“And Away We Go”

July 21, 2025

You wouldn’t know it from Sara’s large photo file that we had two torrential downpours yesterday afternoon. Rob Wiff, Mike Wiff, Klaus and the other program gurus adroitly managed orientation meetings indoors while nature produced its “rain wrinkles,” as Klaus called them.

OK by me: We needed the rain. I say that as Head Gardener and also because I think dusty stretches lead to scratchy throats and bad humors.

I just now posted a batch of pix taken momentarily ago. You can see it is a cool, breezy morning here in the north woods, almost autumnal in scope. Check that; it does feel like the fall out there. Andy L. reported 47 boys showed up for Polar Bear dips in the lake at 7:30 pronto. “You’re crazy” is my standard rejoinder to such behavior!

The mood at breakfast was exhilarating, and I could not resist quizzing the old-timers on who used the title phrase above to start his TV show in the 1960’s. Over half got it – Jackie Gleason. Hilarity followed for him, and here, too, one would surmise.

Orientation goes quite quickly at Kingswood. We have some simple rules that we expect full compliance with at all times, such as being a considerate person and adhering to our safety procedures. After that, we offer gentle reminders and timely follow-ups to get the ball rolling anew.

Breakfast took longer today as counselors informed boys where the morning clinics would be and what to bring and to wear to them. I suspect that by lunch today we will be declaring the end of the formal stuff.

During one of those rain delays yesterday, we all assembled in the dining room to hear about all the activities that fall under the classification of “morning clinics” Then the campers filled out paper ballots listing their top three choices in each of three categories – Waterfront, Team Sports, and Choice (everything else.)

I nodded approvingly when Mike acknowledged the importance of allowing the boys to make choices in real time – that is, after hearing the counselors’ reports on what they can truly expect to encounter. In some camps, the kids sign up for activities in February. A thousand times “no” at this place.

So, I think I will post this first blog now and then go out and see for myself (and, you, too, perhaps) if the high energy on display at breakfast has sustained. “And Away We Go.”