Bugle Call – Week 1 – 2008

If this first week of camp had to be summarized in one word, it would be peaceful. Beginning with a smooth and joyful opening day, the week has been a delight for everyone here this session. On Sunday night, after all the campers made their first set of square corners on their beds and got settled into their cabins, our first Council Fire introduced the summer’s theme of A Gracious Heart. During that Council Fire, the campers anonymously exchanged names for their Pine Cone Pals. Throughout the week, girls have been spreading random acts of kindness towards their PCPs in order to demonstrate an important element of graciousness: thinking outwardly and selflessly. At Council Fire we also spoke about the quality of being available to others as an aspect of graciousness. Campers have been demonstrating graciousness fully throughout the week, as evidenced by the harmony and sisterhood in the cabins and activities.

Morning activities were in full-swing beginning on Tuesday, after Monday’s swim test. The waterfront came alive, the horses looked happy to have kids riding them at last, and all of camp’s equipment was put to good use for classes and games. Afternoon activities were also a success this week. Among the many choices were playing in the clay pits, team building initiatives, making stationary from things found in nature, drama games, a bike ride to Port Oneida’s historic barns, slip-n-slide down the Great Lawn, learning to build a fire in the woods, building gnome homes in the woods, and providing the horses with an afternoon of “spa treatment.” Lots of happy sounds were in the air!

On Wednesday afternoon, every cabin had the chance to enjoy each other’s company while exploring the surrounding area for an off-camp Cabin Day. Little Dipper, Stardust, and Gulls Nest went together to Empire to play at the beach and playground. All of the other cabins headed to the Glen Arbor area for a range of activities—floating through Crystal River’s culverts, doing a photo scavenger hunt around town, tubing behind the ski boats on Glen Lake, and confusing tourists by walking through town in costumes.

In all, our summer has kicked off to a fabulous start, and we’re so grateful for such a harmonious beginning.