The flags are missing from atop the Dream Dome.  The kids are all excited because they know what that means: the next time the red and tan flags appear, Olympics will have “broken.” And they know what THAT means: more fun and spirit than you can imagine. And what THAT means: in about a week, the flags will be red and tan combined, signifying that we are reunited as one community. And then the bittersweet reality: the end of a glorious summer.

There’s something to be said for rituals. The predictability and familiarity are comforting and empowering for children (and for adults, too!).  And we are very deliberate about the structure of these last days of camp, because we know our job includes helping our campers transition from camp to school.

As I know you know, nothing happens by chance around here! We are very intentional, and everything we do has a goal behind it.

So today, we let our hair down; it’s the stuff that camp is made of. Not only was it “Filthy Friday,” i.e., get as dirty as you can, but Colemania  (it was today!) took center stage with its tons of uncongealed JELL-O.  Yes, it was intentionally very messy around here today! We splattered in JELL-O, ran the “Slopstacle Course,” and swam in spaghetti. Now, if that doesn’t get us ready for school, what does?!

The yin and yang of growing up. The sticking point is the transition between them.

Summer is drawing to a close.  Soon, we’ll be embracing still more traditions and rituals – the ones that signal our temporary good-byes. Please come back to “Happy Trails” next week because I’d like to share some tips on how you can help your child (and yourself!) make the adjustment from camp to school. I can tell you that for children, there is a sense of impending loss of connection from routines, friends, and activities (and I would predict it is the same for you!).

In the meantime, have a great weekend and label the growth you’ve seen in your camper with specific words. You might want to think of a family project to get a jump start on marking the reconnection of your own family unit – perhaps with a project, a game night, or a family outing.

This activity would ideally seal the memories that each of you takes with you forever from the Summer of 2010.

Until next week…

Happy Trails!
Marla