Grange Camp

Whew....Blogging has definitely taken a backseat to running what many are proclaiming the best camp on America's East Coast. Last week, summer camp was closed, on account of the holiday. Most children are fortunate enough to spend America's birthday with their family, and our staff did the same.

Nevertheless, week 2 of 4-H Camp, which began 2 weeks ago, and ended approximately 9 days ago could have been our best week ever. Ever. The summer staff is very cerebral, and cautious, which makes our camp as safe as any place you could send your child. Our programmatic upgrades enure that children get a genuine taste for the coast. Running camp programs on the coast is simple...find out what the local youth do for fun, and then offer it. Many of our campers come from over 2 hours away, so experiencing the salty breezes, waves, wind, blue crabs, kayaking, and our phenomenal teambuilding is very important to the staff.

This week is Grange Camp...Grange Camp is different than 4-H Camps, and different means fun. Grange campers are very familiar with their leadership staff, and this is more of a reunion that summer camp. But don't be fooled. Grange Camp has featured a rise in youth enrollment, so lots of new youth are being inducted into the Grange. I suppose that if I didn't love 4-H, and it's values, then Grange might be Number 1. But for now, 4-H is where my heart is...but I am looking forward to a fun week of Grange Camp.

The fun will begin with the Great Grange Challenge, tonight! Basically, the GGC is a "no-frills" water park, where campers, counselors, and unsuspecting bystanders get saturated with water through a series of games. Only the rattiest, yet camp appropriate attire is expected...everyone gets doused, whether wanted or warranted. I'll wear my hip waders, but someone will undoubtedly pour water down the leg stockings. Should the attempt such a bold maneuver, I have outlets for recourse.

Grange also has several songs that they sing during meals. For instance, if one person fails to put a napkin in their lap, another Grange Camper or Staff will begin by saying "Camper, Camper, you're a slouch, put a napkin in your lap. Round the table you must go, you must go, you must go"...until the camper circles the table in front of the entertained dining crowd. I, however, enjoy hiding the napkin in my lap, so that after I am called out, I can reveal the hidden napkin...much to the chagrin of the ambitious, yet misguided campers and/or staff.

So it's a week filled with good, clean fun!

Enjoy the day!