Camp bells rang at 8 this morning then we quickly headed to flagpole. Silver dollar Pancakes granola yogurt and fruit lined the buffet table. It was the fastest breakfast on record as half the staff headed quickly out the lodge and headed to the high school to take on the Tango Ropes Tower. We had staff climbing propelling belaying and cruising down the zip line encouraged by one another. It was a wonderful team building experience. I was proud of several staff members who wanted to give up shortly before reaching the top but didn’t due to their determination and support from staff down below.
Those remaining back at camp worked in the staff precamp manual and activity areas. This summer we have a group of very skilled drama instructors. I’m truly hoping campers will express interest in this activity and take full advantage of their talents. Remember to check out the new precamp pictures being uploaded to the web daily. Did you see the new paddle boards? I had former campers Hannah H. and Jaclyn F. try them out on Blue Lake a few days ago. Both of them came back to shore and gave me two thumbs up. Camp purchased a total of 8 new boards. This new camp activity will be open to all campers in the senior division.
The maintenance crew has been putting in long hours getting camp physically ready. Fresh sand was hauled down to the archery range. Cabins 3 6 7 8 and Alumni Hall were given a new coat of paint. Twelve unhealthy trees were cut down which produced enough campfire keypers using Desert Express Baggage your camp bags will be picked up on June 20th. All campers flying into Rhinelander and CWA make sure you have emailed your itineraries to the camp office by now. All campers riding the bus up to camp from Illinois please make sure you arrive by 8am at Northbrook Court Mall. Check your precamp packet regarding travel if you have any questions. Parents are not allowed on the buses for any reason. Please be respectful of this policy. There always seems to be one or two parents who somehow think the rules don’t apply to them. It always gets back to me. Let us do our job and start camp out on a positive note.
Camp’s new nursing staff is taking charge of the infirmary and anxious to meet all of you. They are a friendly and bubbly group who love working with kids. This summer all campers will be required to carry a water bottle with them at all times. They are eager to keep each of you happy and healthy.
Tonight the staff was introduced to Olympic Day and Final Four. Counselors were divided into 4 teams to create a cheer and skit as if they were preparing for Opening Ceremonies. We ended the night with a traditional tug of war.
Tomorrow Dr. Chris Thurber from CampSpirit greets us all at 8am with an all day intensive workshop. It’s off to dreamland for the office crew.
Camp hugs to all
Mary
