What a day here at the Realm. We were honored to welcome NH Governor Chris Sununu at camp today. The Governor joined us a guest speaker at our annual Robin Hood Gives Back Day. I told the campers that thanks to his leadership and understanding of science we were able to open camp in 2020. The last time a NH Governor attended a camp event was in 1948 after a fire destroyed our entire camp the previous fall. I told the Governor that we just finished up our biggest expansion in facilities since the fire. He was eager to hear about all we did this off season but really wanted to hear from the kids about the summer. He was totally engaged with the kids in our 30 minute drive around camp. I told the campers to thank him for allowing us to open in 2020. I explained how he waited until the last minute to make his announcement that year. He followed the science and created difficult but not impossible rules for us to follow. He did not rush to make an easy decision to close like most of the east coast governors but instead listened to experts and understood the importance of children’s mental health. He agreed with us here at the Realm that kids needed the freedom from covid. Opening in 2020 was the best decision of my life.

Today was not a political event but a celebration of leadership and a chance for our kids to learn about making tough decisions. He risked his political career by allowing us to open because it was the right thing to do. I told the kids that most times the right choice is the hardest one to make. Real leadership is listening to those around you and using common sense. Every choice we make here is driven by the goal of making every member of our family safe and happy.

I reminded the campers how lucky we are to be able to spend the summer together. Being a camp is a privilege not an entitlement. Because of your support we are all lucky enough to spend our summers here at the realm – and as the song says, far from strife and care….

Thanks so much for your trust and support –

Woody