We returned to the South Shore from Camp Cody less than 48 hours ago, and this blog author is lamenting having to return to regular life. It’s a strange phenomenon every year, going back to your normal routine after being surrounded by a few hundred people for seven whole days. Luckily, we have a week’s worth of memories to take along with us as.
Saturday morning came as it always does, accompanied by a bittersweet feeling. We’re nearly always ready for the comfort of our own beds, but hesitant to leave the place that makes us feel so loved and accepted.
The trucks were packed, and breakfast was served. We loaded scrambled eggs, bacon, home fries, English muffins, and fruit onto our plates and enjoyed one last meal together. The dining tent was filled with music, laughter, and conversation. All sounds that indicate a very good week.
After breakfast, we gathered for a final Morning Watch. At the end, campers and staff were encouraged to hug the first person they made eye contact with. All of a sudden, more than 200 people were embracing for one last Camp hug, exchanging kind words of gratitude. Everyone slowly made their way to the Council Ring for staff appreciation, a staff photo, and a camp-wide selfie.
Rev. Bill offered a final prayer, and everyone gathered together to sing the Lord’s Prayer one last time. Rev. Bill also reminded us all the cherish this moment, noting that this specific group of campers and staff members will never be together in the same place ever again. Folks exchanged smiles from across the circle to show their appreciation for one another.
Bus cards were handed out, last-minute hugs were exchanged, and pictures were taken. As the buses arrived, campers trekked across the field with less enthusiasm than when they boarded just a week ago at Weymouth High School. One of my favorite traditions it staff waving to the buses as they depart, officially ending our week together.
This blog author has been coming to Camp for the last 21 summers and it’s just as hard now to describe what makes it special as it was back in 2003. Campers and staff alike have the chance to grow, learn, and explore who they are and what role they wish to play in this world in a safe place. They are loved unconditionally and encouraged daily to be the best version of themselves. It is beyond unique.
It’s always a daunting task to capture our week together. I appreciate each and every reader for following along on our journey and hope you’ll join us next summer as we continue the amazing tradition that is Camp.
Planning for the next year of Camp begins almost the moment when we return in August. Our staff, almost all of which are volunteers, spend countless hours planning and preparing for the Camp week. They pour so much time and energy into building this program, so please join me in expressing gratitude for all their work. This program continues today because so many of us feel that it is our responsibility to give our teens the lifechanging experience that we had years ago.
Most importantly, thank you to our campers. Whether it was your sixth year or your first year, you brought incredible energy and enthusiasm this week. You opened up, you participated, you pushed yourself outside of your comfort zone and it is a privilege to be there to witness it. I just hope that we were able to give you half of what you gave to Camp. We hope to see you back at Camp next summer, maybe even with a few new friends in tow.
See you again in 51 weeks. In the meantime, do good, be well, and embrace the “what-ifs.”
No comments:
Post a Comment