I just read this post from a guy who was a camper and then a counselor when I was at camp. He's a couple years older than me and I still kind of keep in touch with him. He opened a camp of his own and then during and after Covid - closed it and "retired" from camp ownership. SOLID guy.
This was his post.....
I had a magical night at North Star Camp. The sun set. The moon rose. Beauty in the air. Kids were talking about being their best selves, accepting themselves. A friend’s daughter gave a great talk on the theme - her story. She explained how camp gave her that safe space to grow and express herself. I witnessed a power within her I’d never seen.
There was music. Singing. Poetry. Respect. Listening. Inspiration. I recalled my camp days in the 70’s and 80’s. I sat there, mostly in silence, for an hour and a half; I considered my experience at camp. It helped shape me in profound ways. I breathed in to the moment, and experienced the past and present, together, all at once.
I even threw in a key log - a ritualistic ceremony in which one throws a stick into the campfire and expresses some thanks and gratitude. (and yes, my words were emotional and my voice did tremble just a bit.)
I was invited up to help sing the closing song, Forrest Green, and sang with the rest of the honored staff who had also attended camp for at least 10 years. My heart was full.
Before leaving the council ring, I had a private little chat with the lake; the ashes of another friend’s parents are there. I promised I’d say hello.
Thanks North Star. It’s good to know. your spirit is thriving in the hearts of a new generation.
These are my words...The guy on the right in the plaid shirt was my counselor my 3rd year. He went on to buy the camp and be its director. I have to say he was the most influential person in my life other than my family members.
