Camp Matawa

On Friday night we picked Stephan up from camp. I had been looking forward to the closing campfire all week. He is Mr. Camp! He is totally in his element there and it brings out an incredible confidence in him. He knows everyone and never holds back. We were surprised during the campfire when they called Stephan up to present him with the Golden Arrow Award for archery. He was also recognized for being part of small groups of kids who woke up extra early every morning to play soccer. During the week, he took classes in archery, field sports and the rock climbing wall. He was able to climb the wall (many times) on all three skill levels so when he returns to camp, he can try the 50 foot alpine tower. When we got home, Casey asked "Aren't you actually glad to be home?" Stephan replied "No, I could have stayed 2-3 more weeks!" He hopes to be in the counselor in training program when he is older and eventually work there.

There were lots of World Cup related games and activities during the week because it was the final week of the World Cup. They played a giant Capture the Flag game with several international flags instead of just two plain old rags. There were international flags in the dining hall, and supporters of Spain and Germany planted their flags around camps. There are always a handful of international counselors, and this year with one from Spain and one from Germany, there was A LOT of friendly competition. I loved the moment during the campfire in the picture above...one of the counselors led the kids in singing the World Cup theme song, which they had learned during the week. The words are symbolic to the goals and spirit of camp.

Stephan proudly showing us his compass badge. Every session a camper attends Matawa they have a chance to earn activity and character patches for their badge.

Back at home in one of his birthday presents...England's World Cup jersey. This is one of my favorite pictures of him ever. He looks so much older though!