Welcome back, friends of the blog! Despite gray skies and intermittent showers, today was a great day! Bob and his wakeup crew made sure everyone was up by 7:30. Wakeup often includes fun instruments, fun facts, and/or short skits. There’s no better way to greet the day!

We started off with a delightful breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage links, muffins, and fruit. After breakfast, Steve Flaherty welcomed everyone to participate in Morning Watch, a 10-minute quiet time where campers and staff reflect on the day ahead and read a short program that introduces the theme for the day.

Today’s morning group program discussed faith and what we believe. Groups delved into their favorite unsolved mysteries, conspiracy theories, and fables before shifting to discussion about what they believe in and why. Groups also talked about alternate universes and what kind of life they may be living in another timeline. One question that was popular among groups was, “Who is someone you hope finds you in the next universe?” I suspect many of our campers mentioned their family members back at home.

Lunch consisted of delicious chicken Caesar salad wraps, Italian cold cut sandwiches, waffle fries, and tasty watermelon. Counselors Jenny Sheflin, Brian Hickox, and Billy Reeves explained Spree Time to campers. Each day during Spree Time, campers and staff get to choose from a variety of activities to participate in. The only rule is that you cannot be inside your cabin. Some of today’s activities included arts and crafts, disc golf, bracelet making, lawn games, and juggling. During this time, the Camp Store was open, offering Camp apparel, snacks, and drinks.

As we kicked off our afternoon, the rain picked up but it couldn’t rain on our parade!The afternoon program was called “How fair ye? The Quest for King Cody’s Chalice.” Morning groups competed in four relay events and games before moving into a final competition that ended in an epic slip and slide. Brian Craig and Abby Wallace’s morning group came from behind to win King Cody’s Chalice! It was an impressive victory. All of the teams showed tremendous heart in the quest for the chalice.

Dinner was a fan favorite chicken tenders, pulled pork (with a tangy delicious bbq sauce), mac and cheese, and snickerdoodle cookies. The atmosphere was electric after such an exciting end to the afternoon program.

We moved from dinner to the Council Ring for Chapel, which featured members of our senior and junior classes. John Fiander and his guitar made a triumphant return to Chapel and played “Pharaoh, Pharaoh,” “Washed by the Water,” and “Always Forward.” First-year staff member Becky Long gave the message, encouraging campers to lean into their insecurities and embrace the safety that Camp provides us to be our most authentic selves.

As evening approached, we were upset to learn that Camp was in trouble and it was up to our staff and campers to work together to solve a crucial puzzle. Our evening program, “Threat Level Midnight: Endgame,” found color teams working together to save camp. After a series of games and competitions, campers and staff solved the puzzle just in time to save Camp Cody.

John Fiander kicked off Vespers with one of our favorite songs, “Difference Maker.” Aidan Duffy gave tonight’s Vespers message, sharing how important it is to trust your support system and have faith in the people around you when you are struggling.

Our campers are settling in and learning why this place is special to so many of us. It is nearly midnight and Camp is quiet, which is the sign of a wonderful day!