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A Presence Still Felt
By Andrew Martin
I often hear talk of the fast pace world we live in. It's rarely in a positive way, people typically bring it up when reflecting on how impatient our society has become where the need for everything instantly outweighs the ability to properly pay for it: a world where disposable income has become essential at any age and the desire for money is a primary focus. It's a place where communication is accomplished more often online than in life. These things are often used as criticism and although I agree with some of it, and worry about much of it, I am relieved when I remind myself that my job encourages me to go against the grain. While at Camp Couchiching, money has no value, the pace of the world is slow and controlled, electronics have no use in communication and the most valuable item our kids strive to earn is a $5.00 Delissio Pizza, served to the winning cabin of the Tour de Cooch at the end of each session. It is a world very different from that we live in, and after spending time here, the experience is unforgettable. I love camp for the magic it promotes and the creativity it inspires, but most of all, I love it for the lasting impact that it holds.
Camp is not a two week decision over one summer holiday, but rather one of the largest most significant decisions a parent can make for their child. I was reminded of the significance of that very decision during a weekend reunion we hosted this fall. On a warm and sunny September weekend, Camp Couchiching welcomed over 100 guests for a two day alumni celebration. It was the Somerville's 25th wedding anniversary, and they had invited friends from all over to join them at their party. What made this 25th so special was that the couple met while attending Cooch and are now married with three kids, all of whom have spent a great deal of time at camp. Their social circles are diverse however many of their lasting friendships stem from their time here at Cooch. The common bond between them, their experience on the shores of Camp Couchiching, has fostered a strong and memorable connection.
Throughout the weekend I was fortunate to meet and speak to a number of alumni and guests about camp; many of whom I had never met. It was a treat to talk to people who have now grown up and become professionally successful, building families and fortunes in the decades since their time at camp. What really captivated me in these discussions was that it was evident through conversation that after so much change and development in each of their lives, it was camp that was constantly reflected upon and credited for who they had become. Camp held such important meaning to them. I couldn't help but think that at some point in their lives they themselves were children. Years ago, this group of alumni were the smiling faces learning how to shoot a bow and arrow and singing songs at campfire. At some point in their childhood, back when decisions were made on their behalf, it was their parents that made the choice to send them to camp. I wonder if those parents realized how that one decision would shape the adults that stood before me. Were they aware that years later, camp would still be as important as ever in the lives of their children now mature, even though they have long outgrown the body paint, slip and slides and their love of tuck? Do you as parents realize the importance of the decision you have made for your child?
Regardless of where I go, or what I do in life, camp will always stay with me. Although to most the word "camp" means simply fun and games for kids; to me the word holds a far stronger meaning. I try to be modest, listen to people, and work to understand their perspectives because of camp. I am patient, accepting, confident and creative because of camp. I am forgiving and trusting, willing to fail and learn from those failures because of camp. I am the person I am today, because camp has taught me how to use my education and experience to interact with people and the world around me. Each summer our staff team strives to accomplish that goal with our campers by giving their very best in programming but most importantly, by simply being there with the kids to listen to them, challenge them and engage them always. It might seem crazy that something as ridiculous as camp can be such a life changing component to the development of your child but I believe that it is.
This past weekend, the alumni have taught me that success is important in the short term, but will be best measured decades in the future, when your kids return to camp as adults and reflect on how their time at camp helped shape who they have become. In spending time with them over a weekend this fall, putting faces to stories of the past, and realizing the impact their camp experiences continue to have, I am refreshed and recharged at how totally amazing it is to be a Camp Director.
Camp teaches us all how to take a step back and slow down the pace of the world. In a few weeks or a month, it allows us to recognize that things that are truly important cannot be bought or bargained for and that real happiness cannot be achieved without having others there to share in your moment with you. Here we learn that time spent together holds the most valuable life lessons anyone can learn.
Thank you to the campers, staff and alumni for another great year. I hope our time together will resonate in your future as it has with the alumni of the past.
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