Traditions ….

We are all about history and traditions here at the Realm… For 89 summers children have escaped the cities and the pressure of the school year to a place called Freedom.

Today was filled with old traditions and new challenges for all our campers. A few HIGHLIGHTS-

This morning I challenged the Tumblers and TPJ’s to race up Green Mountain. We have opened the summer with this trip since the 70’s. Our littlest campers – some 50 strong – enjoyed the attention and the day spent with their personal sherpas, our oldest campers the Saxons and Scribes. I promised the winners ice cream and I can report that the girls beat the boys by 2 minutes! The girls however had 1/10 of a mile less to hike as they went up a different trail. We called it a tie and let both groups enjoy the homemade ice cream together. I can also report that the kids were so happy and proud of what they accomplished.

We also finished our 16 laps today at the waterfront – that swim test has been around for over 50 years. Today we were visited by an alumnus who was last at camp 51 years ago. His wife was so happy to finally put a face on the place after 40 years of stories. He told me in spite of all the new buildings the place feels the same. He said we have the trees, the pine needles and the greatest waterfront in the world. He remembered swimming his 16 laps years ago.

As we have done for many years the boys and girls had the first campfires of the season tonight. Boys camp has the Saxons and TPJ’s building the fire and introducing each other to the entire camp after spending the day hiking. Girls camp has a great tradition also – the scribes visit every bunk while linking arms. The girls join the parade while singing “If I had a Hammer” finishing the long walk at waterfront. It was a amazing sight as the new campers already 3 days into their first summer smiled and took in the special moment.

We are so lucky to spend our summers together at the Realm as tens of thousands of others have done before us. DC and I feel like Peter Pan every day. We have been blessed with the privilege of being the sherpas for all your kids. Thank you so much for sharing them with us.

Sweet dreams from the Realm,

Woody