Summer Camp BlogThe memories from the 2011 summer camp season can now be put into the journals and photo albums of campers and staff alike. Our summer was wonderful in all regards. The weather was almost perfect, after the rainy first week, and the lake warmed up quickly. Our two new building improvements –the arts and crafts renovation and the new nature building—were welcomed additions to the program. Our assistant summer camp director, Charity Patten, and her husband, Brian, have started a wonderful camper recognition program that awards campers for their years attending camp. Five- through seven-year campers receive a Camp Daggett bandana and corresponding pin for the years attended. Eight-year campers receive a special award for having spent all their camper years at Daggett. It has truly been a privilege each week watching the eight-year campers receiving a standing ovation from the campers and staff. Most importantly, I must say our summer staff was phenomenal. The energy and enthusiasm they brought to camp made every day special for campers.
As the summer camp director, I have had the privilege of being part of each week of every summer since 1993. As you can imagine, that is one heck of a lot of initiations, nature walks and campfire sing-a-longs, but over all those years, it never grows old watching campers master Wobbly Wednesdays or rush off to find where Iggy the Iguana and Shades the Duck have disappeared to. The magic of childhood should never be forgotten as an essential part of growing up. I have given much thought to what it is like to be a child these days. It has definitely become more stressful than I remember as a kid. Countless demands are now placed on our children that were not even thought of a few decades ago (yes, it’s been a few “decades” since I could call myself a kid). Still, it is such a comfort to know there are places like Camp Daggett around for a child to enjoy the simple pleasures making friends and being outdoors.
As I recall the weeks at camp, I am filled with wonderful memories of children laughing and playing in the water, frantic games of ultimate Frisbee on the recreation field, and the long march back from the frog pond with nets in tow. Summer is epic at Camp Daggett, and every day is a guarantee of something positive to hold onto. So, as we have closed our eighty-sixth year of summer camp, let’s look forward to 2012 and prepare for another fun experience on the shores of Walloon. Until then, hold on to the memories.
In the spirit of Daggett,
John Guirey – Summer Camp Director