemon bread, and fruit. The chatter picked up as each table dug into their meal.
Morning groups discussed adventure, strengths, and taking risks. The activity for today included making friendship bracelets. Campers were encouraged to gift or trade their bracelet to someone else during the day. After morning group, many campers met to play a game of Knockout while they waited for lunch to be served.
Lunch was chicken teriyaki, rice, and broccoli. It was a good thing, too, as campers needed to fuel up for Cabins Wars. Before we could kick off one of our favorite annual Camp traditions, some members of our staff participated in a basketball game. It was the Old Man team (anyone over 27) versus the Propel Guys (anyone younger than 27). The game went on for over an hour and after trading baskets back and forth, the Propel Guys emerged victorious. As a spectator, I can assure you there was a lot of achy bones, missed shots, and goodhearted banter among the competitors.
Cabin Wars kicked off with a bang. Teams dressed as Smurfs, Power Rangers, staff members, Barbies, Batman, and more. Each team selected a “walk up” song to be introduced to. As each team paraded around the council ring, the excitement continued to grow.
As always, the competition was fierce. Games included trash in my backyard, bucketball, sponge relay, tug-of-war, and a final relay featuring frisbee toss, dizzy bat, bean bag toss, and a super soapy slip-and-slide. For a second year in a row, the campers in Loon took the victory by a small margin! As the final relay concluded, competitors from each team shook hands and congratulated each other. Sticking with tradition campers and staff spent the remaining time before dinner taking turns on the slip-and-slide.
Excitement rippled through the Dining Hall tent after the tight final matchup for Cabin Wars. Dinner included hamburgers and hotdogs, potato and pasta salad, chips, delicious pickles, and the most wonderful lemon bars you could imagine. Kudos to the Camp Cody staff for slaying dessert all week long.
Our seventh, eighth, and ninth grade campers helped with Chapel this evening. We had so many volunteers that they even helped lead the Camp in the “Lean On Me” dance. John Fiander treated us to a few extra Chapel songs, playing favorites like “I’ll Fly Away,” and “I Am Free.” Aidan Duffy, a second-year staff member, gave the message.
The theme for tonight’s dance as the Kids Choice Awards. Streamers and balloons lined the soccer cage, and decorations included a handmade Barbie box for photos. Abby Golden, a CIT, took on the responsibility of being the DJ and absolutely crushed it. Campers and staff both agreed that the music was incredible. From start to finish, folks barely left the dance floor. One of the most amazing moments of the night was watching our staff and older campers show our newest campers some of the songs and dances that we hold near and dear to our hearts. Seeing these traditions passed down from one generation to another fills my heart with so much joy. It was a special evening. Taylor Swift songs included “Style,” “New Romantics,” “22,” and “You Belong With Me.”
As campers made their way to the Council Ring for Vespers, John Fiander prepared for his annual Thursday double feature. Not only did he treat us to a song, but he also gave the Vespers message. He talked about the dangers of “what ifs” and having the courage to look toward the future, rather than dwell on the past.
Today was truly a special day. It had all the things that make a perfect day at Camp. Great activities, good meals, fun with friends, and moments that we’ll replay in our heads as we climb into our bunks.
Stay tuned for our last full day at Camp. If this week has provided any indication so far, it’ll be a good one.
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