If you walk into camp these days, your first encounter would be the sweet smell of the hay that sustains our camp horses. Your second might be the sight of the tennis courts, netted and ready for play. You would see a pottery shed whose kiln is preparing for business, a mail hut ready to receive correspondence, and cabins roomy enough to accommodate the spirit of each camper. Your gaze might fall on the hill, and it would most definitely be drawn to the beach, where the waves of Sebago lap on the shore with intensity varied by the gales of the wind. You’d see the office abuzz with the work of administration, and your thoughts would turn to the Images, to which you might travel and take in the wonders of our vista. Depending on the time, you might hear the sound of the bugle: reveille as a call to rise and meet the day; soupee as a call to break bread with friends around the tables in Wawenock; and the programming bugle as a call for our staff to continue the good work of preparing for our Spirit Weeks.
It’s true that these are unprecedented and uncertain times, but the constancy of Wawenock–the strength of its rootedness–can always be assured. We continue to receive communication daily from friends around the world who are offering support and encouragement as we undertake the preparation inherent to readying Wawenock for the 2020 season. It’s true that we are doing so with masks that cover our mouths and noses, but nothing can mask the excitement and twinkle in our eyes. It’s true that we are keeping some distance from one another, but no distance is too far for our affections to span. Wawenock girls are raised to be resilient, their bonds and loyalties steadfast and strong, and though the season will be different than we would otherwise wish it to be, camp will maintain its traditions, and will maintain its identity, and will always maintain its Components of Spirit, which inform and sustain the work we are undertaking at this moment.
How are these components at play? We are being thoughtful as we continue to build our relationships with campers and their families, respecting the unique presence each individual has at camp, staying loyal to our philosophy of embracing the whole child, and creating an intentional community in which kindness and love are guiding principles. We are cooperating with one another, combining our efforts to design initiatives that allow us to modify programming while maintaining the integrity of tradition. We are being honest with ourselves and others about our limitations and uncertainties this season, which is in turn opening us up to dialogue that empowers us to tolerate discomfort while also moving past it. We are engaging with the natural environment, SO appreciative of the opportunity we have to spend our summer–even just a portion of it–outside and surrounded by the beauty of Wawenock’s property. We are doing all of this with friendly determination. And sportsmanship? We are meeting the challenges of the Covid-19 experience with good form and a will to overcome. Them girls gonna rise again!
In the coming weeks, we look forward to sharing with you the season’s unfolding. We are confident that, in spite of everything, this will be one of our best and most memorable summers. Never have our spirits been so tried and true, and we are over the moon with anticipation of welcoming our campers in the near future. Please follow us on this adventure, and always stay in touch!