Towering Pines Blog

Challenging the Norm

Gold Rush demands greatness

Gold Rush demands greatness

The value of routine is something that camp always impresses upon me. The reason we have schedules and activities is that these things give us some stability, a framework, to build our experiences and skills around. We need to have that structure as a reference from which to venture out from. You dare to explore, and if it doesn’t work out, you come back and try again. It is that contrast that brings all the growth to light.

We have many routines, here at camp. These routines become traditions in themselves that campers can rely on year after year. But as important as routines are, it is also important to challenge them from time to time. We like to switch things up, every now and again.

Fireworks over Nokomis

Fireworks over Nokomis

Gold rush and the 4th of July campfire are two great examples of how just a little change in the routine can bring around lots of opportunities for enlightenment. We had our 4th of July celebration a week ago in the company of the girls from Woodland. Both camps get excited about this opportunity to see some different traditions and different faces, lit up by the stark contrast of fireworks and campfire. This is the one day of the year when both camps get to experience the songs, skits, traditions, and company of the other; and would you know it, things get creative.

Gold Rush is another popular event, here at camp. It is a different experience from the daily routine altogether. Each cabin group scours the camp grounds for deposits of gold rocks to exchange for TP dollars. The ultimate prize of the motherlode is led to by a series of riddle clues. This kind of event allows each cabin to come together as a team and show what they are really made of. It allows campers to challenge themselves in a different way than they normally can.

Challenging oneself sometimes has its consequences.

Challenging oneself sometimes has its consequences.

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We treasure our routines here at camp, but challenging the norm every so often is part of what makes the routine so valuable. It’s challenge week, and for me challenging oneself goes all the way back to perspective. You go somewhere new and look back at where you came from. Sometimes that means enjoying a particularly beautiful moonlit night on Nokomis, sometimes that means travelling halfway around the world, but you’ll never know until you dare to explore!

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When you can’t sail, just take in the view!

But now I’m repeating myself again (Grandpa always said repetition is good, right?), so I’ll stop talking and let you enjoy some of the pictures I took this week!

The night sky is beautiful, fireworks or not.

The night sky is beautiful, fireworks or not.