On the eighth day of camp in 1911, Tripp Lake’s very first summer, there was a fire at a neighboring farm up the hill. TLC campers and counselors immediately formed a bucket brigade, carried water up the hill, and helped put out the fire. This event is part of camp lore, told every summer when I share the Story of Tripp Lake with our entire camp community.
This story epitomizes what we often refer to as the Spirit of Tripp Lake. That spirit goes far beyond the enthusiasm and cheering evident during all the fun and exciting activities each summer. It infuses camp with a sense of sisterhood in which older campers look after younger ones, in which traditions and responsibilities are passed from one generation to the next, and in which campers are encouraged to act with integrity and compassion and, like campers from that very first summer, always do the right thing. These lessons were imparted to me when I was a TLC camper, and I have always tried to live my life by them.
As we face these unprecedented times together, that same Spirit of Tripp Lake connects us, despite any differences in age or geography. We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support from so many of you whose lives have been shaped by their TLC experience.
We are in direct touch with our current families, but we also want to keep our extended TLC Family informed with updates about camp. We remain optimistic about this summer. With camp three months away, we are hopeful that the effects of the coronavirus will subside in time for us to open as planned on June 27. In the past, we’ve had to deal with SARS and the Swine Flu, so we are confident in our ability to meet this challenge.
We are watching closely as events unfold. We have informed our current camp families they can rest assured that if, for any reason, camp does not open this summer, they will receive a 100% refund of any tuition paid to date. Or, if they choose, they may apply full or partial credit toward the 2021 season. We feel this is the only way to act in good faith and to live by the principles we teach at camp.
Integrity is not a convenience, it is a way of life. The Spirit of Tripp Lake is as vital today as it was 110 years ago when the first girls arrived in the Promised Land. Any family who sends their daughter to Tripp Lake Camp becomes part of our TLC Family. I will always treat your daughter as I treat my own children, and please know that my concern does not end when camp ends.
We will continue to send updates in the weeks ahead. Stacy joins in sending best wishes as you take care of your family and loved ones. Please let us know if there is anything at all we can do to help.
With warm regards,
Leslie
