Reflecting on the week

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.” 

To Be Continued...

Our final day of Camp has come and gone. What started with pouring rain and clouds ended with sunny skies and more stars than you can imagine. Breakfast today included French toast sticks (so much cinnamon sugar deliciousness), sausage links, muffins, and fruit. Morning groups met for the final time, exchanging kind words in the form of strength bombardment, reflecting on the week, and sharing a few final moments laughing about shared memories.

As the rain poured down, campers and staff made their way to the Dining tent for lunch. Today’s midday meal was meatball subs, falafel, and WAFFLE FRIES. They were simply perfect. We began making plans for a rainy hug line, only to be surprised by the rain slowing to a drizzle, and then stopping all together. Divine timing, if you will. The senior class and administrative staff kicked off the hug line as a playlist compiled by staff member Colin Denizkurt serenaded us over the speakers. Campers and staff exchanged words of affirmation and hugs as they made their way through the line, listening to some of our favorite Camp songs.

In the final moments of the hug line, the skies opened up again as we moved from the field to the Council Ring for our annual graduation and award ceremony. Fortunately, the shower was brief. We welcomed the Class of 2023 to the center of the Council Ring. Dressed in their graduation gowns, each senior was recognized and given a framed photo of their class taken earlier in the week. Yours truly may have included a second silly photo as well.

After celebrating our seniors, we distributed our Cody Awards. These awards are based on nominations made by campers and staff. Awards were awarded for most Camp spirit, best basketball teammate, best listener, and more. These awards give our Camp family an opportunity to recognize someone who has positively impacted their week. We awarded more than 25 awards this year!

Campers and staff welcomed some much needed free time between graduation and dinner. Folks spent time down by the lake, playing lawn games, and resting. Dinner came in the form of an early Thanksgiving dinner: turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, peas, and a lovely pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting. As dinner came to a close, the Camp Cody staff stopped by the Dining Tent just in time to be recognized for their hard work this week. They make our meals, keep the campground clean, and provide us with endless support as we move through the week. We are so lucky to have them as partners in this work. 

Later on in the evening, each cabin walked down the soccer cage together for our Consecration Service. Led by Reverends Bill Ferguson and Brian Craig, our seniors, and CITs, the worship service acts as the culmination of our week together. Held outdoors under the stars, the service included reflections from our Chapel messages throughout the week and also gave each cabin an opportunity to share what they are looking forward to most in the upcoming year and how they plan to bring the Camp spirit home with them. It was really special to hear our campers share. 

After communion was served and the message was shared, Rev. Bill instructed everyone to crack their glow-stick simultaneously and faces lit up with the different colors, illuminating the soccer cage.

We then made our way to the Council Ring for messages from our senior class around the campfire, as well as a few tunes from John Fiander. On their way out of Consecration, each camper and staff member received a cup with the Camp logo on it and a bag of microwave popcorn to enjoy later on. Three members of our senior class offered reflections on what their Camp and youth group experiences have meant to them. All three did an amazing job addressing our campers. 

As is our tradition, we joined hands and sang the Lord’s Prayer together around the fire, eyes pointed at the stars. Hugs and kind words were exchanged as everyone gathered around the fire afterward.

My heart is overflowing with joy at what a wonderful week we’ve had. 

Action and Adventure

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.

Comedies and Musicals: Finding more ways to laugh with others

And just like that, we’re past the halfway point in our camp week. Wednesday started out with scrambled eggs, bagels, sausage patties, fruit, and cinnamon rolls! Those cinnamon rolls were exquisite. Our junior high campers had surprise guests in their morning groups today as our CITs and senior class took over and led each group. This provides our emerging camp leaders to gain experience working with our teens and facilitating a small group. 

Lunch featured pulled pork sandwiches, grilled cheese, and tomato soup. It was a perfect day for soup (or at least this blogger thinks so). The star of the show was the french fries. Golden, crispy, and perfectly cooked. I saw many folks going back for seconds. After lunch, campers and staff surrounded the basketball court for our annual 3 versus 3 basketball tournament. Fourteen teams competed for the title of champion. The competition was heated, but staff member Jonathan Dimodica and campers Tim, Will, and Sam came away victorious. 

After the tournament, the Camp Cody staff sold ice cream and slushes and opened the Camp Cody apparel store. You’ll likely see many campers wearing new Cody swag when they return home. For our Afternoon Program, morning groups paired up into seven teams to prepare a lip sync performance for the evening program. Each team was given a song and specific props to incorporate into the performance. Songs included “Mamma Mia,” “Hard Knock Life,” “Under the Sea,” and more. Teams met for almost two hours to perfect their performance before dinner.

