Retracing the Magic of Session 3
Looking back on Session 3, the morning mist that once clung to the river now feels like a gentle welcome into memory. Those Mentor Hikes taught us more than trail skills—they instilled trust and curiosity. I remember a Camper’s tentative step onto a wobbling log bridge and how, with a Mentor’s calm guidance, that first crossing became a triumph we all shared.
Afternoons at Base Camp revealed how challenge and joy intertwined. Archery targets, canoe strokes, and high-ropes leaps weren’t just activities but invitations to discover inner strength. Clay-smudged hands in the pottery studio and lessons in Leave No Trace ethics on the riverbank still remind us how patience and stewardship become second nature.
When dusk settled, the glow of community carried us through every Evening Program. We danced at the ShinDig as if no one was watching, laughed until our cheeks ached during the Variety Show, and found quiet wonder around the Council Fires. Those moments taught us that belonging grows from shared stories, and from the spark that flickers when voices unite.
Our mid-session backpacking trip, CampOut, stands out as a lesson in humility and wonder. With heavy packs and light hearts, we learned to navigate by map, cook our own meals, and build shelters with the group. Waking to mountain panoramas or the calm trickle of the Green River made every ache and blister feel earned, and remains one of the purest reminders of how small we are in the face of wild beauty.
Closing ceremonies brought both laughter and tears. After singing “The Campthem” at Upper Council Fire, Mentors and Campers wove final tales that captured joy, growth, and the promise to return. Launching our Wishboats—candlelit vessels carrying dreams—felt like sending a piece of our hearts across the lake, certain they’d find their way back to us.
Session 3 wasn’t merely two weeks away from home. In hindsight, it was a chapter of transformation. Friendships deepened, confidence blossomed, and every sunrise reminded us that here, we truly belong.
