The Magic of Camp

First Session has come to a close. How did that happen?!? Part of the magic of camp is that it exists in its own time. The sessions fly by, yet it feels like you’ve been on island forever. Each moment, each interaction, and each event holds more meaning. Friendships you make might only be a few weeks old, but they can have the weight of a lifetime. 

That’s not to say that life at camp is perfect; it can actually be quite hard. Sometimes the weather isn’t ideal. Sometimes we’re asked to push ourselves physically and mentally. Sometimes relationships are complicated. Living with a large group of people from different backgrounds takes practice and patience. Those challenges are what make the end results so beautiful. 

Thank you, First Session campers and staff, for sharing that magic with us. 

The last few days of camp are a testament to the hard work and dedication each community member put into our shared experiences. The Olympic Games highlight the bonds built across age groups and units. In the final days of camp, older campers, many of whom have grown up at camp, step into obvious leadership roles. The Salmon Bake and Banquet dinners are community celebrations honoring the time spent together on this land. 

We hope campers have returned home tired and happy, with stories and memories to share. 

To our First Session community, we say, “Stay in touch, and we look forward to seeing you on Johns Island again soon.”

P.S. We started the summer intending to post on the blog once or twice a week. Clearly, that hasn’t happened up to this point. The community and commitment described above are exactly why posting regularly is challenging. Our media team is as much a part of the community as anyone else. The Videographer helped lead the Climbing Little Big Trip and assisted with camper laundry one week. The Photographer went on overnights. They both live in units and help lead activities. The Community Engagement Director drives boats, occasionally acts as a lifeguard, and is learning to execute the Salmon Bake. Being fully integrated in the Camp Nor’wester community makes them good at their jobs, but it means that it can be hard to find time to sit down in front of a computer. Here’s to reaffirming a commitment to posting more frequently throughout the summer.