Presbytery of Coastal Carolina – Summer Program at Camp Monroe

First Week with Campers

It is not all about the campers!! We have some wildlife there too. Pictured is a moth that took up residence on my cabin door on Thursday afternoon – actually stayed for several hours then left quietly for other surroundings. Everything that could go right this week did. The temperatures were lower, it didn’t rain during the day and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves. Made my job extremely easy!! Registration went smoothly according to Robert and the Program Directors. Two nurses helped check in the group and secured the medicines that were distributed to campers during the week. One of these nurses is working from about 7:30 to 9:30 AM dispensing morning meds and handling minor medical problems while the other is working from 7:00 to 9:00 PM handling night activities.

Robert and Jon spent time on Monday with several groups on the Challenge course (ropes course) and everyone who attempted the high ropes course finished it. Robert built a signing board and Jon hid it in the woods. Campers are challenged to find this board and sign their names, write love notes, etc. on it and not on cabin walls and bed frames. The hope is that cabins will not need to be sanded down at the end of this camping season. Some of the notes left in past years are really not appropriate for any wall anywhere.

Day campers came in every morning and appeared to enjoy themselves. Many arrived on buses from the Laurinburg Church while parents delivered others each day. Although day camp activities are separated from residential campers, everybody came together for lunch. Hafer Hall at noon was one rockin’ place – not one conducive to meditation or even talking with your neighbor.

Kids can eat! They proved that this week – the first question out of their mouths after finishing a meal was “when can I go back for more?” Many did after everyone went through the line once. I arrived Tuesday afternoon  and was pleasantly surprised to find Tom Dendy ready to lead a sing-a-long – brought his own guitars, sound system, computer and video projector. Real high tech operation!! I got to push the button that changed the computer displays so I felt useful that night. Kids had a great time singing and doing all the motions accompanying each song.

One evening the campers split up into small groups and had cook-outs around the camp’s various fire circles/fireplaces. Everyone ended the cook-out by roasting marshmallows over the fire. Reminded me of being a youngster growing up in Pennsylvania - miss those days!!  Thursday everyone went out on the porch after lunch and posed for a group picture. The picture turned out great. It really shows how happy the campers felt as this week drew to a close. It also showed the diversity of the group.

Friday was a big day for everyone. Not because it was the day people were going home but because it was Jon Stricklin’s birthday. The tradition is that the person who is having a birthday gets tossed into the pool. In 17 years at camp Jon has never been tossed but when someone (Lyndsey) found out about his birthday, nothing was going to deter the Counselors from doing their duty.

In keeping with my data collection background I distributed an evaluation survey to campers after Thursday night supper.  Almost everyone said that they enjoyed camp this year with the only problem being the bath houses. Sharing facilities with other individuals is a new experience for some and many felt that the areas needed to be cleaned up. My response is that it is camp out in the woods!

We still have slots open in the last two camps – beginning July 13th and July 20th so join in the fun – so come join in the fun. By the way here is a picture of all the campers at Monroe during the first week:

 

My experience this past week was very good – think I’ll go back this week!!

Bob