Campers continue to play, learn, and work together as our community takes shape. The transition to Camp life took a little longer for some this summer, but we’re settling in more and more each day. As campers become comfortable with the rhythm of our days, they can each begin to carve out their own niche at Camp, which provides an array of opportunities to discover individual interests and skills. This week, activities ranged from reading aloud to chickens to sinky boating during the Water Carnival, and from making beeswax candles to playing games on the Upper Field. But there’s always a balance. Campers may work hard to learn new knots for sailing on the same day they dress up in crazy costumes to perform skits written on the spot.
Alongside the whimsical and fleeting activities, Treetops gives time and encouragement for an in-depth exploration of areas of interest. As the summer unfolds, campers create their own experiences by requesting certain barn chores and trips that interest them, seeking out skills they want to develop, or choosing activities that resonate with their individuality. Campers can dig into projects that start with an inkling of an idea and some raw materials which transform over hours, or even days, into a beautiful weaving, a garden-inspired meal, a canoe paddle, or a ceramic tea set. Without the internet or television, creativity is cultivated from within, with the natural world as an inspirational backdrop.
Junior campers found another outlet for their creativity in this week’s talent show. Campers sang, played guitar, and performed basketball tricks and self-choreographed dance routines with a supportive audience that could encourage even the most timid of performers. To observe these campers—who were new to this community just a few short weeks ago—standing proudly up in front of their peers, was a true delight. It is a beautiful reflection of the confidence that is developing and of the unique self-expression that comes when one feels supported and valued within a community.
The first square dances of the summer were held outdoors this week. For some campers, the idea of dancing pushes the boundaries of their comfort zone, but the laughter, music, and movement is persuasive and it doesn’t take long, for most, to be clapping, stomping, and twirling along. After a socially distanced, and often sedentary, past year, it felt like a perfect celebration of the summer: dancing together to the calls, hand in hand and barefoot in the grass.