Sound Bites & Snap Shots

Though this was not Mason’s first week at camp, it was his first week as a traditional camper.  Prior weeks were spent as a mini camper.  For the first time, his unit was comprised of kids of all ages and he was now able to participate in some new activities.  The first of these took place at Challenge.  Here he got to do the rock wall and also attempt the flying squirrel. 

He made a lanyard at handicrafts.

Once of the exciting firsts for Mason was at riflery. 

According to what Mason shared, you can determine whether you are right eye or left eye dominant.  To see which eye is stronger, make a circle with your thumb and first finger. With both eyes open look at an object on the wall or in the distance, and center it inside the circle. Now close one eye, and then the other. When you closed your left or right eye you will find that the object jumps outside the circle. If the object seemed to move when you closed your left eye, then you have left eye dominance. If the object moved more when your right eye was closed, then your right eye is the dominant one. {source} Here he is doing the test.

He earned a riflery arrowhead for naming all the parts of the rifle and hitting the target three times.

Mason and Baou.

In Woodsmanship, they created a swing. When I asked Mason who he was with, he told me he named his friends food names.  From left to right, the meal included Charley (French Toast), Mason (Burger), Riley (no nickname), and below is Anthony (Pepperoni).

Mason and Shawnee (Pizza) at Aquatics

Because Mason passed the advanced swim test, he was able to go zip lining into the Lake St. Isaac. I’ve done it there too. It’s loads of fun!

He went horseback riding one day.

and on the last day, he was in a fierce game of tug of war.  (All the preceding pictures were taken by the camp photographer.)

Finally it was Saturday and time to pick Mason up!  We joke with the kids that the parents who love their kid most get to camp first. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t. Today we won!

On Saturday dismissal, all the campers are in the old dining hall singing songs and doing the unit cheer-off.  We spotted Mason and could tell right off that he had had a great week.  He was pretty much at ease and clearly among a lot of friends. 

It was so nice to be greeted with a giant hug.  After gathering all the bags and saying our good-byes, we were off for our traditional post-camp meal at Cracker Barrel.

Here are the favorites that Mason shared over lunch:

Favorite memories :: earning an arrowhead at riflery and aquatics and getting to do the flying squirrel in the challenge courses (where the rock climbing takes place)

Best meal :: meatball subs

Best boys’ week tradition :: the ultimate Heepwah.  After the mini campers are dismissed, the rest of the campers yell Heepwah in the grotto and it echoes across the lake.  Heepwah is a word used at Camp Ondessonk which means “all things good.” Sometimes it replaces a round of applause or it can be an accolade or a giant cheer.  (The ultimate Heepwah is a big secret so mum’s the word.)