“Grainy Images”

July 12, 2024

Follow my photo album for the first part of today’s blog.

Yesterday at the start of the third period clinics, I plopped down in a chair on the front porch of the Main Lodge.  I often watch things from afar as it gives me a very keen perspective on camp issues great and small.

Very quickly, I found a theme.  On the lake and in the water were the junior campers and the supervision was very good. Close by, TJ was receiving what at times was a three on one swim lesson.  That inner crib is quite shallow this summer and one good takeaway is that the area is perfect for beginner swimmers.

Then, I followed with great interest as a counselor was in the water with a novice water-skier. As he fell a couple of times, the counselor swam after the camper and helped him steady his skis anew. Then, the skier got it right and went all the way around the course, albeit backwards to the finish line.  I took names and caught up with Cooper and Peter at lunch.  Good camp.

But my ill-focused photos picked up on other proper camp protocol taking place. An instructor in a kayak (O-Go, as we call Oliver Goldstein) was attending to a pair of boys in the red/white/yellow sailed sunfish, all the while by being observed by another lifeguard in the skiff.

As Cooper completed his run, I captured a t-boat canoe rescue being practiced. By the book.

Then, as the period wound down, suddenly there was Sebastian (orange shirt) asking Raven for some tips on diving. Since the lad had been in the skiing clinic, I was astounded to see him seeking guidance on what was my personal least favorite thing to do when I was his age – learning to dive head- first.

Everyone deserved that scrumptious lunch of quesadillas and the works.

Now you should follow Sara’s photo album for the balance of this report.

Most of her selections came out of the two afternoon blocks from roughly 3 to 5:45. Some other locales got showers but not us, so everything went as scheduled. Boys love those paddleboards and seldom is one not checked out when we offer the lake to them, mostly as a hang-out.

I could open “Camp Sandcastle” and be full to the brim. Meanwhile a legitimate game of water polo, played by its strict rules, was going on in the outer crib of the Main Dock. No horseplay was permitted, and I hope the boys enjoyed this honest approach.

There was quite a bit of creativity after dinner including at least two activities involving bubbles and bouldering on the large rock at the far end of Pines Field.

Lastly there was quite the hubbub when a van departed for Moose Scoops ice cream in Warren.  Evidently, we are the champions of the Baker Valley Rugby tournament.