An Ice Cream Social, Caribbean Cuisine, & a Carnival Party!

The first full day of summer camp in Texas is in the books!

Monday was packed to the brim with exciting activities and traditions. First, we held our annual First Day Ice Cream Social for new campers. While new campers enjoy an ice cream bar and meet-and-greet with our leadership team and full-time staff, their counselors and returning camper bunkmates hold special cabin talks about what it’s like to be new. In these discussions, counselors encourage returning campers to think of times they have been new or inexperienced and to remember and brainstorm ways that they were or could have been made to feel included and accepted. Cabins then make plans for how they can welcome and include the new campers over the course of the term. We love the chance to teach campers skills that will not only ensure they have an amazing time at camp but also help them become empathetic and considerate leaders at home.

Other highlights from the day include our youngest boy campers whipping up a fantastic spread in our Cooking Class! This summer’s menu studies Caribbean cuisine, and today, campers made Miami Vice mocktails, shrimp fritters, Johnny cakes, and S’mores pies! Needless to say, plates were impressively cleaned. :)

The day concluded with our first theme night of the summer – Carnival! This evening is more of a “get to know you” icebreaker held at the beginning of every term. Campers dressed in sports jerseys and donned accessories that showcased their favorite things and hobbies in order to spark conversation and connection. Inflatable toys, carnival-style games and snacks, and fun music topped off the evening.

Per usual, be sure to check Waldo and our Instagram for more photos and updates.