Ask anyone who has spent time at Camp Kodiak what makes it special, and you’ll probably get a different answer every time. It might be a big moment, a camp tradition, or something that happens every day without anyone giving it much thought.
Now that we’ve had a little time since the end of camp, I’ve been thinking about some of the moments I miss most. I could easily make this list much longer, but here are five that keep coming to mind.
- The Very First Day of Camp Some people wait all year for Christmas or their birthday to arrive. I look forward to the first day of camp with the campers! It marks the beginning of a new season for camp, a new adventure for each camper (even if they’re a returning camper), and a new journey for our staff. There’s excitement, nervousness, love, anticipation, and fear coursing through everyone’s bodies. But it’s the promise of a fresh start and a chance to reinvent yourself and try something new in an environment that will accept you for who you are and who you are on your way to becoming.
- Banana Boat Rides I don’t get to ride the banana boat much these days, but I love to watch cabin groups take a ride. The screams and laughter that can be heard over the roar of the boat’s engine, and the smiles that are permanently fixed to everyone’s face as they try to keep their balance say it all – pure joy!
- Free Play Whether it’s a rowdy game of Gaga or 9-Square in the Air, playing a round at mini-golf, building the next incredible structure with K’Nex, chilling with friends, or anything else where campers are having fun with others, there’s always a lot of laughter and a lot of activity! Campers get to decide who they want to spend that time with and what they are doing in the Main Camp area. So many options!
- Merit Announcements Campers being recognized by counsellors for amazing things they’ve done or achieved is always wonderful. But having the entire camp hear about your achievement as it’s announced on the microphone in the dining hall after the meal elevates that recognition. What’s even better is the thunderous applause and cheering that follows from everyone in the dining hall – campers, counsellors, staff members, and visitors!
- Closing Campfire Campers have a chance to share their thoughts and feelings about their experiences during our final campfire of Session 1 and Session 2. From the heartfelt “thank yous” to new friends, to recognizing staff members who became their mentor, to profound statements about their personal growth and learning, these moments and statements resonate long after the fire burns down.
I guess I’m feeling a little nostalgic right now! But one of the best things about camp is that everyone comes home with their own list. If your camper joined us this summer, ask them what would make their top five. What do they miss? What made them laugh? What moment are they still talking about? You might hear about a camp tradition you’ve never heard of—or a small moment that meant much more to them than you realized.
And while they’re remembering, we’ll be here getting ready to do it all again next summer.
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