Even in a typical year campers and counselors have meaningful experiences at Wawenock, the summer season allowing them opportunities to grow in new ways and learn about themselves without external pressures or judgement. This summer in particular took on a different meaning as we arrived at Camp amidst a global pandemic that greatly disrupted our lives and isolated us from one another for months. It wasn’t clear until the end of May whether we would be able to have a camp season at all, but once we had the guidelines for a safe opening, together with our staff, we were determined to harness our creativity to make what seemed impossible a reality. And, we are so grateful we did, because our Wawenock Spirit Sessions proved to create some of the most magical and meaningful moments at Wawenock ever!
What did camp mean for our campers? Kate reflected that Wawenock “loves their campers and wanted to make Camp possible. Staff put so much into making the summer good.” Jay said, “This summer proved to me that when times are hard, when you try hard enough anything can happen. This wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of the Directors and the ACA. We had a ‘mostly normal’ summer; there were Celebrations, dogs swimming off the docks, and Hobby Hours. Even if it was shortened, we got Camp, and we are so grateful for what we have. I love Wawenock as a way to escape the outside world and its drama and complications, and I am leaving this year with the conviction that anything is possible.” Kyra responded, “We came together as a family. Even though the world is not the same, we came together and made Camp happen. I have a new appreciation for how lucky we are to have one another in these complicated times.”
This summer made an impression on the Wawenock staff as well:
Sal, a Lower Middler counselor and resident artist, said, “It’s amazing that we came together. So much was changed, but everything felt ‘normal’ no matter what situation. Yes we had to wear masks, and no we weren’t allowed to enter others’ cabins, but the strength of Camp is enduring. It never fails to feel like home or a loving, free, stress-relieving family. I’ve learned that I have the ability to help people create some normalcy in their lives; the connections I’ve made at Camp work both within and outside of Camp. I know I can support others through hard times.”
Sophie, one of our Lodge counselors, remarked, “I appreciate all of the little things more…being in the sun with my friends, going on boat rides, etc., because the previous three months I’ve not been doing much. I found myself participating in Camp in a new way. I learned to be flexible and to adapt to new situations, and I feel like I can better deal with life. I am taking away the joy of being in a beautiful place with amazing people. That will carry me through the upcoming months of isolation.”
Lauren, the Senior Household Head, talked about leadership. “I love to be in control and immediately have answers to problems, but this summer challenged those tendencies. I became more comfortable and capable being a leader because there was no rule book; we had to be resourceful and creative and collaborative as we thought about our intended outcomes and determined how we could get there safely and with fun. It became apparent that even in dark and chaotic times, the essence of camp remains intact and alive. Yes, we had to adapt our traditions, but what we love about camp are the connections we have with one another. We came together with the intention of building our relationships in safe and comfortable ways. Prior to this summer, I was unwilling to be uncertain. Now I am prepared to be okay without knowing things, confident that we can create what we want to see instead of depending on a playbook. We are all going through something right now, but we are going through it together.”
What we can all take away from this summer is the confidence that Camp will be there for us. But we can also be confident that campers, staff and alumnae will be there for Camp. We will assemble in ways that allow for the forging of new relationships and the maintenance of old connections and novel, meaningful traditions, and we will actualize the spirit of Wawenock with dogged determination. It is true that we don’t know what the future has in store for us, but we will meet that future together, one family united by shared values and an enduring love for Wawenock.