Mixed Emotions at Final Campfire
Sitting around the final campfire, we hear the crackle of the fire, see the swatting of flies, hear the chirps of crickets, see the smiles appear on young faces and often times hear a faint eruption of laughter. Those are all sights and sounds readily available to our ears and eyes, but what about those feelings we cannot easily hear or see? It is a mixture of emotions. Campers are happy to return home to friends, family, technology and long showers. They are also sad to leave a place that has helped them grow mentally, physically, and emotionally in just two short weeks. After Saturday, there will be no more camptivities, no announcement song to sing, and no Chicken Kiev until perhaps next year for those returning. So with all of the happiness spreading across camp in preparation to head home, it is equally important to be aware of those feelings hidden–campsickness! Encouraging campers to talk about their experience at camp is a way to keep the Kupugani spirit alive within them and build the excitement for the possibility of next year! We are very sad to see the campers go, but so very excited to watch them LEAD.