July 23 2025

This is Banquet Day. It is a jolting fact that surprised many this morning. It surprised me too. The many moments of this day will be experienced fully because we know that such moments will not be repeated. The beauty of a golden season is fading, evoking familiar pangs of sadness and joy. The reasons for our (sometimes strong) emotions are understood:

• We will miss each other. The cabins, Dining Hall tables, and Pavilion. The little clubs, the many classes, the cozy bunks, and everything else that fills our daily routine. We love each other. Where else can you say that you just love everyone (even those whom you don’t like that much)? That annoying person (I count myself among them) has become endearing in their way. It is strange and wonderful that such a community exists… we are sad to see it break up.
• We will miss the routine. The bugles… Reveille, Flag, Soupie, Call to Quarters, Taps. The bells, each one calling to much-loved classes led by much-loved staff and campers of every age, who are joined together, having fun every day. Where else do bugles and bells elicit strong emotion? We will miss it.
• We will miss the music. Singing in the Dining Hall and Pavilion. Dancing (in the pit, the cabin, on the stage) has become as natural as a high-five greeting when together. Exuberant dancing… where else do we have such moments? We will miss singing loudly and dancing wildly without caring what we sound or look like.
• We will miss our activities. Many of us now have a passion for an activity we didn’t even know we liked. Mountain Biking, climbing, Zumba, yoga, archery, riflery, canoeing, sailing, kayaking, ceramics, tennis, pickleball, mahjong, acting, backstage crew, painting, metal jewelry, glass art, fabric art, knitting, crochet, cooking, gardening, chickens, horses, and the list goes on. Many of these activities are difficult to do elsewhere, and even if we can do them, they will not be the same. We will miss them.
• We will miss the Dining Hall. The blessing of good food with no effort required (deciding on the menu, finding ingredients, cooking, and clean-up are all effortless). The salad bar has become a blessing that I have found impossible to duplicate at home. All those fresh veggies and fruit spoil quickly in my home refrigerator. I just give up and don’t eat as well.

Camp is special. Thank you for making it possible.

• Breakfast Scrambled Eggs and Hash Browns
• Breakfast Club Frog and Scorpion, Keep your eyes upon the donut, and not the Hole
• Morning Assembly Thankfulness (The ten lepers)
• Weather 81 degrees, overcast, slight chances of rain throughout the day (tomorrow will be sunny and a hot 86 degrees)
• Lunch Taco in a bag
• Dinner Banquet Feast