We’ve been having a great week up here at camp!
Yesterday we hosted our annual bi-camp competition with our friends from North Star Camp. As we do every year, we competed in a range of events: cross country, tennis, canoeing, swimming, archery, target shooting, chess and sailing. It’s always great to spend time with the North Star camp family on a day of friendly competition.
I had the privilege of observing the sailing race from a pontoon boat alongside staff from both camps. I have to say, I was in awe of what I saw out there. After rigging their RS Zests and heading out into the lake– three boats per camp– the campers navigated a triangular buoy course. They were gifted with some blustery winds from the west, meaning boats had to head directly into the wind to start off the race. The captains took the challenge in stride, patiently tacking back and forth, zig-zagging their way into the wind towards the first buoy. They rounded the buoy and flew down wind and then back towards the starting line on a beam reach.
The technical abilities of all of the campers were a sight to behold. The leaders, two Lumberjacks who spend just about every day at sailing, made it look like second nature. The two of them were completely in sync. They knew exactly what point of sail to maintain, and how far to bring in the sail at a given moment. The campers throughout the rest of the fleet were just as remarkable. While some struggled more than others to navigate the tricky upwind section, their sailing IQ was evident as they adapted their strategies to handle the breeze.
When the campers hit the beach there were high fives, laughs, and discussion about strategy. There was no bragging or boasting. It was all respect.
Across the lake and around camp, our campers were engaged in “life skills” sports. Throughout the summer, and in their years at Nebagamon, they build skills that will stick with them long after the summer comes to a close. Those skills were on display yesterday.
If there was a highlight from the day, it was the excellent sportsmanship. When we compete at Nebagamon we give it our all. We know that it feels great to win. But regardless of the end result, we value the experience in and of itself. It’s supposed to be fun. It’s supposed to be a learning experience. We win with humility and lose with grace. All day long our campers prioritized sportsmanship, fun, and connecting with our friends from North Star.
Last night we gathered in the Rec Hall for our first talent show of the session. We had some phenomenal acts take the stage, and without fail, they were greeted by cheers. We wrapped up our talent show as we always do, singing classic camp songs– many of them dating back to the earliest days of Nebagamon– before heading back to cabins to close out a picture-perfect day.
Today has been another beautiful day at camp. Campers enjoyed four project periods followed by Village BBQ for dinner. Later we’ll have Village Activity, which is always a great bonding point in the week for all of the different age groups.
What’s been on the menu?
Breakfast yesterday: Croissants with granola and yogurt
Lunch yesterday: Walking Tacos (bags of Doritos with all the taco fixings, perfect for a shared lunch with North Star Camp on the Lower Diamond!)
Dinner yesterday: Gyros sandwiches and Greek fries
Breakfast today: Blueberry pancakes,sausage links and fruit
Lunch today: Crispy chicken sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, and onion
Village BBQ Today: Hot dogs with chili, veggies and ranch, and a camp favorite for dessert: Carmelitas!’
All is well in the Northwoods