On our way back from the Montreal Gathering, Mark and I stopped at camp so that he could show me all of the great new improvements going on there. When I got out of the car the wind almost ripped the doors off the hinges. It was such a cold and blustery day and it smelled like winter in the air.
Camp was beautiful covered with snow, but it honestly felt lonely to be there without all of you. I could almost hear the laughter and the singing still echoing in the trees. It was strange to be at camp without the most wonderful part of what Walden really is… our campers and staff. Camp without its heartbeat is barely camp at all. We can continue to build and build but until we all return to our home away from home it is missing its spirit, warmth and love.
When we arrived I could already see the new staff housing building between 6A/7A and G6 which will provide us with the staff housing we need to grow the number of adults on camp. When we drove up to basketball I could see the brand new bleachers (enough to fit the entire camp) on either side of our main court. Our soccer and football fields are being expanded to encompass an Olympic Size Soccer Field which is wide enough to contain three multi sport fields. For everyoneís convenience there are now four new bathrooms next to upper hockey. Finally, on the way to archery I saw our brand new Climbing Tower and an 11 Element Continuous Belay High Ropes Course which will accommodate over 10 campers at a time.
During my drive home to New Jersey, I found myself reminiscing about 2013 and dreaming about next summer. As I thought of my wish for all of you, I was drawn almost like a magnet to the very same wish I wished for you when we ended last summer. I challenge you to remember the strength that is within you and the kindness and empathy that makes you special. Remember to stop yourself every once in a while and ask yourself what kind of leader you want to be – how to use your personal power for good ñ and how to be kind and true to yourself and those you love.
Happy New Year, dear friends. We canít wait to be together in 2014.
With lots of love and best wishes from Mark, Julia, Michael and me,
Lauren