Opening Day Session 3
Session 3 is officially here! Yesterday went pretty smoothly. It was fantastic seeing all of you families and getting to reconnect. We hope that you enjoyed the updated check-in process. Our director of operations, Mike McGuire, has been working hard to make check in much easier, so we hope you experienced that yesterday.
Last night we did our Camper Orientation before supper. Campers were amped up, ready to have their first bite of Ms. Ada’s famous, famous, MOST FAMOUS, fried chicken! After supper campers hung out in the front yard and the skillet. I witnessed all of our staff engaged and spending quality time with our kiddos during free time; this made me smile.
Last night around 8pm we hosted the Opening Night Show. ONS was very heavy on audience participation and skits. We got a visit from the glow stick man, who suddenly appeared once the lights went dark, the Spartan Cheerleaders made another crowd-pleasing appearance, and we even did a little mattress crowd surfing. We ended the evening with the Huawni Staff lip-playing to the William Tell Overture. I felt like ONS was a success, as it helped new campers get into the swing of camp and feel comfortable, and it helped returning campers laugh and reconnect again with their counselors.
Today we’ve got a full slate of activities, and the Critter will be fully utilized. Tonight we’ll head to the Front Yard for a game of Capture the Flag and then to pool for our session’s first sing song. Looks like the moon will be big tonight and we’ll have a clear sky, which is great for star gazing. That’s a perk to being located far from the city lights!
Homesickness
Is this your child’s first time at a sleepaway camp? To you parents who answered yes, I want you to be put 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 this week 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.
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 3?
