Good evening, friends of the blog! Today was our last full day of Camp and it was filled with so many wonderful things! The dance last night tired everyone out so it was a sluggish start, but the energy picked up after a big breakfast of scrambled eggs, waffles, fruit, yogurt, and bagels. We had another birthday today, and the chorus of birthday wishes could be heard throughout the dining hall.

After a peaceful Morning Watch and a quick review of the day, campers and staff headed off to their last Morning Group of the week. Groups exchange kind words of affirmation, which we call strength bombardment, and spend time reflecting on the week. Many groups also participate in a faith wandering exercise, embracing stillness and practicing mindfulness. Many groups also played a game where they passed around a beach ball that had numbers written on it. Each number has a corresponding question and wherever your right thumb landed is what question you have to answer. Each year, this particular Morning Group provides a few final moments laughing together about memories from the week.

We enjoyed a picnic lunch outdoors all together that included cheeseburgers, rice pilaf, onion rings, and chips. We definitely needed fuel for the afternoon we had planned! At this final lunch, many of our Morning Groups sit together. It’s always heartwarming to see these groups of people share a meal, laughing with one another, after being strangers just one week ago.

The last full day of Camp including some of our favorite Camp traditions, including the hug line. During the hug line, every member of our Camp community shares a hug and a short conversation. It allows us all to connect with one another at the end of an amazing week.

After the hug line, we gathered for a graduation ceremony for our senior class. Our seniors are so important to our Camp family. Whether they’ve been to Camp one time or six, they’ve all left their mark on this group of people. They bring so much light, love, and leadership to our program and we wish them all the best as they begin new journeys this fall.

After we celebrated the Class of 2025, yours truly had the pleasure of giving out our 2025 Camp Awards to both campers and staff. During the week, we encourage everyone to nominate a camper or staff member who has had a positive impact on their week for an award. I received more than 50 nominations ranging from “Kindest Cabinmate” to “Best Dance Moves.” I love how many people take time to acknowledge how someone else at Camp has impacted them over the course of the week!

Michael MacNeil took over the mic to announce the winner of the Color Team Cup. After a week of competition, ranging from the Camp Relay, Olympics, and more, we finally had our champion! Drum roll please… the winner of the 2025 Color Team Cup was… FOREST GREEN! Congratulations to the winning team on their hard work this week!

Next up was our director, Tom Remsen. Tom acknowledged the hard work that goes into planning the Camp week and took a moment to share his gratitude for the staff. The cheers and applause as campers celebrated their favorite staff members was incredible to hear.

We were able to enjoy some late afternoon lake time, which was a hit with campers and staff alike. The waterfront continues to be a favorite for so many people this year! Dinner included roast pork, mashed potatoes, asparagus, and the most delicious brownie I’ve ever had (sorry, Mom).

As the sun was setting, each cabin walked down the waterfront for our Consecration Service. Led by Rev. Brian Craig, Rev. Peter Strobel, our seniors, and CITs, the worship service acts as the culmination of our week together. Held outdoors, the service included readings by our seniors, a sermon by Rev. Brian and Rev. Peter, communion, music from John Fiander, and a message from Steve Flaherty about our memento. This year’s Camp memento is a license plate with the Camp logo and year on it! The campers seemed very excited about this!

We couldn’t have chosen a better spot for the service. As we arrived, the sun was setting. Shortly after, the most beautiful stars appeared in the sky. It was truly the most beautiful setting I’ve ever seen for a Camp program (and I’ve seen A LOT of Camp programs over the last 23 years.)

After the service, senior high moved to the council ring for messages delivered by our three seniors, as well as music provided by John. Our middle school campers heard from several staff members about what makes them unique and how they use their gifts out in the world. They also used a ball of glow-in-the-dark yarn to showcase all the things we have in common.

Down at the council ring, three seniors delivered messages about their Camp and youth group journeys and the impact of the friends they’ve made along the way.

To end the evening, John Fiander our seniors led us in the Lord’s Prayer. I could see many folks turn their faces toward the sky to admire the stars. It was a beautiful end to a beautiful day.