What a day here at the Realm. We spend 10 months planning and trying to figure out the best way to keep everyone happy and safe. Then it rains for the first 4 days and we pivot to what CRH does best which is to make everything we do together fun. Nothing stops CRH as I have told the kids since our covid summer.
They Today was the first day since the summer of 2019 that the realm felt like normal. It was so long ago that I forgot what it felt like. We hosted a 11u boys soccer tournament this morning that attracted 5 other camps. Our boys made it to the finals under hot sunny skies. 200 people came out to watch us lose a tight match right before lunch. Our staff played the hit song World Cup over and over. It felt so good to watch our groups support each other. Our 15u girls played soccer and basketball at Birchmont yesterday. This allows kids from different groups to spend quality time together. It really brings the camp closer. We have sent groups out every day not only climbing mountains but back to enjoying the sites and sounds of New Hampshire.
You could feel the energy from the moment we got up today. Twenty kids were fishing at the lake while nine enjoyed an early morning ski on our two boats which arrived yesterday. People are more comfortable in the dining hall as witnessed by all the cheering between boys camp and girls camp. They sing over every song that plays on the speakers. Not only the former campers but all our new staff members sit with kids draped over them. They laugh and talk about the summer and what is still to come. Tonight’s evening activities felt like color war in the fields. Groups were running everywhere playing scavenger hunts and challenges. Our three oldest boys groups have started a football league which was like watching Monday night football. I saw the end of the Quill / Arrow dodgeball game which is an instant classic and will be on ESPN tonight. Four groups took sunset boat rides. As I walked the bunk line this evening saying good night to everyone the laughter and joy was emanating from the bunks.
This is not to say that everyday is perfect up here due to many variables. But I believe that we can and will overcome all obstacles together as one family that has now spent a full week together. A family that trusts and understands each other. Like true brothers and sisters who love and sometimes disagree with each other.
One true family of people from around the world with different beliefs and customs but a shared love for the realm.
