The Internet was out nearly all day yesterday and has been spotty for several days.  Rob says the technician will be here today to check it out.  If that happens, I will simply delete this post and write my usual blog.  Yesterday was such a good day and we have photographic evidence to back up that claim!  23 boys hiked Mt. Moosilauke, the majestic peak that defines our viewscape.  We got off to our favorite swimming hole with two vans of boys.  Last year we did not go there once as the water levels were dangerously high.  This year they are too low and we had to close a few of our favorite jumps.  Back later with the full report, I hope!

June 27, 2024

Close Supervision

Internet working.

We had the best picnic supper in Kingswood history last evening.  In past years, boys got to sit just about anywhere they pleased outside the Dining Room down by the lake. Many chose locations like benches, Adirondack chairs, the steps up to the buildings and even on the rocks of the jetties.  The picnics were wonderful but got a little hectic when the kids tired of their somewhat awkward arrangements.  Then, Mike Wiff had the terrific idea that we put into place last night.  Every boy had to be sitting at a picnic table in order to qualify to be invited up to the food line.  A counselor was assigned to every table. Huzzahs.

Of course we know that good supervision is the key to a healthy and safe summer.  I cannot tell you why it took us so long to figure out picnics.  But the camp administration does pay close attention to details and we are gleaning new ideas each and every day. Just a while ago, I counted fourteen school teachers at the morning meeting on the porch of the Main Lodge. When a couple of thorny issues were raised, I could not help but add, “At least we run a good picnic.” My photo album has plenty of my “landscape” pix so you can get the idea.

We had two summit assault teams on Mt. Moosilauke yesterday and over 20 lads enjoyed hiking on a gorgeous day.  Photos are in the albums and you may notice that many of the trekkers donned jackets at the top.  The trip leaders, you see, made sure every boy was prepared for whatever conditions they encountered.  Good camp.

Woodworking has been a popular choice as Don has been on hand all three clinic periods to assist and teach boys how to build stuff out of wood.  Andrew, the boy holding the big stump of wood, is determined to make a baseball bat. “Time will tell on that one,” Don chuckled. (Don is our next door neighbor in Bethesda and has heard so much about Kingswood that he finally had to be here.) In the afternoon blocks, Don and the boys are building a giant bear out of pine cones. “Time will tell on that one,” said Don again — must be the artist’s mantra.

There is Todd, too, wearing the Mickey Mouse ball cap. 2024 marks his 35^th summer at Kingswood. He appears in both the woodshop and fishing clinics.  These guys know what they are doing!  So do all the others, really.  More on this essential matter as the days go by.

Some notes on the photos:

• Adam and Mike are the maintenance team at camp. You see them working on one of our rowing shells. Both guys are very competent and take great pride in the workings of the entire grounds.
• Wednesday is laundry day. You see the mountain of bags on the stage. Off to nearby Plymouth it went and will be back today.
• We closed the day with another campfire, this one an impromptu affair.