What an incredible start to Session 2! Although a rainy morning brought a few changes to our opening day plans, it certainly didn’t dampen the excitement. Our staff kicked off the day bright and early at 7:00 a.m., working together to put the finishing touches on camp, prepare activity spaces, and make sure everything was ready to welcome another amazing group of campers.
Campers began arriving at 9:00 a.m., while our trip leaders headed out on airport runs to welcome those flying in from near and far. Due to the rain, we adjusted our typical opening day routine, but the energy and enthusiasm around camp never slowed down. Families checked in at the gym, where campers visited the camp store, completed their nurse and lice checks, and captured a special family photo before meeting their cabins in the Shadium. Before long, the rain cleared, the sun peeked through the clouds, and the iconic camp bridge officially reopened, allowing campers and families to experience one of camp’s most treasured landmarks before saying their goodbyes.
Once campers settled into their cabins, it was time to unpack, organize their bunks, play icebreaker games, and start building friendships with their cabin mates. Counselors helped everyone get comfortable in their new home for the session, and before long the sounds of laughter and conversation could be heard all across camp as new friendships began to form.
Lunch was served at 12:00 p.m., featuring a delicious buffet of chicken tenders, waffle fries, seasoned carrots, fresh watermelon, and salad, with plenty of vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available for all campers. During their first meal together, campers learned our dining hall announcement song, practiced efficient table clean-up, and were introduced to our mealtime etiquette and traditions—skills they’ll use throughout the session while making mealtimes one of the best parts of each day.
After lunch, our Wolfe Pack Year 1 campers headed out on their first day hike, giving them an opportunity to begin exploring camp and spending time together outdoors. Meanwhile, the rest of camp gathered for neighborhood meetings with their age groups. During these meetings, campers learned where important locations like the Health Centre and bathrooms are, how to send letters home, what to do if they ever need assistance, and practiced their neighborhood call-and-response cheers that they’ll be using all session long.
With the rain behind us and sunshine overhead, the afternoon was packed with fun! Campers completed their swim tests to ensure safe participation in waterfront activities throughout the session before rotating through exciting team-building games, Skypark Olympics, and field games. These activities encouraged campers to work together, cheer one another on, and continue getting to know the members of their cabins. Throughout the afternoon, cabins also gathered for their official cabin photos and found time to decorate their name tags, finish unpacking, and truly settle into camp life.
After a refreshing fruit break in the Shadium at 6:00 p.m., everyone enjoyed a hearty dinner of chicken Alfredo pasta, garlic knots, fresh salad, and tiramisu for dessert, with alternative options available to accommodate all dietary needs. Dinner was filled with plenty of singing, laughter, and excitement as campers became more comfortable with camp traditions.
The fun continued into the evening with our Session 2 opening program, Super Mario Adventures! Campers traveled all around camp—including the front lawn, canoe dock, volleyball court, and other key locations—working together as cabins to complete Mario-themed mini-games. Each challenge earned them clues that brought them one step closer to completing their adventure, while giving campers a fun opportunity to explore camp and strengthen teamwork with their new cabin mates. Meanwhile, our Wolfe Pack Year 2 campers gathered at the Council Ring for a meaningful Goals Campfire, where they reflected on their hopes for the session, set personal goals, and looked ahead to all the adventures still to come.
To wrap up an exciting first day, cabins gathered together for their first evening circle, sharing favorite moments from the day, reflecting on new friendships, and preparing for the adventures ahead. With lights out at 9:45 p.m., campers settled in for a well-earned night’s sleep after an action-packed first day, ready to wake up tomorrow for their first full day of Session 2.
We are so excited for everything Session 2 has in store! Thank you for trusting us with your campers this session. Be sure to check back each day as we continue sharing highlights, photos, and all the unforgettable adventures happening around camp!
