Hello BLC Parents and Alums,
As we enter the last few days of camp, let’s look back at the past week and share with you plans for this week.
Green and Gray started early Thursday AM, August 1. As per custom, Senior Cs began (“broke”) it, accented by art and balloons (choreographed by Mieks Gersten). This Green and Gray will surely not go down as one of the closest, as Gray jumped ahead on the second day and dominated days 2 and 3, winning close games at a surprising rate. Green was knocked on their heels. Green found their footing on the last day with resilient leadership emphasizing pride and history, but the gap was way too large. Congrats to Gray on a superlative performance. Despite Green’s loss, ALL of us grew from the experience. We hope many of you saw the wonderful instagram coverage posted by Thea Gersten. (If not, it is all saved to the “G&G” highlights on our profile page.)
Taking Green and Gray as my impetus, here is my musing for this issue. When things are not going well, we should try to limit the “losses” so the deficit is not too large to overcome after one regains equilibrium. This is not something I realized when I was a camper or even as an athlete – but rather learned through my coaching career. If the other team goes on a run, try to be behind by as little as possible rather than let disappointment and lack of resilience “pour gas on the fire”. Then when things turn, the deficit is manageable. Of course, this applies to sports, but I think it is a metaphor for much that we encounter in life.
Even though we have mere days left to the camp season, we recognize that camp does not wind down. In fact, it goes full tilt until the buses have left and our campers have safely arrived home. It is then that we “turn out the lights”. As per recent tradition, the night Green and Gray ends, we hold the Soph Show bringing all back together with communal laughter and applause.This week was Lazy Morning (yesterday) and the Green and Gray campfire last night. We also had our final counselor meeting, with emphasis on thanks, but also safety and keeping foolish things from happening.
Today is a typical camp day with some Leagues playoff games, and some group final campfires for our younger boys at night. Wednesday we have Carnival in the afternoon, the faculty show at night plus final campfires for our older groups. Thursday is a day for packing, playing, and goodbyes, with the Banquet and Awards Ceremony at night. Friday the buses come and our campers leave, ending summer number 107 for BLC.
We are not going to celebrate at this time, but we are very proud of the spirit, camaraderie and fun that we have had thus far.
THANKS for your contributions to BLC whether as parents or alums.
Best wishes,
Richie G