This blogger was VERY happy about tonight’s dinner. The Cody staff spoiled us with sausage tortellini, green beans, garlic bread, and a cheesecake bar for dessert. Sausage tortellini (or just “linis” as some of us affectionately call them) is a fan favorite and provided much needed sustenance ahead of our Variety Show and Lip Sync Performance.

Tonight’s Chapel service was created over the course of this week by Rev. Brian Craig and a group of camper volunteers. Even the message was written and given by a camper. We also honored our senior class with a special song performed by Bob Caldeira. It’s a special moment each year that we look forward to!

Our staff was busy all week preparing our campers for the Variety Show. So much work goes into putting on this show. Staff members meet with performers all week and often participate in skits and musical performances alongside our campers. The Variety Show is an amazing event that highlights the many talents of our community.

To kick off the show, each team from earlier in the day performed their lip sync performance. Our judges were tough, but the teams rose to the challenge, giving entertaining and detailed performances of their assigned songs. The winner of the challenge was the team performing “Hard Knock Life.” I don’t want to brag, but yours truly found herself on the winning team.

After the lip sync performances, we transitioned into the Variety Show. Musical performances, skits, games, and more kept our Camp family entertained well into the night. Our first-year staff hosted the evening, Academy Awards style. They dressed to impress and came prepared with jokes that had us all laughing along.

Year after year, we are blown away by the talents of our campers. Whether they play an instrument, sing a song, perform a skit, or share their skills with our camp in some other way, the Variety Show is always a night where our hearts swell with pride. Tonight was no exception. 

We made our may to the Council Ring for a song with John Fiander and a Vespers message with Bob Caldeira. It was another day filled with fun, lots of laughs, and good memories. It’s hard to fathom that our camp week is coming to a close in just a few days, but we’re doing our best to enjoy each moment. 

Horror: How do we overcome our fears?

This blog author cannot believe how it’s already Tuesday… the week is flying by! Today was our backwards day. For one day each Camp week, we reverse Morning Group and the Evening Program. It keeps things interesting! The theme for today was horror. 

We started today with a scrumptious breakfast of French toast, bacon, blueberry muffins, and fruit. As breakfast was winding down, a fedora-clad Brian Holton and Amelia Dunn interrupted with an announcement that Camp had some special guests this year. We were then joined by Mr. Green, Professor Plum, Miss Scarlet, Mrs. Peacock, Sergeant Gray, Dr. Orchid, and Colonel Mustard. Each guest introduced themselves and shared some information about their interests and history. 

Since it was raining, Morning Watch and our morning meeting were both held under the dining tent. Spirits were not dampened (LOL) by the wet weather. Color teams gathered for the evening program (in the morning) for Murder Mystery Part One, playing games to earn clues that they would need later on. At the end of Part One, we learned that tragically, Mr. Green had met his demise. Teams found out that they would need to figure the who, what, and where of his murder during the Afternoon Program. 

Lunch was pizza and Caesar salad. Our senior class met to discuss their participation in Friday’s Consecration service. After lunch, we held our second annual kayak race, which featured more than 30 campers and staff members. After two heats, four finalists competed against Matthew Tevnan, last year’s champ and current CIT. Eighth grade camper Bella took the victory, sailing past Billy Reeves at the last minute for the win. 

After Spree Time, color teams met again to figure out who killed Mr. Green. They competed against other color teams to earn clues and eliminate various characters, weapons, and locations Clue-style. After some fierce competition, teams returned to the Council Ring to make their final guesses. Only one team was correct with their guess… Maroon! And in case you were curious, it was Professor Plum, in the Dining Hall, with John Fiander’s guitar. He was taken away by local authorities and punished accordingly. 

It's Tuesday, so you know what that means… tacos for dinner! We loaded up our plates with beef and chicken tacos and homemade churros. Chapel was led by our sophomore class and featured an inspiring message from Lisa Howes on overcoming your fears and how Camp can help you do that. 

Morning groups met at night and discussed fears, anxiety, and the allure of horror movies. Morning group at night is a camper and staff favorite activity. The stars combined with the conversation create a special environment to dive deeper into the topic of the day. Before heading to the campfire for Vespers, each group wrote down their fears on pieces of paper and put them in the fire. 

Tonight was a special Vespers! Candace Crocker and Emma Donnelly each gave a message, sharing examples of overcoming fears, leaning on others, and accepting help. Another day has come and gone, and our hearts are full after a day filled with amazing programs, good meals, and time with friends.

Romantic Comedies: How do we build relationships?

Good evening, blog readers! The current time is 11:41 p.m. and Camp Cody is quiet! Today’s programs and activities had our campers and staff running all over the place. But more on that later…

Breakfast consisted of pancakes, sausage links, coffee cake, and fruit. A fun fact is that Camp Cody has added cold brew coffee to their menu, and our staff and many of our campers are very excited about this addition! A peaceful Morning Watch was followed by Morning Group.

