It is pouring with rain today in Maine. The kind of drenching, nonstop rain that comes from a dense, grey cloud that lingers low to the ground. The day is dark and you need the lights on inside and a rain jacket and umbrella if you venture outside. It is the first significant rain we have had all month and is a big change from the mild and sunny weather we have become accustomed to.
Today’s rain and the significant precipitation that we will get over the next couple of days is however being welcomed. It brings relief to the dry ground, reduces the fire danger and fills up the water table a little before the hard freeze of winter comes. We have missed the rain and can tolerate it intruding into our crisp fall days as we relish the benefits that it will bring.
For many years now assembly at Runoia has often included the phrase ‘It’s a Fine Maine Day’ it has become a tradition and a tag line of sorts that we have come to expect. Some days it may have an addendum that reflects the current climatic conditions, ‘the liquid sunshine will be sure to keep our fields and forests green’ or maybe ‘it’s tropical out make sure you have your water bottles.’ Whatever the weather at camp we make the best of it and we embrace it for what it is. We can control many components of our days and schedules but the weather is not one of them. Putting a positive spin on the things we cannot change helps us to develop resiliency, flexibility and confidence that we are in charge of our own mood. We can choose to waste our day grumbling and complaining or get on with having a blast and enjoying every minute of our time at camp.
There are always positives to be found in the variable Maine summer weather. A rainy morning may result in a ‘sleep in’ with a later bell and the opportunity for a little extra time to snooze. Rain may come as a relief from a stretch of baking sunny days that can be exhausting. A fire in the Lodge is cozy and an opportunity to not have to rush and take time to enjoy reading the logs or a good book. Rainy day program is often a fun, entertaining and creative switch up from our regular scheduling.
Whatever the weather in your location we hope that you can make it an ‘FMD’, make the most of the opportunities that the day presents and imagine the noise of the rain on the metals roofs at camp.
There are so many more but I think you get the picture. While each of us will have different simple pleasures on our lists, the pleasures all have something in common. To make the most of such moments takes our time and attention. And Camp Runoia gives you the time and space that is hard to come by the rest of the year, to do just that. Appreciating simple pleasures is a gift for the mind, heart and soul.
An unusual Runoia tradition is the ‘Name Story.’ It has been included in the Log for as many years as we can remember. Although we are not sure of it’s origins and it perhaps comes from a time when campers stayed all summer long it is a fun and sometimes entertaining wrap up of the season. Written to include all of the last names (italics and underlined) of everyone; staff and campers who stayed all season it is a reflection on the summer often with a touch of humor. You have to read it creatively as it makes much more sense when read aloud tonight at Log Night.
We are 10 days into our summer season and girls have fully arrived at camp. They know their routines and have made connections. There is laughter and song that floats around. We are sharing minutes together and lots of moments, too.
