Our Tuesday was a hot one but that didn’t stop us from having a great day together. Campers and staff started the day off with waffles, scrambled eggs, granola, fruit, and yogurt.
Typically one day each year, we hold Morning Group at night and our evening program in the morning. I know that sounds strange and may be a bit confusing, but having Morning Group at night is a favorite experience for many campers and staff. It allows campers and staff to open up to each other and become closer as a group. Because of the heat, we got even more crazy and changed our entire schedule so that our campers were able to remain as cool as possible. Alright, stay with me here… We held the afternoon program in the morning, the evening program in the afternoon, and Morning Group at night. Wild, I know!
This morning’s afternoon program was called “Gone in 60 Seconds.” This program signified the kickoff of our Color Team Cup. Campers and staff are divided into eight color teams. These teams will compete all week in a variety of challenges all in the hopes of winning the coveted Color Team Cup. In today’s challenge, teams paired up to compete in an ultimate game of capture the flag. Forest Green and Jade came away with the victory!
Lunch was a fan favorite today… Chicken patties! We also enjoyed fries, fruit, and salad bar. After lunch, nearly everyone headed toward the waterfront to cool down in the lake for Spree Time. The inflatable water toys have been a huge hit this week!
After Spree Time, everyone gathered in their cabins to leisurely walk around Camp solving clues, getting to know staff better, and completing challenges during our “Kodak Capers” program. The slower pace of this program was the perfect choice for such a hot afternoon. Many of the photos will be posted to our Instagram if you’d like to take a peek!
Folks had a little bit of free time after “Kodak Capers”, and many chose to relax in various spots around camp. I noticed folks reading, playing card games, chatting with friends, and even taking a quick snooze in the shade. Dinner was excellent: ziti and sauce, roasted veggies, salad bar, and ICE CREAM! A frosty treat has never tasted so good! Spirits were high after such an amazing meal, which ended in an impromptu dance party!
We danced our way over to the council ring for Chapel, which was led by the junior class tonight. They brought so much enthusiasm and joy to this service! Tonight’s songs included “Lean on Me,” “Washed by the Water,” and “Brother.” Kayla Farragher gave the message, encouraging everyone to give people the benefit of the doubt, refrain from judgement of others, and that everyone is worthy of grace.
As I mentioned earlier, we have Morning Group at night once each year. This year, groups discussed what it means to find our co-pilots. Just like how somebody in the passenger seat can help make a road trip go more smoothly, all the people in our lives play a similar role. Groups explored relationships of all types, discussed important qualities that can be found in these relationships, whether we need co-pilots, and how our relationships serve ourselves. One question that many groups talked about was, “Which relationships in your life are most important to you right now?”
At 9:30, everyone made their way to the council ring for Vespers. John Fiander opened with “This Little Light of Mine,” inspired by the many glow stick clad campers and staff surrounding him. He also played “Wasteland,” another song by NEEDTOBREATHE that is cherished by many at Camp.
Candace Crocker gave tonight’s Vespers message. In her message, she recounted times in her life when her friends showed up for her and times when they did not. She stressed the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to friends, and how to know the difference between friendships that are in your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. As is our custom, we ended the evening holding hands around the campfire singing the Lord’s Prayer under the most beautiful stars. It’s truly remarkable to see how quickly Camp Robindel has become our home. The staff here are so happy to have us as guests and are making sure we feel welcomed in this new space. I am constantly reminded that Camp isn’t about where we are, it’s about who we are with and I am happy to report that the Camp spirit is all around us here.