The theme for today was romantic comedies and groups discussed relationships, how we build trust, figuring out who you feel comfortable with, and exploring who you are in relationships. Groups also wrote a letter to themselves, which our staff will mail to them later on in the year. We’ve only had three days of Morning Group, but the hard work that the Morning Group team put into compiling this year’s program is evident. Campers and staff alike have been raving about the program, especially the more creative activities.

Lunch included Italian subs, chicken pesto paninis, and BBQ Lays chips. Many folks have also been taking advantage of the extensive salad bar. After the lunch tables were cleared and the benches were put onto the tables, Spree Time began. Each day of Spree Time includes a special activity, and today was slip and slide kickball. Our ninth grade campers were especially excited about this new game!

The afternoon program was a smash! The 2023 Great Camp Relay built off of the success of last year’s event, adding new events and getting more campers involved. Different legs of the relay included dizzy bat, a kayak race, potato sack race, human ring toss, and more. After three runs, Forest Green and Rust were tied for first place, forcing a last minute (and unexpected) tie breaking game of Shipwreck. It was a competition for the record books, akin to the New England Patriots infamous comeback against the Atlanta Falcons in 2017. As the game drew to an end, Rust has one player left and Forest Green had five. As the pressure mounted, senior Amelia Carey stepped up to the challenge and defeated each of Forest Green’s remaining players, securing the victory for Team Rust. It was truly spectacular!

Sweaty, tired, and maybe a little sunburnt, everyone made their way to the dining tent for a dinner of barbecue chicken, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, and an INCREDIBLE brownie. Chapel was led by our Junior class and included their favorite song, “Kumbaya.” Rev. Brian Craig gave the message, reminding our campers that Camp and youth group are both places that they will always find love and support. Chapel ended with an electric performance of “Pharaoh, Pharaoh.”

Tonight’s evening program was Cody’s Greatest Game Show, hosted by our CIT’s (all dressed as Steve Harvey, of course). Campers competed against one another in Family Feud, as well as Minute-to-Win-it games. The program featured commercial breaks with high quality commercials produced by our staff. If anyone from the beverage company Propel reads this, we’d love a sponsorship. 

The evening ended with a beautiful Vespers message from Samantha Brow, followed by s'mores and time by the fire our Senior High campers. If you saw this blog author purchasing s'mores supplies for 100 last week at Market Basket, now you know why.

As I write this, our dedicated staff is working hard preparing for tomorrow’s day. I’d like to take a moment to recognize all the planning that goes into preparing for the week and the hard work that goes into making it all come to life. Our campers are in the best hands because we have the best staff. 

We’re excited for what tomorrow will bring, but first… rest.

Sci-Fi and Fantasy: What do we believe?

Slip and slide, chicken tenders, and outer space. Those three words perfectly describe our first full day of Camp. 

The day started bright and early at 7:30 with one of Bob’s world famous wakeup calls. After shuffling to the dining tent, tired faces began to perk up at the sight and smell of scrambled eggs, bacon, home fries, chocolate chip muffins, and fruit. 

At the end of breakfast, Steve introduced our campers to Morning Watch, a time when campers and staff take 10 minutes to sit quietly and reflect on the day ahead. As campers and staff members settled in for Morning Watch, a breeze from Lake Ossipee made its way to the shores of Camp Cody.

Following Morning Watch, the entire Camp gathered for the morning meeting. During this time, our staff goes over the schedule for the day. Steve also held our first Heads Or Tails raffle of the week. Our Heads or Tails raffle supports our annual Mission Fund, which is distributed after Camp to a charity to our teens choosing. It’s a special way for our community to pay it forward.

At 10:00 a.m., campers and staff went off in every direction to meet with their morning groups. The theme for the day was Sci Fi and Fantasy, so much of the discussion centered around where beliefs come from, why we believe in things, and how to explain our beliefs. Groups drafted and shared statements about what they believe in, giving examples of how they live that out in their daily lives. 

Lunch included chicken caesar salad wraps, roast beef paninis, tater tots, and grapes. The roast beef panini was a new offering and was enjoyed by many (myself included). Veteran staff members Brian Hickox and Jenny Sheflin then explained Spree Time to our campers. Each day, campers and staff get to choose from a variety of activities to participate in. Today’s offerings included nail painting, basketball, swimming, paddle boarding, juggling, flag football, and temporary tattoos. 

The Afternoon Program was called “Waterworld 2.0: The Search for the Black Pearl” and had morning groups traveling around camp competing against each other in water and pirate based games. The two teams who finished with the most points after the first round competed in a final relay, culminating in a 100-foot Slip and Slide. 

This blog author is thrilled to announce that her favorite meal was served for dinner: chicken tenders and mac and cheese. The meal also included asparagus and a delectable ice cream sandwich, which prompted a lively debate about whether an ice cream sandwich is really a sandwich at many tables. Okay, maybe it was just my table. 

