Tradition: It’s almost as if we can’t write a TLC Times blog without mentioning it. Today is another one of those days as we reflect on the first Friday Evening Service of the summer. The Friday Evening Service is another one of those cherished Tripp Lake Camp traditions. A time of quiet reflection. Campers sit with their friends, nestled into the hill overlooking the lake. Non-denominational services are led by the oldest campers, who reflect on the time that they have spent at Tripp Lake. Each week a staff member discusses a topic related to camp and a different group has the opportunity to sing some of our favorite songs such as the “Rainbow Connection” and “Possibilities.”
For this first Friday service of 2022, our campers were treated to melodies sung by our lovely counselors, and beautifully spoken words by our Director, Leslie. She poignantly reflected on her days as a camper looking down the hill towards the lake in comparison to the experience as Director of looking up the hill upon the campers. She shared the realization that although the landscapes our campers gaze upon during these services are surely beautiful, they aren’t what makes this place truly special. The true beauty of Tripp Lake is within the people, the generations, and the shared memories our girls are making each day. It’s the family we’re creating of different perspectives and life experiences, and the one we’re a part of that has been in existence for 112 seasons.
As you can imagine, our days here at Tripp Lake are non-stop action and excitement, so it’s a nice change of pace to be able to sit back, relax and reflect on the experience thus far. This reflection is where the roots of camp’s magic really take hold. To be fully present in this day and age is near impossible. It takes an intentional effort to slow down and practice gratitude for all the experiences, friendships and growth you will discover during your time as a camper, counselor or administrator at Tripp Lake. In this fast-paced world of instant gratification and technology, it’s important that our girls learn how to quiet their minds and focus on what really matters. The oldest campers learn this early on during their time at Tripp Lake and through these services and other treasured TLC events, they share and pass those feelings onto the next generation who will one day stand where they are and do the same for their little sisters. Tomorrow will mark one-week together for this 2022 family of Tripp Lakers, and we are confident in saying they’ve already found so much joy, belonging and love during their time here thus far.
As for the daily activities, the morning began with age group and bunk pictures, followed by team pictures. We understand the importance of seeing the various families your daughters are a part of during their time at Tripp Lake, and we look forward to sharing them with you in the near future! Down at the waterfront, swim trials took place for the four big teams, which is always an exciting start to the competitive spirit of Tripp Lake. Juniors finished their auditions for “The Jungle Book” which is sure to be pure entertainment. We can’t wait to see our little ones playing in roles big and small on that special stage. All our campers were outside enjoying the beautiful sunshine and having fun in their activity areas throughout the day and into the evening!
Kind Regards,
Leslie and Katie
