Why We Love June Camp
Welcome to the middle week of camp, what we consider to be the most significant part of the June Camp experience. The first week of camp is very important for the girls… first impressions are lasting impressions, so everyone works hard at being perfect. They present their best behavior in the cabin, participate without reservation in classes, and never stop smiling. They are carried along by soaring emotion and it makes for a delightful week. Closing week is likewise marked by sweet behavior and memorable moments from beloved traditions. But the middle week of camp provides our best opportunities for growth.
We think the longer the session, the bigger the impact… so we like long sessions! Of course, short sessions provide significant growth, but it is not the same as a session with a middle week. A camper leaving Junior or August Camp will be more confident, mature, resilient, and thankful, but there is no substitute for the growth that happens in the “middle” week of camp.
This time provides a “real-life”, more intense experience. Think about what a big deal three weeks is for the girls:
- Three weeks away from home is a long time. It is a major experience.
- There is no “faking it” for three weeks! We deal with conflict in a positive way and learn to be kind and gracious in difficult situations.
- We face difficult circumstances with a positive attitude, so many times this response becomes a habit.
- We learn not to act the way we feel, even when tired.
- We take time to savor moments.
- We become skilled conversationalists in any situation.
- We celebrate little things like bread and honey, the night sky, and a good song.
For me, this is the best, most impactful time of camp. It touches on core emotions and foundational growth. It is the secret sauce that makes camp especially great!
The nice weather continues… sunny skies, warm temperatures (78 degrees and more humid than last week), and afternoon showers. Camp is going great, and we are thankful.
Last night’s movie was really good. There is something magical about watching a movie like “Ratatouille” with hundreds of girls. They sang the songs, cheered, and squealed in increasing volume as the movie went on. For girls that were not into the movie, playing with their friends at the see-saws, Eno hammocks, and pickleball courts offered attractive alternatives.
Thank you for reading the blog. I hope you have a great day!
The Update:
- Breakfast waffles and sausage
- Joke: “A Little Horse”
- Lunch Chicken Strips and fries and Snickerdoodles
- Dinner Carne Asada tacos
- EP Team Fires… tomorrow is Challenge Day, so we get FIRED UP tonight!