During the summer at Camp Foley the sessions fly by, time does not stand still. When camp is in full swing it is a fast past environment from breakfast to bedtime, there’s always something going on. Jumping from activity to activity campers and staff are always on the move, so it’s nice to slow down and reflect. To reflect, we set aside one evening at the end of each session to gather and share memories and laughter with each other. We call this time Friendship Campfires.
Memory sharing on the East End
Friendship Campfires happen on each end of camp separate from each other, boys on their side and girls on their side. While each end of camp has their own spin on Friendship Campfires both represent the same qualities. During these campfires staff and campers are recognized for their individual length of time they’ve been at camp from 1st years all the way to 20+ years. When the staff are recognized it’s a special time because the campers get to see the impact camp has had on each one of them. Each year is represented by a pin that staff and campers get to wear on their name tags during camp. The cool part is when both staff and campers realize the amount of time each one has spent at camp and it brings them a bit closer together. When a fox boy (the youngest of the campers) realizes they have more years at camp than some staff they tend to puff up their chest and walk around with a little more pride. It’s quite entertaining to watch as the pins are handed out.
Staff member Erik leading Friendship Campfire
After songs are sung, stories told by staff, and pins are handed out it’s time to go around the circle and share everyone’s favorite memory from the session. Cabin by cabin, youngest to oldest every boy in camp gets to share their story. Some are short, some are long, but these are the stories that last forever. Stories range from “raining ketchup” on cabin mates, to meeting new friends, and reaching the top of the climbing wall. These stories are endlessly enjoyable.
As the night comes to an end the most important pin of them all is given out, the Anchor Award. The Anchor Award, voted on by all the boy staff, is given to a camper who shows the best of the best characteristics of Camp Foley. This individual receives the Anchor award for showing these characteristics not only at each activity period but all around camp and when interacting with every camper. When the younger campers see who won the Anchor Award, it becomes a really neat experience. Receiving the Anchor award means becoming a huge role model to all of the younger campers in the snap of a finger.
All smiles at Friendship Campfire, because s’mores are coming!
The wrap up for the night is easiest, it’s everyone’s favorite part, Smores! There is no better way to end the night other than by sitting around a fire with friends and roasting marshmallows.
Getting time to sit, relax, gather your thoughts, and be with friends is why Friendship Campfires are so special to many of our staff and campers. Watching the sunset over the beautiful Whitefish Lake is an added bonus!
To All, Thanks for tuning in!
-Benji