Hello, friends! If you’re joining us for the first time, welcome to the Camp blog! If you’re a returning reader, it’s so wonderful to have you back with us this year. Each day, I (or perhaps some surprise guest bloggers) will recap the day for all our loved ones back at home. We hope that this blog keeps you updated about what we’re up to on beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee and gives you some insight into what makes Camp so special.
In the blink of an eye, a year has passed, and Camp has arrived! As many of you know, we have found a new Camp home in Moultonborough, New Hampshire, at Camp Robindel. All year long, we’ve been envisioning what Camp would be like in this new place, and we have not been disappointed! But more on that later…
After 11 months of planning, 185 campers and more than 65 staff members met at Weymouth High School earlier today to depart for our destination. We are excited to share that this is our biggest year of Camp since 2019, and we are thrilled that our Camp family is growing!
Our staff were clad in their red shirts and our counselors-in-training (CITS) in kelly green, welcoming campers and parents as we loaded the truck and buses. The ride up to New Hampshire took just over two and a half hours and was a smooth one with minimal traffic. The anticipation to see our new space was high.
Upon arrival, all 250 of us made our way to the council ring where campers received their cabin assignments. This part always feels a bit chaotic but went incredibly smoothly considering so many people were seeing the campground for the first time. Campers and staff settled into their homes for the week, claiming bunks, unpacking Tuff Boxes, and hanging decorations. Once we all gathered back in the council ring, campers and staff found out which Morning Group they would be in for the week. Each day at Camp, our teens and staff meet with the same group to participate in discussions, play games, and build friendships. Both campers and staff agree that Morning Group is a favorite part of their camp experience. Today’s program dove into some great icebreakers and introductory questions.
After meeting with our Morning Groups, everyone made their way to the air-conditioned dining hall for spaghetti, meatballs, and salad bar. For most meals, we sit together with our cabins. The dining hall was loud with chatter as teens and staff reconnected after the year apart and began forging friendships with our newest campers.
Once the tables were cleared, everyone made their way out to our Chapel service. Also held in the council ring, Chapel is a time for the entire group to gather as a community for a worship service organized by Rev. Brian. He introduced our campers to Chapel and explained how everyone has an opportunity to participate in the worship service at some point during the week. Tonight’s Chapel helpers were our amazing CITs. They assisted Rev. Brian with the call-to-worship, scripture, and a short skit that put the scripture reading into a modern-day context.
Music is also a huge part of our Chapel service (and a huge part of Camp in general). John Fiander (also known as Johnny Flip Flops) does an amazing job playing our Camp favorites and bringing so much of Camp to life through music. Tonight, John led us in enthusiastic renditions of camp classics like “Father Abraham,” “Alleluia, Praise Ye the Lord,” and “Sing When the Spirit Says Sing.” Rev. Brian delivered tonight’s Chapel message and shared that although we don’t know what the Camp week holds for each of us, the possibilities are endless. He encouraged everyone to keep an open mind this week and to embrace the new space, new people, and new traditions.
Our annual Saturday evening tradition is our opening campfire. The evening started with a cabin bonding activity during which each cabin created their own cabin flag, which may or may not come in handy later in the week. After wrapping up their flag and some discussion questions, groups returned to the council ring to a roaring fire and some staff performances that included skits, songs, and games.
After the campfire, John grabbed his guitar and serenaded everyone with a camp original, “Compass,” and a beautiful cover of “Difference Maker” by NEEDTOBREATHE, a band that many staff and campers enjoy. Steve Flaherty gave the first Vespers message of the year, which focused on how important it is to have your “battle buddies” in life and how Camp is the perfect place to meet new people and build new friendships. You never know, you may just make a friend for life! At Vespers, one of our staff members closes the evening with a reflection on the day. It’s a beautiful time to admire the stars and appreciate the amazing setting we are surrounded by.
As this blog author reflects on the day’s events, I am struck by how this place already feels like home. I learned long ago that Camp isn’t a place, it’s the people and today has confirmed that. Despite the heat and the unknown of a new camp space, today was incredibly joyful.
We are excited for a week of beautiful sunsets, yummy meals, fun programs, and new friendships!