Camp can be a life changing experience
It was a perfect crescent moon last week with bright stars dotting the twilit sky.
It got me thinking about the summer camps I spent at Camp Killoqua on Crabapple Lake, just east of Lake Goodwin.
Thoughts of singing Kumbaya, an African-American spiritual song from the 1930s, while looking across the lake as lights danced off the water brought back such good memories. Life couldn’t have been better at that moment.
Camp Killoqua, located on 185 acres, is celebrating Camp Fire USA’s centennial this summer. Tours and activities are planned for Sat, July 31 (look on page A6 for details). Generations of Campfire girls share my same memories at camps like Killoqua.
It was a hardship for my parents to pay for a week at camp, but they must have felt it was important. I’m so glad they did. It’s where I learned respect for the forest, the water and environment. We had swim lessons in the lake, learned how to paddle a canoe, kayak and rowboat. Our kayaks were turned over in the shallow lake and we were taught how to safely escape and stay with the boat.
There was the solemn sound of a single bugler’s reveille each morning. The raising of the flag, the Pledge of Allegiance and a lively song that started each of our summer days that every camper was required to attend before breakfast. It taught us discipline and respect for our flag and the country it represents. Campers took their turn at kitchen patrol (KP) duty throughout the weeklong camp.
Now, summer camp is more important than ever for kids. With the sedentary and tech-obsessed lifestyles they lead – a week at camp could very well reset their over-scheduled clocks. They may realize how wonderful the great outdoors really is, learn a skill they are interested in, or make a new friend.
There are numerous resident and day camps available in our area and throughout Western Washington. There is one for every interest. It is time and money well spent. We often have camp opportunities listed in our Around Stanwood, On the Island sections, or on Youth Scene the last week of the month.
Who knows, maybe your child will come back a few pounds lighter, noticeably wiser and a whole lot happier. You might even have a meaningful conversation.
– Kelly Ruhoff
Editor
