This was a week of ch-ch-ch-changes here at MKN– some of which were exciting, some of which were bittersweet. We said goodbye to the campers who departed after the first session, which entailed some sad moments. But luckily, our second session campers came in to bring a new batch of excitement!
After the “changeover day,” everyone was quickly back to business as usual – the business of having fun while sailing, swimming, sporting, and more at our beautiful camp in the Berkshires. The new campers settled in quickly, and the seven-weekers showed them the ropes.
We held one of the favorite intra-camp tournaments of the summer called “Ha-Trick.” Ha-Trick is a tennis tournament made up of teams of four, whereby the teams – both campers and staff – play multiple rounds of tennis all day and into the evening until there’s one final winner. There were so many participants this year, we had to make even more teams than usual! We also had our much-loved beach soccer tournament, which is a very fast-paced and sandy version of the sport. While our usual soccer players, of course, loved the game, many of those who don’t normally play the sport got in on the action as well, as they were able to use different skills to excel in the sand pit!
Later in the week, we had a “special event day!”. The campuses were divided up into their age groups and participated in very special events. Our youngest boys, the TJCs, had Harry Potter Day. The counselors dressed in costume brought out the ‘sorting hat’ and each camper was sorted into a house. From there, they completed Potter-themed challenges and activities, including a game of Quidditch! Meanwhile, LSR (lower seniors” took part in L.A.R.P. (Live Action RolePlay) during which they had to act as villagers in order to rid Mah Kee Nac of all darkness! USR (upper seniors) had Dynasty Day. In this event, the groups were split into four different teams, and they had to do a variety of different competitions.
Our Friday night huddle took place against a gorgeous setting sun. Rachel spoke to the campers about perseverance and pushing ahead even when it feels like the odds are stacked against you. Many campers and staff were recognized for pushing themselves through challenges this summer.
This is also a big week of overnight trips. Our second-oldest campers, the Algonquins (or the “Gonks” as we call them) left for their weeklong journey to California. On this trip, the boys will get their sport on at an L.A. Dodgers game, go to the Grammy Museum and explore the Grove Farmers Market. From there, they’ll get a glimpse of future life with a college visit to U.C.L.A. followed by a burger and fries at In-N-Out Burger. After that, it’s Mickey time with a visit to Disneyland and California Adventure! They wrap up the trip with a tour of SoFi Stadium, home of the L.A. Rams, and a Ferris wheel ride at the famed Santa Monica Promenade.
Our eldest campers, the Senecas, also left for a big trip- this one to New England and Canada. They’ll tour colleges including University of Vermont, Cornell, Syracuse and McGill. They’ll stop at the Ben and Jerry’s Factory in Vermont, of course, and go for an unforgettable jet boating ride in Montreal. After some Montreal exploration, they’ll come back stateside and head to Syracuse for college tours, mini golf, and some local eats. Their last stop will be in Ithaca before they return to camp next week.
That’s it for week five. Don’t forget, family & friends can get MKN news every day on MKN Today. Be sure to create an account and read all about the daily happenings at camp.