What Makes Camp Awesome?
The definition of “awesome” as an adjective is something that inspires awe. Something that is “extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring great admiration, or sometimes apprehension and fear.” Synonyms include words like amazing, astounding, marvelous, stunning, stupendous, and wonderous. With how often we use the word “awesome” though, one might think that such a powerful word is incredibly overused at camp and in daily life.
However, I would argue that often, boys who use the word “awesome” to describe things at camp are truly admiring the wonder of that thing. Camp is full of new and amazing experiences that many boys are feeling and doing for the first time. Admiring the sunset view from the top of the mountain? Awesome. Learning you can get yourself out of bed and have the independence to get ready for the day? Awesome. Finding that you have the resilience to try an activity again, even if it was difficult? Awesome. Gaining great new friends and mentors from all over the country? Awesome.
Each small lesson boys learn during their days at camp, and each seemingly minute experience they have during activities or trips, can all contribute to their childhood sense of wonder and inspiring awe. The things boys get to do or feel at camp are a great reminder of the things they are capable of, which is powerful to learn at a young age.
I saw a boy at the Dining Hall yesterday who was looking intently at something in his water bottle - I came over to see what it was, and he showed me. “Look at these tadpoles!” he exclaimed, admiring the tiny things with awe. He had collected them to show his friend and then was releasing them back in the lake afterwards. The fish, frogs, newts, and tadpoles in the lake are things that are often overlooked, but for some boys they can be the most fascinating part of their activity period. Being able to fuel that curiosity and encourage the wonder boys naturally have for the world around them is what camp is all about.
It’s no surprise that our Cabin Adventures have been described as awesome - boys have been swimming, climbing, paddling, riding, hiking, and exploring in beautiful places this week. However, it might be surprising that many of the more relaxed activities back in camp are similarly exciting and memorable. As I walked to the F.A.R.M. yesterday, several campers were playing disc golf and talking about their last round. “I have an awesome drive!” one boy exclaimed to his friend. They excitedly ran off to the next hole, thrilled that they could play the course with their friends and at their own pace. Campers Joe and Wright walked by on their way to Outdoor Skills Certified (OSC), and were talking excitedly about all the sticks they had collected. Wright showed me his walking stick, and Joe had a shorter stick that he was going to carve into a wand. “I hope OSC has more sandpaper, so I can make this stick smoother,” he told me, “It’s a really good one.” As we walked, he stopped to inspect another stick on the path that he thought might make an even better walking stick. You never know what a camper will find “awesome” here at camp.
The part of the definition about something “awesome” inspiring apprehension or fear can also be true - it can be scary to be away from home for the first time, or to try new things. Campers are never put in danger, but they are encouraged to push their comfort zones as they experience new activities and situations that may be intimidating. Many campers have never climbed on a real rock, ridden a horse, shared a cabin with several other boys, or slept outside before. Even trying new food in the Dining Hall that wasn’t cooked by their parents can feel daunting. Learning they can overcome things that feel difficult or scary at first is a great feeling.
Yesterday was another chance to enjoy some awesome moments at camp. We began by listening and enjoying the sounds of the mountain during Morning Watch, as we do every day, while Kyle shared a great message. It was also laundry day, which is always a welcome chance to turn in our laundry bags, and get fresh, clean, clothes and sheets back at the end of the day. Evening Program yesterday was “Free Choice Friday,” which is a great opportunity for boys to end the day by doing something they want to do - the swim docks were a popular place as usual, especially with the blob, roller-coaster, and zipline!
As we wrap up this first week of the session and head into the second part of 2-Week, we’ll continue looking for daily ways to make camp “awesome” for each boy!