February 14-22nd, 2014, Winter Camp, Berkshire Outdoor Center at Chimney Corners Camp – one of (if not the single) greatest experiences of my professional life. My first experience as a residential Camp Director revealed itself to be, I hope, the first of many.
And what an incredible community! Sixteen staff, five Leaders-in-Training, forty-eight campers and one dog – each lending a little piece of themselves to our greater camp culture. We survived bumps, bruises, stomach aches and homesickness. We danced the dining hall spotless after every meal and wholeheartedly competed in Iron Chef, the Becket Winter Olympics, Gaga Ball and Minute to Win It. We attempted a Disco Igloo and failed. We attempted the Zipline and Giant Swing in three feet of snow and SUCCEEDED. We laughed and joked and built up each other’s spirits for six awesome days.
Several years ago, a good friend introduced me to the concept of “synergy” when the “whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Every so often in my life that resurfaces in me and I think, “This is it, THIS is synergy.” When we came together at Winter Camp, we created something bigger than ourselves. And though it’s so short – just one week – we’ll carry that synergy with us until it’s time to do it all over again in 2015.
So here’s to the memories of Winter Camp 2014 – we’ll share them forever!
