At Kingswood, we take Opening Intros as very serious business. “OI’s” occur on the first day of each session — always a Sunday — and commence as soon as the bus from Manchester (with the kids from the Baltimore flight) arrives. I can guarantee that all campers and counselors reading these words are feeling a certain twinge. “I am so nervous on the first day,” say lots of boys. “So am I,” replies this grizzled old veteran. “I want so much for everyone to feel at home, and as quickly as possible,” that I, too, get worked up, I tell them. Ah, but how fast that emotion evaporates once camp gets routinely under way, usually the very next day.
So, as we now have started the 2015 Kingswood enrollment campaign, let’s take a look back at how it all starts on day one. After all, it is now 2015 and we are open for 2015 business!
Even if you come to camp with two of your brothers, the actual arrival can stir up a few butterflies.Kudos to those brave lads who jump right into the lake to be done with the swim certification.I have observed this camp tradition enough times to recognize new friendships budding already.The swim staff always watches you closely and is friendly. If you don’t do the whole thing today, just come back tomorrow, they assure you.Hanging out on Pines Field has a soothing effect.Beach Tennis was a fabulous ice-breaker. In fact, it remained popular all summer long.Granted, that first tetherball game can be a bit awkward, especially if you do not really know the other guy just yet.Some boys spend time in the ping-pong room until word comes out that the buses have arrived.At that point, everyone flocks down to the council fire circle for Opening Introductions.The boys never again will sit so attentively in those seats!Soon enough, however, some counselor will say or do something really funny…like Klaus and company making fools of themselves …or “See Bass” advertising his upcoming golf clinics.Whatever form “OI’s” take in any given year, it never takes too much to …get the “new friendship” ball rolling. Hope to see you again in 2015.
