Campers returned from overnight trips several days ago, designed for new and veteran campers alike to get accustomed to life on the trail. Even the staff appreciate the chance to stretch out their paddling arms. With temperatures in the low 70s, a light breeze out of the North, and clear blue skies, these guys couldn’t have lucked out anymore with the weather!
Even for trips as short as the overnight, campers earn an age old tradition here at camp: a hot sauna followed by a hearty meal. It should be noted that for the vast majority of campers, a hot sauna means jumping into the lake three or more times between sauna hits. This is a proven process for not only getting clean, but helping to heal any sunburns, scrapes or bug bites from their trips.
For the first time at camp, groups would tell their trip stories alongside a slideshow of their trip photos. Now traditionally, trip stories were always told at the fire circle, which is a beautiful place to share a good story. However, a group of campers with little story-telling experience often leads to monotone explanations of what they ate for dinner, what lakes they paddled to, and maybe a cool set of rapids they saw. With the photos the trip took guiding their story, it gives them direction, and a visual aid to really enhance their story.
In one day’s time, campers will prepare for their second round of trips, this time heading out for five nights. With more time on the trail, group dynamics will really start to blossom. Campers come back practically knowing each others life stories in some cases. Regardless, having that strong shared experience is in itself a valuable experience.
