Did you know that my Junior High goes on a field trip to Camp Tecumseh? It's true.
Did you know that because we have 500 7th graders we go for two sessions that span a whole week? Yep.
Did you know that I'm really lucky and get to go the whole time? Uh-huh.
Things that are different about camp right now:
1. The Longhouse is used as the supply room and office for our counselors.... Which means no CILT girls live there and I don't get to sleep in my bunk in Choctaw.
2. Kids do lesson packets all morning and afternoon--no clinics or lake time or dodge ball or unit games.
3. We don't have chapels or devotions or prayers at meals, just a moment of silence.
4. All the kids are from the exact same place. Cool because they will hopefully become friends with people in their cabin or lesson group that they keep being real life friends with back at school. Strange because they bring their reputations and friend groups from home rather than starting fresh and meeting brand new people.
5. They refer to their cabins as L12 and R1 rather than Teton and Catawba.
6. The fellowship room is called the dead animal room.
7. The camp culture that counselors cultivate in their cabin, unit, and village is missing. The thing that really makes camp so special weeks 1-9.
Things that are still the same at camp right now:
1. We played 4-team Capture the Pirate Flag in Main Field tonight just like when the Blazers play on Mondays. I dare say it is better than the original.
2. Kids love when you give them one on one time to talk and ask questions and listen to their stories.
3. You learn things at camp like responsibility and teamwork and initiative that are more important than parts of speech and multiplying polynomials.
4. The mine shaft is fascinating.
5. It's terrifying for kids to walk in the dark without a flashlight.
6. The Gleason kids totally made my day when they ran in the dining hall and gave me a giant hug.
7. The stars are still shining bright and more beautiful here than anywhere else.
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