From Koop’s Desk: Goodbye Summer 2017

Koop’s Desk

Goodbye Summer 2017…

On the final day of camp there are two emotions that hit me hard. The first is relief. From the day our staff arrive for orientation until the final camper is home with their family, I don’t take a second off. You trust me with your greatest possession and I do not take that lightly. My #1 goal each summer is making sure that each one of our campers is safe & healthy at all times. 

The second emotion is pride. Pride in what we have accomplished at camp as a community. I have been in the camping world my entire life, and a former director I worked for always said, “A camp is only as good as its staff”. I have taken this line to heart and know how lucky I am to be working with our team. 

Each Morning…

at 7:15am, our admin team meets to collaborate on the day’s events and discuss everything that is going on in camp. The team consists of Wade (our Assistant Director who I met over 20 years ago as a camp counselor and has remained one of my closest friends) and our Division Leaders; Jordan, Henry & Jason. There are two things that I admire most about these guys. The first, is their commitment to BSC. I know that every day, each of these guys works to make camp the very best it can be. They understand what needs to happen day in and day out in order for us to succeed.

The second, is that each one of them is pursuing their dreams in very competitive fields. They have taken risks, moved cities, and extended their schooling in order to do what they have always wanted. I want to thank them and all of our other counselors who worked tirelessly this summer to ensure that each camper was well taken care of both on and off the fields.

A Highlight For Me…

was the final campfire. Each summer I debate recording this event so parents can see how special it is. However, I believe it would take away from how sacred it is for our campers and counselors.  Almost every camper gets up in front of 160+ people (something I wouldn’t have been able to do as a child) and talks about their experience at camp. They thank those who have guided them throughout the summer, and expresses their feelings towards BSC. The respect and admiration everyone has for each other is evident in these moments. All are silent and are giving their undivided attention to who is speaking.

In The End,

it is all about the kids! Most campers arrive at camp expecting to focus and improve in their “major” sport. Our talented team of Sports Directors (Coach Wade, Warde, Lesure, Verrill, Green & Alonso) have been with me a long time and run incredible programs. However, BSC is more than this. Not only are our campers improving their skills in their respective sports, but they are learning and implementing life skills. Some are dealing with homesickness for the first time, roommate situations, and personality conflicts. When our campers are able to conquer their fears, resolve conflicts away from home with our guidance, and step out of their comfort zone, that is what summer camp is all about.

Camp is more than just the sports. It is about learning from each other and growing with one another. And at the end of the day, it is about how we all come together as a family. That is what the BSC community is to me. It is a family, and I couldn’t be happier to share it with all of you.

Thank you to everyone who made this summer one of the best we have ever had!

It’s never too early to discuss next summer. Details will follow shortly as 2018 summer enrollment will open after Labor Day on Tuesday September 5th.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and I look forward to speaking with all of you over the winter. Camp will be here before we know it!

Koop