Chapel was led by our senior class this evening, and the message was delivered by Head Counselor Olivia White. Music included “Lean on Me,” “Take Me Down to Ossipee,” and “Compass.” It’s always so fun seeing our more experienced campers leading by example and showing our newer campers the words and dance moves to our favorite songs.

Tonight’s evening program was an “Out of this World” dance! The costumes and outfits were a sight to be seen! DJ Tommy Tunes got the night started with some fan favorites, Camp classics, and new songs that our campers and staff enjoyed all night long. This Swiftie was very pleased with the number of Taylor Swift songs and many of our campers agreed.

Colin Liebert provided our Vespers message this evening, encouraging campers to explore the “what ifs” and to believe in themselves, especially as they grow and learn more about who they are. As our camp community held hands and sang the Lord’s Prayer together, a few of us looked up just in time to see the most wonderful shooting star.

I believe that today was a very good day.

Camp: The Premiere

 Welcome back, Camp blog readers! I hope this post finds you enjoying your Sunday morning. We sometimes burn the midnight oil here at Camp Cody, so you’ll often see these posts first thing the next morning. Now, let us begin.

After 10 months of planning, Camp has finally arrived. Our staff has spent countless hours preparing for this week and we are so excited to welcome 150 teens to Camp this year. Earlier today, our staff, teens, and families gathered outside the Maroon Building at Weymouth High School (or as some of us called it, the old building). Our staff of 65 were easy to spot in their signature red staff shirts, carrying and loading luggage, helping campers find their buses, and spreading Camp cheer to everyone in sight. Six counselors-in-training arrived ready and excited to learn.

As the excitement for our 66th year of Camp came to a head, teens bid farewell to their families, boarded their buses, and set off on the long journey to Lake Ossipee. After an exceptionally long trip (thanks to traffic), we arrived safe and sound. Campers and staff gathered in the Council Ring for announcements, cabin assignments, and more.

The first day of Camp is always a busy one. Right away, teens went to their cabins, began to unpack, and started to get to know one another. Next on the agenda was to meet with our Morning Groups. Each day at Camp, teens and staff meet with the same group (usually in the morning, if you can believe it) to participate in group discussion, play games, and build bonds. Year after year, this is a favorite for many campers and staff. Groups dig deep into topics like friends, family, school, the future, and more.

What’s next, you ask? Dinner! After a busy day of meeting new people, getting settled, and traveling up to Camp, our campers and staff were quite hungry. Dinner included a delicious marinated chicken, rice pilaf, mixed veggies, and salad bar. And let me tell you about the cookie… your trusty blog author considers herself an expert on Camp desserts and this one was a classic. It was perfectly ooey gooey, and some people MAY have enjoyed their cookie BEFORE their dinner. We are lucky to spend all of our meals outdoors underneath an enormous tent. I bet you weren’t expecting fancy al fresco dining!

We then moved to the Council Ring for our daily Chapel service. Revs. Bill and Brian introduced our campers to Chapel, explaining how throughout the week everyone will have an opportunity to participate in the worship service. John Fiander kicked off the service by grabbing his guitar and leading us in an exciting rendition of “Alleluia, Praise Ye the Lord.” Our newest campers caught onto this Camp favorite in no time.

Rev. Bill delivered tonight’s message, encouraging our campers to look ahead at the coming attractions for the week. The theme for Camp this year is “Camp: the Premiere,” and we’ll be exploring different genres of movie each day, so coming attractions was the perfect starting point. If you ever have a chance, ask Rev. Bill about the time he and his friends accidentally wandered onto the film set of Jaws… it’s a good tale.

Chapel is an interactive worship service, and tonight our campers and staff broke into groups to discuss what they hope to get from their week of Camp. Responses were shared with the entire Camp and it gave everyone a chance to set an intention for the next seven days.

The evening program started with each cabin working on a cabin flag and the designs were fun, creative, and thoughtful! Once cabins completed their flag, they returned to the Council Ring for our traditional Saturday night campfire. Since we love a good theme, campers and staff were treated to movie theater popcorn to enjoy during the campfire. The evening included staff musical performances, skits, and fun competitions. This blog author particularly enjoyed Colin Ames and Kelsey Fritz’s musical performance. 

At the end of the program, John Fiander wowed us again with his musical talents, playing “Difference Maker,” a camp favorite song. Steve Flaherty delivered our first Vespers message of the week around a crackling campfire. Vespers is when a staff members closes the evening with a reflection on the day. Many people take this time to admire the beautiful stars.

Campers and staff alike are exhausted after such a big day, but our hearts are full. Many of us are back at our favorite place, and our newest campers are learning very quickly what it is that makes it so special. 

We can’t wait to see what tomorrow holds!