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Session 2 is officially underway! First, thank you to you parents for giving honest feedback on how Opening Day operations went. We are still working the kinks out, but overall we hoped that your drop off was a bit smoother than last summer.

Yesterday was enjoyable for me because I felt like I got to have more quality conversations with a lot of you parents. Being present on Opening Day, with all the craziness that goes on, is something I’ve tried to do a better job of. For those of you who I didn’t speak to, I hope to do so at some point during the session. Email me if you’d like to chat about your child and their session.

Last night we feasted on Ms. Ada’s Fried Chicken. It was better than ever. Campers had after supper free time last night, and the gaga pit was very popular.

Director emeritus Chris Watlington once again helped to host the famous, famous, MOST FAMOUS Opening Night Show (ONS). Last night’s ONS was a compilation of skits where we really tried to get our campers involved. As you can see from the photos, campers thoroughly enjoyed ONS. The Spartan cheerleaders made a comeback appearance, myself and Mike McGuire did a rendition of the tight pants (compliments of the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon), Juanse was the glowstick man group, and boys camp faced off vs. girls camp for the water pitcher mattress crowd surfing challenge. Lane Howard got the victory for boys camp in this matchup!

Today we have a full slate of activities and the sun is shining.

As you can see from the look on their faces, boys camp had a grand time last night.

Claire represented Girls Camp in the mattress crowd surfing challenge.

Macy was excited to arrive at Camp, and so was Jack, even though he’s not showing in this pic!

Our families were Huawni bound on Sunday!

Natalie shows off her Tejas spirit on Opening Day!

Lane represented Boys Camp in their win last night in the mattress crowd surfing challenge.

Knowing Your Child Well & Helping Them Grow

Thank you, thank you, thank you to those of you who filled out your Youth Development Intake Forms online this past week. This information has been pivotal to our staff in preparing to help your child grow this week. My wife Mandi, who just finished her graduate degree as an LPC, helped develop this form so that could more intentionally get to know your child and better help them develop. Another huge benefit to gathering this information is that we can track your child’s development as they continue to come back to Camp Huawni. If you’re a parent who hasn’t filled this out, please know that it’s not a required form. But, if you would like to fill this out, do so by logging into your CampInTouch account, going to Forms and Documents and then clicking on the Youth Development Intake Form. After you complete to form, email us at so we know that you updated it.

Homesickness

For many of you parents, this is your child’s first time at a sleepaway camp. If that’s you, I want to put you at ease, as what your camper may be experiencing is normal (even though it can be very difficult). While your child is growing at camp, I want to use the next two weeks as an opportunity for you to better understand homesickness and grow right alongside your child.

I strongly suggest you read this blog/commentary I’ve written on Dr. Michael Thompson’s book Homesick & Happy.

Chapter 1 – Off They Go

First-time Huawni parents, if you’d like a free copy of this book, please comment below on this blog and I’ll send you a free copy.

As a camper parent, what are you most excited about and anxious about as your child attends Session 2?