Saturday night was an interesting one at camp, as dusk fell and Runoia campers headed back to their cabins after milk and crackers the usual evening sounds were disrupted by an unearthly cacophony. Typically the evening is quite and is only punctuated by the calls of loons on the lake or the high pitched call of the osprey on their way to roost.
We felt like we were in a scene from Jurassic Park and were certain a flock of velociraptors were about to descend on the kickball field. We couldn’t imagine what was making the screeching sounds that were echoing around us. Certainly not just one night creature but a whole collection out there in the dark talking to each other in a language we could not understand.
Heading up to the PS, in the now very dusky light I was amazed to see three owls on the big oak tree. It became apparent that they were the producers of the bizarre noises. Bobbing heads and hopping along the branch they were calling to other owls across the field. While it is not unusual to hear one or two owls in the early morning or evening these sounds were new to me.
After some research and discussion it was determined that the owls were fledgling barred owls out for their flying lessons. They were still at it at 4 am but must have eventually figured it out as by the time the sun came up they were all gone and there hasn’t been a repeat performance since. We have been lucky enough to see a mature owl swooping low over senior end and keep our eyes alert in the dusky light on our way down to bed.
At Runoia I am constantly reminded of the Navajo prayer “Now I walk in beauty, beauty is before me, beauty is behind me, above and below me.” We are so lucky to spend our summer in such a beautiful location, embracing all of the natural world that surrounds us.
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.
Working with the kids at Runoia allows me to encourage their growth and development in all areas. I feel a huge sense of pride when I see them excel in things they couldn’t do before and I feel happy when I know that I had something to do with that. Everyday is a new experience at Runoia. Four different girls hop on the Osprey for a water-skiing lesson four-five times a day and I must learn their individual needs and how best to teach them. Every girl is different and unique and they bring their own needs and expectations, which is something I love to cater for in my lessons. Their enthusiasm creates the belief that anything is possible, and that they can drop their ski or slalom start. Their creativity is encouraged and there are no limits to what can be achieved in a lesson that I teach. Each day at Runoia presents a new challenge that allows me to learn more about the environment and people that I work with. At times, the work can be frustrating, when a child doesn’t succeed in getting up on skis, not frustrating for me, but a feeling for the child, and then it is fantastically rewarding after watching a girl try all summer and finally succeed. I have to say that it is never boring.
It is almost time for Camp Runoia on Great Pond in Belgrade Lakes, Maine to open for its 111th season.
after year.
& Wales University Equine Center
wait to introduce our new campers to our wonderful horses and ponies. Just like you, our horses have been in school all winter long and they are excited for summer. They are well trained, safe, and ready to make 2017 the best summer ever!