Eleven of Twelve

July 9, 2025

I would have to assign a Twelve out of Twelve for a camp rating on yesterday. The 11/12 refers to Kingswood’s record in the first annual BVT chess tournament held yesterday afternoon in the Kingswood dining room.

We actually practiced for the event and even had some internal challenges beforehand. No doubt the other camps have bright kids too, but I was impressed enough with Kingswood’s performances to make this my lead story of the day. Huzzahs!

Yesterday was so good on many fronts. Look at the photo albums, including the counselor week three folder, to see the corroborating evidence. 300 or so pix ought to get the job done.

The highlight of the day for most of the camp was not the chess but the council fire held on what started as a breezy evening (resulting in smoke drift issues) but ended in the usual tame manner, both meteorologically and behavioral.

Scott and Morgan M. gave outstanding reports on their overnight hikes to the Lake of the Clouds and the Bonds. These treks take on the most rugged summits in the White Mountains and are “invitational” events in that only boys ages 13 and older who have demonstrated the ability to keep up with the pace. They got to stay in Appalachian Mountain Club huts high on the mountain sides and were treated to fabulous dinners and breakfasts provided by the Hut crews. “I am envious of your age,” I wrote as a comment to the photos posted by the couple.

“Kingswood hikes with a swagger” was a comment made in each report. “Did you sweat, or huff and puff or ger sore legs?” I interrupted. “Yes, but we do not complain and just keep going” was the rejoinder. Lots of hands went up when we asked, “Would you have liked being along?” Perfect.

Both Sara and I submitted several photos of the council fire gathering. A full moon was rising and the setting was out of this world, at least figuratively. George P., Bodhe H. and Helga K. all performed musical numbers for an appreciative audience.

Then Klaus first led the group in the Kingswood campfire song “Far Above Lake Tarleton’s Waters…” and then proceeded to dismiss the boys one cabin at a time. Last thing, every time, is Klaus saying to the oldest campers, “It’s your fire,” and the Guides, as they are called, come down from their perch above the fire pit and stay put as long as they wish.