A Frenetic Pace

July 2, 2024

I have used the word “frenetic” to describe events around here many times over the years.  But last night and early this morning things involving campers happened while I was asleep!

We had our third or fourth New England Sparkler in ten days and the program directors pressed on the pedal to take full advantage of the glorious weather.  It being so crystal clear, Mike decided to sponsor a star-gaze on the soccer field, the darkest part of the grounds at night.

He made it clear to the boys that if they showed up just to goof off, he would send them back to the cabins.  He did allow for card games and reading while awaiting total darkness, maybe as late as 10:30 or 11:00.  For some, it may have been the first time they ever got that close to the firmament.

When I arose from my slumber this morning, the Lake Swim had already commenced. This is a deeply traditional Kingswood event and is orchestrated with strict protocols in place.  First off, the lake has to be calm! Then, each swimmer has to have an older camper as his spotter and several lifeguards are in boats as well.  Participants swim across Lake Tarleton and back, probably a distance of a little more than one mile.

Max Korogluyev had the best time (25 minute range) with Max Berman next. Remember, this is not a race and every finisher was applauded as he touched shore at the beach. Sara has already grabbed some photos of these two events from the counselors and posted them for you, with the promise that many more of her efforts will be up by later today.

Now go check my photos.  Monday clinics have a fresh look to them as it always takes one day to introduce the activity and outline the plan for the five-day session. By Wednesday or Thursday most clinics are into the practice mode.  Golfers, for example, will be playing our challenging 9 hole short course and the football clinic might be playing a game. Fridays, for some clinics, is test day where campers get to demonstrate how much they have learned up to that point.

Camp is such a short run for boys that we feel it is important to move a little more quickly into the “doing” parts of the clinics. I watched junior baseball as Hartel gave some excellent pointers on how to field ground balls. The baseball coach in me wanted to add much more but I found myself nodding in assent that Hartel had taken it perfectly far enough for one day.

There were excellent vibes in the air after dinner as counselors sponsored some silly-fun games like Spud and Frisbee golf. Hats off to Zach Wells who singlehandedly occupied about 40 boys in that rousing game of Spud. We had to intervene and make them stop once Closure on the stage was ready to go.

Having an all-camp gathering to end the day is terrific programming. Some musical presentations were intermixed with announcements and heads ups, all designed to lower the volume before bedtime.  Except for the star-gazers, of course, whose frenetic day was destined to roll on.