A slightly different read than our normal post but this past weekend was a powerful reminder of many things.

We are all built. We are creatures always in a state of construction. We are 3-D printed out of the things consume. Our minds are filled with the images and words and sounds to which we attend. At the best of times, we are selective of these inputs.

How does camp play into this? This past weekend’s bowling party in NYC reminded me of the impact of summer camp.

Parent to Cole: “Who are these young men? They could not be more kind and friendly.”

Those, ma’am, are our CIT ‘Boys.’ I put the last word in quotes because their actions this past weekend – getting new campers connected, bowling with the little ones, having fun and being welcoming to the new parents – showed they are fast becoming good men.

Parent to Cole: “My daughter just came up to me and said ‘everyone is so nice!’” That is part of what Weequahic is: a collection of pretty great young people. The other part is what Weequahic does: creates a community in which the best of what is inside a kid shines.

Parent to Cole: “We needed a GAC re-fill.”

Back to the statement above. CS Lewis once said:

“If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire: if you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace… you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them.”

This is why we should get back to camp. It’s full of that which brings out the best in us. It’s full of people who focus on being where they are and with whom they are. And as we know… camp is all about the people.

Ah…. Can’t wait for camp.