The Beginning of the end

Well, week eight has arrived. While this is the staff’s last week, it is these campers’ first and only week for the summer. It is already amazing to see how much energy and enthusiasm that the staff, and campers, have. Even as we wind down our summer,  there are still plenty of new, fun, and exciting things to be done here at Camp Daggett. Last night after some meetings and a quick review of some guidelines, campers were introduced to some of the many things that they can do this week. If campers wish, they can wake up extra early at 7:30am to participate in Early Morning Recreation and/or our Polar Bear Swim club. If they go to either of these things 4 times this week, campers can get an award on Friday. It was awesome to hear how many campers participated in these early morning activities today, and more than 3/4 of the campers (and some staff!) started their day off with a quick some and some kickball.

At the end of the day, campers got to participate in our night activity, Counselor Hunt. While not really hidden, campers had to hunt down our staff and ask them if statements on a sheet of paper pertained to them. But before an answer would be given, cabins were often made to do something silly, like sing a song or hug a staff member. After cabins collected ten answers, they were rewarded with some ice cream! The fun didn’t stop their though, as cabins had to see who could get the most. In the end, our Iroquois cabin collected the most answers.

Mondays are always great here at camp. It is always exciting to see campers trying new things, and making lots of new friends! As campers travel to all six of our areas they will learn many new and valuable skills. This will be especially true this evening, when our oldest cabins, Ottawa and Gogebic, will take part in some adventure activities. While missing free land and free water, these cabins will work on some teambuilding and communication skills as they do some short initiatives and low rope activities. After dinner, they will get a chance to go on our high ropes course, where they will challenge themselves and encourage others while up on our elements.

Tonight, the remaining cabins will participate in Willy Wonka Night. This activity will see many activities inspired by the classic book and movie. Whether it is kicking our giant blue kickball in order to “juice” Veronica, or having a blind candy taste test, campers will be doing many things they may have never done before. Our night activities are one of the most memorable things we have here. In addition to Willy Wonka Night, we will also be having a Battle of Gettysburg on Tuesday, with campers throwing flour all over each other in an epic battle on the rec field. Wednesday will see our “Yooper” night, with campers celebrating the Upper Peninsula with many silly activities. Thursday will see a Mock Rock, where campers will perform a little show set to some music that they practice all week. Friday will be a sobering night, as we hold our final initiation of the summer.

Please “follow” this blog to see many more updates throughout the week. We also appreciate any comments sharing memories, stories, or thoughts to these posts. Also, as summer winds down, we would love your feedback on the blog, including what you like, what you didn’t, and any other comments or suggestions. If you wish, feel free to use this Feedback form to help us!

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What a great start!

Week seven has started, and it already seems like it is going to be a great week! After the arrival of all the new campers, we got the week started right away with some meetings and introductions. Campers learned all about various things that they would do during the week, including our famous Polar Bear and Early Morning Rec clubs. These two activities see campers waking up extra early to take a dip in the lake or play some sports! After a delicious dinner of rosemary chicken, campers went on a quick tour to all of the areas around camp. Everyone also was excited to participate in our night activity- Mr. and Mrs. Daggett. This “pageant” had campers dress up their counselors and helping them make a talent. It was quite interesting to see some of the many personas that campers came up with for their counselors. In the end, Nicola and Paul were our campers- representing the Blackfeet and Hurons cabins respectively.

There is plenty more in store for this week. Tonight will see a brand new night activity brought to us by our Health Director Lindsey. Her activity is “Pure Michigan Night,” a while evening dedicated to celebrating all that Michigan has to offer. With trivia, pontoon rides, copper mining, car mining, baseball and much more, campers will delight in learning some fun facts about our wonderful state, as well as having fun in the many activities. The week will continue as campers learn many new things in our areas. Campers will hopefully experience many new things, as well as participating in some classic camp activities. Certainly a highlight of the week is the oldest cabin’s, Crow and Huron, trip to adventure this evening. There, they will hone their team working skills, as well as challenge themselves as they participate in our high and low ropes courses.

Also of note is today’s lunch. While we will be having some wonderful Michigan foods (today is Coney Dogs), today’s lunch will be a special treat for our counselors. This lunch, we will be having our counselor appreciation  day. Our area directors worked hard to decorate Mac Hall with signs and cards for our counselors, who will be dining on some pizza that we have ordered for them. It is important to note that this group of people form the heart and soul of Camp Daggett. Without the hard work and dedication that the counselors put into each and every moment of every day, none of our campers would have nearly as much fun, or form as many memories, as they do. Be sure to extend your thanks and appreciation to this amazing group of young people.

As there is much more to be done this week, be sure to check back in on this blog to find out just some of what we will be doing.