“Family is the most important thing in the world.” – Princess Diana
Day 22: Our 1AB Family Tree
This morning, we were greeted by overcast and rain, but not to fear, there was metaphorical sunshine on the horizon; former campers–1AB 2013–came to visit Tripp Lake Camp, their home away from home. Traditionally, former campers/staff who return to visit The Promised Land are acknowledged at lunch. The whole dining hall is quieted by 2015’s Sing-Song Leaders and then the visitors’ names are read aloud for all of camp to hear. Consider it a way of saying, “Welcome back, we missed you dearly.”
Of course, TLC has a physical presence here in Poland, Maine, but its metaphorical reach is immeasurable; it can be found nestled in the many hearts of the girls & women which have come and gone here. Tripp Lake is described as a family, and it’s a term we don’t use lightly. The friendships we make here are a tight bond that always keeps us close, help guides us in our life decisions, and is always there for support long after we continue down our life path. Tripp is a welcomed contradiction: It changes (new girls, refurbished buildings, etc.), yet stays exactly the same (cheering in the dining hall, Kitty Car, plays in OTW, Big Teams), and that’s highly comforting to any former camper who comes to visit us.
The TLC Daily Blog decided to sit down with the young women of 1AB 2013 to reflect on what it means to be back in Poland, Maine, and, more importantly, how TLC helped shaped who they are today. Below are some selected audio quotes from our conversation. We invite you to click on each and enjoy.
Re: The life lessons Tripp Lake Camp has taught them:
Re: True friendships and how Tripp Lake Camp helps in an ever changing world:
Re: Camp friends v. home friends, living in the moment, and the TLC connection:
Julia Woloshin Stephanie Summerfield & Morgan Miller
Side note: I was originally going to type out their responses, but realized you could hear the sounds of camp in the background and found it gave greater context to what they were saying.