07-12 Monadnock & Counselor Hunt

News

On Wednesday the Camp climbed Mt. Monadnock, a climb that evokes both cheers and moans from campers. Our hike up the White Dot Trail and down the White Cross Trail was a gratifying demonstration of the enthusiasm and endurance of spirit that accompanies many of our activities. The cloud-dotted sky and light breeze made for magnificent views. When we reached the summit, Grant stood on the front porch of Camp and signaled us with a mirror to the delight of campers who were discussing the possibility of seeing New York from where they stood. Upon returning to camp, the Deer rejoined us after their paddle down the Androscoggin River happy to relate tales of the delicious camping food they enjoyed during their 24-mile excursion and hike up Mt. Crag. A well-deserved evening swim was followed by a story, a song and sleep.

Campers woke Thursday morning to their CITs excitedly waking them to say that magic had happened last night and the counselors had been transformed. Mark, dressed for Antarctica, divided the camp into teams and the campers ran off in every direction to find 11 transformed groups of counselors, each representing a different country. Upon locating the counselors, camper groups had to perform a task which would release the magic. Tasks included such varied things as wrestling a Sumo from Japan, properly curtsying and greeting two English ladies, yodeling for two travellers from the Swiss Alps, and meditating or doing a yoga position for some yogis from India. Restored to their true forms, after the photo op, the camp met in the dining room for breakfast and lively chatter.

The Falcons left on Thursday for a six day, 50 mile backpacking trip. We dropped them off at the base of Mount Sunapee, and they will hike their way back to camp with all their food and gear on their backs, over several mountains, and finally up the hill to Glen Brook. They are having a fantastic time, and are on schedule to finish their trip a day ahead of schedule. We look forward to seeing their smiling faces and hearing stories of their tremendous accomplishment when they return.